Learn about the 5 main layers of the atmosphere and also the sublayers. See the height, temperature, and composition of the layers.
Geology
Learn about the Mohs hardness scale and see how diamond, fingernail, and other materials rank. See examples of mineral hardness values.
Mohs Hardness Scale
Learn the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia and how to tell them apart as gemstones for jewelry.
Zircon vs Cubic Zirconia
Learn about blue lava. Find out if it's real, how it works, and where to see it. Can't make the trip? Make a blue lava lamp instead.
Blue Lava Volcano
Learn what a geode is, how one forms, where to find geodes, and how to open them. Get ideas for making homemade geodes.
What Is a Geode? How to Find and Open Geodes
Learn what fulgurite is. See where to find it and how to make fulgurites yourself using different methods.
What Is Fulgurite? Where to Find It and How to ...
Learn about the chemical composition of air. See the gases in air and their percentages.
Chemical Composition of Air
A crystal is a form of matter in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in a highly ordered three-dimensional lattice. Crystals are also called crystalline solids because most crystals are solid. However, liquid crystals also exist. The word “crystal” comes from the Greek word krustallos, which means both […]
What Is a Crystal? Definition and Examples
Volcanic lightning is an electrical discharge produced by a volcanic eruption. Because the static electricity is produced in an ash plume rather than a cloud, volcanic lightning is sometimes called a dirty thunderstorm. History The earliest historical record of volcanic lightning came from the ancient Roman, Pliny the Younger. He […]