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.
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.
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.
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!
Atacamite is a rare secondary basic copper chloride, famous for its striking deep green color. It forms highly aesthetic crystals and belongs to popular specimens among secondary minerals collectors.
Brookite is a rare and highly aesthetic mineral of the alpine clefts. It is a titanium dioxide polymorph with only limited industrial use, but it is a very popular collector’s item.
Platinum is a commercially valuable metallic native element, prized for its physical resistance to chemical and temperature assault, its ductility and malleability, and its utility in enabling catalytic reactions. It is also a precious metal and in the natural form also a rare collecting asset.
The amphibole supergroup is a group of more then hundred rock-forming silicates. This article provides general introduction to structure, physical properties and chemical composition of amphiboles.
Detailed photo report from the 2019 visit of the famous Uri Mineral Museum in Seedorf, Switzerland. The mineral exhibition includes wide variety of the high quality Alpine minerals.
