Minerals and quartz from the Bergisches Land region
Minerals and quartz from the Bergisches Land region
Today I had the urge to collect quartz and rock crystal for my artwork. I was out and about in the Bergisches Land region around Velbert and Wülfrath and was able to find some fascinating minerals.
Pyromorphite: Green crystals on host rock
One particularly interesting discovery was pyromorphite – what at first glance looks like moss is actually tiny green crystals that have grown on the host rock. Pyromorphite is a rare lead phosphate mineral that typically occurs in oxidation zones of lead-zinc deposits.
The characteristic green color is caused by phosphate compounds. These small crystals are not only geologically interesting, but also aesthetically impressive – their structure actually resembles moss or small needles growing out of the rock.
Rock crystals and quartz from a former zinc mine
In the spoil heap of a former zinc mine, I also found rock crystals and quartz. The Bergisches Land region has a long mining history – the extraction of zinc, lead, and iron, in particular, shaped the region for centuries.
The rock crystals found are clear and some contain interesting inclusions. Some quartz crystals exhibit smoky tones – an indication of natural radiation in the host rock over geological timescales.
Why I collect local minerals
For my artwork, I prefer to use local minerals whenever possible. They embody the geological history of the region – in this case, the history of the Bergisches Land, which was shaped by mountain formation during the Devonian period approximately 400 million years ago.
Each of these stones is a fragment of this story. When I encase them in resin and arrange them into compositions, this story becomes visible, preserved, and reinterpreted.
The search itself is part of the creative process. Knowing where a stone comes from, what geological processes shaped it, what mining history is associated with it – this gives every work of art an additional dimension.
Locations and collector tips
Anyone who wants to search for minerals themselves in the Bergisches Land region:
- Spoil heaps of former mines (Attention: Obtain permission to enter!)
- Quarries (often only accessible with permission)
- Riverbeds and streams
Important: Nature reserves are off-limits. Respect private property and obtain permission. Take only a few items and leave the sites clean.
These minerals will become part of my next artworks – each stone carries a piece of the Bergisches Land region within it.
