Helium Mining – Now Is The Time
Introduction Although helium is quite abundant in the universe, it is rather scarce here on Earth. It is so light …
Deposit Types
Ore deposit types. We discuss the geological setting, formation conditions, ore minerals and important examples.
Carbonatite Rare Earth Elements Deposits
Introduction Carbonatites are a special group of carbonate-rich igneous rocks and the world’s primary source of rare earth elements (REE), …
Pegmatites – Our Greatest Source of Gemstones
Pegmatites are the major source of gem-quality minerals throughout the world. They typically host perfectly clear topazes, tourmalines, beryls and …
World Phosphate Deposits
Introduction Phosphate Rock (PR) has long been an important agriculture-based commodity. Most soils are phosphate deficient, and with the majority …
Komatiites and Ni-Cu-PGE deposits
Introduction Komatiites (pronounced ko-ma-tee-ites) are an unusual and very ancient volcanic rock. They are interesting to geologists for their unique …
Anorthosites: Fe-Ti and Vanadium Deposits
Introduction Many are familiar with the platinum group element and chromite-rich rock sequences, and vanadium magnetite layers of the Bushveld …
Old Gold: An Introduction to Archean Greenstone Belts
Overview Two of the world’s most important gold districts are found in Archean greenstone belts: the Yilgarn Craton in Western …
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Skarn Deposits – Our Largest Source of Tungsten
Skarn vs. skarn deposit Skarn is a relatively simple rock type formed when a magma body intrudes into carbonate sedimentary rocks …
Layered Mafic Intrusions: Our Largest Source of Platinum & Palladium
Overview Most of the world’s economic deposits of platinum group elements (PGE) including platinum, palladium, rhodium and other rare metals come from …
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Nickel Laterites: The World’s Largest Source of Nickel
Nickel is found in two types of deposits; Nickel laterites and magmatic sulfide deposits. Although nickel Laterites make up 70% of …
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