New boron minerals named after Chinese scientists are as strong as diamonds
This week, the International Mineralogical Association officially recognized a groundbreaking discovery: a new mineral called cubic boron nitride, known as Qingsongite. This unique mineral was first found in nature in 2009 by an international team of geologists from the U.S., China, and Germany. Unlike previous boron minerals, which were only created in laboratories, this one was discovered naturally in the Earth's deep crust. The journey to this discovery began decades earlier. In 1957, American researchers first synthesized cubic boron nitride in the lab using extreme heat and pressure. However, finding it in nature remained a challenge for over half a century. That changed in 2009 when a collaborative effort between the University of California, Riverside, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Chinese and German research institutes led to the identification of the mineral in the southern Tibetan Plateau. It was found within chrome-rich rocks located about 306 kilometers beneath the surface, where it had crystallized under intense pressure—around 118,430 atmospheres and temperatures of 1,300 degrees Celsius. To honor the contributions of a prominent Chinese geologist, the mineral was named Qingsongite, derived from Professor Fang Qingsong of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Fang made significant discoveries in the 1970s, including diamonds in chromium-rich rocks in Tibet, and played a key role in identifying four other new minerals. His work laid the foundation for future breakthroughs in mineralogy and geology. "Qingsongite is truly remarkable because it is the first boron mineral ever found to form under extreme conditions deep within the Earth," said Dr. Larissa Dubsenskaya, a geologist from the University of California, Riverside, who was part of the research team. She added, "All other known boron minerals are found on the Earth's surface, making this discovery extremely rare and scientifically valuable." Cubic boron nitride has important industrial applications due to its structural similarity to diamond. It exhibits high density, exceptional hardness, and is often used as an abrasive or cutting tool material. Its natural occurrence opens up new possibilities for scientific research and technological innovation. Each year, the International Mineralogical Association receives over 100 applications for new mineral names and approvals. To date, more than 4,700 minerals have been officially recognized. With the addition of Qingsongite, the scientific community continues to expand its understanding of Earth's hidden treasures and the processes that shape our planet. FOSHAN CITY KURUI LIGHTING CO.,LTD , https://www.kuruilighting.com