A Mineralogical Journey across Europe
Friedrich Naumann (Text), Jörg Wittig (Pictures)
published 2018 by E-Sights Publishing
E-Sights Publishing
Dr. Jörg Naumann
Altendorfer Straße 61
09113 Chemnitz
Germany
Publisher's website: E-SIGHTS PUBLISHING
Publisher's website for the book: E-SIGHTS PUBLISHING
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Publisher: E-SIGHTS PUBLISHING
Editor: Dr. Jörg Naumann
Cover Design: Erika Jansen
Copyright © 2014 Friedrich Naumann
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
ISBN: 978-3-945189-08-5
Five centuries ago the great scholar of mining and metallurgy Georgius Agricola said: "The soul's most pleasing food is observing nature". Particularly with regard to the unique treasures the fascinating realm of minerals has to offer, this is true even today. So far, more than 4,250 different kinds of minerals have been found, most of them unsurpassable in their crystalline shape, unusual colours and aesthetic perfection. Collecting and preserving these precious objects of "frozen earth history" is not only fascinating but immensely useful if, as in the present case, these arduously acquired minerals are made available to the public and therefore to general education.
For the Swiss scholar Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher it was a matter of course to donate her unique collection of minerals collected with great enthusiasm from all parts of the world to the oldest mining academy of the world, the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, as a foundation in 2004. With this, Freiberg's geosciences have now an excellent scientific base.
This collection called "terra mineralia" is located and presented in Freudenstein Castle, the history of which dates back to the 12th century. The castle has a place in history particularly as the birthplace of Moritz, Duke of Saxony, and as the residence of Henry the Pious. First, however, extensive restauration works were necessary, the results of which can be seen in courageous architectural solutions. Today, Freudenstein Castle offers a fitting home to both the Freiberg mining archives and the collection of minerals.
"Terra mineralia" is "a mineralogical journey round the world" and bound to the credo of dealing with the wonders of nature and exploring the overwhelming beauty of the European, Asian, Australian, African and American continents. This credo is not only the leitmotiv for the collection but also for the four parts of this photoalbum which presents selected stages of the "Pohl-Ströher Minerals Foundation". It starts with Europe and embarks on a mineral journey from Germany through many European countries up to the Ukraine and Russia. For this journey we offer a heartfelt "Good Luck".
Friedrich Naumann
This magnificent, crystal clear kunzite crystal, which grew on a fine-crystal quartz, is fascinating. Such beautiful, perfectly developed samples occur rather rarely. Considering the colour, people are spontaneously reminded of fresh lavender. In 1879, the American gemstone expert George F. Kunz discovered this mineral in Connecticut/USA and the specimen was called after him. Chemically, this mineral, which belongs to the group of spodumene, is a lithium alumosilicate and the yellow-green variety – hiddenite – as well.
Afghanistan, Nuristan-Provinz, Mawi Mine, XX 5,5 x 2,2 cm
This complex compound(ed) silicate is usually known as Lapis Lazuli (the Greek name lapis = stone, the Arabian lazulum = blue). Since thousands of years, the blue, fascinating colour of this mineral has been appreciated. Therefore, Sumerians made talismans, Babylonians Siegelzylinder and Egyptians created scarab amulets. In addition, ultramarine was a popular dye. Such excellently formed lasurite crystals, which took the shape of rhombic dodecahedron, stem from the world’s oldest Lapis Lazuli Mine and belong to rarities.
Afghanistan, Badachschan, Sar-e-Sang, XX 2,5 cm
tura mali