Cosmic rays turned ancient sand into a geological time machine Cosmic rays trapped in tiny zircon crystals are giving scientists a new “clock” to uncover how ancient landscapes formed and where valuable minerals may hide.
- Date:
- March 12, 2026
- Source:
- Curtin University
- Summary:
- Scientists at Curtin University have uncovered a new way to read the deep history of Earth’s landscapes using microscopic zircon crystals from ancient beach sands. These incredibly durable minerals trap traces.