Tag: Earth s crust

The iron in your blood and the metal in a car began their journey in the fiery heart of an exploding star millions of years ago. But how did that iron get to us? It came from outer space, was mined from Earth, and is found in the foods we eat every day.

With thousands of officially recognized minerals by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) as of May 2025, the sheer number may seem overwhelming. However, rather than existing in a single form, minerals are organized into distinct classifications based on their chemical composition, internal crystal structure, and physical properties. This organizational framework reveals that there are numerous ways to define a mineral's 'form,' extending far beyond simple physical appearance.

With over 5,000 officially recognized mineral species on Earth, it's a common question: what is the ultimate source of minerals? The answer is a dynamic and multifaceted geological process, driven by the planet's internal heat and surface forces, leading to constant mineral creation and recycling.

Approximately 50% of Americans do not consume the recommended daily amount of magnesium through their diet alone, highlighting the importance of understanding its various sources. This vital mineral, essential for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, is obtained from a surprising array of natural food sources, supplements, and industrial processes.

Over 4% of the Earth's crust is composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). This versatile and abundant chemical compound originates from both natural biological and geological processes that unfold over millions of years, as well as from modern industrial manufacturing.

Approximately 95% of Earth's phosphorus is locked away within sedimentary rocks and deep ocean sediments. So, where is the majority of phosphorus stored? The answer is not in the atmosphere like carbon or nitrogen, but rather deep within the Earth's crust and oceans.

Making up approximately 27.7% of the Earth's crust by mass, silicon is the planet's second most abundant element, behind only oxygen. Despite this immense natural quantity, the path from abundant sand to the highly-purified material needed for semiconductors is fraught with challenges and vulnerabilities.

Approximately 79% of all naturally occurring magnesium is the isotope Magnesium-24, a stable isotope forged in the heart of stars. The cosmic tale of where did magnesium come from is an epic journey of stellar birth, nuclear fusion, and explosive death that seeded the universe with this essential element.

Did you know that over 90% of the Earth's crust is composed of just one type of mineral, the silicates? Answering what's the difference between the two categories of minerals depends on the classification system used, from chemical composition to physical properties.

Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the third most plentiful element dissolved in seawater. While widespread in nature, it is an essential mineral for humans, and a significant portion of the population doesn't get enough of it from their diet.