Development of a virtual microscope with integrated feedback for blended geology labs

A virtual microscope resource was created when face-to-face labs were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 to replicate the learning goals of an introductory petrology course on microscopy. This virtual microscope resource utilized images and videos of thin sections, as well as 3D rock models to allow students to complete labs online. It also incorporated directed questioning and feedback as would be provided by demonstrators (teaching assistants) in a face-to-face lab. Insights obtained from student reflective questionnaires (n = 75) were used to adapt the online resource so that it could be used in conjunction with the face-to-face lab, thus becoming a blended lab resource in the subsequent year. These reflective questionnaires were utilized again to provide feedback on the revised version of the resource for blended learning. Findings showed that students in the blended learning cohort rated the quality of the available online material higher than the previous students. The blended learning cohort appreciated the immediate feedback from the resource, as well as its ability to provide remote access to lab materials. They also gained confidence by being able to review the material multiple times online. We conclude that blended resources are a useful tool in introductory petrology which we hope to see become more commonplace in the future. © 2023 National Association of Geoscience Teachers.

Effect of Replacing Feldspar by Philippine Black Cinder on the Development of Low-Porosity Red Stoneware

Stoneware is a ceramic material with low porosity and high mechanical properties, such as the modulus of rupture. It is essentially made of clay, feldspar and quartz and is sintered to create a mixture of glass and crystalline phases. With the projected growth rate of the global ceramics market size and the country's development plan for 2023–2028, it is imperative that alternative raw materials for the manufacture of ceramic products be sourced so that the importation of these materials, such as feldspar, be minimized, if not eliminated. Cinder in the Philippines is mainly used as a filling material in pavements and residential areas. In this study, this resource is utilized as partial and full replacement of feldspar in a typical ternary diagram for stoneware production. Bars were formed from different formulations by the slip casting method and were sintered at 1200 °C. Physical and mechanical properties of the bars, such as shrinkage, loss on ignition, water absorption, apparent porosity and modulus of rupture were determined. Thermo-physical analyses were also carried out on the raw materials and on formulated powders. Meeting the requirements of the various quality standards for ceramics, the partial replacement of feldspar with black cinder (LF, LFBQ and LFBH) is feasible for wall and roof applications while full replacement of feldspar with black cinder (LB) is suitable for wider use as wall, floor, vitrified, industrial and roof tiles.

Conferences

First he examined the interactions between the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and current economic and social transformations. In light of the session in his honour, Dr George Harlow (American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA) chronicled the history of his career, in which he built collections, organised exhibitions and performed geological fieldwork around the world while researching jade, ruby, etc. Pamir rubies formed at unusually low pressures (minimum of 1–1.2 kbar) and a temperature of approximately 760°C. Wim Vertriest (Gemological Institute of America [GIA], Bangkok, Thailand) and co-authors reviewed the identification of low-temperature heat treatment of gem corundum (i.e. up to about 1200°C, which starts causing damage to rutile ‘silk’ inclusions). In another presentation, Dr Dutrow and co-authors investigated the origin determination of Cu-bearing tourmaline using statistical analyses of LIBS and electron microprobe data.

The HARDROCK SUMMIT 2021: A New addition to the Denver Mineral Showcase

he 2021 Denver Gem I and Mineral Showcase (herein meaning the collection of gem, mineral, and fossil shows and events happening in Denver, Colorado, in the first half of September) saw a lot of changes this year, and speculation about the show proved to be an enduring topic of conversation in the mineral community during the past year. Thankfully, we can say now that, COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges aside, the show turned out to be an excellent constellation of events that were well received and well attended. This year, the biggest change to the Denver Gem and Mineral Showcase was the birth of a new show called the "HardRock Summit" (16-19 September), which combined both the former Denver Fine Mineral Show (run by Dave Waisman of Fine Mineral Shows, LLC) and the traditional Denver Gem & Mineral Show, the nonprofit show organized by a group of Denver-area gem and mineral clubs and currently in its fifty-fifth year (started in 1967).

Chips from the Quarry

With the 2021 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (the "Main Show") cancelled because of COVID-19, the show committee rolled over its dual themes of Fluorescence and Minerals of the Apatite Super-Group to the 2022 show. Likewise, Rocks 6- Minerals is following its January/February 2021 show-themed issue with a second issue, this one again based on the two themes. Of special note is the lead article on perhaps the most famous apatite of all, the Smithsonian Institution's Roebling apatite. In it, authors Mike Wise and Jeff Post explore the specimen's attributes and history Longtime subscribers may recall that the Roebling apatite was featured on the cover of the November/December 1987 special issue on Maine (now sold out but pictured here).

The role of soil in saving human race from COVID-19 pandemic. (Special Issue: October 2021.)

Soil is the most complex part of land as its contents are made of all the other key components of land namely geology (soil minerals), hydrology (soil water), atmosphere (soil air), and organisms including man (soil organic matter including dead bodies). This is why the functions of the soil are not only numerous but also indispensable. Among the functions, the role of the soil in sustaining human life remains unimaginable. Over 3.8 million people have been killed by COVID-19 by June 15, 2021 in the world and more are still dying. Some unrecorded millions died of hunger as a result of the lockdown during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. Where are these dead bodies and materials associated with those that died of COVID-19? Where did all the food palliatives (rice, maize, wheat, yam, gari, vegetable oil, etc.) come from? The human body is composed of approximately 64% water, 20% protein, 10% fat, 1% carbohydrate, 5% minerals. When decomposed these various components result to various gaseous compounds and residues that are harmful to human life and environment. When dead bodies are buried human health and environment are saved. The dead bodies, the wastes and their contents are in the soil providing "palliatives" to soil microorganisms while protecting the remaining human population and the environment. Cremation products also end up in the soil. The soil also provided and still provides the food palliatives. Thus, the soil is our number one saviour against COVID-19 pandemic and can be adjudged as the saviour of the human race to date. Coincidentally man was made from the soil and must return to the soil. Key words: soil functions, burial, cremation, palliatives, COVID-19.