The aqua-complex of general type [2SiO₃ - OH₂ - Mⁿ⁺M^m+O`<sub>4</sub>] (where n = 1, 2; m ≥ 3; O<sup>`</sup> is oxygen and other volatiles) is claimed to be a counterpart of DNA in the mineral realm. Similar to DNA, the aqua-complex was discovered at the nano-scale level of natural matter structure as a lattice defect in natural quartz. TEM studies were conducted in Max-Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics (Halle, Germany). In the tripartite structure of the aqua-complex, the central molecule of water, being the shortest natural redox bridge (i.e. through hydrogen bonds), combines acid and basic parts into an integral whole. Thus, the aqua-complex indeed parallels with DNA as in both cases acid and basic radicals are bound into a single structure through the hydrogen bonds.

Five basic properties of the aqua-complex were derived from geological and experimental data. It causes (1) the diversity of minerals; (2) structural-chemical rearrangement and redeposition of the rock matter; (3) the existence of geochemical associations; (4) the formation of granite melt and its evolution; and (5) conversion of energy in the mineral systems. Based on these properties, the aqua-complex was determined as a universal crystallochemical unit of the mineral matter, a certain “principle building block”, responsible for its evolution.

The aqua-complex, the integral part of synergetic paradigm in geology, unravels driving forces and mechanism of the rock matter alteration that allows arranging basic geological processes in a single evolutionary succession. Mineral deposits, regardless of their type, are formed in a course of the geological energy conversion. This approach elucidates the origin of ores, petroleum and diamonds as shown in case studies. The concept of the aqua-complex explains a steady association of gold with quartz, the nature of so called “invisible” gold in silicate rock, and also why gold and platinum, allied precious metals, form radically different economic deposits. The intimate relationship between DNA and the aqua-complex gives an insight into the nature of petroleum origin. This allows grouping the world oil and gas deposits into “relict” and “renewable” and solves the practical problems of oil extraction.

The aqua-complex, as a “DNA” of mineral matter, allows us to discover the nature of the Earth as a single entity, therefore providing a new approach to understanding the current paradoxical climate. Hosting the inverted Red/Ox, and at the same time being the fundamental “building block” of the rock matter, it extends the water specific properties over the all Earth’s matter. The Globe, itself, has a dipole Red/Ox structure with the inversion point within the hydrosphere. Increasing instabilities in this sphere indicate the change of energy state of the Planet. The positive trend of this change results in the climate generally getting warmer. However, this process proceeds through transformation and dissociation of the aqua-complex units of the Earth’s matter into acid (Ox) and basic (Red) radicals. Their intense transition from the solid geo-spheres to hydro- and atmospheres results in increasing of atmospheric pressure and temperature decrease in the continent interiors, and the ample precipitation at the coastal areas.

The book appeals to geologists, mining and civic engineers, climatologists and all others concerns.

414 pages, 9 tables, 167 coloured and black-white illustrations