| 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. |
| 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) |
| The village and the mine with the same name "Rosia Montana" are located approximately 85 km north of the city of Deva. The mine complex extends over 21.2 square kilometers and is one of the largest gold deposits in Europe. The tunnel system in the underground is several hundred kilometers long and w ... moreThe village and the mine with the same name "Rosia Montana" are located approximately 85 km north of the city of Deva. The mine complex extends over 21.2 square kilometers and is one of the largest gold deposits in Europe. The tunnel system in the underground is several hundred kilometers long and was used until a few years ago. Already in Roman times the tunnels had a length of 145 km. |
| Siderit war neben Hämatit, Limonit, Goethit und Magnetit immer eines der wichtigsten Eisenerze, wobei es kaum nachvollziehbar ist, welches dieser spezifischen Minerale zu einer bestimmten Zeit verhüttet wurde - ausgenommen, die Überreste urgeschichtlicher bis antiker und mittelalterlicher Eisengewin ... moreSiderit war neben Hämatit, Limonit, Goethit und Magnetit immer eines der wichtigsten Eisenerze, wobei es kaum nachvollziehbar ist, welches dieser spezifischen Minerale zu einer bestimmten Zeit verhüttet wurde - ausgenommen, die Überreste urgeschichtlicher bis antiker und mittelalterlicher Eisengewinnung sind eng an ein spezifisches Siderit-Vorkommen gebunden. Im Grunde genommen gibt es für Siderit keine eigene Geschichte, es sei denn, man erforscht sie mit einem interdisziplinären Ansatz im Zusammenspiel von Ethnologen, Montanhistorikern, Geologen und Ingenieuren. Ein Mineralienportrait geschrieben von Peter Seroka |