Natural Science Forum / Earth Science / Mineralogy / November 2003

During the past two years, the salaries of
most scientists and especially geologists have decreased significantly.  
See
http://www.jupiterscientific.org/sciinfo/sciencesalaries.html

Please, in regard to phosphate mining and how it is affecting the
environment in the Gulf of Mexico, specifically, the west coast of
Florida and Louisianna: When the uses of phosphate are mentioned
"they" always say they use it for fertilizer and "other" uses....

I am stumbling to find a true definition of a mineral, to help me
figure out if the following are indeed considered minerals:  A bone -
A shell from a crustacean, Petrifed wood, a fossil, and Coal.  Can
anyone help out there - thanks - Bob

I work in a silver/ lead/ zinc mine.  Usually our ore runs into the mill at
a pH or around 9, but lately our acid consumption has gone through the roof!
Testing the pH of the raw ore (just soaking a crushed up sample of high
grade ore in distilled water), the ph is aound 12.  I ...

I am searching for info and bibliography about the production of
rockwool, mineral wool and slag wool.
If anyone know where I can find any info I would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance