"This work fundamentally changes our view of the diversity of minerals on the planet," says Hazen. "For example, more than 80 percent of Earth's minerals were mediated by water, which is ...

This new simulation acts like a global weather forecast for all species on Earth, calculating how many species of animal live on land, and how quickly new species evolve.

Another key finding of the 15-year scientific effort is that more than 80% of the earth’s minerals were mediated by water, which is, therefore, fundamentally important to mineral diversity.

Dr Hazen said: “For example, more than 80% of Earth’s minerals were mediated by water, which is, therefore, fundamentally important to mineral diversity on this planet.

Scientists have detailed the origins and diversity of every known mineral on Earth. Sign up to our Scotsman Rural News - A weekly of the Hay's Way tour of Scotland emailed direct to you.