University of Montana
Please enter a search term
Home About Contact
Artifacts from the Mike Mansfield Collection A Walk Through Time

A Walk Through Time

  1. Home
  2. A Walk Through Time
  3. Panel 22: Microbial Mining And Manufacturing
Panel 22: Microbial Mining And Manufacturing

Panel 22: Microbial Mining And Manufacturing

Download

Bacteria modify the global mineral cycle in two important ways: they induce nearby minerals to precipitate (settle out of solution), and they internally manufacture minerals. Bacteria swimming in a ri..

more »

Bacteria modify the global mineral cycle in two important ways: they induce nearby minerals to precipitate (settle out of solution), and they internally manufacture minerals. Bacteria swimming in a river help precipitate the great gold deposits of South Africa. Today, these wee wonders head for the mines in Russia. Miners pump microbes and water into thin or hard-to-reach veins.
Initial research indicates that microbes biologically induce over 27 kinds of minerals. Which minerals these versatile fellows form depends upon their environment and their own genetic capabilities.

« less
Previous Item
Next Item
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy policy