Natural resources

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  • Salt crystals
    Feature

    The Lion, the Wich and the Waller

    11 May 2015

    Almost 30 years after its closure, the historic Lion Salt Works in Cheshire opens its doors to the public. Volunteer Mike Tingle relates some of its history

  • 0215EiCElements300tb
    Elements

    Molybdenum

    9 March 2015

    John Emsley looks at an element that holds the key to life on Earth

  • Iridescent bismuth crystal
    Elements

    Bismuth

    20 November 2014

    John Emsley examines a heavy metal that gleams, calms and quenches

  • barium meal
    Elements

    Barium

    10 September 2014

    John Emsley looks at an element that, despite first appearances, has some interesting applications

  • Fruit on an olive tree
    Elements

    Boron

    3 July 2014

    John Emsley looks at the element that links olive trees with semiconductors

  • Batteries
    Elements

    Nickel

    8 May 2014

    John Emsley investigates the element of batteries, blades and baked beans

  • Rock sample
    News

    Piece of Earth’s interior ‘ocean’ found in diamond

    8 May 2014

    Water-rich mineral points to vast stores of water 500km underground

  • The Visual Elements symbol for holmium
    Elements

    Holmium

    6 March 2014

    When it comes to powerful magnets, nothing beats holmium. John Emsley investigates

  • Water pouring into a drinking glass
    The Mole

    From ground to tap

    1 March 2014

    Sue Thompson leads us through the journey water takes from underground to our drinking glass

  • Christmas tree
    Feature

    Terpenes: not just for Christmas

    7 January 2014

    The chemicals that give Christmas trees their pine fresh smell could be at the centre of a chemical revolution, as Josh Howgego explains