The Carbon Mineral Challenge: A Worldwide Hunt for New Carbon Minerals

Explore the groundbreaking Carbon Mineral Challenge in this 29-minute press conference from the AGU Fall Meeting 2015. Learn about the worldwide hunt for undiscovered carbon-bearing minerals, engaging both amateur collectors and professional mineralogists. Discover how researchers estimate at least 145 carbon minerals await discovery, despite the current recognition of 406 out of over 5000 known mineral species on Earth. Gain insights into the co-evolution of life and minerals, potential localities for carbon mineral discoveries, and the characteristics of these elusive substances. Understand the significance of finding new carbon minerals and how both amateurs and professionals can participate in this unique international challenge. Hear from expert panelists Robert Hazen, Daniel Hummer, and Barbara Lafuente as they discuss the exciting prospects of this mineralogical endeavor.