Images

Isolated pyrolusite specimen from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing fibrous texture and metallic luster.

High-definition image of molybdenite specimen with silvery luster and flaky structure.

High-definition image of an isolated aluminum specimen with smooth surface and subtle oxidation.

High-definition image of barite specimen with fibrous structure and pale yellow color.

USGS mineral specimen of volcanic glass. High-definition image showing smooth texture and dark coloration.

Group of quartz specimens from the USGS mineral collection. High-definition image showing varied crystal forms and textures.

Macro image of silicon metal specimen showing detailed texture and metallic surface.

High-definition image of sphalerite specimen with dark coloration and crystal structure.

USGS mineral specimen of sphalerite. High-definition image showing layered texture and metallic inclusions.

USGS mineral specimen of sphalerite. High-definition image showing crystal structure and dark coloration.

Isolated specimen featuring sylvite, halite, and polyhalite. High-definition image showing crystal textures and varied coloration.

High-definition image of argentiferous tetrahedrite specimen with dark coloration and metallic inclusions.

High-definition image of wolframite specimen with granular texture and black coloration.

High-definition image of zincite specimen with reddish-orange color and granular 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).