| 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) |
| Calcite is one of the most abundant natural minerals. It is found in very different shapes, both compact as limestone as well as sinter in caves and in the crystalline state. But even in our daily life calcite is always present: in some regions it blockes water pipes as "chalk", we build our houses ... moreCalcite is one of the most abundant natural minerals. It is found in very different shapes, both compact as limestone as well as sinter in caves and in the crystalline state. But even in our daily life calcite is always present: in some regions it blockes water pipes as "chalk", we build our houses with it, it is in our food chain and without it we could not stand upright. Calcite is not rare, but the varied mineral on Earth. The variety of forms and variations of the forms of calcite are unmatched in the world of mineralogy. By 2009, more than 800 Calcit forms have been described. |
| 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 |
| Titanit ist ein Mineral, welches man in Vorkommen unterschiedlicher Genese antrifft. In Granitpegmatiten können Kristalle bis 25 cm groß werden; in Alkaligesteinen bis zu 6 cm. Kristalle von erstklassiger Qualität (relativ auch Edelsteinqualität) findet man jedoch nur in alpinotypen Klüften. Erstma ... moreTitanit ist ein Mineral, welches man in Vorkommen unterschiedlicher Genese antrifft. In Granitpegmatiten können Kristalle bis 25 cm groß werden; in Alkaligesteinen bis zu 6 cm. Kristalle von erstklassiger Qualität (relativ auch Edelsteinqualität) findet man jedoch nur in alpinotypen Klüften. Erstmals gefunden wurde Titanit 1795 in den Hauzenberger Graphitgruben im Bayerischen Wald und beschrieben durch Martin Heinrich KLAPROTH, der das Mineral nach seinem Gehalt an Titan benannte. Soweit nachvollziehbar, führte KLAPROTH die Erz-Analysen im Auftrag eines Bergbauunternehmens durch. |