| 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. |
| 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) |
| Who knows Tucson with its many satellite events, has already a good taste of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines show. Unlike in Munich where you find the stands clear and concentrated in halls, the organizers use single fenced-off parts of the city to place the stands on the streets. Public buildings such ... moreWho knows Tucson with its many satellite events, has already a good taste of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines show. Unlike in Munich where you find the stands clear and concentrated in halls, the organizers use single fenced-off parts of the city to place the stands on the streets. Public buildings such as swimming pool, school and theater are transformed into smaller exhibition halls... A small showreport by Stefan Schorn (in german) |