A team led by University of Michigan scientist Adam Simon has made a significant discovery in the effort to extract gold buried in the Earth's core.
Even though humans have reached the Moon and stars, and have begun building homes in space, scientists have still not been able to fully uncover the mysteries of our own planet. Especially if we could access the rare materials buried deep beneath the Earth, it would be a great blessing for humankind.
In this pursuit, scientists are now moving toward a major breakthrough. Gold — one of the most valuable metals in the world and considered sacred in many cultures — is buried in the Earth's core in millions of tons. However, since it lies hidden between the Earth's surface and the core, extracting it has so far been impossible.
The Role of the Gold-Trisulfur Complex
The research team employed numerical modeling to simulate the conditions under which gold becomes enriched in magmas rising from the mantle. Their findings highlight the importance of a gold-trisulfur complex, a previously debated entity, in this process. Under specific pressures and temperatures, the presence of this complex facilitates the transfer of gold from the mantle into magmas that ascend to the surface.
Broader Impact
The study not only enhances our understanding of gold transport within the Earth but also provides insights into the geological processes that lead to the formation of gold deposits. These findings could inform future exploration strategies for gold and other precious metals, potentially leading to more efficient resource extraction methods.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the original study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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