| 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. |
| 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) |
| Do you know El Tio, the ruler of the underworld? In January 2012 Stefan Schorn, administrator of mineralienatlas.de, had the chance to visit the Bolivian San José Mine. In his article he tells us about the history of the mine and shows us with over 60 pictures this adventuresome trip inside the mine ... moreDo you know El Tio, the ruler of the underworld? In January 2012 Stefan Schorn, administrator of mineralienatlas.de, had the chance to visit the Bolivian San José Mine. In his article he tells us about the history of the mine and shows us with over 60 pictures this adventuresome trip inside the mine. (Article in German) |
| 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) |