Thursday, March 31, 2011

Aquamarine: The Blue Gem


What and how does it look like?



Aquamarine is the combination of beryllium, aluminum, and silicate. Its color varies from an almost white pale blue to a slightly darker sky blue. When investing in aquamarine, choose a pure, brilliant, and as dark as possible stone. Aquamarine is often mistaken to be like blue topaz, a far less valuable mineral.

This gemstone is faceted. In fact, it is one of the most admired and famous gemstones because it differentiates itself by a lot of first-rate qualities. Aquamarine is termed for the Latin phrase ‘water of the sea.’ It is approximately as accepted as the classics: ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Aquamarine is termed for the Latin phrase ‘water of the sea’. It is a little bit connected to the emerald in reality, and both fit in to the beryl family.


Where do they form?

Aquamarine comes from Brazil, Madagascar, Russia and the USA. Specimens from China and Colombia tend to be of a yellowish tint. The dimension of the crystal is in relation to the cooling rate. Huge crystals are produced while the cooling is very sluggish. Indigenous rocks make possible the expansion environment for aquamarine.

Indigenous rocks make possible the expansion environment for aquamarine formation. The dimension of the crystal is in relation to the cooling rate. Huge crystals are produced while the cooling is very sluggish. These gemstones get shaped in nature under precise aggressive geologic conditions. When the mineral-rich aggressive magma flowed under into the rock layers of mountain range. As it gets chilled, the magma fluid gets intent in to cavities of mineral-saturated fluid that gets heated to a very elevated temperature 1,112° F.

Composition:
VARIETY OF: Beryl, Be3 Al2 Si6 O18.
CLEAVAGE: one direction, poor.
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: hexagonal
Pleochroic: weak
BIRTHSTONE FOR: March
COLOR: various shades of blue to blue-green.
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.57 - 1.60
BIREFRINGENCE: 0.004 - 0.008
HARDNESS: 7.5 - 8


Physical Properties

The chemical method for aquamarine, along with all other beryl, is Be3Al2(SiO3)6. The color of the stone comes from trace amounts of iron which have become embedded in the hexagonal crystalline formation of the stone. According to nautical lore, aquamarine could make sure safe passage for sailors, and many wore the stone on their bodies or slept with an aquamarine under the pillow for peaceful sleep. Sailors also thought that mermaids had tails made of aquamarine. In the Middle Ages, many people felt that the stone had health ornate properties, and some carried it to protect themselves from poison.

Aquamarine is naturally blue in color, and usually presented in a faceted cut, so that the faces of the stone jazz in the light. Caring for aquamarine is easy because the stone is tough and difficult to crack. It can be washed with a soft soap and water solution, and even brushed with a toothbrush if it starts to collect grime and dust. Sometimes detergent may react with the metal, be careful when choosing a detergent. Remember to keep aquamarine out of the heat, as this may damage the gem.

Color:
Stones with an obvious blue color - with no green or gray - are in general the large amount precious. Despite the reality that approximately all gemstones have some level of blemishes, the uppermost quality Aquamarine is clear, with no inner flaws or outer flaw.

Cut:
A good quality cut shows an Aquamarine's deepness of color and vivacity while enlightening the smallest amount of imperfections. Cut is very significant for setting the worth of whichever gem stone. Then the faceting (the angle at which light reflect) is as well extremely vital for the appearance of the stone.
Clarity:
The premier quality aquamarine is translucent& clear; its shade varies from near colorless to the sea green and blue skies. Make sure for any blemish in the stone. Confirm the gem do not contain any chip or scuffs.

Carat:
In aquamarines, huge gems are generally used for crafting pendants. Carat, or the measure of the dimension of the gem, is what make it additional precious. Hence, the larger the aquamarine, the further costly it will be. All in all, keep in mind that the color, cut, clarity and carat decide the quality as well as the worth of the aquamarine.

Natural Occurrence :
Brazil, Pakistan, Myanmar, Russia, China, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, United States (Colorado and California), India, Siberia, Srilanka.

Available Colors :
Colorless, Blue, Green, yellow, faint light blue, bluish Green.




Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Mining Careers at Gold


Gold Recruitment provides dependable, up to date, and pertinent career information and job description for aspiring professionals who are making the right decisions about their future career path.

Whether you are searching for detailed information on a particular occupation, our friendly website covers many popular careers throughout Australia mainly in the field of mining:




We are looking for a qualified Mine Geologist. As a credible Mine Geologist, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + allowances + bonus incentives to reflect the importance and aim of this Mine Geologist role, to provide thorough and reliable technical support and effective geological interpretation and advice for strata control purposes.
Mine Geologist position details:
- management of geological information/model - long & short term scheduling
- provide geological advice to design & production teams
- provide critical technical support, modelling, mapping & sampling
- quality analysis & forecasting
Mine Geologist skills we need:
- relevant degree qualification - Science/Geology
- min 3 yrs exp production mine geology - inc open pit
- exp in mine design systems software
- proven relationship development, team orientation
- highly focused, motivated & self directed
- unwavering & demonstrable commitment to safety, the environment & the community



As a credibleGeotechnical Engineer, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + allowances + bonus incentives to reflect the importance and aim of this FIFO Perth Senior Geotechnical Engineer role - to provide thorough and reliable technical advice on geotechnicalinvestigations, analysis and data interpretation to maximise and enhance the value of the mine.
Senior Geotechnical Engineer position details:
- advise on geotechnical investigations for operational & mine planning needs
- provide critical technical support, lead, develop & motivate small team
- prepare, present & design formal engineering reports, documents & evaluation advice
Senior Geotechnical Engineer skills we need:
- degree qualification with broad range of post grad exp inc OPEN CUT mining
- extensive practical geotechnical investigative exp 5-10 yrs
- demonstrable report documentation & presentation
- exceptional written / verbal communication
- exceptional interpretative, analytical & project management skills
- unwavering & demonstrable commitment to safety, the environment & the community



As a multi national independent consultancy to the resources industry, our client provides specialist ground engineering and environmental services in exploration and geology, engineering, mine planning, mine operations and sustainability. As a credible Civil or Environmental Engineer with experience in Waste Management/Containment projects, we seek your expertise in waste management design and planning to lead and inspire the Brisbane based Design team.
As Waste Management Senior Engineer, you will be highly rewarded to reflect the seniority and aim of this critical position:
- SUPERB RENUMERATION PACKAGE + bonus incentives
- Prestige network of recognised industry professionals
- High calibre clientele, partners & employees
- Brisbane CBD location
Waste Management Senior Engineer role requires you to offer expert advice in:
- all facets of waste management as a business - principles & application
- waste management & landfill design, performance & technical specifications
- project management, business development & marketing Waste Management business unit
Waste Management Senior Engineer skills required:
- Environmental or Civil Engineering degree or equivalent
- expertise/10+yrs relevant engineering exp
- demonstrable exp in landfill design/assessment/engineering
- thorough & proven understanding of waste management as a business unit
- exceptional communicator, proven relationship development, mentor
- capabilities in presentation & design of formal engineering reports/proposals
- instinctively objective, systematic & impartial approach



A prestigious world class mining group has firmly established a standard of excellence within the industry and seeks 2 x intermediate level experienced Planning Engineers / Project Controls Engineers / Planners to parallel the needs of a successful organization as they undergo high profile mining expansion. With a demonstrable background in project controls, planning and / or cost control management your career will flourish as you contribute to the accomplishment of a successful high performance company rewarding as follows:
- generous remuneration - contract role, project duration expected 4-5 yrs
- Site based & team based opportunities
- Flexible FIFO Mon-Fri roster
- FIFO Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville or DIDO Bowen Basin
- accommodation+meals+car+fuel+phone
- expanding career opportunities
- North/Central Qld location
Project Controls / Engineer / Planner position details:
- contribute to the management of Project Controls function, monitoring timelines & deliverables
- develop & maintain project schedules (P6)
- supervise cost control & project estimates (Prolog)
Ideal Project Controls / Engineer / Planner skills:
- proven abilities in project control, scheduling, planning and/or cost control management, intermediate level
- 1+yrs Mining/LNG/Civil construction exp within Australia
- advanced skills in Primavera (P6 or P3) and/or Prolog & SAP
- exceptional communicator, forward thinker, self-motivated proactive approach
- demonstrable flexible attitude to compliment experience




A prestigious world class mining group has firmly established a standard of excellence within the industry and seeks an experienced Mining Project Manager to parallel the needs of a successful mining group as they undergo high profile mining expansion. With a demonstrable CPP or engineering background and experienced in project management, coordination and administration, you will contribute to the accomplishment of a successful high performance company rewarding as follows:
- generous remuneration + bonus incentives
- FIFO Mon-Fri roster
- accommodation provided
- contract position / expanding career opportunities
- Central Qld / Bowen Basin location
Project Manager job details:
- manage mining project formalities from project start
- instigate /prepare site OH&S procedures
- project co-ordination, administration & management of ongoing mining activities
- high level liaison / solid working relationships
Project Manager skills we need:
- 5-10 yrs exp CPP and/or Engineering exp
- Mechanical Engineering degree essential
- able to effectively manage frontline issues, proactive approach, clear dedication to safety first
- exceptional communication skills



We represent a multi national premium client operating state of the art underground coal operations and associated works with a highly skilled crew of professional team players. As Town Services Superintendent, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives to reflect the importance and aim of this role - to provide comprehensive and accurate coordination of essential community services for the mining community and surrounding township, in turn maximising the value of the mine.
Town Services Superintendent position details:
- control, manage & review effective running of Housing accommodation & facilities
- build & maintain effective relationships with tenants & necessary external parties inc contractors
- manage operating & capital budgets incl forecasting
- manage & coordinate service provider contracts
- manage & coordinate community events & services
Town Services Superintendent skills we need:
- suit trade qualified project manager
- proven success as Project Manager + small team leadership
- proven PM ability planning, co-ordination & administration - inception to completion
- mining/construction project management exp "highly advantageous" or exp in similar role ideal
- financial management & contract administration exp
- high level computer literacy
- ability to deal with front line / housing issues when they arise
- proven relationship development, exceptional communicator, diplomatic & proactive



Mechanical Engineers in the Mining Site


Mechanical engineers use CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to design plants. They supervise and manage the working of production plants and set up work control systems.

Mechanical engineers are known for their sturdy and flexibility because they can work with many machines that produce, transmit, or use power. They deal with mechanisms and methods that convert natural energy sources into practical uses. Mechanical engineers also conceptualize tools that other engineers need. They collaborate with a team which includes scientists who develop new theories and methods, and mechanical engineering technicians who assist engineers with some of their more routine tasks. Mechanical engineers also design machines that produce energy, such as car engines and nuclear reactors. They also develop machines that use energy including air conditioners, power saws, elevators, and printing presses.

Mechanical engineers work on different types of equipment and machines ranging from tiny mechanisms for delicate instruments to huge gears for bulldozers. The field of mechanical engineering is very broad, and some of the varied job titles include air pollution engineer, environmental systems engineer, manufacturing engineer, and automotive engineer. Generally, mechanical engineers specialize in one area of engineering; and other fields of specialty include fluid power, instrumentation, and bioengineering. Many engineers work in a certain industry like petroleum or plastics.

Mechanical engineering has various branches, and each branch has a particular jobs. Like for an instance, some engineers design products, therefore, they must determine the needs of the user, the physical problems of building the equipment, the cost of the equipment, and its outcome on the environment. Other mechanical engineers supervise the production and installation of different equipment. However, there are some mechanical engineers are still involved in sales, research, and development, or teaching at the university level. Moreover, mechanical engineers can also do administrative and consulting tasks.  

In fact, three-fourths of the total population of mechanical engineers in the United States is employed in manufacturing, government agencies, consulting firms, colleges, and universities.







Friday, March 25, 2011

Amethyst




Amethyst was regarded as the most valuable gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald). Nevertheless, since the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil, it has lost most of its value. The highest kind of amethyst is called Deep Russian – this is superbly rare, hence its value is dependent on the demand of collectors when one is found. Also, collectors look for depth of color (with red flashes if cut conventionally).

How does an amethyst look like?

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. It was derived from the ancient Greek, “intoxicated” (protecting its owner from drunkenness). The ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. Amethyst has irregular superposition of alternate lamellae of right-handed and left-handed quartz. It has been shown that this structure may be due to mechanical stress. Amethyst is suitable for use in jewelry because it has a hardness of seven on the Mohs scale.
Amethyst may appear to be crystal that has six sides on the either end. Its color is as exclusive as it is seductive, although actually this gemstone of all gemstones is believed to defend its wearer in opposition to seduction. Most amethyst is violet in color; and for thousands of years, its beauty stands dazzlingly.


Where do they form?

Amethyst is produced and formed when red hot magma such as molten rock oozes into the gaps and voids of a parent rock and get chilled. It is a multifaceted elevated temperature silica solution with temperature array from 600-1200 degree centigrade. Considered below high pressure and is cool, calm, and collected of silica and iron.

Composition:
Variety of: Quartz, SiO2.
Birthstone for: February
Birefringence: 0.009
Hardness: 7
Cleavage: none
Crystal system: trigonal
Pleochroic: no
Color: various shades of purple.
Index of refraction: 1.544-1.553



Physical Properties:

Color - Purple in color. By scrutinizing the shade of the stone, the country may be recognized from where the particular stone is obtained.

Clarity – In terms of clarity, amethyst is a little bit similar to crystal. It increases an edging excess of other reasonably priced semi precious gemstones appropriate to its clearness. If the stone is brilliant purple in color, then a small number of slight inclusions can be abandoned and must be deserted as such imperfection rarely damage the elegance of the stone.

Cut – Amethyst can be set with various sizes and silhouette. Some cuts are pear, oval, emerald, square, round, and triangle, etc. round cuts are the most excellent to maximize the loveliness and reduce the color imperfection.

Carat Weight – Elevated carat weight the cost of the stone can be chosen for it is reasonably charged. Among the bigger stone the appearance of the ornaments gets blown up that creates the wearer center of appeal. The perfect weight for all the junks is more than 2 carat.




Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Mining Careers at Gold


Gold Recruitment provides dependable, up to date, and pertinent career information and job description for aspiring professionals who are making the right decisions about their future career path.

Whether you are searching for detailed information on a particular occupation, our friendly website covers many popular careers throughout Australia mainly in the field of mining:


We represent a multi national premium client operating state of the art underground coal operations and associated works with a highly skilled crew of professional team players. As Town Services Superintendent, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives to reflect the importance and aim of this role - to provide comprehensive and accurate coordination of essential community services for the mining community and surrounding township, in turn maximizing the value of the mine.
Town Services Superintendent position details:
- control, manage & review effective running of Housing accommodation & facilities
- build & maintain effective relationships with tenants & necessary external parties inc contractors
- manage operating & capital budgets incl forecasting
- manage & coordinate service provider contracts
- manage & coordinate community events & services
Town Services Superintendent skills we need:
- suit trade qualified project manager
- proven success as Project Manager + small team leadership
- proven PM ability planning, co-ordination & administration - inception to completion
- mining/construction project management exp "highly advantageous" or exp in similar role ideal
- financial management & contract administration exp
- high level computer literacy
- ability to deal with front line / housing issues when they arise
- proven relationship development, exceptional communicator, diplomatic & proactive



We represent a multi national premium client operating state of the art underground / open cut coal operations and associated works nestled in the Central Qld highlands, URGENTLY seeking a Mine Surveyor. As an experienced and qualified Mine Surveyor you are willing to stretch yourself to join this elite crew and will be highly rewarded with:
- SUPERB family friendly ROSTER
- competitive package + meals, accomo, exceptional standard of living
- FIFO options - Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay
- superior employer - fantastic CV booster!
Mine Surveyor position details:
- coordinate & manage survey controls as part of mining team
- undertake daily surveying requirements & process of survey data
- autonomous fieldwork liaising with peers to optimise production
- ensure survey stocks are up to date & general maintenance of survey gear
Mine Surveyor skills we need:
- relevant qualifications Surveying/Mine Surveying (accreditation required)
- current Coal Board Medical & current QLD generic surface induction
- physically fit, active & capable of autonomous fieldwork
- GPS & 4WD capabilities
- suit civil site or coal exp with mechanical aptitude
- analytical skills & attention to detail
- highly focused, motivated, self directed

Monday, March 21, 2011

Lawyer in the Mine Site


Lawyers are known to be the keepers of client’s confidences. Lawyers hold in trust client’s confidences and to keep inviolate clients secret. Generally, lawyers are responsible in handling client’s funds in a fiduciary capacity. Nevertheless, lawyers forget that they have the same fiduciary duty to clients to keep safe the things and other documents that we receive from and on behalf of clients. The failure to properly maintain those items and to return them to their rightful owners, the clients, can result in lawyer discipline. The cases discussed below are based on actual reproaches issued by the director in the past year.

What Legal Advice Is?

Legal advice is the application of abstract principles of law to the concrete facts of the clients’ case in order to advise the client about what they should do next. In many countries, only a properly licensed lawyer may provide legal advice to clients for good consideration, even if no lawsuit is contemplated or is in progress. As a result, conveyancers must first obtain a license to practice, although they would spend very little of their careers in court. Failure to obey such a rule is the crime of unauthorized practice of law.

Moreover, jurist in some countries hold law degrees and they are allowed to provide legal advice to individuals or to corporations, and it is irrelevant if they lack a license and cannot appear in court. There are times that civil law notaries are allowed to give legal advice, and in many countries, non-jurist accountants may provide what is technically legal advice in tax and accounting matters.

A lawyer provides legal advice to clients on a variety of matters depending on the role.

·         Prepare contracts for joint venture partners, customers and suppliers.
·         Oversee legal compliance requirements of a company.
·         Advise in areas of resources law, workers compensation, native title and environmental responsibility.
·         Guarantee the legal requirements of tenement and lease management are adhered to.
·         Ensure appropriate risk management strategies are in place.
·         Discuss with management, commercial advisers, tax experts, accountants and marketing staff.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Trona


What is trona?

·         Trona is a naturally occurring mineral that is known chemically as sodium sesquicarbonate.
·         Trona is used primarily to make soda ash (which in turn is used in glass manufacturing, paper, food additives, laundry products, and medicine, to name only a few.)
·         Trona's other uses are air pollution control and animal feed. It is fed to dairy cows as a rumen buffer.
·         Trona is found at Owens Lake and Searless lake, California; Utah and even the Nile valley delta regions in Egypt. The Trona near Green river Wyoming is the chief known deposit in the earth and lies in encrusted evaporate leaves from 800 to 1600 feet below ground, where the Trona was placed in a lake during the paleogene period. Trona has also been excavated at Lake Magadi in the famous rift valley in Kenya for virtually 100 years, and emerges in 'salt' pans in the Etosha National Park in Namibia.
·         Trona (trisodium hydrogendicarbonate dihydrate); Na3H(CO3)2·2H2O is an evaporite mineral. It is mined as the primary source of sodium carbonate in the United States, where it has replaced the Solvay process used in most of the rest of the world for sodium carbonate production.
·         The word "trona" comes to English by way of either Swedish (trona) or Spanish (trona), with both possible sources having the same meaning as in English. Both of these derive from the Arabic trōn which in turn derives from the Arabic natron, and Hebrew נטרן pronounced natruna, which comes from ancient Greek νιτρον, derived ultimately fromancient Egyptian ntry (or nitry).


What are the major markets for trona?
·         Air pollution control: Trona is used by industries as varied as glass, cement, waste incineration, gold and other precious metal refining, petroleum refining, pulp & paper, and electric power generation for air pollution control.
·         Trona effectively removes sulfur oxides (SOx), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and hydrofluoric acid (HF) from flue gas emissions.
·         Animal feed: Trona is also used in animal feed, with the largest market being a rumen buffer for dairy cows. A proper feed program that includes trona actually increases milk production.

 Is trona widely used?
·         Trona is used for air pollution control from Alaska to Maryland, from Washington State to Florida.
·         Trona is used throughout North America in animal feed

How does trona work in air pollution control? What air pollutants does trona target?
·         Trona is used in dry sorbent injection systems (DSI) where it reacts with acid gases to form a safe, non-corrosive waste product that will not damage equipment.
·         It removes hydrochloric acid and sodium dioxide and trioxide (SOx)
·         Field-testing has shown removal rates of SOx greater than 90%.
·         It has routinely achieved HCl removal of 95-99%.

When was it determined that trona could be used for air pollution control?
Solvay discovered trona's value as an air pollution control product about 20 years ago in Colorado, where it has been used effectively by a public utility power station in Denver for control of SO2 emissions ever since.

Is it approved by the EPA?
·         The EPA or the appropriate State Regulatory Agencies have approved trona's use as an air pollution control product.

As it is a fine powder, can the use of trona to control air pollutants by itself CAUSE air pollution?
·         When used correctly in DSI systems, trona does not result in further air pollution.
·         It is an effective product with safe, non-corrosive by-products.
·         In many cases, the use of trona improves the discharges from a source because it enhances the performance of an ESP (electrostatic precipitator - used for particulate control)

What is dry sorbent injection (DSI)?
·         Dry sorbent injection is a process where a powdered substance is blown into an air duct containing acid gases. The gases react with the powder to form safe byproducts. The byproducts and any excess powder are removed from the air stream using one of several techniques. The clean air is then discharged into the atmosphere through the exhaust stack.

How else is trona used to combat air pollution besides DSI?
·         Trona is also added in other processes to control pollutants. For example, in production of gold ore, trona is added to the roaster (U.S. Patent #6,270,555) to control sulfur dioxide emissions.
·         Trona is added in cement kilns to control sulfur emissions.

Is trona a harmful mineral?
·         Trona is a non-hazardous, non-flammable mineral.
·         Trona has been used to clean acid gas air streams in power plants and industry for over 20 years.
·         For specific information regarding the safety and environmental properties of trona,