Exploring the Different Types of Coal

Coal is mined for use in the production of the energy that we use to power our homes and offices. These rocks may look like simple black, lumps, but they are unique in their content and ability to produce energy. Interestingly, there are four types of coal making it a diverse and fascinating rock. How […]

Ask-a-Geologist #22: What are some common household uses of rocks and minerals?

We received a great question from one of our customers about the usefulness of rocks. Teddy wrote:

What are some common household items made of rocks and minerals?

In this video answer, we talk about several types of rocks and minerals and their common uses. There are probably some you know and maybe a few you do not. We talk about one you probably use everyday and one you may even eat. Take a look at the video and see how many of these you know.

Ask-a-Geologist #21: What types of tools does a geologist use in their daily job?

Welcome to Mini Me Geology’s Ask-a-Geologist question and answer video series. Today, in AAG #21, we answer Carrie’s question about the types of tools that geologists use to do their daily jobs.

The Geology of the Blue John Cavern, home of the Famous Blue John Fluorite

The Blue John Cavern is located in the Peak District in England near the town of Castleton, Derbyshire. The area of the cavern is formed within limestone strata that deposited in deep ocean waters millions of years ago. Layers of shale and some gritstone, a type of coarse sandstone common in this area, covered the limestone.

The Fascinating Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a geologically fascinating location in North America. The Bay of Fundy is approximately 174 miles long. The tide cycles are 12.5 hours showing a dramatic increase and decrease in the water level of the Bay. During this phenomenal change, over one billion tons of water flow into and out of the Bay of Fundy.

Meet the Cave of the Crystals – Giant Selenite Crystal Cave in Mexico

The Cave of the Crystal or the Giant Crystal Cave is a fascinating selenite cave in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico. The cave was discovered in 2000 by miners who were excavating a new tunnel in the Naica Mine at a depth of approximately 300 meters (980 feet) below the land surface.

Happy 50th Birthday Earth Day!

Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970. Every year, on April 22nd, we celebrate the wonders of our Earth and all that it has to offer and everything that we can do to help preserve its beauty and resources.

What is My Birthstone Mineral and What are its Properties?

Crystals and gemstones have been associated with months of the year for almost 2,000 years. Today, we call them birthstones.

The Best Sciences Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, birthday or another special event, finding the perfect gift is part of the excitement. We know you want to give a great gift that is fun and unique. As parents, we often want gifts that are also “good” for children because they are healthy, engaging, or educational. For the adults […]

Rocks and Minerals We Love: GYPSUM MINERALS

Gypsum is one of the most unique minerals found in the world with beautiful samples forming in numerous countries and settings. Some minerals, like gypsum, have the fascinating ability to take on different shapes depending on the environment where they grow. The name Gypsum comes from the Greek word gypsos, which means plaster and mentions […]