| The Mineralientage München 2025 – The Munich Show once again showcased a fascinating variety of minerals, fossils, and jewelry. Although visitor numbers appeared slightly lower than last year, the fair remained vibrant and diverse. Highlights included the collector displays and the special exhibitio ... moreThe Mineralientage München 2025 – The Munich Show once again showcased a fascinating variety of minerals, fossils, and jewelry. Although visitor numbers appeared slightly lower than last year, the fair remained vibrant and diverse. Highlights included the collector displays and the special exhibition on natural resources, while the fossil section was somewhat smaller. Some visitors expressed a wish for more seating areas, opportunities for exchange, and more eye-catching advertising, yet overall the event left a very positive impression and remains a must-visit for collectors and families alike. |
| Das Mineral Epidot ist vom griechischen Wort "epidosis" abgeleitet, was "Zunahme" oder "Zugabe" bedeutet. Die Deutung als "Zunahme" spielt möglicherweise auf die stengelig zunehmende Kristallform des Minerals an. Die Interpretation als "Zugabe" könnte auf die Tatsache zurückzuführen sein, dass es de ... moreDas Mineral Epidot ist vom griechischen Wort "epidosis" abgeleitet, was "Zunahme" oder "Zugabe" bedeutet. Die Deutung als "Zunahme" spielt möglicherweise auf die stengelig zunehmende Kristallform des Minerals an. Die Interpretation als "Zugabe" könnte auf die Tatsache zurückzuführen sein, dass es dem französischen Mineralogen René HAÜY erstmals im Jahre 1801 gelang, die beiden Silikate Turmalin und Epidot eindeutig auseinanderzuhalten und somit den Epidot als eigenständiges Mineral neben Turmalin stellte... Ein Beitrag von Peter Seroka |
| The mining in the Franconian Forest has produced a lot of pits in the area and counts to the oldest mining areas in Germany. Indeed, one searches in the World Wide web in vain according to the information of which are documented by photos or maps. This comprehensive contribution gives you a wide vie ... moreThe mining in the Franconian Forest has produced a lot of pits in the area and counts to the oldest mining areas in Germany. Indeed, one searches in the World Wide web in vain according to the information of which are documented by photos or maps. This comprehensive contribution gives you a wide view into this extended mininig area. Researched and written from Michael Kommer (in german language) |
| Deposits are one of the most important topics in geology. Peter Seroka has addressed the issue in several years of work and has written an up-to-date geological summary. He dedicated his work to the 15 th anniversary of Mineralienatlas. The work gives detailed information regarding the origin of d ... moreDeposits are one of the most important topics in geology. Peter Seroka has addressed the issue in several years of work and has written an up-to-date geological summary. He dedicated his work to the 15 th anniversary of Mineralienatlas. The work gives detailed information regarding the origin of deposits, the different types of deposits and their classification. Examples of economically important deposits complete the chapters. Provided that this comprehensive work would be printed it would be a volume of over 400 pages; here it is provided in its entirety, online. Thanks to Peter Seroka. (written in german language). |
| It is not possible to write a chapter about the mineral galena without looking at the history of lead and silver to name two of the most important raw materials and materials of humanity. How long people processed galena as main ore for the production of lead is unknown. As lead inter alia used as a ... moreIt is not possible to write a chapter about the mineral galena without looking at the history of lead and silver to name two of the most important raw materials and materials of humanity. How long people processed galena as main ore for the production of lead is unknown. As lead inter alia used as an additive to various melts (e.g. to bronze and the salt-cementation process for gold extraction) one can assume that the properties of this mineral were known before 3000 BC. Other sources speak of a history of lead about 7000-9000 years BC back. |
| 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. |
| 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) |