| 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. |
| For Mineral collectors who travel in their vacation to the mining area of La Union, the mina Precaución is an easy to reach and in 2010 a worthwhile target to collect attractive pieces with hemimorphite, calcite and more minerals on contrast rich matrix. Equipped with helmet, forehead lamp, chisel ... moreFor Mineral collectors who travel in their vacation to the mining area of La Union, the mina Precaución is an easy to reach and in 2010 a worthwhile target to collect attractive pieces with hemimorphite, calcite and more minerals on contrast rich matrix. Equipped with helmet, forehead lamp, chisel and hammer nice pieces can be rescued easily, taking into account the security rules for mining visits. |
| 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 |
| Aragonite is a calcium carbonate, chemically identical with calcite. The mineral calcite, however, differs from Aragonite due to its internal crystal structure. While the crystal system of calcite is trigonal, the system of aragonite is rhombic. Dense masses of small aragonite crystals are difficul ... moreAragonite is a calcium carbonate, chemically identical with calcite. The mineral calcite, however, differs from Aragonite due to its internal crystal structure. While the crystal system of calcite is trigonal, the system of aragonite is rhombic. Dense masses of small aragonite crystals are difficult to distinguish from calcite, but they are larger, they show a distinct habit. A lot of chapters in this portrait will give you much more details about this interesting mineral. Written and investigated by Peter Seroka. (Article in german) |
| Gypsum needels and blue Baryte have made this mine known for mineral collectors. A recent report from Sept. 2012 shows that good finds are still possible. To visit this mine is relatively easy. The evacuation of the gypsum needels on the other hand is more difficult. Unfortunately, vandals have left ... moreGypsum needels and blue Baryte have made this mine known for mineral collectors. A recent report from Sept. 2012 shows that good finds are still possible. To visit this mine is relatively easy. The evacuation of the gypsum needels on the other hand is more difficult. Unfortunately, vandals have left their mark, but read and see it yourself. A report by Stefan Schorn. (Article in German) |
| Betrachtet man die Struktur von Kristallen, erkennt mam meistens verschiedene Arten von Symmetrien, wie Translationen, Spiegelungen oder Drehsymmetrien. Der Grund für das Auftreten dieser Symmetrien liegt darin, daß bestimmte Atomanordnungen in der Struktur besonders stabil sind; eine hohe Symmetrie ... moreBetrachtet man die Struktur von Kristallen, erkennt mam meistens verschiedene Arten von Symmetrien, wie Translationen, Spiegelungen oder Drehsymmetrien. Der Grund für das Auftreten dieser Symmetrien liegt darin, daß bestimmte Atomanordnungen in der Struktur besonders stabil sind; eine hohe Symmetrie erlaubt dann die ständige Wiederholung dieser besonders stabilen Konfigurationen in der Struktur. Die Beschäftigung mit der Symmetrie von Kristallen in der Kristallographie ist aus mehreren Gründen besonders wichtig - Ein Beitrag von Erik Hock |