| 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) |
| It is not possible to write a chapter about the mineral galena without looking at the history of lead and silver to name two of the most important raw materials and materials of humanity. How long people processed galena as main ore for the production of lead is unknown. As lead inter alia used as a ... moreIt is not possible to write a chapter about the mineral galena without looking at the history of lead and silver to name two of the most important raw materials and materials of humanity. How long people processed galena as main ore for the production of lead is unknown. As lead inter alia used as an additive to various melts (e.g. to bronze and the salt-cementation process for gold extraction) one can assume that the properties of this mineral were known before 3000 BC. Other sources speak of a history of lead about 7000-9000 years BC back. |
| Betrachtet man die Struktur von Kristallen, erkennt mam meistens verschiedene Arten von Symmetrien, wie Translationen, Spiegelungen oder Drehsymmetrien. Der Grund für das Auftreten dieser Symmetrien liegt darin, daß bestimmte Atomanordnungen in der Struktur besonders stabil sind; eine hohe Symmetrie ... moreBetrachtet man die Struktur von Kristallen, erkennt mam meistens verschiedene Arten von Symmetrien, wie Translationen, Spiegelungen oder Drehsymmetrien. Der Grund für das Auftreten dieser Symmetrien liegt darin, daß bestimmte Atomanordnungen in der Struktur besonders stabil sind; eine hohe Symmetrie erlaubt dann die ständige Wiederholung dieser besonders stabilen Konfigurationen in der Struktur. Die Beschäftigung mit der Symmetrie von Kristallen in der Kristallographie ist aus mehreren Gründen besonders wichtig - Ein Beitrag von Erik Hock |
| Actually, this is a picturesque place in a well-kept forest. Nevertheless, in the past, evil itself is said to have preached to the damned here from a large, solitary, towering rock spur. Today, the term Devil's Pulpit inspires one to play with associations, as do the drawings of agates found here. ... moreActually, this is a picturesque place in a well-kept forest. Nevertheless, in the past, evil itself is said to have preached to the damned here from a large, solitary, towering rock spur. Today, the term Devil's Pulpit inspires one to play with associations, as do the drawings of agates found here. Their fantastic outlines, coupled with the unusual shape of the secondary rock, evoke images in the viewer that he would not have suspected in a stone. And on the devil's pulpit no longer an evil demon is waiting for the agate collector, but other executive powers threatening with purgatory... a contribution by Klaus Schäfer and others (in german) |
| ... Am Ende der Braunkohlenzeit, im Pliozän, überwand der junge Rhein, aus der Mainzer Gegend kommend, zum ersten Mal das Rheinische Schiefergebirge. Mit dem Ausklingen der Braunkohlezeit schwand auch im nördlichen Rheinland das subtropische Klima. Zu dieser Zeit suchte der Rhein mit der Ur-Maas den ... more... Am Ende der Braunkohlenzeit, im Pliozän, überwand der junge Rhein, aus der Mainzer Gegend kommend, zum ersten Mal das Rheinische Schiefergebirge. Mit dem Ausklingen der Braunkohlezeit schwand auch im nördlichen Rheinland das subtropische Klima. Zu dieser Zeit suchte der Rhein mit der Ur-Maas den Weg zum Meer und lagerte die ältesten Diluvialschotter in Form von wasserhellen und milchigen Quarzen sowie anderen Kieselgesteinen ab. ... Ein Beitrag von Günter E. |