| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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) |
| ... Die Nutzung der Zinkerze der Lagerstätte Altenberg ist seit 1344 belegt. Dort wurde Galmei abgebaut, welches schon vor der Erfindung der Direktverhüttung von Zinkerzen die Messingherstellung ermöglichte. Die hier betrachtete Lagerstätte Altenberg kann allerdings, im Gegensatz zur benachbarten La ... more... Die Nutzung der Zinkerze der Lagerstätte Altenberg ist seit 1344 belegt. Dort wurde Galmei abgebaut, welches schon vor der Erfindung der Direktverhüttung von Zinkerzen die Messingherstellung ermöglichte. Die hier betrachtete Lagerstätte Altenberg kann allerdings, im Gegensatz zur benachbarten Lagerstätte Gessenich (römisch: Grasciniacum) im Stolberger Raum, nicht bis in die Römerzeit zurück verfolgt werden. Auf den aktuellen topografischen Karten (z.B. Top25 Deutschland, Blatt 5202 Aachen) ist der Altenberg nicht mehr zu finden... ein Beitrag von Norbert Kirchhoff |