The growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient construction materials has driven research on mineral-based composites that combine mechanical strength with superior thermal insulation. This study focuses on the development of thermal insulation panel boards through mechanochemical synthesis using red clay from Kauswagan, treated coal fly ash, and locally sourced diatomaceous earth from Kapatagan, Philippines. Process parameters—including milling time, rotation speed, and material ratios—were optimized to enhance particle refinement, surface reactivity, and interfacial bonding among mineral components.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) and chemical analyses confirmed the formation of aluminosilicate and quartz phases, improving the structural integrity and binding efficiency of the composites. The optimized panels exhibited low water absorption, high bulk density, and enhanced compressive strength, ensuring dimensional stability and durability. Thermal analysis showed a marked reduction in thermal conductivity, demonstrating excellent insulation performance, while SEM imaging revealed dense and well-dispersed microstructures resulting from mechanochemical activation.

The integration of industrial by-products such as treated coal fly ash with natural minerals not only minimizes environmental impact but also promotes the circular utilization of waste materials. Overall, this study demonstrates that mechanochemical synthesis offers an efficient and sustainable approach for developing high-performance thermal insulation panels suitable for green building applications and modern materials engineering.

Linking deep-seated tectonic processes to surface mineralization systems is a fundamental challenge in earth sciences. The Early Jurassic Laguocuo ophiolitic mélange in central Tibet, situated adjacent to a major Li-rich brine basin, provides a natural laboratory to decipher the complete pathway of lithium from a mantle source to an ore deposit. Through an integrated investigation of field petrology, zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry, we unravel this deep-to-surface connection. The plagiogranites, crystallized at 183.6 ± 1.9 Ma from a depleted mantle-derived magma, record a complex magmatic evolution marked by disequilibrium mineral phases. Their unique geochemical signatures—including flat REE patterns, significant LILE enrichment, and Nb-Ta-Ti depletion, combined with high positive εHf(t) values—collectively indicate that the mélange represents a fossil back-arc basin formed within an ocean–continent subduction system. Critically, these plagiogranites are systematically depleted in highly incompatible elements like Li and B, a depletion that is starkly mirrored by the enrichment of these same elements in the adjacent Laguocuo brines. This complementary relationship is the key to deciphering the lithium pathway. We, therefore, propose a coupled model where Early Jurassic back-arc extension drove magmatic differentiation, and subsequent exsolution of late-stage, Li-rich hydrothermal fluids from the crystallizing pluton transported the ore-forming components to the surface basin. Our study successfully deciphers this lithium pathway, demonstrating a direct genetic link between a specific deep tectonic setting (back-arc basin) and the formation of a supergene lithium brine deposit, with the ophiolitic mélange acting as the crucial geological archive.

The Archean Madawara Igneous Complex (MIC) comprises a suite of ultramafic-mafic rocks, like serpentinized dunites, harzburgites, wehrlites, peridotites, schists, gabbros, and pegmatitic gabbros. Petrographic and mineralogical investigations reveal vanadium-bearing chromite (1700–7520 ppm), ilmenite (~40000 ppm), magnetite (400–4110 ppm), and titanite (35540–37810 ppm) assemblages from spatially and temporally distinct rock suites within the MIC of the Bundelkhand Granitoid Complex. These oxides exhibit vanadium enrichment, while ilmenite is further distinguished by elevated manganese content. Further, this study suggests that these rocks have experienced postmagmatic alteration processes such as low-temperature hydrothermal alterations and greenschist to amphibolite-facies metamorphism, resulting in extensive replacement of primary minerals, particularly in ultramafic rocks. Mineralogical associations suggest that both magmatic and post-magmatic processes contributed to and affected the formation of Fe-Ti-V-type oxide assemblages. In mafic rocks, element partitioning and sequestration were mainly governed by magmatic differentiation, exsolution, and fractionation, with insignificant crustal contamination. In contrast, ultramafic rocks have signatures of more pronounced post-crystallization modifications. Vanadium enrichment in the oxide phases reflects variable fO₂ and fH₂O conditions and hence suggests redox control redistribution during the metamorphic and hydrothermal alteration of primary silicates and chromite phases. It is also supported by variations in redox-sensitive ratios such as V/Ti and V/Sc. The spatial and compositional segregation of vanadium and manganese-bearing phases across the rock units indicates derivation from a depleted mantle source that was probably affected by metasomatized lithospheric mantle during subduction.

Mineral science is rapidly evolving toward automated and intelligent characterization systems capable of supporting exploration, mining, and geo-materials analysis. In this context, we introduce Mycelial_Net, a novel deep learning framework inspired by the adaptive connectivity of fungal mycelium networks. Unlike conventional CNNs, Mycelial_Net continuously restructures its internal topology during training, expanding or pruning artificial synaptic pathways based on entropy and classification performance. This biologically inspired plasticity enables the model to preserve previously learned mineralogical representations while optimizing its structure for new information, mimicking the self-organization of living networks in natural environments. Applied to thin section microscopy images, Mycelial_Net integrated with a ResNet backbone demonstrates superior resilience to noise, low-resolution data, and complex textures. In benchmark tests on a data set of images of mineral thin sections, the architecture achieved validation accuracies exceeding 95%, outperforming CNNs, ensemble learning, and Vision Transformer approaches. These results show the potential of adaptive architectures to provide more consistent and interpretable mineral classification, even under heterogeneous geological conditions. Current research aims to extend this approach toward more challenging mineral assemblages, multimodal petrographic datasets, and industrial applications, such as real-time classification in ore processing environments. The long-term vision is the development of a self-aware mineralogical foundation model capable of autonomous learning, uncertainty quantification, and continuous improvement based on new geological evidence. This work highlights how cross-fertilization between biology-inspired computation, mineralogy, and artificial intelligence can open unprecedented perspectives in digital petrography and automated geoscience—placing Mycelial_Net among the emerging frontiers of Mineral Science.

The discovery of the super-large Gari’atong Rb polymetallic deposit and the Jiagang W-Mo deposit in the central Lhasa terrane reveals the significant rare-metal potential of Cenozoic highly fractionated S-type granites. However, the rare metal metallogenic potential of the Early Paleozoic S-type granites, which are also extensively developed in this region, remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study systematically investigates multiple sets of Early Paleozoic granites from the central Lhasa terrane, utilizing whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopes to constrain their source characteristics and evaluate their metallogenic potential.

The results show that these granites formed between 530–480 Ma. They are characterized by high SiO₂(72–80 wt.%), peraluminous nature, strong negative Eu anomalies, and significant depletions in Sr and Ba, belonging to highly fractionated S-type granites. In addition, δCe values close to 1, along with generally low V/Sc and Cu/Zr ratios, collectively indicate that the magmatic system was in a non-high oxygen fugacity environment. Some samples exhibit notably low Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios, closely resembling the geochemical fingerprints of typical Nb–Ta–Sn-W type rare metal mineralizing granites. Isotopically, the granites exhibit negative εNd(t)（-10.7~-5.9）values with significantly high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and negative εHf(t)（-10~-2) values corresponding to two-stage Hf model ages of 1.3–2.3 Ga. Comparison with contemporaneous mafic rocks indicates that their material source was primarily ancient crust.

Integrating the above characteristics, this study concludes that the Early Paleozoic S-type granites in the Lhasa terrane represent a highly fractionated granitic system formed by partial melting of ancient crust in a collisional setting. They possess certain potential advantages for rare metal mineralization, providing a new prospecting direction for ancient metallogenic systems in the Tibetan Plateau.

The Tizi-n-Isdid manganese deposit, located between the Central Anti-Atlas and the Ounein High Atlas in Morocco, represents a significant stratiform Mn occurrence with low-to-medium ore grades (8–32 wt.% Mn). The mineralization occurs within reddish-brown claystones at the base of the Taroudant Group (Tabia Member), beneath the Tamjout dolomite, and is assigned a Lower Cambrian age (529–541 Ma) (AFLLA et al., 2025). It extends over about 6 km north–south, exhibiting stratiform to lenticular geometry with three facies: massive (F1), banded (F2, dominant), and brecciated (F3).

Mineralogical and geochemical analyses, including new X-ray diffraction data from 14 samples, refine the paragenetic and genetic model (Aflla et al., 2025). The ore assemblage is dominated by braunite (Mn²⁺Mn³⁺₆SiO₁₂), associated with piemontite, hollandite-group minerals, jacobsite, rhodochrosite, and kutnohorite, while pyrolusite represents a secondary oxidation phase. The gangue mainly consists of quartz, calcite, and minor barite, with muscovite and illite in the altered host rock.

Geochemical correlations between Al₂O₃–Zr (r = 0.66), Fe₂O₃–Zr (r = 0.89), and TiO₂–Zr (r = 0.85) indicate a mafic terrigenous contribution. Co/Ni ratios > 1 and REE data showing HREE enrichment, positive Eu and Ce anomalies, and weak ∑LREE/∑HREE correlation (r = 0.30) suggest a marine hydrothermal Sedex-type system. The paragenetic sequence includes four stages: (1) pre-ore silicification, (2) Mn mineralization with silicification, (3) carbonatation, and (4) late Mn oxidation.

These results indicate syn-sedimentary hydrothermal activity related to rift-associated faulting rather than direct volcanism. The Tizi-n-Isdid deposit provides a representative model for stratiform manganese mineralization within the Ouarzazate Manganese Field.

Advancing LIBS for Quantitative and Spatial Analysis of Rare Earth Elements in Coal

With the increasing global demand for rare earth elements (REEs), there is a critical need for rapid, field-deployable technologies that are capable of detecting and quantifying REEs in both conventional and unconventional resources. This work evaluates the use of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for the detection of lanthanum (La) and neodymium (Nd) in synthetic and natural rock and coal matrices at extraction-relevant concentrations. Multiple LIBS systems—including commercial and custom benchtop instruments (in single- and double-pulse modes), as well as a developing in situ LIBS probe—were employed. Detection limits as low as 10 ppm for La and 15 ppm for Nd were achieved, with double-pulse mode yielding signal enhancements of 3.5 to 6 times greater than single-pulse mode. Additionally, LIBS was compared with Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) across coal samples. Multivariate calibration and principal component analysis (PCA) enabled accurate classification and prediction of REE content, while 2D elemental mapping provided insights into the spatial distribution of REEs. The results demonstrate LIBS to be a promising tool for real-time REE analysis and resource assessment in both laboratory and field environments. LIBS is an emission spectroscopy-based analytical technique. A high-power laser pulse is used as an energy source to cause ablation of the test materials and achieve high-temperature plasma formation, which upon cooling emits light, giving characteristic information of the species that are present in the materials in terms of atomic and molecular spectra.

As the global demand for high-grade iron ore continues to rise, it is estimated that current reserves may be depleted within the next 60–70 years. Among the most prominent and widely distributed geological sources of iron are Banded Iron Formations (BIFs), which are characteristic rock types that formed extensively during the Precambrian era across many of the world’s shield regions. India ranks fourth in global iron ore production, contributing around 246 million tons, or roughly 8% of global output. However, with growing demand and declining reserves of high-grade ore, it has become increasingly important to exploit low- to medium-grade deposits (45–62% Fe). Upgrading these lower-grade ores depends heavily on comminution, which plays a key role in making mineral beneficiation economically viable. Advanced in situ characterization techniques—such as Light Microscopy (LM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and automated mineralogical methods—enable rapid, accurate, and reliable data acquisition. By integrating these analytical approaches, effective beneficiation strategies have been developed and tested at both laboratory and pilot scales, successfully achieving the intended results. Beyond conventional iron ore beneficiation, there is also significant potential to recover Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other critical minerals from weathered iron ores, mine tailings, and waste dumps, particularly from hematitic and goethitic ores. This exploration is analogous to China’s world-class Bayan Obo deposit. Recently, the present study in the Ubrani area of Karnataka revealed the presence of lithium-bearing Petalite within titaniferous magnetite seams. Here, lithium is hosted in mineral phases associated with hematitized V-Ti-Mg seams. Petalite appears to represent a late-stage hydrothermal mineralization phase, likely synchronous with the hematitization of these seams, and is possibly linked to the major orogenic gold mineralization events (2.45–2.60 Ga) in the Dharwar Craton. Furthermore, the occurrence of spodumene- and tourmaline-bearing quartz reefs and pegmatites may also be tied to this cratonic evolutionary history.

Brazilian blue apatite is highly valued in gemology for its distinctive neon-blue coloration, yet its chromogenic mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study systematically investigated the color origin through conventional gemological testing, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), laser Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and heat treatment experiments. The samples were identified as fluorapatite with [CO₃]²⁻ substituting for [PO₄]³⁻. LA-ICP-MS revealed light rare-earth element (LREE) enrichment, heavy REE (HREE) depletion, and negative Eu anomalies, indicating formation under reduced oxygen fugacity conditions. A positive correlation (R² > 0.8) was observed between LREE concentration and color saturation.Transition metals: Mn³⁺ (absorption at 580-650 nm) serves as the primary chromophore, with Mn content positively correlating with color intensity. Fe³⁺ enhances brightness by suppressing red-light absorption. Rare earth elements, such as Nd³⁺, contribute to red-region absorption (745/801 nm), while Ce³⁺-SiO₃⁻ radicals and SO₃⁻ electron centers dominate UV/blue/green absorption. Excessive Ce³⁺ was found to inhibit blue coloration. Th content indicates the presence of SO₃⁻/SiO₃⁻ radicals. Post-heating color fading (threshold at 400°C) results from U decay-induced color center destruction. Blue-purple fluorescence originates from Ce³⁺ (400 nm emission via 5d→4f transitions) and Eu²⁺ (585 nm), with sharp peaks near 600 nm attributed to Sm³⁺/Pr³⁺ transitions. This study elucidates the synergistic effects of Mn³⁺/Fe³⁺, REE electronic transitions, and color centers in generating the characteristic blue coloration, providing fundamental insights for gemological identification and enhancement protocols.

Mineralogy inspires the search for functional magnetic materials. Fumarolic copper oxysalts, with the Cu²⁺ spin-1/2 state, are prime candidates for quantum magnetism studies. Recent focus has been on minerals featuring a square kagome lattice of copper ions, such as nabokoite, KCu₇TeO₄(SO₄)₅Cl. Here we report a new compound structurally related to nabokoite.

Green plate crystals of KCu₇BiO₄(SO₄)₅ were synthesized via chemical vapor transport. A stoichiometric mixture of K₂SO₄, CuSO₄, CuO, and Bi₂O₃ was sealed in a fused silica ampoule with I₂, evacuated, and heated in a 580–640 °C gradient for 30 days. Resulting crystals were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of KCu₇BiO₄(SO₄)₅ was found to be tetragonal with the space group P4/ncc and a = 9.7731(1) Å, and c = 20.4094(6) Å, and Z = 4. KCu₇BiO₄(SO₄)₅ crystallizes in the same tetragonal space group as KCu₇TeO₄(SO₄)₅Cl nabokoite. However, these compounds are not isostructural. The substitution of Te⁴⁺ by Bi³⁺ is accompanied by the absence of chloride ions, as is evident from a comparison of their formulas. The key structural difference lies in the arrangement of Cu-centered polyhedra within the kagome-like layers. In KCu₇BiO₄(SO₄)₅, the Cu–O layer is formed by Cu1O₆ octahedra and Cu2O₅ square pyramids sharing trans-edges, creating four-membered windows. In contrast, analogous layers in nabokoite phases are built from CuO₆ octahedra and CuO₅Cl distorted octahedra, where the latter share common chlorine vertices. Furthermore, as seen in projection along the layers, the decorating Cu atoms in nabokoite-like phase are in mixed coordination and form CuO₄Cl pyramids that share a chlorine vertex with the polyhedra of the square kagome lattice. In our compound, the decorating Cu atoms are in CuO₄ square coordination and connect to the SKL exclusively via sulfate tetrahedra. KCu₇BiO₄(SO₄)₅ is promising for studyingmagnetic behavior.