| 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) |
| 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. |
| Iin 1546 Georgius Agricola reported about a white metal which is fused to the Rammelsberg lead and silver melter and that you could scrape off. He called this metal "contrefey", because it could imitate gold. Agricola did not recognize that this metal was zinc. He further observed that a similar met ... moreIin 1546 Georgius Agricola reported about a white metal which is fused to the Rammelsberg lead and silver melter and that you could scrape off. He called this metal "contrefey", because it could imitate gold. Agricola did not recognize that this metal was zinc. He further observed that a similar metal, which he named from some unknown reasons "ZINCUM" arose under similar circumstances in Silesia during smelting. |
| Ein Geleucht des Bergmanns. Frosch werden diese Geleuchte in Anlehnung an ihr Aussehen genannt. Jede Zeit und jedes Bergbaugebiet hatte unterschiedliche Frösche. Es gab den erzgebirgischen Frosch, den westfälischen, den Siegerländer usw.. Die Montage mittels Hartlot geschah in einem Schmiedefeuer. A ... moreEin Geleucht des Bergmanns. Frosch werden diese Geleuchte in Anlehnung an ihr Aussehen genannt. Jede Zeit und jedes Bergbaugebiet hatte unterschiedliche Frösche. Es gab den erzgebirgischen Frosch, den westfälischen, den Siegerländer usw.. Die Montage mittels Hartlot geschah in einem Schmiedefeuer. Als Flussmittel diente Stroh. Die Besonderheit hierbei ist das Lot, auch Rotschlag oder Gelbschlag genannt. Das körnige Lot wurde mittels einer Tülle den Baugruppen zugegeben. Dieses Lot dient heute dem Fachmann als Beweis der Originalität eines Frosches. |