Tarnowitzite, a variety of aragonite. The hardness of crystals is measured using the Moh's scale. Diamond is the hardest, talc the softest.

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The Earth from space

Earth and space

Volcanic explosions may cause destruction, but they also create new life. Without them, and without the millions of meteorite and comet impacts onto the Earth's surface, life could not exist as it does today. Fossils give us clues about how the world and the life on it have changed over millions of years. Explore Earth and space.

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Did you know?

Fossils of insects have been found dating back as far as 400 million years ago.