Archives for March, 2017

Specialty Metals and Minerals: Scandium

Scandium (“Sc”) is element 21 on the periodic table, next to titanium at 22. It is a soft, white transition metal that has some properties that are similar to rare-earth elements, as does yttrium. Both are in the same row of the periodic table as the rare-earths. Although scandium is…

Cranes in Sydney

The image below is compelling evidence of the property boom in Sydney and Melbourne. The cranes are everywhere, is some places one can see as many as 20 within a kilometre or two. And it seems most streets in the city have houses being demolished and replaced with McMansions. This…

Specialty Metals and Minerals: Garnet

Properties All garnet minerals are alumino-silicates, the following table lists the most common types of garnet minerals. Note that these are “end member” formulas, it is possible for replacement to occur. For example, the calcium in grossular is often replaced by iron.   Mineral Formula Specific Gravity Hardness (Mohs) Almandine…