Physics meets mineralogy. Condensed-matter physics in geosciences / Физика на стыке с минералогией. Физика конденсированных сред в геонауках.

It has long been recognized that atomic interactions are key in understanding largescale geological phenomena, which is an approach dating at least as far back as the days of Goldschmidt [1]. Conversely, a study of the materials that comprise the planets can tell us much about fundamental physics and chemistry. This line of approach is subsequently exemplified by Pauling's development of the theory of chemical bonding from the structural studies of minerals [2].
Among many facets that revolutionized modern earth science are plate tectonic theory, discoveries in planetary astronomy, and extraordinary technical advances that provide windows on our planet's deep interior. Modern condensed-matter physics, on the other hand, has acquired much impetus from the discovery of new phenomena, the development of new experimental methods, and vast improvements in computational methods. Although physics and mineralogy have continued largely on distinct and disparate trajectories, many recent advances in both earth science and physics stem from science done at the crossroads of the two fields. Indeed, it has taken the vision, wisdom, and dedication of a few leading individuals, like Goldschmidt and Pauling in the earlier era, to bring together these two fields and cultures in order to answer numerous long-standing questions about the natural world.
The interplay of earth sciences and physics may indeed be best illustrated by an examination of the brief history of a key scientist, which we attempt in the next section. <...>