"Unraveling the Dolomite Mystery: A 200-Year-Old Geological Puzzle Solved"
Scientists at the University of Michigan and Hokkaido University have solved the "Dolomite Problem," a 200-year-old geology mystery, by successfully growing dolomite crystals in the lab under natural conditions. The key was periodically dissolving defects in the mineral structure, which can occur naturally through processes like rain or tidal cycles. This breakthrough not only explains the abundance of dolomite in ancient geological formations but also offers insights into manufacturing defect-free materials for modern technology applications such as semiconductors and solar panels. The research, which used advanced simulation techniques and was tested with transmission electron microscopes, could revolutionize the way materials are grown for technological use.