| 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. |
| 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) |
| 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) |