| Aragonite is a calcium carbonate, chemically identical with calcite. The mineral calcite, however, differs from Aragonite due to its internal crystal structure. While the crystal system of calcite is trigonal, the system of aragonite is rhombic. Dense masses of small aragonite crystals are difficul ... moreAragonite is a calcium carbonate, chemically identical with calcite. The mineral calcite, however, differs from Aragonite due to its internal crystal structure. While the crystal system of calcite is trigonal, the system of aragonite is rhombic. Dense masses of small aragonite crystals are difficult to distinguish from calcite, but they are larger, they show a distinct habit. A lot of chapters in this portrait will give you much more details about this interesting mineral. Written and investigated by Peter Seroka. (Article in german) |
| Die Viloco Mine liegt hoch über der Ortschaft Viloco auf bis zu über 4900m. Die Mine zieht sich dabei über mehrere hundert Meter entlang des Berges in die Höhe. Sie befindet sich im "Cordillera Quimsa Cruz" (Aymara-Sprache) oder "Kimsa Krus" (Quechua-Sprache) oder auch "Tres Cruces" (deutsch "drei K ... moreDie Viloco Mine liegt hoch über der Ortschaft Viloco auf bis zu über 4900m. Die Mine zieht sich dabei über mehrere hundert Meter entlang des Berges in die Höhe. Sie befindet sich im "Cordillera Quimsa Cruz" (Aymara-Sprache) oder "Kimsa Krus" (Quechua-Sprache) oder auch "Tres Cruces" (deutsch "drei Kreuze") genanntem Gebirgszug im Departamento La Paz. Zahlreiche Stolleneingänge und meist verfallene Bergwerksbauten zeugen von einer umfangreichen Bergbautätigkeit. Verschiedene Quellen schreiben auch von Araca Mine, der Name sei quasi austauschbar. Hierbei handelt es sich um einen historischen Namen. |
| Olivine is not a separate mineral, but a member belonging to the forsterite-fayalite mixing series. Olivine belongs to the olivin-groupe whose end-members are calcio-olivine and tephroite. Forsterite is a magnesium silicate; fayalite an iron silicate. If commonly is spoken of olivine, it is usually ... moreOlivine is not a separate mineral, but a member belonging to the forsterite-fayalite mixing series. Olivine belongs to the olivin-groupe whose end-members are calcio-olivine and tephroite. Forsterite is a magnesium silicate; fayalite an iron silicate. If commonly is spoken of olivine, it is usually a more or less iron-rich forsterite. The color of olivine is generally yellowish green, olive green to black. You will find much more interesting details in our portrait about this common mineral series. Written and investigated by Peter Seroka. (Article in german) |