Navigation
Links
Mindat.org - The Mineral and Locality Database
NYC Regional Geology
Danbury Mineralogical Society's interesting links
Minerals.Net
RockPups.com - Reportedly kid-friendly collecting sites (collect at your own risk)
Other Local Societies:
The Capital District Mineral Club
Danbury Mineralogical Society
Here are some news links:
Want to see some fantastic gypsum crystals? (Including a movie) Go to news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8466493.stm or put in "crystal cave" in their search engine at the top right of the first page.
DNA studies on mammoth remains have shown that their blood was able to carry oxygen much more efficiently at low temperatures than present day elephants. Mammoths had 'anti-freeze' blood May 2, 2010: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/8657464.stm
Stalactites and stalagmites form slowly in layers over thousands of years in caves. If there is even a trace of uranium in them the age of the different layers can be determined. and by studying the oxygen isotopes in the calcium carbonate, it can be determined whether they formed when the climate was dry or wet. Cave Reveals Southwest's Abrupt Climate Swings During Ice Age January 25, 2010: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120161243.htm
Here's an ingenious way to study the rock formations on the ocean floor. The
Antarctic toothfish has a habit of swallowing stones, and by studying these stones fron toothfish caught in various areas, one can get some idea of the kind of rocks on the ocean floor. Fish Help Geologists By Gathering Stones From Ocean Floor November 22, 2007: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121223336.htm
The worst water pollution problem in the world is caused by arsenic, which comes naturally from arsenic minerals. It sickens or kills millions of people, especially in Bangladesh. Scientists Offer Solutions to Arsenic Groundwater Poisoning in Southern Asia May 28, 2010 www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527142001.htm and
Arsenic Contamination Lacks One-Size-Fits-All Remedy December 11, 2007
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210214711.htm
Major oil "spills' in the oceans have occurred naturally in the past, when oil has found its way to the surface along faults or other weak spots in the crust. About 35,000 years ago, there were some big petroleum eruptions off the coast of California, leaving asphalt deposits. Sea life can recover from such catastrophes, but it takes a long time. Ancient Asphalt Domes Discovered Off California Coast April 26, 2010: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100425151143.htm