ABSTRACT
There is nothing new about splitting or cracking rocks to release substances that mankind needs or desires. Consider, for example:
Most of us are familiar with the term bonanza, which refers to something that is very valuable, protable, or rewarding. Moreover, many of us have an even more tangible or palatable feeling for the meaning of the glittery term-specically, those who have witnessed, studied, or experienced a rags-to-riches metamorphosis, whereby they themselves or people they know have been impacted by the discovery of exceptionally large and rich mineral deposits of, for example, ores, precious metals, petroleum, or natural gas.
