Garnets with just the right chemical makeup were the survey’s “complete surprise” in Minnesota, Thorleifson said. That’s how it has played out in Canada, now one of the world’s fastest-growing diamond producers. ![]() After a few hits, they follow the trail in the direction the glacial ice came from if the number of markers increases, they may lead to kimberlite – and, maybe, to diamonds. Geologists sample soils, looking for kimberlite indicator minerals, such as garnets. That’s changed over the past 20 years as geologists began examining the sandy sediments of land scraped by glaciers.īecause kimberlite is soft, some of it can catch in the glacier and leave a trail traceable to its source. They rise to the surface in explosive eruptions and can be found in the carrot-shaped formations of kimberlite, named for Kimberly, South Africa, where it was first discovered in the late 1800s.ĭiamonds have been found around North America, including Wisconsin, but mining was nearly nonexistent. Thorleifson’s reputation and the potential to discover a billion-dollar industry were compelling enough that the U in 2004 agreed to let the mining company, WMC Corp., withhold publication of the study’s most sensitive findings for two years.ĭiamonds form in rock that is about 2.5 billion to 3 billion years old. That work helped establish Canada’s booming diamond industry, which didn’t exist 10 years ago. Hired in 2003 to lead the Minnesota Geological Survey, Thorleifson helped develop many of the indicator-minerals tests as a scientist in the Geological Survey of Canada. Thorleifson called the findings significant but compared them to a hunting dog picking up the scent of a fox: Sometimes the fox is never found. It will take several years to trace back the mineral markers to see if they lead to kimberlite and, perhaps, diamonds. “We did find something and it’s like the first hints” that led to diamond-field discoveries in Canada, said Harvey Thorleifson, head of the Minnesota Geological Survey and a world-renowned diamond geologist. Held in secret for two years as part of a rare deal the U signed in 2004, the newly published findings reveal patterns researchers didn’t expect – mineral arrows that may point to pipes of kimberlite, the underground rock formations where diamonds are most commonly found. But surprising details from a just-released survey of Minnesota has the state’s top geologist saying: “Maybe.”Īn exhaustive study by University of Minnesota researchers and an Australian mining company discovered geological markers across Minnesota similar to those in Canada that have led to huge diamond strikes over the past 10 years. Open seven days a week, this Eureka restaurant offers delicious food and a lively bar scene, with bottled and draft beers, a wine selection, and cocktails flowing into the night.They rarely yell “Eureka!” in the diamond exploration game. Owned by Eureka local Maria Ureña, the Urban Cowboy Bar & Grill offers everything from roadside classics to Mexican-American favorites, like the steak ranchero, carne asada, chile relleno, tamales, enchiladas, and a chile verde so delicious it’s known to beckon locals and visitors alike all the way from Reno. Nestled in the heart of historic Eureka, Urban Cowboy Bar & Grill offers Loneliest Roadtrippers made-to-order classics like sandwiches and burgers, along with Mexican-American faves, including Chile Verde so damn delicious it has its own cult following. Situated in the heart of one of the best preserved 19th century boomtowns in Nevada, Urban Cowboy Bar & Grill is one of Eureka’s newest restaurants, and offers everything from fresh salads and sandwiches, to savory burgers, juicy steak dinner specials, shrimp scampi and other seafood delights, and much more. ![]() When road tripping the Loneliest Road in America and exploring historic Eureka, NV, there’s no better place to stop and refuel than the Urban Cowboy Bar & Grill.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |