| The term used in the plural "pyrites" has often been misused in the past or in common for marcasite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and other yellow to brass-colored minerals. The word pyrite is derived from the Greek "pyrites lithos" (derived pyr = fire and lithos = stone) and describes a characteristic ... moreThe term used in the plural "pyrites" has often been misused in the past or in common for marcasite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and other yellow to brass-colored minerals. The word pyrite is derived from the Greek "pyrites lithos" (derived pyr = fire and lithos = stone) and describes a characteristic of the mineral, when rubbing against steel or flint (flint) to generate sparks. In prehistoric tombs pyrite concretions and unrolled pyrite where found, which supposed to be used for lighting a fire. (Article in German) |
| Spinellsynthesen finden sich im Handel als komplette Schmelzbirnen, die ab und an einen annähernd quadratischen, aber abgerundeten Querschnitt besitzen. In der Nähe des Keimes finden sich selten abgerundete Oktaederflächen. Im Gegensatz dazu sind Korundbirnen in der Regel der Länge nach gespalten ... moreSpinellsynthesen finden sich im Handel als komplette Schmelzbirnen, die ab und an einen annähernd quadratischen, aber abgerundeten Querschnitt besitzen. In der Nähe des Keimes finden sich selten abgerundete Oktaederflächen. Im Gegensatz dazu sind Korundbirnen in der Regel der Länge nach gespalten, um die inneren Spannungen im Kristall zu lösen. Wird das Material durch Tempern von den Spannungen befreit, sind die Korundbirnen komplett und im Querschnitt rund oder eher abgerundet dreiseitig. Ein Beitrag von Klaus Schäfer |
| Report about a geologic - and geology of deposits excursion through central and southern Namibia as well as the Namaqualand bordering to the South and parts of the Northern cape in autumn, 2009., Amongst other localities in Namibia the author visited the tin deposit Uis, the explorations project Na ... moreReport about a geologic - and geology of deposits excursion through central and southern Namibia as well as the Namaqualand bordering to the South and parts of the Northern cape in autumn, 2009., Amongst other localities in Namibia the author visited the tin deposit Uis, the explorations project Namib Lead near Swakopmund, as well as the important mines Rosh Pinah and Scorpion Zinc in the south of Namibia. In the Republic South Africa the trip led to the copper mining region of Okiep as well as the lead zinc mines of Aggeneys and, finally, to the Kalahari manganese ore districts of Postmasburg and Kuruman. (Full text in german) |
| Deposits are one of the most important topics in geology. Peter Seroka has addressed the issue in several years of work and has written an up-to-date geological summary. He dedicated his work to the 15 th anniversary of Mineralienatlas. The work gives detailed information regarding the origin of d ... moreDeposits are one of the most important topics in geology. Peter Seroka has addressed the issue in several years of work and has written an up-to-date geological summary. He dedicated his work to the 15 th anniversary of Mineralienatlas. The work gives detailed information regarding the origin of deposits, the different types of deposits and their classification. Examples of economically important deposits complete the chapters. Provided that this comprehensive work would be printed it would be a volume of over 400 pages; here it is provided in its entirety, online. Thanks to Peter Seroka. (written in german language). |
| Who first discovered the mineral cerussite and where it was first found remains in the darkness of history. However, to give it a name, the first mention is attributed to the Renaissance scholar Conrad Gesner - which does not mean, however, that he discovered or first described the mineral. (Gesner ... moreWho first discovered the mineral cerussite and where it was first found remains in the darkness of history. However, to give it a name, the first mention is attributed to the Renaissance scholar Conrad Gesner - which does not mean, however, that he discovered or first described the mineral. (Gesner (1516 to 1565) is considered the most famous and important naturalist and scholar of Switzerland)..... A mineral portrait of our unfortunately deceased friend Peter Seroka |