A huge reserve of gold and platinum was found underground!

One of the world’s latest geological discoveries has attracted the attention of not only scientists but also investors. As reported by Nature, a very rare and valuable metal — ruthenium — was discovered in the Hawaiian Islands region. This metal belongs to the platinum group and is considered extremely valuable due to its rarity on the Earth’s surface.

Scientists proposed one of the most interesting theories regarding the origin of this metal: ruthenium may have come directly from the Earth’s core. This conclusion is significant not only geologically, but also geopolitically and economically.

From core to surface — the “journey” of precious metals

According to analyses, 99% of all valuable metals on Earth are located in its core, with only 1% found in the mantle and lithosphere. This is due to the metals’ dense and heavy structure, which caused them to sink toward the core under gravity during the Earth’s formation.

The Earth’s core is rich in metals and consists of a solid inner and liquid outer part. The motion of these metals creates the Earth’s magnetic field, which protects the planet from cosmic radiation and solar winds.

Mantle upwelling and the geological “superhighway”

Geologists explain that metals such as ruthenium can rise from the core to the surface through the mantle. This process is called “mantle upwelling” — a vertical movement of hot magma rising upward. Such powerful flows of energy can even break through continental plates from below.

These same processes led to the formation of the East African Rift — geologically, the African continent is slowly splitting into two.

Currently, such mantle activity is active beneath the Pacific Plate — specifically in the Hawaiian Islands region. Geologists believe these processes created the entire Hawaiian archipelago millions of years ago.

Isotopes from the core and the origin of ruthenium

During studies on the islands of Kauai and Kamaʻehuakanaloa, the discovery of ruthenium and tungsten surprised scientists. Isotopic analysis showed that the composition of these metals matches that of the Earth’s core, not the mantle. This confirms that they came from the core.

Experts believe the presence of ruthenium greatly increases the possibility of large deposits of gold, platinum, and other rare metals in the area. This is significant not only for science, but also in terms of future resource competition.

Riches rising from the Earth’s depths

Geological processes once again confirm that the Earth remains a largely unexplored and mysterious world. The discovery in Hawaii shows that not only ruthenium, but other precious elements from the core, may also reach the surface.

In the future, these locations may become not only tourist destinations but also geologically and economically significant points. What else lies hidden in the depths of our planet — time will tell.