Cosmic rays turned ancient sand into a geological time machine

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.