Marcasite is very common mineral, but it is often ignored by mineral collectors. Despite its nice crystal forms, it lacks the luster of some other sulfides and its quite brittle. Its infamous instability in just slightly wet air does not help its popularity either.
Native sulphur is one of the few non-metallic and naturally occurring native elements. Despite huge drop of its industrial use, the native sulphur is still mined today. It can form highly aesthetic bright yellow crystals, which are very popular among mineral collectors.
Staurolite belongs to the scientifically important but otherwise quite overlooked minerals. It is not very popular among mineral collectors, as most of the specimens looks similar to each other. Also industrial application of staurolite is very limited.
Native antimony is a naturally occurring semi-metallic element. It usually occurs in minor amounts in hydrothermal antimony deposits, but crystals are very rare. Special physical properties of antimony are important for various industrial applications.
The 2021 Munich was simply a bit strange. There was obviously a lot of anticipation and preparations after the cancelled show last year - but in the end, it was a well worth to visit! There were some serious new mineral finds to be seen and some bargains to be made.
The blue blades of kyanite are important for metamorphic petrology, but they are also attractive for collectors and rarely occur in gem quality. Big accumulations of kyanite are crucial for ceramics industry.
Albert is a mineral photographer and a serious mineral collector from Slovakia. So far he managed to self-publish two books but he claims there is more to come in the future. You can enjoy his photos in most of the major mineral magazines. We will dive deeper into mineral photography and collecting in this interview.
Sillimanite is a common rock forming aluminosilicate, especially important for metamorphic petrology and ceramics industry. It is usually fibrous but it can form columnar crystals and even rare gemmy specimens.
Wollastonite is a common metamorphic silicate, mostly used in various industrial applications. Its nice crystal sprays and bright fluorescence make it also an interesting mineral specimen.
The Geomuseum in Fennefoss near Evje is a small hidden gem. Its not famous but it hosts a very interesting collection of minerals, mostly from local Evje-Iveland pegmatite field.
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