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.
Arsenic is a semi-metal native element, which is famous for its toxicity. But native arsenic also forms interesting mineral specimens, often associated with silver minerals. And it is also important industrial metal.
Pseudomalachite is a common dark green secondary copper mineral, forming nice botryoidal or drusy specimens. Its popular among mineral collectors and usually occurs together with many other copper minerals.
Andalusite is a common aluminosilicate, which is very important for metamorphic petrology and ceramic industry. Despite its lack of perfect gemmy crystals, it can form outstanding specimens and rarely also faceted gemstones.
Anglesite is a secondary lead mineral, very popular because of its nice gemmy crystals with great luster. It forms by oxidation of galena and other lead ores, often accompanied by other interesting secondary minerals.
Bramberg am Wildkogel is a small municipality in the Salzburgerland, Austria. The small town hosts one of the top quality collections of Alpine minerals. Definitely a must see for all serious collectors visiting Austrian Alps!
Get the latest articles, rare finds, and locality updates straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.
