March 20, 2015 (Friday) – Steinkaulenberg Gemstone Mine

It was a long, uphill then downhill walk to the Steinkaulenberg Gemstone Mine but upon arrival, it became all worth the leg pain; it was so beautiful. Never have I been in a mine, and never have I seen gemstones in their original state; still attached to the walls of the caves. I also did not know that different kinds of gemstones could grow in one location.

Group Picture Before Entering the Steinkaulenberg Gemstone Mine

Inside the Steinkaulenberg Gemstone Mine

Before and After the Mining of Gemstones

I have a fascination with transparent coloured stones, and I am interested in the structures that they form. It was amazing to find out that the color is based on its oxide content, e.g. copper oxide usually produces green while iron, red. I own several druzy agate rings from Brazil and I thought they were dyed since there were shades and tints of pinks, greens, and blues. However, the visit to the gemstone supplier yesterday proved otherwise and today, witnessing them in person before being cut and carved is so breath-taking. I am very much keen to work with gemstones, and would love to learn how to do stone cutting, faceting, and setting.