Journey to the world of minerals


The Freisen Mineral Club will sponsor its 28th annual International Mineral Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in Freisen’s town hall, called Bruchwaldhalle.

For centuries, the Idar-Oberstein, Baumholder and Freisen regions have been known for their exceptional mineral deposits. The mining of gemstones – bringing agates, rock crystals, amethysts and many other splendid stones to light – was a major factor in the development of the city of Idar-Oberstein.  

Wolfgang Diehl, a member of the Freisen Mineral Club, said this year’s mineral fair will motivate many hobby mineralogists, mineral collectors and gemstone lovers to visit Freisen.

“They can explore a fascinating world and admire and purchase such beautiful and remarkable minerals as agates, smoked quartz, amethysts, petrified wood and other splendid stones as well as jewelry,” he said.

Exhibitors will be from various European countries, as well as from the local area.
At the same time, the club’s own mineral museum, located only 200 meters away from the town hall, will be open to the public. There will be no entrance fee for that day.

“In many showcases the club’s own treasures, mostly from the local Freisen and Baumholder region, can be admired,” Mr. Diehl said.

Entrance fee to the mineral fair will be €2 for adults. Children under 14 will be admitted for free.

Freisen is located about 8 kilometers southwest of Baumholder. To get to Freisen, travel from Landstuhl north on autobahn A62. Directional signs are posted and will lead to the event. For more information, visit www.mineralienverein-freisen.de.


(Courtesy of Freisen Mineral Club)