| 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. |
| 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. |
| The village and the mine with the same name "Rosia Montana" are located approximately 85 km north of the city of Deva. The mine complex extends over 21.2 square kilometers and is one of the largest gold deposits in Europe. The tunnel system in the underground is several hundred kilometers long and w ... moreThe village and the mine with the same name "Rosia Montana" are located approximately 85 km north of the city of Deva. The mine complex extends over 21.2 square kilometers and is one of the largest gold deposits in Europe. The tunnel system in the underground is several hundred kilometers long and was used until a few years ago. Already in Roman times the tunnels had a length of 145 km. |
| Der Begriff "Organische Mineralien" wird (leider) weltweit noch oft individuell definiert, obwohl es für diese Mineralgruppe seit einigen Jahren eine "Status Quo"-Klassifizierung gibt. Status Quo bedeutet im weiteren Sinn die Klassifizierung nach dem Strunz-System, insbesondere aber die Anerkennung ... moreDer Begriff "Organische Mineralien" wird (leider) weltweit noch oft individuell definiert, obwohl es für diese Mineralgruppe seit einigen Jahren eine "Status Quo"-Klassifizierung gibt. Status Quo bedeutet im weiteren Sinn die Klassifizierung nach dem Strunz-System, insbesondere aber die Anerkennung bzw. Aberkennung (Diskreditierung) der nachstehenden Mineralien durch die international verbindliche IMA-Regelung... Ein Beitrag unseres verstorbenen Freundes Peter Seroka |