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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.

02 / The archive

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Scientists Map Rare Earth‑Rich Volcanic Rocks Worldwide

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A global treasure map identifies volcanic rocks rich in rare earth elements.

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Trace‑Element Mapping Deciphers Quartz Genesis in Magmatic Ore Deposits

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Scientists combine SEM, FTIR, and LA‑ICP‑MS mapping to track Li, B, Al, Ti, and OH defects across quartz growth zones, revealing temperature‑pressure signatures for ore‑deposit formation.

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New Bainbridgeite-(NdCe) Mineral Revealed in Canadian Quarry

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A newly identified mineral, bainbridgeite‑(NdCe), contains neodymium and cerium atoms concentrated on distinct crystal sites and was found in Quebec's Mont Saint‑Hilaire complex.

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Halogen Fractionation Revealed in Scapolite at Yixingzhai Gold Deposit

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Gao et al. studied how chlorine, bromine, iodine distribute during vapor‑brine separation in scapolite, shedding light on hydrothermal mineralization at Yixingzhai.

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Mackinawite Composition Revised to FeS

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Rickard’s meta‑analysis shows mackinawite should be FeS instead of Fe₁₊ₓS because of halogen fractionation in vapor–brine separations.

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Boron Coordination Revealed in Haplogranite Glasses

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Researchers used nuclear magnetic resonance to determine boron's coordination in granitic glasses, offering new insights into magmatic‑hydrothermal processes.

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New Yttrotungstite‑(Nd) Discovered at Rwanda’s Nyakabingo Mine

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A team of researchers identified a previously unknown mineral species, Yttrotungstite-(Nd), in the oxidised zone of the Nyakabingo tungsten mine near Kigali, Rwanda.

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New Minerals Summarised Sept 2024–Jan 2025

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A recent issue of New Mineral Names reviews all minerals formally described between September 2024 and January 2025.

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Hydrothermal Quartz Genesis via SEM, FTIR, LA‑ICP‑MS Mapping

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Researchers used SEM, FTIR, and LA‑ICP‑MS to map trace elements in hydrothermal quartz, revealing zonation linked to temperature and pressure changes.

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New Mineral Species and Transformation Processes Revealed

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Scientists report new minerals and dehydration reactions in recent issues of the European Journal of Mineralogy.

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Taranakite‑to‑Francoanellite Dehydration Revealed

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Scientists show how taranakite loses water to form francoanellite in cave guano deposits.

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Rockhounding in Colorado Peaks in June

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Instagram tips highlight why June is prime for Colorado rock collectors.

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