| From early tunnel construction in the 18th century to its final closure in the 1950s, the Frankenholz Mine in Germany’s Saar region was a key site of coal mining history. With ambitious shaft projects, its own cableway connection to Bexbach, and remarkable geological features – including fossil disc ... moreFrom early tunnel construction in the 18th century to its final closure in the 1950s, the Frankenholz Mine in Germany’s Saar region was a key site of coal mining history. With ambitious shaft projects, its own cableway connection to Bexbach, and remarkable geological features – including fossil discoveries and natural oil seepages – the mine reflects both the rise of industrial progress and the dangers of underground work. Gas explosions, water ingress, and tragic accidents shaped the lives of thousands of miners. Frankenholz remains a compelling reminder of a bygone mining era. |
| 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 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. |
| 1936 erwirbt die Firma "Saline Ludwigshalle AG", Bad Wimpfen, die Grube Kallmünzer. Daraufhin wurde der Firmenname ( Besitzer) in "Flußspatwerk Schwarzenfeld GmbH, vorm. Anton Kallmünzer" geändert. Die Flußspatgrube wird von nun an Grube Cäcilia, teils auch Grube Cäcilie, genannt. Anton Kallmünzer b ... more1936 erwirbt die Firma "Saline Ludwigshalle AG", Bad Wimpfen, die Grube Kallmünzer. Daraufhin wurde der Firmenname ( Besitzer) in "Flußspatwerk Schwarzenfeld GmbH, vorm. Anton Kallmünzer" geändert. Die Flußspatgrube wird von nun an Grube Cäcilia, teils auch Grube Cäcilie, genannt. Anton Kallmünzer bleibt Teilhaber und Geschäftsführer. Schacht Cäcilia II ist mit 86 m Teufe Hauptförderschacht. Der Schacht Marie, ehemals zu Grube Freiung II zugehörig und der Reichhart-Schacht, ehemals Grube Freiung I, werden als Wetterschächte genutzt. Im gleichen Jahr erwirbt die Firma auch das Ausbeuterecht ... Ein Beitrag von Michael Kommer |
| Zur Präsentation besonders schöner Mineralienstufen werden gerne Stufen auf transparente Sockel aus Kunststoff in die Vitrine gestellt. Die Sockel, die sich üblicherweise auf dem Markt befinden (Mineralienbörsen oder div. Zubehörgeschäfte im Internet), sind praktisch immer aus Plexiglas hergestellt. ... moreZur Präsentation besonders schöner Mineralienstufen werden gerne Stufen auf transparente Sockel aus Kunststoff in die Vitrine gestellt. Die Sockel, die sich üblicherweise auf dem Markt befinden (Mineralienbörsen oder div. Zubehörgeschäfte im Internet), sind praktisch immer aus Plexiglas hergestellt. Die Preise variieren von Anbieter zu Anbieter. In der folgenden Anleitung soll gezeigt werden, dass man aus geschnittenen Rohlingen mit einfachen Mitteln solche Sockel selbst hergestellt werden können. |