June 2025, Vol. 21, No. 6

The Variscan orogeny was one of the most significant mountain-building events in Earth’s geological history, occurring between 380 and 300 million years ago during the assembly of the Pangea supercontinent. Through multiple cycles of continental collision, ocean basin opening and closure, and the accretion of Gondwana-derived continental fragments onto the Laurussia margin, the Variscan belt became a defining feature of ancient Europe’s tectonic evolution.

Unlike many other orogenic systems, the Variscan orogen is distinguished by its unusually thick and predominantly magmatic crust, limited mantle involvement, and complex accretionary history marked by pulsed magmatism along major collision sutures. Because Pangea remains the youngest and best-preserved supercontinent on Earth, studying the Variscan orogeny provides valuable insights into the geological processes responsible for supercontinent formation and continental evolution.

Why You’ll Love The Variscan Orogeny in Europe – Understanding Supercontinent Formation:

• Supercontinent Formation Insights: Discover how the Variscan orogeny contributed to the assembly of the Pangea supercontinent.
• Advanced Tectonic Research: Explore the complex cycles of continental collision, ocean closure, and crustal growth that shaped ancient Europe.
• Unique Geological Features: Learn why the Variscan belt stands apart from other mountain-building systems through its magmatic crust and distinctive geodynamic processes.

Expand your understanding of Earth’s tectonic history and uncover how the Variscan orogeny reveals the mechanisms behind supercontinent assembly and planetary evolution.

June 2025, Vol. 21, No. 5

This exciting issue of Elements explores the extraordinary scientific discoveries made possible through sample return missions from across our solar system. By studying extraterrestrial materials collected by both crewed and robotic missions, scientists have gained unprecedented insights into the mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry of planetary bodies ranging from the Sun and Moon to asteroids, comets, and Mars.

Each article focuses on a specific celestial body or mission series, highlighting how returned samples have transformed our understanding of planetary formation, geological evolution, and the chemical history of the solar system. The issue also examines current and future mission concepts designed to expand humanity’s knowledge of space through advanced sample collection and analysis.

Why You’ll Love Sample Return Through the Ages:

• Planetary Science Discoveries: Explore groundbreaking findings from lunar, Martian, asteroid, and comet sample return missions.
• Mission Histories & Future Exploration: Learn about past achievements and upcoming missions that aim to uncover new secrets of the solar system.
• Extraterrestrial Geochemistry: Gain insights into the mineralogical and chemical composition of celestial bodies through direct laboratory analysis of returned samples.

Expand your understanding of planetary exploration and discover how sample return missions continue to reshape our knowledge of the universe and the origins of our solar system.

June 2025, Vol. 21, No. 4

The Re-Os isotope system is one of the most powerful tools in modern geochemistry, despite involving two of the rarest elements found within Earth’s silicate mantle. Known for their unique siderophile, chalcophile, and organophile behavior, rhenium (Re) and osmium (Os) provide scientists with exceptional capabilities for radiometric dating and geochemical source tracing. This remarkable isotope system helps researchers answer geological questions that cannot be resolved using other radiometric methods.

Recent analytical breakthroughs have expanded the applications of the Re-Os system, enabling scientists to investigate Earth’s accretion history, mantle evolution, and the dynamic processes shaping the lithosphere through geological time. This issue explores how Re-Os geochronology continues to redefine our understanding of Earth’s deep interior and planetary development.

Why You’ll Love Re-Os – Clock with Clout:

• Advanced Geochronology Insights: Discover how the Re-Os isotope system is used to date geological events with remarkable precision.
• Mantle Evolution Research: Explore groundbreaking studies on the evolution of Earth’s convecting and lithospheric mantle.
• Cutting-Edge Analytical Techniques: Learn about the technological advancements driving new and innovative applications of Re-Os geochemistry.

Expand your understanding of isotope geochemistry and uncover how the Re-Os system reveals the hidden history of Earth’s formation and evolution.

June 2025, Vol. 21, No. 3

Greenalite [Fe₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄] is an iron-rich Fe(II)-serpentine mineral first identified in the Lake Superior iron formations more than a century ago. Today, with the help of advanced in-situ nanoscale imaging techniques, scientists are uncovering the true significance of this microscopic mineral in shaping Earth’s geological history. Recent research highlights nanoparticulate greenalite as a key contributor to the formation of early Precambrian banded iron formations (BIFs), offering new insights into the chemistry of ancient oceans and the evolution of the planet’s early atmosphere.

Why You’ll Love Greenalite – Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Iron Formations:

• Cutting-Edge Scientific Discoveries: Explore how modern nanoscale analytical techniques are transforming our understanding of greenalite and its geological importance.
• Ancient Earth Insights: Learn how greenalite played a crucial role in the formation of Precambrian banded iron formations and the development of Earth’s earliest marine environments.
• Detailed Mineralogical Exploration: Gain a deeper understanding of the structure, composition, and environmental significance of this fascinating Fe(II)-serpentine mineral.

Expand your geological knowledge and discover how one microscopic mineral is helping scientists rewrite the story of Earth’s earliest oceans and atmospheric evolution.

April 2025, Vol. 21, No. 2

Marine calcium carbonate biominerals, especially the shells and skeletons produced by molluscs, corals, and the immeasurably numerous calcifying phytoplankton and zooplankton, are of both societal and environmental importance for two key reasons. Firstly, the mineralised remains of these organisms are one of the largest long­term sinks of carbon on Earth’s surface. Secondly, and perhaps more practically, the (trace) element and isotopic composition of these biominerals probably represents the most widely applied tool for quantitatively reconstructing past environmental conditions on timescales from days to millions of years. It has been known for some time that the processes of biomineralisation imprint on these ‘proxy’ systems, shifting their behaviour away from thermodynamic equilibrium, such that they typically require empirical calibration to an environmental variable of interest.

Why You’ll Love Elements Magazine:

• Expert Contributors: Articles written by renowned researchers in the field of geoscience.
• Engaging Content: Join a community of readers who are passionate about Elements.
• Exceptional Quality: Each issue is printed on high-quality paper with stunning visuals and detailed illustrations that bring complex scientific concepts to life.

Order your copy of the April 2025 issue of Elements magazine today and explore Biomineral Geochemistry: Windows into Past Climates and Calcification.

February 2025, Vol. 21, No. 1

The birth and growth of minerals from aqueous solutions is a ubiquitous process in both natural and engineered environments. This research field has recently experienced a paradigm shift due to the discovery of non-classical nucleation and growth processes. These insights have helped us to understand better the natural world and significantly impact various industrial and environmental applications, such as the development of more sustainable building materials, mineral processing, CO₂ storage, and water treatment. Consequently, detailed knowledge of the mechanisms and kinetics underlying mineral nucleation and growth is vital in these areas.

Why You’ll Love Elements Magazine:

• Expert Contributors: Articles written by renowned researchers in the field of geoscience.
• Engaging Content: Join a community of readers who are passionate about Elements.
• Exceptional Quality: Each issue is printed on high-quality paper with stunning visuals and detailed illustrations that bring complex scientific concepts to life.

Order your copy of the February 2025 issue of Elements magazine today and explore Birth and Growth of Minerals from Aqueous Solutions.