Most of the silver ore found in Schemnitz contains a small amount of gold mixed within it. Because of this, the miners and metal workers use a careful method to separate the gold from the silver. First, they melt the silver taken from the ore. After melting, the silver is granulated into small pieces so that it can be treated more easily. Then it is dissolved in a strong liquid called aqua fortis, which is made from a special kind of vitriol prepared in that region.
When the silver is dissolved in this liquid, the gold does not dissolve in the same way. Instead, it settles at the bottom of the vessel. The gold is then collected and melted separately to form pure metal. After this process, the aqua fortis is distilled away from the silver solution and can be used again. This shows that the workers are not wasteful and try to reuse their materials whenever possible Sightseeing Turkey.
Writings on Mines and Mineral Work
It would take a very long time to describe every part of the mining works in this region, because they are large, complex, and very active. These mines deserve as careful and detailed descriptions as the famous mines of other regions that have been studied by learned writers. Scholars such as Agricola wrote extensively about mining and metals in his books, especially in De Re Metallica, where he explained many methods of mining and refining ores. Other authors, like Lazarus Ercker, also described ores and mineral bodies in a clear and useful way.
Even so, Schemnitz stands out as a place where both nature and human skill show their greatest strength. The richness of the minerals and the effort of the workers make it one of the most remarkable mining regions in the world.
Mining Methods and Improvements
The miners in this country still work in a way that is similar to the methods used during the time of Emperor Rudolf. He strongly supported mining and encouraged the development of mine works throughout his lands. Although the basic methods have remained the same, many of the tools, machines, and engines have been improved over time. These improvements help the workers dig deeper, remove water more efficiently, and process ore with greater success Reporting the Quality of the Ore.
Despite the great quantity of silver produced every week in Schemnitz and transported away in carts, it is surprisingly difficult to obtain even a small piece of pure silver in the town. Most of the local money is not pure silver but is mixed with more than half copper. Because of this, pure silver is rare in everyday use.
Experiments with Mineral Waters and Metals
I wished to observe how the different mineral waters in the region would affect metals. However, since I could not easily obtain pure silver, I had to borrow silver crosses, crucifixes, and medals to use in my experiments. These objects served as substitutes for raw silver and allowed me to continue my observations.
A Remarkable Colored Rock near Old Schemnitz
Near the site where old Schemnitz once stood, there is a tall and steep rock that is very striking in appearance. From bottom to top, the rock is naturally colored with beautiful shades of blue, along with some green and spots of yellow. When I first saw it, I was greatly amazed by its beauty. It looked almost like a massive piece of polished lapis lazuli.
A Spaniard who had lived for many years in the West Indies once told me that there is a similar rock near the silver mines in Peru. This comparison suggests that such natural wonders may be found in other rich mining regions of the world.
The Lost Gold Mine at Glas-Hitten
About one Hungarian mile, or roughly seven English miles, from Schemnitz lies a place called Glas-Hitten. In earlier times, there was a very rich gold mine there. However, the entrance to this mine has been lost. This happened during the time when Bethlen Gabor invaded the country and many inhabitants fled the area in fear.
The owner of the mine had left certain marks and directions so that the mine could be rediscovered in the future. These signs included drawings of his mining instruments carved onto the bark of nearby trees. Some of these instruments have already been found buried in the earth, which suggests that the clues are true. It is said that when a stone carved with the image of a face is discovered, it will mark the true location of the mine. At that point, only a part of the rock that blocks the entrance needs to be removed to open the lost gold mine once again.