The United States has used multiple U.S. agencies and a private, not-for-profit entity to implement the domestic and international provisions of the Clean Diamond Trade Act (CDTA). The Departments of State and the Treasury have led U.S. efforts to implement the domestic provisions of the act; State has led the U.S. efforts to curtail trade in conflict diamonds abroad. Domestically, the Departments of State, the Treasury, Homeland Security, and Commerce, and the private entity, called the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority (USKPA), have been responsible for controlling U.S. imports and exports of rough diamonds. Internationally, State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the U.S. Geological Survey have helped to strengthen KPCS. Domestically, the U.S. systems for reporting rough diamond statistics and for controlling imports and exports of these diamonds are vulnerable to illicit trade. The United States has enhanced the quality of its rough diamond trade data by improving its collection processes, but work remains to be done. Also, the United States does not periodically inspect rough diamond imports or exports to ensure that the contents of the rough diamond parcels match the Kimberley Process certificates. In addition, the United States lacks an effective system for confirming receipt of imports -- a Kimberley Process requirement for avoiding possible diversions of rough diamond imports.

An introduction to ionic compounds for both mineralogists and chemists

Mineralogy and chemistry find their paths intertwined in many ways. Minerals afford chemists interesting examples of simple and complex structures, as well as practical applications of bonding, symmetry, and thermodynamics. Concurrently, the relevant chemistry enriches the mineralogist's view with a grasp of such aspects as structure, stability, and reactivity. This introduction to ionic compounds bridges the two disciplines by explaining the concepts that are used by the chemist and mineralogist in their attempts to unravel the mysteries of nature.

The lively style uses questions and answers throughout as a means to both engage the reader and enhance their understanding of the material. "Ionic Compounds: Applications of Chemistry to Mineralogy" conveys the fundamental principles of the structure and bonding in minerals and emphasizes the relationship of structure at the atomic level to the symmetry and properties of crystals. The book covers: Bonding and composition Structure of ionic compounds, including close-packing The symmetry of crystals Factors that affect the symmetry of the unit cell Morphology and color Chemical properties

Requiring no knowledge of either chemistry or mineralogy beyond the typical secondary school level, "Ionic Compounds" is an accessible and highly useful reference for both professional scientist, student, and the serious mineral collector who can benefit from a deeper understanding of the chemical and crystallographic properties of minerals.

This introduction to mineralogy for undergraduate and graduate students in geology and materials science has been designed for a semester course. Covering all aspects of mineralogy in an integrated way, it links mineral properties with broader geological processes, and conveys their economic importance throughout the text. Handy reference tables and a glossary of terms make this study an indispensable guide for the next generation of mineralogy students.

Discover the history of precious, semi-precious, and organic gemstones, their scientific properties, their mythical powers, and their traditional uses. Humans have been beguiled and fascinated by gemstones and crystals since prehistory, and made use of them for everything from currency and ceremonial decoration to tokens of love or power. But why have some been considered more significant than others - rare or otherwise? Learn all about the key characteristics of precious and semi-precious stones, and discover the science behind some of their more unusual and mysterious properties, and the various ways in which they have taken on powerful symbolic meanings. How did the Vikings use iolite to help them steer their ships, for example? And why did the Ancient Greeks and Romans believe that sardonyx could protect them in battle? Inside this magical book of crystals, you will find: - A quirky and compelling angle on the subject of crystals and gems - combining science with culture and history. - Definitions for the key properties of precious, semi-precious, and organic stones. - An exploration of their traditional uses in healing and manifesting, and the powers they have been ascribed through the centuries. - The stories of famous gems and jewels throughout history Encounter the fascinating stories of some of the most famous or celebrated gemstones and jewels along the way - from a turquoise-studded pectoral worn during Aztec ceremonies, to the diamond necklace that helped to bring about the French Revolution - in this glorious celebration of precious, semi-precious, and organic stones in all their beauty and variety.

This book presents select proceedings of the Indian Chemical Engineering Congress (CHEMCON-2021) under the theme "Sustainable Utilization of Resources for Chemical Mineral Sectors". It covers broad topics such as chemical reaction and processes, material science and engineering, coal and mineral processing, pyro- and hydro-metallurgical processes, environmental engineering and waste management, advanced engineering, and energy materials. This book is useful for the researchers, professionals, and policymakers interested in sustainable utilization of chemical and mineral resources.

Hydroxyoximes and Copper Hydrometallurgy provides a current examination of what is known regarding hydroxyoxime extractants, the chemistry and physicochemistry of extraction, and the potential of applying hydroxyoximes for extraction of copper and other metals in industrial processes. Topics addressed include the development of the hydrometallurgical process, methods of synthesis and structural characteristics, extraction properties, losses of active substances and problems associated with environmental pollution, the potential of metal extraction and separation with hydroxyoximes, methods of extraction and stripping that can improve metal separation and recovery, the applications of hydroxyoximes in various membrane processes, and industrial processes and equipment used for processing oxide ores and tailing. The book will benefit metallurgists, hydrometallurgists, analytical and physical chemists, and researchers in mining industries and solvent extraction.

Due to their unique porous properties, zeolites (also referred to as molecular sieves) are used in a variety of applications - major uses are in petrochemical cracking, ion-exchange (water softening and purification), and in the separation and removal of gases and solvents. Molecular Sieves: From Basic Research to Industrial Applications, Volume 158 A, B presents over 265 worldwide contributions on the latest developments in zeolitic research. Readers will find this book, which is divided into five sections: Synthesis, Characterization, Adsorption, Catalysis, and Novel applications, ideal for staying up to date on current research on porous materials.
* Comprehensive overview of current research on porous materials
* Contains experimental as well as theoretical input, reflecting the increasing overlap between theory and experiment
* Contributions from the world's leading authorities