Unique Mineral Composition Research Articles

Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Algerian Bee Pollens: Exploring Geographical Influences

Abstract: This research study offers a comprehensive physicochemical analysis and assessment of antioxidant activity for 15 bee pollen samples collected from diverse regions of Algeria. The analysis included a wide range of parameters such as moisture content, sugar composition (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), ash, electrical conductivity, free acidity, pH, total flavonoid (TFC) and phenolic (TPC) contents, as well as protein and lipid contents. Additionally, the study evaluated the antioxidant activity using two methods: DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferricreducing antioxidant power (FRAP).The results revealed higher values of pH, free acidity, and electrical conductivity, indicating potential variations in the physicochemical properties of bee pollen samples from different regions. Notably, the samples were further distinguished by high total phenolic content (26.23 mg GAE/g), flavonoid content (4.73 mg QE/g), and protein content (21.7%), along with a unique mineral composition. The analysis also demonstrated the highest total antioxidant capacity and a marked correlation with total phenolics. This study highlights the influence of geographical factors on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of Algerian bee pollen. Regional variations underscore the importance of considering geographical factors in evaluating bee pollen quality, nutritional value, and potential health benefits of Algerian bee pollen. This emphasizes their crucial role in functional foods and natural health products. Understanding these variations supplies valuable insights for optimizing the utilization of bee pollen in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations. Further research into environmental factors influencing bee pollen's antioxidant properties could enhance our understanding of its therapeutic potential. other: Further research into environmental factors influencing bee pollen's antioxidant properties could enhance our understanding of its therapeutic potential. Additionally, exploring the potential applications of Algerian bee pollen in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations could provide opportunities for product development and innovation in the food and healthcare industries.

Early Age Assessment of a New Course of Irish Fly Ash as a Cement Replacement

This paper explores the potential of a new source of fly ash, deposited on the site of a coal-fired power plant in Ireland dating from 1985 to 1995, as a cement replacement material. A series of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses on binder samples with cement replacement levels of 0, 10, 25 and 35% was undertaken to determine the fly ash’s mineralogical composition and to determine its suitability as a supplemental cementitious material (SCM). The XRD results reveal a unique mineral composition with promising characteristics for enhancing the strength and durability of concrete. The experimental results were used to calibrate a thermodynamic model to predict changing phase assemblage and hydration behaviour over time and per replacement level. Thermodynamic models have been shown to give credible predictions of the long-term performance of cements, including SCMs. The initial experimental results’ thermodynamic modelling demonstrates the feasibility of this fly ash source as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement, paving the way for more eco-friendly construction. Ash deposits dating from 1995 to 2005 and from 2005 to the present will be presented in subsequent publications.

Fracture behavior and fracture surface roughness of high-temperature granite subjected to liquid nitrogen and water cooling

The thermal damage mechanism of water and liquid nitrogen on granite is a key scientific concern in reservoir fracturing. This study conducted fracture tests on high-temperature granite specimens subjected to water and liquid nitrogen cooling. The fracturing process was monitored and the fracture surface roughness was evaluated. The results indicated that the P-wave velocity, peak load, and fracture toughness exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing heating temperature. Specifically, at 150 °C, liquid nitrogen cooling samples exhibited higher fracture toughness than untreated ones. Acoustic emission events at peak load were more prominent in liquid nitrogen cooling samples, indicating higher brittleness and concentrated energy release. Conversely, water cooling samples displayed prolonged post-peak stages, suggesting greater ductility. The size of fracture process zones (FPZ) generally increased with temperature, with water cooling samples consistently exhibiting larger FPZ dimensions compared to liquid nitrogen cooling samples. Despite this, liquid nitrogen cooling resulted in significantly rougher fracture surfaces and numerous small cracks, while water cooling formed more extended through-going fractures. This suggests that high-temperature granite reservoirs by liquid nitrogen fracturing can enhance heat exchange areas more effectively. Additionally, different types of granite exhibit varying responses to temperature changes and cooling treatments, contingent on their unique mineral composition and structure.

Geomorphology, Mineralogy, and Chronology of Mare Basalts in the Oceanus Procellarum Region

Mare basalts on the lunar surface are tangible expressions of the complex thermal evolution and geological processes that have occurred within the lunar interior. These basaltic manifestations are highly important because they provide invaluable insights into lunar geological evolution. Notably, the Oceanus Procellarum region, which is renowned for its extensive and long-lasting basaltic volcanism, is a premier location to investigate late-stage lunar thermal evolution. The primary aim of this research is to elucidate the geomorphological, compositional, and temporal attributes that define the mare basalts within the Oceanus Procellarum region. To achieve this aim, we comprehensively analyzed the geomorphological features present within the region, leveraging Kaguya/SELENE TC images and digital elevation models. Specifically, these geomorphological features encompass impact craters, wrinkle ridges, sinuous rilles, and volcanic domes. Subsequently, we thoroughly examined the mineralogical attributes of basalts in the Oceanus Procellarum region, leveraging Kaguya/SELENE MI data and compositional map products. To more accurately reflect the actual ages of the mare basalts in the Oceanus Procellarum region, we carefully delineated the geological units within the area and employed the latest crater size-frequency distribution (CSFD) technique to precisely determine their ages. This refined approach allowed for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the basaltic rocks in the study area. Overall, our comprehensive study included an in-depth analysis of the volcanic activity and evolution of the Oceanus Procellarum region, along with an examination of the correlation between the mineralogical composition and ages of mare basalts. The findings from this exhaustive investigation reveal a definitive age range for basalt units within the Oceanus Procellarum region from approximately 3.69 Ga to 1.17 Ga. Moreover, the latest mare basalts that formed were pinpointed north of the Aristarchus crater. Significantly, the region has experienced at least five distinct volcanic events, occurring approximately 3.40 Ga, 2.92 Ga, 2.39 Ga, 2.07 Ga, and 1.43 Ga, leading to the formation of multiple basalt units characterized by their unique mineral compositions and elemental abundances. Through the application of remote sensing mineralogical analysis, three primary basalt types were identified: low-titanium, very-low-titanium, and intermediate-titanium basalt. Notably, the younger basalt units exhibit an elevated titanium proportion, indicative of progressive olivine enrichment. Consequently, these younger basalt units exhibit more intricate and complex mineral compositions, offering valuable insights into the dynamic geological processes shaping the lunar surface.

Experimental investigation on the anisotropy of mode-I fracture and tensile failure of layered shale

Mode-I fracture toughness (KIC) and tensile strength (σt) are significant parameters in hydraulic fracturing. Owing to the unique mineral composition and sedimentary environment of shale, the mechanical properties of shale exhibit anisotropy. In this study, the notched semi-circular bend (NSCB) and Brazilian disc (BD) tests were combined with acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC) technology to investigate the anisotropic fracture and tensile behaviors of layered shale. The critical plane approach (CPA) criterion is extended and validated, and the universality of the extended CPA criterion is confirmed for both KIC and σt prediction. In addition, the variation of KIC and σt versus loading angle, the relationship between KIC and σt, the typical failure modes of both NSCB and BD specimens, and the fracture initiation angle of layered shales are discussed comprehensively. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) KIC and σt increased with increasing in the loading angle (β), which indicated significant anisotropy of layered shale, and the AE responses for different loading angles also differed significantly. (2) The variation of anisotropic KIC and σt of different shales could be predicted by adjusting the spatial distribution parameter (Ω0), so that the extended CPA criterion could predict KIC and σt of different shales accurately, which confirmed the universality of the extended CPA criterion for both KIC and σt prediction. (3) There exists an approximately linear or power relationship between KIC and σt, and the power relationship can match both experimental and theoretical results much better. (4) The data from DIC and failure modes confirmed that when β was low, the failure modes were primarily affected by the bedding plane. In contrast, when β was great, the failure modes were primarily affected by the matrix. The NSCB specimens exhibited tensile failure, whereas the BD specimens exhibited more complex failure modes, which were a combination of tensile and shear failure. The results of this study can be used for guiding the design and construction of hydraulic fracturing and rock engineering.

Mechanical Properties and Failure Mechanism of the Weakly Cemented Overburden in Deep Mining

With increases in the mining depth and area in the Ordos coal field, the failure law of the super thick sandstone in the Zhidan group leads to frequent disasters, such as rock bursts and mine earthquakes, which have become a significant issue, restricting large-scale continuous mining. To adequately understand the movement mechanism of the super-thick and weakly cemented overburden, and to promote the large-scale mining of the coal resources under it, this study analyzes the physical and mechanical properties, along with the microstructural characteristics, of the weakly cemented overburden of the Yingpanhao Coal Mine through mechanics tests, scanning electron microscope tests (SEM) and hydrolysis experiments. A two-dimensional discrete element model of the survey region is then built to explore the temporal and spatial evolution laws of the overburden failure. The results show that, even though poorly cemented strata such as the Cretaceous Zhidan group sandstone and the Zhiluo group sandstone are weak in lithology, their unique mineral composition and microstructural characteristics give them a greater rigidity when their thickness reaches a certain value. The surface subsidence exhibits a sudden increase, and the dynamic disaster range of the overlying strata is wide when deep multi-face mining was carried out under the super-thick and weakly cemented overburden. The temporal and spatial evolution laws of the strata subsidence and influence boundary are closely related to their depth, and their relationships evolve into the Boltzmann function and Boltzmann–parabolic function, respectively. The failure mode of the super-thick and weakly cemented overburden is ‘beam–arch shell–half arch shell’, and the failure boundary exhibits arch fractures.

Identifying animate stones and sacred landscapes: Twenty-five years of native pipestone-quarries research in the American midcontinent

This paper assesses our current understanding of the native use of the major midcontinental United States pipestone quarries based on over two decades of research. Our studies indicate that combining chemical and mineralogical techniques such as shortwave infrared spectroscopy (SWIS), thin-section petrography, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have identified pipestones with similar chemical compositions containing distinctive mineralogical suites (often including berthierine, kaolinite, diaspore, muscovite, and pyrophyllite). This research has identified unique mineral compositions at known quarries such as catlinite, Ohio Feurt Hill, Baraboo, and Barron pipestones, as well as identifying previously unknown quarries of Sterling Illinois pipestone, Cahokia Missouri flint clay, and Portsmouth Ohio Claystone. These discoveries have led to a major shift in interpretations of Cahokian and Hopewell pipe exchange. Further examination of native ethnographic quarry use identified the primary attraction of pipestone quarries lay in the perceived ritual and spiritual power of the stone rather than in its economic utility.

Unsupervised clustering of LA-ICP-MS raster map data for geological interpretation: A case study using epidote from the Yerington district, Nevada

Raster element concentration maps created using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) can be used to interpret microscale compositional and textural domains within mineral grains. Raster maps are typically evaluated element by element; however, application of statistical techniques (such as cluster analysis) can enhance the generation of geochemical domains to support interpretation of growth zones, core-rim relationships, sector zones, and compositional-textural associations. Clustered LA-ICP-MS map data can be assessed within individual samples and between multiple samples, and can extend insight from the microscopic scale to the regional scale to better understand geological paragenesis of an area.Our workflow (1) applies a centred log transformation to selected elements in a raster map dataset; (2) uses principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the multi-sample, mono-mineralic dataset to group similar elements in epidote based on geochemical character; (3) applies unsupervised clustering to separate different types and generations of epidote in chemical feature space; (4) presents clustered LA-ICP-MS raster map results for interpretation of inter- and intra-mineral chemical zones; and (5) plots results spatially, across a regional map area, to investigate geological paragenesis.The workflow is illustrated using samples of epidote from the Yerington porphyry-skarn Cu (Mo–Au) district. In the case study area, six clusters are defined by unique mineral compositions: (1) low U; (2) elevated Pb, Mn and low Fe and Sr; (3) elevated Ce, U and low Mn and Pb; (4) elevated U, Ce; low Mn, Pb; (5) elevated Sr, Fe and low Mn, Pb; and (6) elevated Mn, Sr, and Fe and low Ce and U. The regional distribution of these groups is presented as indicating proximity to the porphyry environment (lower concentrations of Ce, U, As and Sb and higher concentrations of Mn, Sr and Fe) versus retrograde skarn (elevated Ce, U, As and Sb).

Kaersutite lamprophyres of the Pokrovo-Kyriivo massif (the Azov area, Ukraine): petrographic features, mineral composition, geochemistry

The paper represents results of the petrographical, geochemical and mineralogical studies of a dyke of porphyry-like mafic rock from the Pokrovo-Kyriivo massif of the Azov area, the Ukrainian Shield. This dyke of fine-grained rock has unique mineral composition as the main mineral in the groundmass is kaersutite. According to mineralogical and petrographic features, it can be identified as kaersutite lamprophyre. The Devonian Pokrovo-Kyriivo massif is located at a junction of the Azov Domain of the Ukrainian Shield and the folded structure of Donbas. This massif is composed of subalkaline (pyroxenite, gabbro) and alkaline (malignites, nepheline syenite) rocks which are cut by numerous dykes varying in composition from ultramafic to intermediate. The dyke of finegrained kaersutite lamprophyre was discovered in the bottom hole of the drillhole 36, where it is intruded into mediumgrained gabbroids and pyroxenites. The groundmass of the rock is composed of kaersutite, titanomagnetite, albite, chlorite, titanite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, apatite, monazite. The phenocrysts are represented by chlorite and talc pseudomorphoses after a diamond-shaped mineral with shortened obtuse angles. According to electron microprobe analysis, kaersutite has low TiO2 content and intermediate mg# values of 0.54—0.67. According to the chemical composition, studied kaersutites differ from the same mineral in the microgabro dyke in the Pokrovo-Kyriivo massif, and from kaersutites in camptonites of the Khlibodarivka open pit in the Azov area. At the same time, it is similar to kaersutites from camptonites of the Novoukrainka dyke field of the Inhul terrane. Kaersutite lamprophyre also differ from dyke rocks of the Pokrovo-Kyriivo massif by the absence of clinopyroxene, mica, ilmenite and low content of TiO2 in titanomagnetite, which does not exceed 6 %. This is due to a low TiO2 content in the rocks (up to 3.5 %), relative to other dyke gabbro of the area. According to mineralogical-petrographic and chemical characteristics, kaersutite lamprophyres are unique rocks that have no direct counterparts in the Azov area or on the Ukrainian Shield in the whole.

Effect of Microstructure Deficiency on Quasi-static and Dynamic Compressive Strength of Crystalline Rocks

Grain size and microdeficits control static and dynamic behavior of crystalline rocks. Therefore, characterization and evaluation of the impact of such intrinsic parameters on mechanical behavior of rocks are necessary. Two marble stones of Baghat and Maroon in Iran, which consist of a unique mineral composition but different microstructural features, were selected as test samples. Microstructures of rocks were characterized using different techniques such as scanning electronic microscopic, fluorescent replacement and polarization microscopic techniques. A number of both rock types with different sizes were prepared and subjected to quasi-static and dynamic loading by a split Hopkinson pressure bar under different strain rates conditions, and mechanical properties of both marbles were measured. Microscopic studies about microstructure deficits show that fractal dimension in Maroon marble is higher than in Baghat marble. The results also show that the dynamic strength in both marbles is higher than their static strength. Strain rate controls mechanical properties in both rock types; however, in Baghat marble with a relatively lower microstructure intensity, this phenomenon is more significant. With increasing sample volume, dynamic strength of rocks is decreased. Morphology study of fracture surface in microscale indicated that in dynamic loading the intensity of created microcracks particularly intercrystalline microcracks is increased compared to the quasi-static loading condition.

LC/DAD/MSn and ICP-AES Assay and Correlations between Phenolic Compounds and Toxic Metals in Endemic Thymus alsarensis from the Thallium Enriched Allchar Locality

Samples of Thymus alsarensis Ronniger, an endemic species for the Allchar locality, were evaluated for their polyphenolic composition and heavy metals. Allchar district is an abandoned antimony-arsenic-thallium deposit in the north-west of Kožuf Mountain, R. Macedonia, with a unique mineral composition affecting the mineral composition of the flora. A systematic method for phenolic compounds characterization was developed using mass spectrometry coupled to HPLC/DAD. Analyses were focused on the polyphenolic compounds to establish a possible correlation to the region specific heavy metals As and TI in the different organs of T. alsarensis. Twenty-seven polyphenols: phenolic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides of luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol were detected; contents were higher in the leaves and flowers compared with stems and roots. Quinic acid (1), prolithospermic acid (6), salvianolic acid B (7), salvianolic acid A (8), monomethyl lithospermate (9), luteolin dihexoside (12), luteolin pentosyl-hexoside (14), luteolin acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (16), luteolin acetyl hexoside (17), luteolin dipentoside (21), luteolin pentoside (24), luteolin acetyl dipentoside (25), kaempferol pentosyl-hexoside (19) and kaempferol acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (22) were detected in T. alsarensis for the first time. To assay the content of As and TI, root, stem, leaf and flower samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Significant accumulation of As and TI was observed with As content from 0.25 to 140 mg/kg and TI from 0.10 to 496 mg/kg. The content of As was much higher in the roots, while the content of TI was significantly higher in the roots, flowers and leaves in all T. alsarensis specimens. Comparison of the results obtained for total polyphenols and for As and TI content does not suggest any correlation (positive or negative) between the total phenolic content and the content of TI and As. On the other hand, it is evident that the soil rich with specific heavy metals (TI and As) affects the type of polyphenolic compounds produced in different organs, compared with other Thymus species growing on soil that is not contaminated.

Distribution and mobility of toxic metals in Thymus alsarensis Ronniger in the Allchar As–Sb–Tl mine, Republic of Macedonia

The Allchar district is an abandoned antimony–arsenic–thallium deposit located in the north-western region of Kožuf mountain in the Republic of Macedonia. The locality of Allchar has a complex and unique mineral composition. The current study sought to investigate the levels of uptake and distribution of different heavy metals, such as As, Sb and Tl, in the different organs of Thymus alsarensis Ronniger, an endemic plant species of the area. Root, stem, leaf and flower samples, as well as corresponding soils, were processed, digested and then analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Significant accumulation of As, Sb and Tl in this endemic species was observed. Total As content in the soil ranged from 34.7 to 5288 mg kg–1, and the content of As in plants ranged from 0.25 to 140 mg kg–1. The content of Sb in soil and plants ranged from 6.3 to 130 mg kg–1 and 0.25 to 1.51 mg kg–1, respectively. Lastly, the content of Tl in soil and plants ranged from 2.0 to 330 mg kg–1 and 0.10 to 496 mg kg–1, respectively. Similar results were obtained from extraction tests of soil samples using various solvents.

Melilitolite intrusion and pelite digestion by high temperature kamafugitic magma at Colle Fabbri, Spoleto, Italy

A subvolcanic body in Colle Fabbri (Umbria, Central Italy) intrudes sedimentary rocks and the overlaying extrusive breccia. The intrusive rock is melilitolite with essential leucite, kalsilite, and wollastonite plus accessory Ti-garnet, Ti–Al–Fe 3+-clinopyroxene, magnetite, perovskite, rankinite, Si-bearing apatite, Fe–Ni sulphides, and carbonate/zeolite. Bulk chemistry of melilitolite indicates a strong SiO 2-undersaturation, extremely high CaO composition, and strong initial potassic character. Sr and Nd isotopic ratios support a link with the source of kamafugites and carbonatites found in the same region. The igneous contact rock contains variable amounts of quenched clinopyroxene, anorthite, sanidine ± wollastonite, plus spinel and glass. Extremely high temperature melilitolite magma digested pelite country-rock, thus leading to a unique mineral composition. The homogenisation temperatures of mineral inclusions in contact rock demonstrate that crystallisation occurred well above 1230 °C. A large thermal aureole formed in a local clinker-like breccia, characterised by the association of felsic glass + indialite + tridymite ± Ti-magnetite, confirms high-temperature emplacement. Metasomatic/thermometamorphic phenomena favoured zone-specific mineralisation of hydrated Ca-silicates, hydrated complex sulphates and zeolites in breccias and encasing rocks.

Mineralogical consideration of possible microfossils in martian meteorite ALH84001.

Antarctic meteorite ALH84001 is a member of twelve martian meteorites that are widely believed to have originated on planet Mars based upon several lines of evidence. ALH84001 is an ancient orthopyroxenite rock of 4.5 billion years old that contains abundant Ca–Fe–Mg carbonates, unlike other martian meteorites. Recently, it has been reported that ALH84001 contains (1) unique mineral compositions and biominerals, (2) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in association with carbonates, and (3) unique structures and morphologies typical of nannobacteria or microfossils. They are interpreted as a possible relic biogenic activity on early Mars. We review the possibility of alternative explanations for these phenomena, especially for mineralogical features in the carbonate globules. Although it may be possible to consider that such phenomena in carbonates are biogenic rather than inorganic in origin, we show more difficulty in the biogenic interpretation than has been discussed. Because it is very difficult to conclude that they are biogenic or non-bio-genic from present data, it is necessary to further study ALH84001 and other martian meteorites. We also need to consider future Mars missions, especially sample return missions. In this consequence, we should start to think about a curation system and analytical facilities in Japan in cooperation with other related communities.