Images

Isolated sphalerite specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing resinous luster and granular texture.

High-definition image of sphalerite specimen with fine-grained texture and metallic sheen.

Isolated spodumene specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing prismatic crystal structure and pale green color.

 High-definition image of beryllium ore with visible mineral inclusions and rough texture.

USGS mineral specimen of blue calcite. High-definition image showing translucent structure and soft blue color.

USGS mineral specimen featuring calcite with fluorite inclusions. High-definition image showing color contrast and crystal texture.

Isolated calcite marble specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing fine-grained texture and white coloration.

Isolated travertine specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing banded texture and earthy color.

 Isolated celestite specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing pale blue color and prismatic crystal structure.

Isolated rutile specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing prismatic structure and reddish-brown color.

 USGS mineral specimen of wolframite. High-definition image showing layered structure and metallic inclusions.

 Isolated vanadinite specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing hexagonal crystals and red-orange color.

High-definition image of vanadium specimen with fine-grained texture and silvery color.

Isolated zirconium metal specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing metallic surface and smooth texture.

The List of Critical Minerals Informs: 

• Supply chain risk mitigation 

• Federal policy and strategy 

• Stockpiles 

• Permitting Processes 

Map showing locations of placer mines in the Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF, red crosses), primary mineral districts that contain targeted critical minerals (black boxes) and locations that were sampled by the USGS in 2022 through 2024 (yellow stars).

Key Minerals in Data Centers

Conventional hydrothermal resources occur below the ground where three ingredients combine: heat, water and permeable rock. When heated water or steam is trapped in a porous rock below a layer of less permeable rock, a hydrothermal reservoir is formed.

Infographic of Electric-grade geothermal energy resources of the U.S. 

The USGS has assessed the Nation’s geothermal energy resources since the 1970s, updating assessments to include advancements in technology. An emerging resource is Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS).

Enhanced Geothermal Systems are an emerging resource that the USGS studies. To generate electricity from these systems, fractures are engineered into deep, low-porosity hot rocks to allow water to circulate. Then, the heated water is pumped back to the surface, where the thermal energy is used to move a turbine and generate electricity. 

Map of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and nearby areas of Northern Wisconsin, with areas of overflights shaded in yellow (Wisconsin) and green (Michigan).