| The metal extraction by ore leaching (mostly copper) was about 1,000 years BC. known in the Mediterranean, but there are also barely no written records. The in the Middle Ages and in the following Renaissance well-known different procedures were first described in detail by Georg Agricola 1556 in hi ... moreThe metal extraction by ore leaching (mostly copper) was about 1,000 years BC. known in the Mediterranean, but there are also barely no written records. The in the Middle Ages and in the following Renaissance well-known different procedures were first described in detail by Georg Agricola 1556 in his book "De Re Metallica Libri XII". A contribution by Peter Seroka |
| People have always been fascinated by precious stones because of their lustre. But not only polished gems shine. Each raw mineral has, such as mica flakes in the river sand show, its very special characteristic luster. Gloss isn't simply measurable. It is usually described by comparison with objects ... morePeople have always been fascinated by precious stones because of their lustre. But not only polished gems shine. Each raw mineral has, such as mica flakes in the river sand show, its very special characteristic luster. Gloss isn't simply measurable. It is usually described by comparison with objects of everyday life ... (in german) |
| Do you know El Tio, the ruler of the underworld? In January 2012 Stefan Schorn, administrator of mineralienatlas.de, had the chance to visit the Bolivian San José Mine. In his article he tells us about the history of the mine and shows us with over 60 pictures this adventuresome trip inside the mine ... moreDo you know El Tio, the ruler of the underworld? In January 2012 Stefan Schorn, administrator of mineralienatlas.de, had the chance to visit the Bolivian San José Mine. In his article he tells us about the history of the mine and shows us with over 60 pictures this adventuresome trip inside the mine. (Article in German) |
| ... Eigentümlich ist hier insbesondere, daß die ausgebildeten Flußspatkristalle ( es wurde bis jetzt fast nur das Hexaeder gefunden ), immer stark verunreinigt sind, während das kristalline Gangmaterial weit höhere Reinheit besitzt. Die Verunreinigung geht soweit, daß z.B. Kupferkies, Pyrit, Quarz o ... more... Eigentümlich ist hier insbesondere, daß die ausgebildeten Flußspatkristalle ( es wurde bis jetzt fast nur das Hexaeder gefunden ), immer stark verunreinigt sind, während das kristalline Gangmaterial weit höhere Reinheit besitzt. Die Verunreinigung geht soweit, daß z.B. Kupferkies, Pyrit, Quarz oder Ton im Innern der in Intervallen aufgebauten Kristalle gefärbte Schichten bildet. Es scheinen hier erst die zuletzt in die Höhe gestiegenen Lösungen so intensiv mit Sulfiden verunreinigt gewesen zu sein. Außerdem sind die Kristalle meist treppenartig gelagert, was durch die stengelige Ausbildung der Unterlage bedingt ist... Ein Beitrag von Michael Kommer |