| 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. |
| ... Man glüht in der rauschenden Flamme eines Bunsenbrenners ein Magnesiastäbchen bis zur Rotglut aus. Mit dem heißen Magnesiastäbchen wird eine kleine Menge Borax oder Phosphorsalz aufgenommen und vorsichtig in die Brennerflamme gebracht. Unter ständigen Drehen wird das Salz so lange in der Brenner ... more... Man glüht in der rauschenden Flamme eines Bunsenbrenners ein Magnesiastäbchen bis zur Rotglut aus. Mit dem heißen Magnesiastäbchen wird eine kleine Menge Borax oder Phosphorsalz aufgenommen und vorsichtig in die Brennerflamme gebracht. Unter ständigen Drehen wird das Salz so lange in der Brennerflamme gedreht, bis eine klare Perle entstanden ist. Dieser Vorgang wird so lange wiederholt, bis eine Perle von ca. 4 -5 mm entstanden ist ... ein Beitrag von Andreas B. |
| 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) |