Nova

Could pieces of plastic garbage become the resource we need to construct buildings?

Making Steel From Trash

The enduring luster of gold, the conductivity of copper, the strength of steel—the special properties of metals have reshaped societies and defined eras; they have such an important role in human history that entire ages have been named after them. But what gives metals their astounding characteristics?

What is it about the nature of metals that have made them a pillar of human civilization?

Treasures of the Earth: Metals

Koch Foundation

NOVA Science Trust Logo

(This program is no longer available for online streaming.) The enduring luster of gold, the conductivity of copper, the strength of steel—the special properties of metals have reshaped societies and defined eras; they have such an important role in human history that entire ages have been named after them. But what gives metals their astounding characteristics? From the perfect ring of a bronze bell to the awe-striking steel construction of Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” stadium, how have humans perfected metalworking? And how have metals enabled our modern hi-tech world? Explore the science of metals with chemists and engineers as they literally test the mettle of metals and investigate how these remarkable materials have ushered humanity from the Stone Age to the stars.

Harvard University

Jewelry Arts Inc.

Lehigh University

Jurassic Coast

STScl

Archaeologist

University of Science & Technology, Beijing

Southampton University

Arup

University College London

AURA

Cornell University

University of New South Wales

UCLA

What is it about the nature of metals that have made them a pillar of human civilization?

Planet Earth

Much of a diamond's brilliance and fire comes down to physics.

Why Diamond Light is Beautiful

Their beauty has captivated us for millennia. Their cost can be extraordinary–some are even considered priceless. Precious gems like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opal, and jade are the ultimate treasures of the earth, and each one is made from a specific–and often torturous–recipe of chemistry, pressure, and heat. The secrets to their sparkle, color, and even strength lie deep inside the gems.

What processes in the depths of the Earth forge beautiful and precious stones?

Treasures of the Earth: Gems

(This program is no longer available for online streaming.) Their beauty has captivated us for millennia. Their cost can be extraordinary–some are even considered priceless. Precious gems like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opal, and jade are the ultimate treasures of the earth, and each one is made from a specific–and often torturous–recipe of chemistry, pressure, and heat. The secrets to their sparkle, color, and even strength lie deep inside the gems themselves, but could they also hold clues to one of the most enduring mysteries in the field of geology? From Tiffany’s workshop in New York to the sapphire mines of Sri Lanka, from North Carolina’s emerald fields to the jade-laden Forbidden City of China, join NOVA in the first episode of a 3-part series, "Treasures of the Earth," as we explore the fascinating science of gems.

Physicist

The University of Hong Kong

Beijing Colourful Yunnan, Ltd

Deep Carbon Observatory

North American Emerald Mine

Master Diamond Cutter

Tiffany & Co.

Gemological Institute of America

Opal Miner

Smithsonian Institution

Former Apple CEO

Carnegie Institution for Science

Speer Minerals

U.S. Jewelry Council

The Palace Museum

What processes in the depths of the Earth forge beautiful and precious stones?

Drill down to discover the treasures beneath our feet that power our world. Fossil fuels–coal, oil, and natural gas–powered the industrial revolution and allowed us to build a way of life that many cherish today. Personal cars, planes, lights, hot showers–all of these are gifts from our fossil fuels… but they have a dirty dark side in that they are polluting the planet.

Drill underground to see the treasures that power our world—today and into the future.

Treasures of the Earth: Power

When it comes to generating power, shining light on silicon opens up many possibilities.

Harvesting Electricity from Sand

(This program is no longer available for online streaming.) Drill down to discover the treasures beneath our feet that power our world. Fossil fuels–coal, oil, and natural gas–powered the industrial revolution and allowed us to build a way of life that many cherish today. Personal cars, planes, lights, hot showers–all of these are gifts from our fossil fuels… but they have a dirty dark side in that they are polluting the planet. What is it about these natural resources that has allowed them to fuel our civilization? What secrets are locked in their molecules? Where did that energy come from, and can we find alternative energy resources that come in a cleaner form? The hunt is on for new treasures that might allow us to power our modern way of life without damaging the environment. Join NOVA as we explore the resources that both power and pollute, from modern-day oil prospecting in California, to a mega-city utility company struggling to keep the lights on during hot summer days, to China where an engineer strives to solve one of the greatest obstacles to the success of solar power. Travel the globe to see how our energy treasures are changing—and if they can keep the lights on.

Trina Solar

California State University, Bakersfield

Penn State University

Con Edison

Zhangbei Battery Storage Project

University at Albany, SUNY

Ravenswood Generating Station

University of Nevada

Drill underground to see the treasures that power our world—today and into the future.

"Treasures of the Earth:  Gems, Metals, and Power" is a 3-part series that will take us on a journey deep inside Earth to uncover the mysteries of how these treasures were created, and to explore how they have allowed humankind to progress and build our great civilizations. But even as that quest continues, we are discovering that some of our treasures may soon run out or have unintended consequences that bring new perils. Can our ancient treasures reveal new secrets that will help us solve the problems we face today?

How have Earth’s most extraordinary natural resources driven the rise of civilization?

How have Earth’s most extraordinary natural resources driven the rise of civilization?

Treasures of the Earth Episodes

Treasures of the Earth: Metals

Treasures of the Earth: Gems

Treasures of the Earth: Power