Les Minéraux de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines – The Minerals of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines – The minerals of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines

The mines in the Val d'Argent (Silver Valley) were exploited for over a thousand years, bringing wealth to the region before falling into obscurity. Since the 16th century, historians have reported legendary finds of native silver. In the 18th century, naturalists became fascinated by the diversity of minerals discovered in the more than 100 mines. They quickly gained a worldwide reputation among collectors. Eight mineral species were first described from this mining district, and it is their type locality. The mineral fair in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines has further raised the region's profile in recent decades, showcasing the wonders of the mineral world to a wider public. This richly illustrated book provides an overview of the minerals found in the Val d'Argent. 208 pages, format: 24 x 31 cm, 356 photos, illustrations and maps. In German, English and French!