> The new approach relies on a layered form of manganese oxide—a mineral material with the right size layers to allow ions to slip in and out and to differentia

> The new approach relies on a layered form of manganese oxide—a mineral material with the right size layers to allow ions to slip in and out and to differentiate rare earth elements. Seems literal to me! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentonite#Drilling_mud https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentonite#Drilling_mud https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talc#Uses https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talc#Uses https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphite#Other_properties https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphite#Other_properties