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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 21, 2020 21:06:26 GMT -5
I was lucky enough to spend a day in Idar-Oberstein in September when I was working in Germany. While I didn’t have too much time, I was able to go to the Steinkaulenberg Gemstone Mine, the Weiherschleife and the Deutsches Mineralienmuseum. All very cool and worthwhile. I was there on a Sunday morning, and had to make a 3 PM flight out of Frankfurt. Next time I’ll schedule more time, and not on a Sunday. There’s a lot of rock cutting history there for a lapidary enthusiast. first up a few shots of the mineral museum:  A few giant agates adorn the outside.   |
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 21, 2020 21:09:31 GMT -5
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 21, 2020 21:13:15 GMT -5
Inside the museum:   |
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 21, 2020 21:21:51 GMT -5
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 21, 2020 21:35:16 GMT -5
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Post by knave on Jan 21, 2020 22:10:30 GMT -5
THAT is so totally wonderful. Can feel the history in those old wheels. I suppose the large wheels helped get the surface velocity up with such a slow drive source. And the stones stayed cool I am sure!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 21, 2020 22:13:12 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing your pictures. I would love to go to Idar-Oberstein some day.
I have to say, those wheels look totally uncomfortable to use. I have no clue how they could cut in that position.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Jan 21, 2020 22:31:13 GMT -5
Fascinating! Thank you for posting this.
Reminded me of my Army time and training in the Baumholder area, all the while being completely oblivious to this museum's existence. I would have enjoyed that!
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Post by mohs on Jan 21, 2020 22:57:32 GMT -5
wundebar !
origin of nose to the grindstone
quite an adventure
thanks for posting
mohs
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Post by MsAli on Jan 22, 2020 7:17:37 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing these. That would be absolutely amazing to see
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Post by RickB on Jan 22, 2020 7:27:08 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing the photos. Impressive cabbing set-up to say the least.
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 22, 2020 7:58:16 GMT -5
THAT is so totally wonderful. Can feel the history in those old wheels. I suppose the large wheels helped get the surface velocity up with such a slow drive source. And the stones stayed cool I am sure! The stone wheels really move, they only run them at about 1/2 speed now, and when the docent puts the agate to the wheel, the noise is tremendous. At full speed, if one of the wheels decides to break apart, the results can be fatal to the cutters. The environment for the workers was wet, cold, and dusty, resulting in very short life spans. We have it pretty good today! |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 22, 2020 10:22:19 GMT -5
Wonderful report! Thank you so much for posting it. It was a nice rare glimpse into an Old World tradition. Loved the in situ photos, too.  |
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 22, 2020 10:32:31 GMT -5
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quartz
Cave Dweller 
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Jan 22, 2020 23:05:19 GMT -5
What I've seen of that place has been near entirely a "production photographer" show. Yours, as a tourist, is more interesting and real, thank you.
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Post by RocksInNJ on Jan 23, 2020 1:13:26 GMT -5
Wow you have some great photos there, along with some cool background history. Many thanks for sharing these.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,059 
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Post by gemfeller on Jan 23, 2020 1:24:14 GMT -5
Great post! I was lucky to spend a couple of days there several years ago. Tommy also visited a while back and posted a bunch of images. A visit there is a colored gemstone enthusiast's dream.
I spent nearly all my time in the two museums since there's such an incredible amount of wonderful stuff to see. I have a file of images somewhere and when I look at them I want to go back when I can spend more time - and money.
Work there began in the Middle Ages and I've always suspected the Steinkaulenberg Mine was the inspiration for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Jan 23, 2020 2:17:02 GMT -5
joshuamcduffie This was one of the coolest trip reports I've seen in a long time & it didn't even include rockhounding! I love the photos of the huge wheels. I like the bracing in the first couple of pics with the guy holding agate to wheel. That actually looks more comfortable than standing or sitting at a modern machine, although some modern padding would be better than wood. Lynn
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Post by fernwood on Jan 23, 2020 5:32:11 GMT -5
Thanks for posting. The rocks in the walls are amazing.
Loe seeing that old school techniques are still being demonstrated.
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Post by toiv0 on Jan 24, 2020 8:53:02 GMT -5
Thanks for journey. I will never go but you brought it to life. Thanks
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