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 Mineral Species Pyrope-(Mn) Discovered in Arizona
Scientists announce a new mineral species, Pyrope-(Mn), identified in Arizona on July 3, 2026.
Read storyMantle Xenoliths Preserve Deep Water Signatures
Scientists find mantle xenoliths retain deep-water signatures even after eruption.
Read storyScientists Discover New Niobium Mineral Xianhuaite‑(Ce)
Researchers identified a new niobium mineral from China’s Bayan Obo deposit, revealing insights into the formation of rare‑earth and niobium ores.
Read storyNew Sapphire Deposit Discovered in Montana’s Rock Creek
Belley and Broders discovered a substantial corundum deposit within rhyolitic ignimbrite at Rock Creek, Montana.
Read storyNational Geographic Launches Mega Fossil & Gemstone Dig Kit
The new kit lets children excavate 20 real fossils and gemstones for hands‑on learning.
Read storyFine‑Grained Sapphires from Rock Creek Show Distinct Trace Elements
Researchers Belley and Goodsuhm analyzed trace elements in fine‑grained sapphires from Rock Creek, Montana, revealing patterns linked to their geological formation.
Read storyNew Minerals Reported by European Journal of Mineralogy
Three new mineral species were described in the latest issue of the European Journal of Mineralogy.
Read storyMultistep Alteration of Fe²⁺‑Bearing Fluorophlogopite Revealed by In Situ Raman Spectroscopy
In situ Raman spectroscopy shows that heating fluorophlogopite triggers potassium mobilization near 600 K, hydrogen delocalisation above 1100 K, and iron oxidation beyond 1300 K.
Read storyNew Niobium Mineral Xianhuaite‑(Ce) Found at China’s Bayan Obo Deposit
Researchers identified a new niobium mineral, xianhuaite‑(Ce), at China’s Bayan Obo deposit, detailing its composition and structure and its implications for ore‑forming processes.
Read storyFluorine-Driven Melting Creates New Minerals in Finnish Marble
A fluorine‑rich magma melts Lappeenranta marble, forming novel minerals.
Read storyNational Geographic Mega Fossil & Gemstone Dig Kit Unveiled
A new educational kit lets children excavate 20 real fossils and gems guided by National Geographic experts.
Read storyB‑Coordination Mapping Unlocks Granitic Glass Evolution
Researchers reveal how boron bonds vary in granitic melts, enabling better tracking of magmatic–hydrothermal processes.
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