| 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. |
| Olivine is not a separate mineral, but a member belonging to the forsterite-fayalite mixing series. Olivine belongs to the olivin-groupe whose end-members are calcio-olivine and tephroite. Forsterite is a magnesium silicate; fayalite an iron silicate. If commonly is spoken of olivine, it is usually ... moreOlivine is not a separate mineral, but a member belonging to the forsterite-fayalite mixing series. Olivine belongs to the olivin-groupe whose end-members are calcio-olivine and tephroite. Forsterite is a magnesium silicate; fayalite an iron silicate. If commonly is spoken of olivine, it is usually a more or less iron-rich forsterite. The color of olivine is generally yellowish green, olive green to black. You will find much more interesting details in our portrait about this common mineral series. Written and investigated by Peter Seroka. (Article 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) |
| This portrait explains the background to the most fascinating natural events on Earth, how are volcanoes build and what causes eruptions, lava flows and lahars. A rich picture book with some stunning shots invites you to dive into the fascinating world of magmatic phenomena. (Article in german) ... moreThis portrait explains the background to the most fascinating natural events on Earth, how are volcanoes build and what causes eruptions, lava flows and lahars. A rich picture book with some stunning shots invites you to dive into the fascinating world of magmatic phenomena. (Article in german) |
| ... Die Nutzung der Zinkerze der Lagerstätte Altenberg ist seit 1344 belegt. Dort wurde Galmei abgebaut, welches schon vor der Erfindung der Direktverhüttung von Zinkerzen die Messingherstellung ermöglichte. Die hier betrachtete Lagerstätte Altenberg kann allerdings, im Gegensatz zur benachbarten La ... more... Die Nutzung der Zinkerze der Lagerstätte Altenberg ist seit 1344 belegt. Dort wurde Galmei abgebaut, welches schon vor der Erfindung der Direktverhüttung von Zinkerzen die Messingherstellung ermöglichte. Die hier betrachtete Lagerstätte Altenberg kann allerdings, im Gegensatz zur benachbarten Lagerstätte Gessenich (römisch: Grasciniacum) im Stolberger Raum, nicht bis in die Römerzeit zurück verfolgt werden. Auf den aktuellen topografischen Karten (z.B. Top25 Deutschland, Blatt 5202 Aachen) ist der Altenberg nicht mehr zu finden... ein Beitrag von Norbert Kirchhoff |