Health is wealth and this section is all about medical uses of critical materials.
Have you ever had an X-ray? What about a trip to the dentist? If you have, then you will have relied on equipment that contains elements extracted from rutile, rhodochrosite and sphalerite. These elements are often used to create metal alloys, which can then be used in the stainless steel tools used in many areas of medicine.
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Rutile is an ore of titanium, with a global production of 13.3 million tonnes per year. Titanium is alloyed with other metals to create lightweight, strong materials that are used in medical prosthetics and dental tools. When polished, rutile’s maroon colouration makes it a popular stone in jewellery.
Rhodochrosite is an ore of manganese and is mostly mined in Romania, Argentina and Colorado, USA. Manganese is used to improve strength and resistance in metal alloys and is a key component in the manufacture of stainless steel, which surgical tools are made from.
Sphalerite is the source for 95 per cent of all zinc, which is an essential element for all humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. It is used in X-ray equipment as it can emit light without combustion when activated, making it the perfect tool to view X-rays.
Critical minerals in our everyday lives
Critical minerals in households
There are lots of items in our houses that rely on minerals, from kettles and windows to microwaves and food cans. The items in this section are based on elements extracted from pyrolusite, chromite and cassiterite.
Critical minerals in infrastructure
Minerals can be combined and used at large scales to create our infrastructure! The items in this section are based on some of the main elements used in infrastructure.
Critical minerals in lifestyle
Live, laugh, look at what we have here! This section is all about lifestyle and these items are based on bismuth and other elements extracted from the minerals ilmenite and monazite.
Critical minerals in medicine
Health is wealth and this section is all about medical uses of critical materials. Have you ever had an X-ray? What about a trip to the dentist? If you have, then you will have relied on equipment that contains elements extracted from rutile, rhodochrosite and sphalerite
Critical minerals in renewables
If the future is green then our energy must be clean! Items in this section represent renewable energy and are reliant on ores like chalcopyrite, bastnasite and graphite.
Critical minerals in technology
From phones and laptops to headphones and tablets, this section is based on the elements extracted from spodumene and quartz, and the element cobalt, that we use to make our technology.
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Critical minerals resources
Our modern lives rely on a whole host of metals and minerals that are extracted from the ground. Available resources include classroom activities and a touring festival stand.