They got to know the amazing world of minerals
On Saturday and Sunday in the corridors of the Silesian University of Technology you can most often meet students of part-time studies and teachers conducting classes. This weekend, the corridors of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation were filled with minerals and rocks as part of the Mineral Exchange at the Silesian University of Technology. Those thirsty for sensations were also waiting for workshops on mineral recognition and face-to-face meetings with a dinosaur.
There were also opportunities to talk, exchange thoughts and reveal secrets as part of the “Let’s talk about stones” event, which was organized as part of the European City of Science – Katowice celebrations. Discussion panels exceeded all expectations, becoming an event full of emotions, knowledge, and inspiration.
The Mineral Exchange at the Silesian University of Technology has been organized since 1986 by the Silesia Student Science Club and the Museum of Deposit Geology of the Silesian University of Technology.
The mineral exchange was a real paradise for lovers of precious stones, minerals, and fossils. Crowds of visitors moved between the stands, where exhibitors presented both popular specimens and unique minerals, rare collectables, and jewellery, often in the form of handicrafts and individual items. This is a great opportunity to see these amazing specimens live and buy a gift for yourself or loved ones.
Julia Pustuł, a student of geoengineering and raw materials exploitation at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering, and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology, presented her stand during the exchange. Julia is the author of the “Polny Szept” profile on social media, where you can find, among others, epoxy resin pendants with field flowers inside.
I decided to show my handicrafts. I am glad there are so many interested visitors. A lot of people ask me about my work. I think that such an exchange is an excellent initiative for everyone – explains Julia Pustuł.
Non-obvious exhibitions – common minerals in amazing views
Special exhibitions aroused special interest, which delighted both experienced collectors and laymen. The exhibition by Mr. Ireneusz Niemczyk from Strzegom was particularly outstanding. It presented the “Spectrum of Quartz from Lower Silesia.” Apparently, a very common mineral delighted with its diversity. It is the only such collection, covering such a variety in terms of form and location of specimens. It was awarded at many national exhibitions. The second exhibition was a collection of gypsum and stone salts by Rafał Buczak from Gliwice. The delight was aroused by huge druces of gypsum crystals from the KGHM copper mine and beautiful halite crystals, which shimmered in surprising colours.
The debut of the discussion panel – success in style
The novelty of this year’s edition was the discussion panel “Let’s talk about stones…,” which gathered excellent experts and an audience ready to actively participate.
The audience had a chance to ask questions and engage in dialog with experts, which made the panel a unique event full of interaction and inspiration. The debut of this format was welcomed with enthusiasm, and the guests appreciated both the professionalism of the speakers and the friendly atmosphere of the event.
We started on Saturday with a meeting with Jacek and Filip Ożdżeński, who introduced us to the world of inclusions, gemmology, and stones. Experts in the field of gemmology have delighted the audience not only with their knowledge, but also with a rich collection of exhibits. They presented tools and specimens necessary for the work of a gemmologist, and their presentation was full of practical tips and secrets of the profession.
- In this short time, we tried to show what the profession of gemmologist really is and one of his most interesting features, that is, viewing and examining images visible under the microscope, which show the interiors of jewellery stones - concluded Filip Ożdżński, gemmologist.
Many people in the room did not realize that the stones are in natural or synthetic form. The knowledge that the invited guests shared with us will allow, among other things, for a more conscious purchase of jewellery.
“In many cases, the microscope is the tool that for the gemmologist is such a final possibility to decide whether the stone is natural or synthetic,” added Filip Ożdżński
The next meeting was about diamonds. Dorota Środka from the University of Silesia is an expert in this topic. Her speech was filled with surprising facts – from the secrets of growing diamonds in the laboratory, to dispelling the myth of their “eternity.” The audience was delighted with the anecdotes and the knowledge that Dr Środka shared with great commitment in an accessible way.
- There are more and more stones imitating diamonds on the market, so if we want to be sure, it is best to buy them with recognized certificates of reliable laboratories that confirm the authenticity and natural origin of a given stone - said Dorota Środka, coordinator of the gemmological laboratory from the University of Silesia.
The Realgar group has revealed where it goes to find one’s own treasure. As part of the conversation “Let’s talk about collecting stones,” the leaders told us where their passion came from, how to prepare for such an expedition and where valuable minerals or rocks can be found in the area.
- Every child collects something; I collected pebbles, and it just stayed that way - said Piotr Zając from Realgar group.
The guests emphasized that the most important thing in any expedition is safety. If you want to start collecting stones, it is worth using the completely free "Give A Stone" application created by Realgar members. The application is available on Android.
- Let us measure our strength for intentions, do not enter the adit or active excavation if you do not know anything about it. Let’s start with the eyes, because this is the first thing we need, simply by observing the terrain. You can really find a lot under your feet,” said Alicja Szambelan-Turek.
At the end of the day, we talked about space. Kazimierz Mazurek introduced the subject of meteorites. The gift of telling our expert about meteorites, or stones from outer space, delighted all those gathered.
Sunday began with a face-to-face meeting with Dilophosaurus "Diva". There was a general excitement connected with this event. The dinosaur felt very comfortable with us, looking into every nook and the checking onlookers standing in its way. It was particularly interested in the delicacies in our cafe, which it also did not hesitate to look into. The children were delighted, and the adults wondered over the mystery of the construction and movement of the great reptile.
After the meeting, we explored the topic of dinosaurs. Searching for dinosaur remains can be fascinating. There are several locations in Silesia where valuable remains have been found. Prof. Tomasz Sulej shared with us various interesting details of the palaeontologist’s work and his discoveries.
Sunday was followed by a conversation with Dr Eng. Jacek Nowak, who presented the subject of “energy from stones” in an accessible way, in the context of energy resources. His presentation, rich in data and statistics on fossil fuel extraction and consumption, introduced participants to reflect on the future of energy and environmental challenges.
Geoeducational stand - fun and learning for the whole family
One cannot fail to mention the unique geoeducational stand prepared by the Realgar group, which creates the most famous geological blog in Poland. It was a place full of attractions and educational value, which enjoyed great interest among both children and adults. A “microscope” (binocular) aroused great interest, enabling a thorough view of minerals at a large magnification. Participants could bring their own specimens for identification, which was met with great enthusiasm. A pleasant surprise was the distribution of minerals as prizes for active participation in attractions. This unique stand effectively attracted attention and instilled a passion for geology among participants of all ages. Thanks to the charisma and commitment of the Realgar team, the geoeducational stand will be remembered for a long time by the participants.
We would like to thank all those involved in the organization of this unique event – exhibitors, visitors, panel guests and hosts. Without your commitment and passion, the Mineral Exchange could not have been held at such a high level.
Text: Natalia Miler and Ewa Głuszek
The event was carried out thanks to the support of European City of Science Katowice and a financial subsidy from the Marshal's Office in Katowice as part of the CITY-REGION-ACADEMY band.
