《地球科学》(ISSN 1000-2383;CN42-1874/P) (原刊名《地球科学——中国地质大学学报》ISSN 1000-2383;CN42-1233/P)，创刊于1957年，是由教育部主管、中国地质大学主办的综合性地学学术理论期刊，月刊，2015年改名为《地球科学》,她以反映中国地质大学教学与科研最新的、高水平的基础地质、应用地质、资源与环境地质及地学工程技术研究成果为主要任务。

Nanhong agate has attracted public attention as the most distinctive gemstone in China. Owing to the limited data on Nanhong agates from a new production area in northeastern Yunnan, this paper presents the first data from gemological studies on these agates. Complex investigations using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) luminescence spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe (EPMA), and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses were carried out to obtain basic data concerning the gemological properties, microstructure, and spectroscopic and geochemical characteristics of this interesting material. The results illustrate that Nanhong agates from northeastern Yunnan are mainly composed of α-quartz and also contain certain amounts of moganite, illite, goethite, and hematite. The typical red (yellow) and white appearance can be attributed to the microstructure of the agates, the contents of Fe and Al impurities, and trace elements. The Raman spectra, microstructure, and chemical composition of the unique “yellow-skinned” agates from northeastern Yunnan are significantly different from those of other types of Nanhong agate. This work lays a foundation for the future identification and research of this type of Nanhong agate.

The column height of earth forest is generally 8~30m in yuanmou county of yunnan province, which is far higher than the self-supporting height of general soil column. Ferruginous cement is an important reason for formation of the tall and erect columnar soil. Macroscopic physical and mechanical tests confirmed that the strength of the stratum containing ferruginous cement was much higher than that of the formation without ferruginous cement. The microstructure and morphology of ferruginous cement were analyzed by SEM and EDS. It is found that ferruginous cement is mainly composed of iron compounds and clay minerals, which only exists in certain stratum. In the process of growth, Iron compounds chemically bond with clay minerals during growth to form ferruginous cements, which first form unique sphere on the surface of particles or clay minerals. It then clumps together and fills the spaces between the particles. Finally, the dispersed particles are connected together to form a stable lamellar spatial structure, which greatly improves the strength of the soil. Through the study of ferruginous cement, the mechanism of this natural curing agent is understood, which enriches the research content in this field.