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TIL that amethyst used to be counted alongside diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires as one of the most valuable gemstones. However, an extensive supply was found in Brazil in the 18th century and the price subsequently crashed.

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16wVO TIL the rate of childhood obesity is highest in Greece, with 44% of boys being overweight. Italy, New Zealand, and Slovenia are next, with the US in 5th at 30%
1ae5d TIL in 2006 a UFO was spotted over an O'Hare Airport terminal. As many as 12 United Airlines employees reported seeing it before it shot off into the clouds.
dDM97 TIL that during the Battle of the North Cape the cruiser HMS Belfast pursued the battleship Scharnhorst away from the first engagement, risking Scharnhost's guns in order to keep a radar track to guide a second British fleet into position to sink her
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