No new $5.7 trillion iron ore deposit was established by the study behind this headline. The peer-reviewed finding is a new age determination for already-known deposits in Western Australia’s Hamersley Province: the major preserved hematite deposits formed about 1.4–1.1 billion years ago. The paper does not report a newly discovered 55-billion-ton reserve or calculate its value.
What geologists actually found
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on 23 July 2024 revised the geological timeline for the major iron ore deposits of the Hamersley Province in Western Australia. Researchers directly dated hematite samples and concluded that the major preserved deposits formed about 1.4–1.1 billion years ago—substantially later than many earlier estimates. Read the PNAS study.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1.0
- Multiple pieces similar in size and quality to those pictured above
- Pieces measure approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inches
- Place of origin: China
Rank #4
- Stone Types: Pyrite
Rank #3
- HEMATITE | Hematite is made up of iron and oxygen, giving it a distinct red, earthy color. Although hematite can form in a variety of appearances, this mineral is instantly recognized by the reddish brown streak it leaves behind when powdered
- GREAT FOR GEOLOGY CLASSROOMS | Ideal for identification & classification exercises. Ideal for learning about mineral streak tests and provides a great visual aid for iron bearing rocks & minerals
- GEOLOGIST SELECTED | Each specimen is selected and hand processed by an actual geologist, ensuring each sample exhibits defining features
- LOCALLY PROCESSED | Our rock and mineral samples are sourced from a variety of locations around the world and are processed in Victor, NY
- INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED & LABELED | Each specimen sample is packaged in a transparent bag, and is labeled & barcoded for easy identification
Rank #2
#1 Best Overall
- Hematite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size
- Ideal for students learning about mineral streak tests - hematite's distinct red streak is unlike any other
- Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements
- Good visual aid for other iron-bearing rocks and minerals
- Specimen comes in clear labeled and barcoded bag for ideal storage
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