Erythrite Erythrite’s name comes from Greek erythros - meaning red. Erythrite is not an economically important mineral, but it is very strongly associated both with cobalt and silver ore deposits. Cobalt is an important element and it is used for example in Li-ion batteries, superalloys, pigments, chemicals and catalysts. Did you know that cobalt is essential to human life as it is found in the centre of B12 vitamin, which is involved in the red blood cell production. #mineralsgottalent #Co3(AsO4)2·8H2O 
Phosphorite or phosphate rock is mainly exploited to extract phosphorus for fertilizers, but it is also used to produce animal feed supplements or chemicals. Phosphate rock is listed as an EU critical raw material, because it cannot be replaced with anything else in fertilizers or feedstuffs. Without it the global food production would crash. Did you know that phosphorites have important amounts of light Rare Earth Elements (REE), enough to supply an important part of the demand? Nevertheless, they are being discarded due to classical phosphorus processing (dissolve all elements and store only phosphorus). New needs require new strategies. All the modern and green technology depends on REE: the batteries of hybrid cars, the optical fiber, the surgical and diagnostic devices... even your smile (dental medicine) depends on them. Being so 'rare', REE are a critical raw material worldwide and occur in such low quantities that they are exploited as by-products of other materials. #mineralsgottalent #Ca10(PO4)6F2 
Crocoite. Crocoite or lead chromate is too rare mineral to be mined for its elements lead and chromium, but it is wanted by collectors, because of its beautiful colour. Lead chromate is used to produce chrome yellow pigment, but crocoite has not been commercially used for that purpose. It is extremely toxic due to its lead and hexavalent chromium content. So be careful to wash your hands, if you touch it! #PbCrO4 #mineralsgottalent 
Chalcopyrite. Copper can be extracted from chalcopyrite. All of your electrical devices require it! Electrical conduction is just one of many of copper’s talents: from dog’s food and plant care, to the zipper of your clothes, copper is everywhere! #CuFeS2 #mineralsgottalent 
Hematite. Hematite is the most important iron ore, because of its high iron content. Its name is derived from Greek word meaning blood and consequently it is used to create red pigment. Did you know that because it is very dense and cheap material, it is used to stop radiation in medical and scientific equipment! #Fe2O3 #minealsgottalent 
Fluorite. Fluospar being its commercial name, this mineral has been listed as critical for Europe for the last decade! Without it, the Summer would not be so pleasant: it is essential for hydrogen fluoride production, which is needed in coolant production for refrigeration and air conditioning. #CaF2 #mineralsgottalent 
Minerals Got Talent exhibition opening in Tietomaa on October 7th 2020. The event was really well organized and there was plenty of interested people present. The exhibition will stay in Tietomaa until 30.9.2021. #tietomaa #mineralsgottalent #oulu #oulunyliopisto 
Minerals Got Talent exhibition moved from TalTech University in Estonia to Science Centre Tietomaa in Oulu, Finland, where it will stay for the next year. #mineralsgottalent #tietomaa #taltech #oulu 
Exhibition opening in TalTech University on 30.1.2020