FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[James Catmur]

I watched episode 4 'atmosphere' last night and the formation of thousands of minerals, once life had emerged and produced enough O2 for it to enter the atmosphere, got a mention. Not a lot on it but the need for all the iron in the oceans to be oxidized first, before the O2 could bubble to the surface of the waters was explained. I am sure we could debate some of what is presented, but the link from life to most of the minerals we collect was nice to hear explained to the general TV audience.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0fpwl25/earth-series-1-4-atmosphere
(link normalized by FMF)

From about 35:00. This may not be available outside Brexitland

[Carles Millan]

I have a book (a gift from Joan Massagué in 2014) that I never get tired of rereading. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in this topic. It extensively covers the role of living beings in the formation of new mineral species, especially in the chapter 7, Photosynthesis and the Great Oxidation Event.

I also recommend the article in the MR, Nov-Dec. 2015, 46/6, page 805, by the same author, Robert M. Hazen: Mineral Evolution - The Great Oxidation Event, and the Rise of Colorful Minerals.

[James Catmur]

The great thing was to see it presented on mainstream Brexitland TV, over 3,000 minerals were created through the action of bacteria

[Roger Warin]

Some spontaneously created minerals have also been destroyed by bacteria.