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For the month of April 2024, we have chosen a rather rare mineral: Danburite. This mineral was named after the town of Danbury in Connecticut. Danburite belongs to the group of framework silicates and – which is not very common – incorporates the element boron.

Like most boron-containing minerals, danburite occurs in pegmatites. These rocks are formed from the residual melts that remain after the crystallization of granite. This residual melt contains an above-average amount of boron, which is then incorporated into minerals such as danburite.

In March 2024, magnesite holds the title of Mineral of the Month. Magnesite belongs to the group of carbonates and is predominantly formed hydrothermally. This means that magnesite precipitates from hot fluids. Due to the high temperature resistance of magnesite (up to around 3000°C), it is an important raw material for the production of refractory bricks, which are used to furnaces. China is the largest producer of magnesite with 20 million tons (2020). A special shape of magnesite is the so-called pinolite. A mixture of magnesite, dolomite and graphite. The white magnesite grains are reminiscent of pine nuts, hence the name pinolite. This is particularly well known from the Hohe Tauern in Austria.

This mineral with its beautiful pink color is the mineral of the month for February. Rhodochrosite is also known in German as “raspberry spar” or “manganese spar”.

Our new special exhibition opened on October 26, 2023 and will be on display until May 26, 2024. The exhibition tells the story of the Giant impact and the Moon formation.

Accompanying the ‘Moon Impact’ exhibition is the show ‘satellite’. A solo show of contemporary art jewellery by Stephen Bottomley, MPhil RCA.

The Museum Mineralogia Munich is part of the Kunstareal. Many joint events take place within the framework of the Kunstareal. Remember for example the light action in winter 2020 or the Kunstarealfest!

The Mineralogische Staatssammlung München and the Museum Mineralogia München will be represented with a booth at the Munich Show like every year. So feel free to come and visit us at the booth. A visit at the Munich Show is worthwhile in any case.

The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) has proclaimed 2022 as the Year of Mineralogy. This worldwide action, aims to emphasize the relevance of mineralogical issues in our everyday life. Different activities take place, which aim at the importance of mineralogy.

Gold, silver and bronze – for many, the connection with metals and medals is certainly trivial, but not a lot of people know about the origin and history of the formation of these raw materials. Moreover, they are essential for the equipment.