November 2021

Woman Finds 4.38-carat Diamond at Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park

The Lucy Diamond discovered by Noreen Wredberg at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Photo courtesy of…

100-Million-Year-Old Insect Fossil Intrigues Scientists

Many fossil lacewing larvae possessed extremely elongated appendages and mouthparts. | © Joachim Haug   Scientists found an …

Trapiche Emerald

What is a Trapiche Emerald? Trapiche emerald is a rare and highly valuable variety of emerald gemstone that features a uniqu…

Scientists Figure Out What Happens to Earth's Disappearing Crust

Researchers including The University of Texas at Austin have published a study in Nature that says subducting tectonic plate…

Uncovering the Surprising Secrets Behind Earth’s First Major Mass Extinction

Fossiliferous limestone slab from the Liberty Formation (Upper Ordovician) of Caesar Creek State Park near Waynesville, Ohi…

Diamond Hauled From Deep Inside Earth Holds Never-Before-Seen Mineral

This mineral shouldn't exist on Earth's surface. But researchers found it inside a diamond. When it comes to knowing…

Baby Bird Fossil Is 'Rarest of the Rare'

The fossil seen under synchrotron radiation. Photo: Fabien Knoll The chick lived 127 million years ago and belonged to a gro…

Fluorite Ball Crystal

Fluorite Ball Crystal. Collection & photo: Roger Lang   Very nice translucent fluorite ball on a yellowish calcite cryst…