| 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. |
| Kaspar Sternberg wurde als jüngster von 3 Söhnen des Grafen Johann von Sternberg geboren. Mit elf Jahren wurde er für die geistliche Laufbahn bestimmt und begann 1778 mit der priesterlichen Ausbildung im Collegium Germanicum in Rom. Er ging 1783 nach Regensburg, um eine kirchliche Laufbahn zu beschr ... moreKaspar Sternberg wurde als jüngster von 3 Söhnen des Grafen Johann von Sternberg geboren. Mit elf Jahren wurde er für die geistliche Laufbahn bestimmt und begann 1778 mit der priesterlichen Ausbildung im Collegium Germanicum in Rom. Er ging 1783 nach Regensburg, um eine kirchliche Laufbahn zu beschreiten. 1802 wurde er als Stellvertreter des Fürsten Thurn und Taxis die Spitze der dortigen politischen Verwaltung, des Landesdirektoriums. Während der nächsten 4 Jahre war er Gesandter am Immerwährenden Reichstag ... |
| 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) |