| In 1978 the US - American geologist Walter Alvarez gained a narrow pattern red clay in the Italian Apennines and certain age these samples to approximately 65 million years , ie at the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Tertiary period. This very thin lime- clay layer lies between ... moreIn 1978 the US - American geologist Walter Alvarez gained a narrow pattern red clay in the Italian Apennines and certain age these samples to approximately 65 million years , ie at the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Tertiary period. This very thin lime- clay layer lies between two calcareous sediments and showed a different fossil record , which to a mass extinction ( faunal ) hinted . While further analysis Alvarez noted a high iridium concentrations; a typical ... An article by Peter Seroka (written in german) |
| From early tunnel construction in the 18th century to its final closure in the 1950s, the Frankenholz Mine in Germany’s Saar region was a key site of coal mining history. With ambitious shaft projects, its own cableway connection to Bexbach, and remarkable geological features – including fossil disc ... moreFrom early tunnel construction in the 18th century to its final closure in the 1950s, the Frankenholz Mine in Germany’s Saar region was a key site of coal mining history. With ambitious shaft projects, its own cableway connection to Bexbach, and remarkable geological features – including fossil discoveries and natural oil seepages – the mine reflects both the rise of industrial progress and the dangers of underground work. Gas explosions, water ingress, and tragic accidents shaped the lives of thousands of miners. Frankenholz remains a compelling reminder of a bygone mining era. |
| 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) |
| Beim Antilope Canyon handelt es sich um eine in Jahrtausenden aus Navajo Sandstein heraus gespülte Schlucht, die durch ihre geschwungen Formen und Lichtspiele einen besonderen Reiz auf den Betrachter ausübt. Beste Zeit für einen Besuch ist Mittag bis Nachmittag, da dann das Beste Farbspiel zu beobac ... moreBeim Antilope Canyon handelt es sich um eine in Jahrtausenden aus Navajo Sandstein heraus gespülte Schlucht, die durch ihre geschwungen Formen und Lichtspiele einen besonderen Reiz auf den Betrachter ausübt. Beste Zeit für einen Besuch ist Mittag bis Nachmittag, da dann das Beste Farbspiel zu beobachten ist. Ein Besuch sollte nur bei strahlendem Sonnenschein vorgenommen werden, da nur dann die farblichen Differenzen von violett bis leuchtendem Orange richtig zur Geltung kommen. Die unterschiedliche Lichtintensität im Canyon vermittelt den Eindruck von verschiedenfarbigem Sandstein... |
| In the late Middle Ages massive amount of Baryt which phosphoresced when it was gently heated, were discovered in Italy. This stone was named after its place of discovery "Pietra fosforica di Bologna" (phosphorescent Bologna stone) and was of great interest to alchemists. Although the name baryte ha ... moreIn the late Middle Ages massive amount of Baryt which phosphoresced when it was gently heated, were discovered in Italy. This stone was named after its place of discovery "Pietra fosforica di Bologna" (phosphorescent Bologna stone) and was of great interest to alchemists. Although the name baryte has been assigned centuries later, it may be assumed that the Bologna stone is the first description in the literature. A portrait about this famous mineral by Peter Seroka. |