Geology and Earth Science News, Articles, Photos, Maps and More

Geology and Earth Science Topics

• Geological Phenomena:
  • Tallest Features: Everest (mountain), Angel Falls (3,212 ft waterfall), and the shared title for largest volcano (Tamu Massif, Mauna Kea, and Ojos del Salado).
  • Extreme Events: The 1,720-foot Lituya Bay tsunami; the Novarupta eruption (most powerful of the 20th century); the Darvaza "Doorway to Hell" gas crater; and the mystery of sliding rocks in Death Valley.
  • Tectonic Activity: The East Africa Rift System and the formation of the Hawaiian Islands via stationary hot spots.
• Minerals and Gemstones:
  • Identification: Mohs Hardness Scale and the "Acid Test" (hydrochloric acid) for carbonate minerals.
  • Varieties: Information on Strawberry Quartz, Opals (including Mars specimens), Fluorescent Minerals, Petrified Wood, Cinnabar (mercury ore), and Grape Agate.
  • Market/Industry: Lab-grown diamonds, colored diamonds (valued over $1M/carat), birthstones, and the use of Rare Earth Elements in technology.
  • Specific Gems: Ruby and Sapphire (2nd and 3rd most popular in the U.S.) and Gem Silica (the rarest chalcedony).
• Educational Resources:
  • Definitions: Core concepts of Geology (study of Earth materials/processes) and Earth Science (study of Earth and space neighbors).
  • Tools: Guidance on rock tumblers, rock/mineral kits, and Google Earth software.
  • Mapping: Collections of California earthquake maps, global lightning strike maps, and ocean maps.
• Miscellaneous Facts:
  • Talc: Used in cosmetics, paper, and paint.
  • Rhyolite: An extrusive igneous rock with high silica content.
  • Soapstone: A versatile metamorphic rock.
  • Fool's Gold: Common name for pyrite.