Did you know that minerals are all around us, and scientists have found out that we are accidentally creating new ones? But first, let’s understand what a mineral is. Minerals are solid substances that have a specific chemical formula and a crystalline structure, and they occur naturally. Some minerals you might recognize include amethyst, quartz, tourmaline, and azurite. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also important for our health, providing nutrients like sodium, magnesium, and calcium.
Minerals form when atoms of one or more elements come together, creating a crystalline structure. They are mostly formed in nature, deep within the Earth. When magma cools or when liquids evaporate, minerals are created. There are about 4,000 different types of natural minerals! However, a study published in American Mineralogist found that 208 of these minerals are not entirely natural; they are actually man-made.
These minerals form “naturally” but in human-made environments like mines and industrial sites. When we dig into the Earth, we create spaces that wouldn’t naturally exist, allowing water and air to mix with the soil. This leads to chemical reactions that create new minerals. Mineralogists, who study minerals, are excited about these discoveries. For example, andersonite is found in old uranium mines in the Southwest. Here, sandstone interacts with mine water, forming yellow and green crystals that glow under blacklight.
Another example is Simonkolleite, found in old copper mines. A newly identified mineral, Abhurite, was discovered on the wreck of the SS Cheerful, a steamship that sank about 150 years ago. When seawater meets the ship’s tin cargo, Abhurite forms. Mineralogists call the creation of these man-made minerals a “punctuation event,” marking important times in Earth’s geological history.
The first major punctuation event was the Great Oxidation Event over 2 billion years ago, which increased atmospheric oxygen and led to the formation of many minerals we see today. The rapid creation of man-made minerals in just 300 years is remarkable, suggesting that human activities have changed the planet’s mineral diversity faster than natural processes over billions of years. Some scientists think we might be living in a new geological age called the Anthropocene, or “the age of humans.”
This idea is still debated among scientists. The international geological community is looking for a “golden spike,” a marker in the environment that would signal the start of a new epoch. A group has been studying this since 2009, but they haven’t reached a decision yet. These new minerals could be a candidate for this marker.
Whether or not these man-made minerals mark the start of a new epoch, it’s clear that humans are leaving a big impact on the planet. Speaking of changes, did you know humans might have caused a river to disappear? You can learn more in the linked video. What do you think? Do these minerals signal the beginning of a new epoch? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more exciting content from Seeker.
Imagine you are a mineralogist discovering a new mineral. Design a mineral by choosing its color, shape, and where it might be found. Write a short description of how it forms and what makes it unique. Share your creation with the class and explain why it could be important.
Go on a scavenger hunt around your home or school to find objects that contain minerals. Make a list of these items and identify the minerals they contain. Discuss with your classmates how these minerals are used in everyday life and why they are important.
Conduct a simple experiment to grow your own crystals using salt or sugar. Observe the crystalline structures that form and compare them to natural minerals. Document the process with photos and notes, and present your findings to the class.
Participate in a class debate on whether human-made minerals signify the start of a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. Research both sides of the argument and prepare to defend your position. Engage with your classmates in a respectful and informative discussion.
Create a timeline that shows the formation of natural and man-made minerals throughout Earth’s history. Include major events like the Great Oxidation Event and the discovery of new minerals. Use visuals and descriptions to make your timeline engaging and informative.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
Minerals are found everywhere, and scientists have discovered that we are unintentionally creating new ones. But first, do you know what a mineral is? They are defined as solid substances with a definite chemical formula, a crystalline structure, and are naturally occurring. Remember that natural part for later. You might have seen some of these beautiful minerals before: amethyst, quartz, tourmaline, and azurite. They are not only visually appealing but also essential for human health, as they can be nutrients like sodium, magnesium, and calcium.
So, how do minerals form? They develop when atoms of one or more elements join together, resulting in a crystalline structure. Most importantly, minerals are formed in nature, originating from the Earth’s interior. When magma cools or liquids evaporate, a mineral is created. There are around 4,000 different types of natural minerals! However, according to a study published in *American Mineralogist*, 208 of them are not entirely natural; they are man-made minerals.
To clarify, these minerals did form “naturally,” but in man-made environments, such as mines, smelters, and other industrial sites. When we excavate the earth, we create areas that wouldn’t naturally exist, allowing water and air to interact with the soil. Industrial activities lead to chemical reactions, resulting in the inadvertent creation of new minerals. Mineralogists are excited about this discovery. For example, andersonite is found in the tunnels of abandoned uranium mines in the Southwest, where the sandstone interacts with mine water, creating a crust of yellow and green crystals. Notably, andersonite glows under blacklight.
Another example is Simonkolleite, which is found in old copper mines. A newly classified mineral, Abhurite, was discovered on the wreck of the SS Cheerful, a steamship that sank nearly 150 years ago. When seawater interacts with the ship’s cargo of tin metal, Abhurite forms. Mineralogists refer to the emergence of these man-made minerals as a “punctuation event,” marking significant periods in Earth’s geological history. Researchers attribute this event to the start of the Industrial Revolution to the present day.
The first punctuation event was the Great Oxidation Event, which occurred over 2 billion years ago, leading to a significant increase in atmospheric oxygen and the formation of two-thirds of the minerals we see today. The rapid appearance of man-made minerals within just 300 years is significant, suggesting that human activity has diversified minerals on the planet more quickly than natural processes over billions of years. This has led some to propose that we are living in the Anthropocene, or “the age of humans.” Some environmentalists argue that our impact on the planet is so significant that a new geological epoch should be recognized.
However, this idea is still debated within the scientific community. It is up to the international geological community to determine this, as they seek a “golden spike,” or a marker in the environment that signifies the beginning of a new epoch. A working group has been examining this since 2009, but no conclusion has been reached yet. These newly discovered minerals could potentially serve as a contender for this marker.
Whether or not these man-made minerals indicate the start of a new epoch, it is undeniable that we are leaving a significant impact on the planet. Speaking of environmental changes, humans may have also caused a river to disappear! You can learn more in the linked video. What do you think? Do you believe these minerals signal the beginning of a new epoch? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content from Seeker.
Minerals – Natural substances found in the Earth that have a specific chemical composition and structure. – Quartz and feldspar are common minerals found in granite rocks.
Geology – The scientific study of the Earth, including its materials, processes, and history. – In our geology class, we learned about how volcanoes are formed.
Environment – The surrounding conditions, including air, water, and land, in which living organisms exist. – Protecting the environment is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and human health.
Atoms – The basic units of matter that make up all substances, including minerals and rocks. – Atoms combine in specific ways to form the minerals that make up rocks.
Crystalline – Having a structure composed of crystals, where atoms are arranged in an orderly pattern. – Salt has a crystalline structure that can be seen under a microscope.
Human-made – Created or altered by humans, often referring to materials or structures. – Concrete is a human-made material commonly used in construction.
Chemical – Relating to the substances of which matter is composed and the reactions they undergo. – The chemical composition of a mineral determines its properties and uses.
Diversity – The variety of different types of organisms or elements in a particular environment. – The rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity, with thousands of plant and animal species.
Impact – The effect or influence of one thing on another, often referring to environmental changes. – The impact of pollution on marine life can be devastating, affecting entire ecosystems.
Anthropocene – A proposed geological epoch that highlights the significant impact humans have had on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems. – Scientists debate whether the Anthropocene should be officially recognized as a new epoch due to human activities like deforestation and pollution.
