What can minerals tell us about the Earth’s evolving colors? According to mineralogist Bob Hazen, they reveal an incredible history.
Thanks to new research, we now know that minerals play immense roles in technology, agriculture, and the very origin of life itself, even down to our planet’s colors. Hazen explains the mineral roadmap of Earth’s transformation – starting as a black basalt-covered planet, evolving into a blue ocean world, transitioning to a red rusted landscape, and finally becoming the green, lively planet we know today.
Hazen elaborates on how minerals have been essential in processes like plate tectonics and biomineralization, exemplifying the co-evolution of the geosphere and life. Using the knowledge that each and every mineral serves as a time capsule, we are able to better understand the 4.5 billion-year history – and potential future – of our Earth.
This video The vibrant colors of Earth’s 4.5 billion year lifespan is featured on Big Think.
