| 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. |
| 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) |