Mineral enthusiasts met at the Silesian University of Technology
Specimens from many corners of the Earth, and even from space, a unique exhibition at the Czesław Poborski Museum of Geology, workshops for children, jewellery stands and talks with experts – this year’s Minerals Exchange abounded in events. Over the weekend, the event was visited by crowds of visitors – both specialized collectors and families with children.
- The Minerals Exchange at the Silesian University of Technology is more than an event for us, - said Ewa Głuszek, the head of the Czesław Poborski Museum of Geology at the Silesian University of Technology. - It is a tradition, passion and mission that we have been building with our heart for nearly 40 years I am very moved by the words of visitors and collectors, who emphasize the atmosphere, high substantive level and the fact that you can not only buy minerals here, but above all gain knowledge and share it between generations – added the organizer of the event, stressing that every year recognized collectors take part in the event at the Silesian University of Technology.
This year’s Minerals Exchange was accompanied by the opening of a unique exhibition at the Czesław Poborski Museum of Geology of the Silesian University of Technology: “The glow of silver in the shadow of coal. Minerals of zinc-lead deposits of Upper Silesia.”
– The exhibition presents beautiful minerals from the Tarnowskie Góry region, Bytom, Piekary Śląskie or Radzionków. Zinc and lead deposits, and above all the element that accompanies them, i.e. silver, were an impulse for the development of industry in Silesia, mining and metallurgy of metals has been developing here since the Middle Ages – explained Dr Eligiusz Szełęg, a recognized mineralogist from the University of Silesia, who has re-examined and catalogued the presented exhibits, which have been in warehouses for years and have been made available to the public for the first time. The exhibition was added to the permanent exhibition of the Czesław Poborski Museum of Geology, and students from the Science Club prepared a collector's calendar with photographs of the most beautiful specimens.
Dr Eligiusz Szełęg was also a guest of the meeting “Let’s talk about stones.” This is the second edition of talks with experts and mineral enthusiasts, which was also attended by members of the Realgar Group: Patryk Kosałka, collector and traveller, and Katarzyna Depa, gemmologist, diamond expert and jewellery designer - who are the hosts of the most popular geology blog in Poland.
–The decision to make admission to the event completely free is the proof of our openness and mission. We want everyone – regardless of age, experience, or wealth – to come, see, learn, and admire the world of geology. I am very grateful to Dr Hab. Krzysztof Filipowicz, Professor SUT, Dean of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering, and Industrial Automation for 100% support of this idea – added Ewa Głuszek.
