We're moving beyond basic mineral identification, which you can do with a simple geology kit. Instead, we're diving into the quantitative methods we use to study minerals. This involves using specialized instruments in our lab, though there are many other tools out there. We're focusing on the instruments we're most familiar with since we have a good selection right here in the lab.

This podcast episode introduces the hosts, Aaron Celestian, the curator, and Kriss Leftwich, the collections manager, of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s mineral sciences department. They discuss their current research into unusual growths on saber-toothed cat fossils and then explore various properties of minerals, such as color, luster, hardness, and reactivity, explaining how these properties are used for identification, analysis, and applications in fields like art and archaeology. The episode also features a discussion of the unique properties of minerals and rocks and how humans take advantage of them. Finally, they preview future episodes focused on laboratory tools and a deeper exploration of mineral colors.

Yes, it’s controversial and not just because scientists like to argue. The cover image is a kidney stone, which is both a mineral and not a mineral—it depends on who you ask. We will talk you through what that means and give tons of examples.

New format, new content, new fun.

What happened to all the radioactive waste from the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and why were crystals used to clean it up? All this in more in this episode Pocketful of Xtals.