2024-03-17 19:04:37
On the banks of the Miass River in Russia, a unique mineral is found. Until now, miassit has not been of great interest to scientists. But that may change. Researchers at a US Department of Energy national laboratory have discovered its superconducting characteristic. They expose it in a study published on February 17 in the journal Communications Materials.
Miassite is one of four minerals known to be able to act as superconductors when grown in the laboratory. Superconductivity consists of the absence of electrical resistance and the expulsion of the magnetic field. It is this property which allows, through electromagnets, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particle accelerators and even nuclear fusion. Superconductivity also allows energy to be stored or transported without loss.
The rest under this advertisement
Nature takes its time…
like this ad! Nature takes its time…
like this ad!
A mineral that behaves like materials well known to researchers
The superconductivity of miassite brings new possibilities. When it is not naturally contained in minerals, this property is called conventional when it manifests itself at extremely low temperatures (close to absolute zero, namely -273.15 °C) – and unconventional when it occurs. ‘exercises in higher temperatures.
Miassite would therefore have an unconventional superconducting property similar to that of high temperatures. But conversely, miassite is superconductive by nature. Its complex chemical composition might be recreated in the laboratory.
The possibility of a more ecological approach
By artificially recreating the mineral, American researchers also managed to demonstrate that it was a superconductor. For this, they subjected it to three different tests. They measured the effect of magnetic field, temperature and electronic disturbances on miassite. In all respects, it behaved like an unconventional superconductor.
The rest under this advertisement
Nature takes its time…
like this ad!
The existence of a material of this type in its natural state, reproducible in the laboratory, might represent the future in terms of superconductivity. Using these minerals rather than materials that require high temperature swings might benefit both the environment and the economy.
1710706986
#mineral #superconductor #discovered #scientists #economic #ecological #promise
