Tag Archives: minerals

Sci-Tech

Pax Silica Coalition Aims To Advance AI Revolution But Why No Canada?

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This article is via friends at share.america.gov. As artificial intelligence fuels a 21st-century industrial revolution, the United States and partner nations are working together to advance technological progress and mutual prosperity.

In December, the U.S. Department of State launched the Pax Silica initiative , inviting countries that are home to advanced technology companies to adopt AI standards and governance models that will foster trusted digital infrastructure and secure supply chains while unleashing the full economic potential of AI.

“This is an economic security coalition built on the reality that our security is inseparable from our technological edge,” Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said of Pax Silica, named for the Latin words for peace and the element central to modern technologies.

So far, 11 countries have signed on to the Pax Silica declaration along with the United States: Australia, Greece, India, Israel, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Taiwan has endorsed the Pax Silica principles.

7 people sitting at table and holding up documents (State Dept.)
Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg, far left, joins international partners at the Pax Silica Summit in Washington December 12. (State Dept.)

A strategy to lead the AI race

Advancing diplomacy and security around future technologies is a pillar of the Trump administration’s AI strategy, Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan  (PDF, 509KB below). The strategy also aims to build U.S. AI infrastructure and accelerate innovation.

Americas-AI-Action-PlanDownload

In the 21st century, Helberg says, “power is measured by technology. The ability to design and manufacture critical components … The ability to secure and scale advanced systems. The ability to turn knowledge into production.”

Graphic highlighting key parts of the Pax Silica strategic concept (State Dept./M. Gregory)
(State Dept./M. Gregory)

Countries that have joined Pax Silica are among those already reaping the benefits of innovation. Since November 2022, when U.S.-based OpenAI released ChatGPT, countries that have now joined Pax Silica have averaged 3% to 4% economic growth , three times that of similarly developed nations, Helberg said in congressional testimony in February.

Opportunity for streamlined access

Pax Silica seeks to ensure signatory nations enjoy the benefits of future progress. The State Department is piloting a “concierge” service to streamline partner nations’ access to American-made AI products — including power, cooling, software and hardware.

In February, the U.S. State Department announced foreign assistance to deliver affordable, high-quality smartphones across the Indo-Pacific. This Edge AI Package will bring AI innovations to millions of people while ensuring future users run trusted operating systems.

“When it comes to AI, we will partner with our friends to ensure they take part in this unprecedented economic boom,” Helberg says.

Earth

Heritage Auction Combined Fluorite Specimen With Associated Painting

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Discovered at the Elmwood Mine, Carthage,Tennessee, USA
Discovered at the Elmwood Mine, Carthage,Tennessee, USA

Despite a production history spanning several decades, the number of exceptionally fine and large specimens that have been recovered at Elmwood is actually quite small. The mine is known for specimens combining Fluorite, Sphalerite and Baryte in aesthetic combinations which play off the different colors, forms and surface luster that each of these minerals brings to the mix.

Here, we have a significant Fluorite cluster of cubic form composed of pale yellow core material overlain with a thin veneer of violet color. Next to it is a radiating group of dark red Sphalerite crystals of pyramidal form and adamantine luster. To complete the ensemble, there are rounded Baryte aggregates of an off-white hue and granular texture, artfully arranged around the edges of the Fluorite, which is quite transparent, as any side or back lighting will prove, while the Sphalerite displays an almost metallic luster with glints of deep red that serves as a counterpoint to the two other minerals.

The Natural World has a long history of inspiring artists.

This museum quality specimen was hidden away in a private collection for many years and has just recently been cleaned with modern cleaning techniques to reveal the top level caliber of the piece. This is fresh to market, as it has never been offered to the public for sale. Condition is excellent with only minor nicks and chips. The specimen managed to captivate noted Dallas artist: J.D.Miller enough that he immortalized it via a acrylic painting reminiscent of the Impressionist works of Van Gogh and the like. The specimen is accompanied by this amazing painting, as well as a custom acrylic stand.

Opening bid with buyer’s premium was $125,000 (usd). 


Overall Measurements: 10 x 12 x 8.5 inches (25.4 x 30.48 x 21.59 cm)
Painting Measurements: 52 x 64 inches (132.08 x 162.56 cm)
Estimate: $200,000 – $250,000.