Rocks, minerals & gems By Ren
A closer look at the ground we stand on.
Fresh finds, mineral science, gems, and the stories behind the specimens — for curious collectors and lifelong learners.
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New Arsenate Mineral Belmonteite Discovered in Italian Mn Deposits
Scientists identify Belmonteite, a new arsenate mineral from Liguria’s Graveglia Valley, featuring a distinctive layered structure formed by As‑rich oxidizing fluids.
Read storyRoskin Gem Provenance Uncovers Eight-Decade History
A sapphire found in a Berkeley antique shop on Aug. 31, 2026 was traced over eighty years, illustrating how thorough provenance can increase its value for collectors.
Read storyNew Silver‑Rich Mineral Fengruiite Discovered in Chinese Deposit
Scientists identify a unique tellurium‑rich sulfosalt, Fengruiite, revealing how silver concentrates in nature.
Read storyNew Minerals Discovered: Exsolution Textures, Belmonteite, Fengruiite
Three European Journal of Mineralogy studies report new minerals and vanadium extraction insights.
Read storyEuropean Journal Publishes Three New Mineral Species
The journal’s newest issue presents an Fe–Ti oxide texture study, Belmonteite from Italy, and Fengruiite from China.
Read storyExsolution Textures Guide Vanadium Extraction Efficiency
The study reveals that microscopic Fe‑Ti oxide textures can either impede or enhance vanadium extraction, informing improved crushing strategies.
Read storyBelmonteite: New Arsenate Mineral Found in Liguria Ore Deposits
Scientists identify the new mineral belmonteite, an arsenate with calcium‑manganese composition discovered in Italy’s Graveglia Valley.
Read storyTwo New Minerals Discovered in Latest European Journal Issue
The latest issue of the European Journal of Mineralogy announces two new minerals—Belmonteite from Italy and Fengruiite from China—and discusses Fe‑Ti oxide exsolution textures.
Read storyExsolution Textures Dictate Vanadium Extraction Efficiency
Exsolution textures in Fe–Ti oxides determine how efficiently vanadium can be extracted from Bushveld ores.
Read storyTucson Holidome Show Highlights Gems & Networking
Holidome in Tucson offers gems, jewelry, minerals and networking from Aug 31–Sep 10, 2026.
Read storyNew Arsenate Mineral Belmonteite Discovered in Eastern Liguria
Scientists report a new arsenate mineral, Belmonteite, found in the manganese ore deposits of Graveglia Valley, Liguria.
Read storyBerkeley Lab Secures ARPA‑E Funding For Muon Imaging Tech
The lab received federal support to develop field-deployable muon imaging technology aimed at speeding up critical mineral discoveries.
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