[Rockhounds] mineral exhibit

[Axel Emmermann]

Marvelous idea Alan!
A ballpoint pen alone may require enough minerals to fill the desk. ;-)))
I think you're in for a shock if you look at the number of minerals
involved.
A ballpoint pen needs:
Molybdenum, copper, tungsten, carbon and some other metals for the tip.
Silica as a filler and friction reducer, titanium dioxide as a whitener for
the pigments, chromium and several rare earth elements as catalyst for
making the polyethylene ink tube, iron and trace elements for the metal
spring.....

What would you need to make a laser printer? Selenium, tellurium..... I hope
you have a BIG office with lots of display room.

Cheers 
Axel


> -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> Van: rockhounds-bounces at lists.drizzle.com 
> [mailto:rockhounds-bounces at lists.drizzle.com] Namens Alan Goldstein
> Verzonden: zaterdag 12 juli 2008 14:36
> Aan: Rockhounds List
> Onderwerp: [Rockhounds] mineral exhibit
> 
> I am developing an exhibit on the use of rocks and minerals 
> in our daily life. I have found plenty of information at 
> www.mii.org and at the USGS. My plan is to set up an office 
> with a computer, clock radio, desk lamp, metal desk and 
> chair, etc. and display minerals used to make those products. 
> (Also the floor, walls & paint, ceiling and room lights...)
> 
> I welcome exhibit suggestions. 
> 
> Question -- I'm going to display some dental picks. Does 
> anyone know what materials were added to the steel for 
> strength. I know that titanium, antimony, etc. are added to 
> strengthen steel.
> 
> Alan G.
> 
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