Geochemistry
The latest chemistry news and research on geochemistry, including isotopic composition, mineralogy and petroleum geochemistry, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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ResearchFerrihydrite in Martian dust may explain red planet’s colour – and hint at water-rich past
Idea of a dry past challenged, suggesting liquid water persisted longer than expected
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ResearchEarthquake-induced electricity offers answer to mystery of gold nugget formation
Under pressure quartz veins donate electrons to grow larger nuggets
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ResearchWater-splitting reaction reversal could extract lithium more sustainably and cheaply
Environmentally-friendly electrochemistry could cut extraction costs by 40%
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ResearchIsotope analysis reveals origins of asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs
The end-Cretaceous mass extinction was caused by a ruthenium-rich carbonaceous chondrite asteroid
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ResearchStonehenge Altar stone likely came from Scotland, not Wales
Mineral analysis matches sandstones from over 750km away
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NewsMetallic nodules sought by deep sea miners could be making oxygen in the depths
Water-splitting at the bottom of the Pacific holds intriguing implications for the origin of life on Earth – and further afield
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ResearchWater droplets accelerate formation of mineral nanoparticles essential for life
Calculations and experiments reveal that water microdroplets may play role in soil formation
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Research‘Dolomite problem’ that has puzzled scientists for centuries may have finally been solved
Solution helps to explain the mystery of why common mineral won’t crystallise in the lab
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FeatureThe perchlorate Martian mystery
Rachel Brazil looks at how the compounds might have formed on our neighbouring planet and whether they could be useful for future exploration
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ResearchOcean lithium concentrations declined sevenfold over 150 million years
The concentration of lithium in seawater, previously assumed constant, could be related to geologic and climate effects
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ResearchLithium discovery in US volcano could be biggest deposit ever found
Find could point to new ways to prospect for material in high demand for batteries.
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FeatureThe hunt for natural hydrogen reserves
For a long time, nobody thought there could be large quantities of the gas underground. Anna Demming talks to the people proving otherwise
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ResearchFirst high-pressure synthesis of iron polymorph found at centre of Earth
Recreation of ε-iron backs up theories on why seismic waves travel faster pole-to-pole following an earthquake
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NewsThe subterranean chemistry that explains India’s groundwater contamination
Complex interplay of factors has led to elevated levels of arsenic, uranium and fluoride in drinking water, making the country’s poorest citizens sick
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ResearchBenin bronzes are made of German brass
Discovery casts new light on the west African artworks, which Nigeria has asked colonial countries to return
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ResearchZircon study prompts redox state rethink surrounding hydrothermal pools thought to harbour life’s first molecules
Research combining experiments with modelling suggests hydrothermal fluid was 30% as saline as sea water today and more oxidised than the surrounding mantle
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FeatureSoil searching
Rachel Brazil talks to the scientists trying to understand – and improve – the health of the planet’s soil
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ResearchPerseverance rover reveals rocks on Mars were repeatedly exposed to liquid water
Suite of analytical tools provides new insight into red planet’s geochemistry
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OpinionJames Lovelock, a gentleman scientist
Philip Ball reflects on the legacy of the creator of the Gaia hypothesis, who has died aged 103
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ResearchRadiation discovered to be a major overlooked source of natural gas generation in shales
Uranium and thorium may be responsible for producing a significant portion of hydrocarbons in some fracking wells