[Rockhounds] mineral exhibit

[Alan Goldstein]

The Mineral Information Institute indicates there are 35 minerals and metals 
in a computer. Why they distinguish metals from minerals, I do not know. I 
don't have every element represented in the collection I plan to use (my 
own, plus any I need from some other local collectors). The exhibit will 
have a good representative selection.

My plan is to number the office items and list them on the labels with the 
minerals. I also plan to cluster minerals based on the important element 
(i.e., iron minerals, copper, lead, barium, fluorine, etc.). Obviously some 
minerals will be used in a lot of products. One of the objectives of the 
exhibit is to show the beautiful and colorful minerals that are sacrificed 
(and save from the mill) to make those products.

Regards,
Alan



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Axel Emmermann" <axel.emmermann at pandora.be>
To: "'Rockhounds at drizzle.com: A mailing list for rock and gem collectors'" 
<rockhounds at lists.drizzle.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 3:00 PM
Subject: RE: [Rockhounds] mineral exhibit


> 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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