"Basalt"

Stolpen Castle is a small castle that sits upon a mound of basalt, throne-like and towering over the countryside outside of Dresden, Germany. Stolpen provides a gateway into the German national park of Saxon Switzerland. This castle was the site which the Saxon-educated university professor Georgius Agricola referred to in his first reference to a stone type he had named "basalt".

Therefore, the mountain under Stolpen castle is the original source for the use of the term basalt worldwide.

16th International Fair of Stone and Machinery KAMIEN 2006

The 16th International Fair of Stone and Machinery KAMIEN was held this year from 9th - 12th November in the Hala Ludowa (the old Jahrhunderthalle of Breslau and part of a World Heritage Site).



Pavillions for Chinese and Italian exhibitors were particularly strong in presenting their products and services.


All the takeaway food and small sales booths mixed among the professional exhibitors distracted a bit from the otherwise excellent overall impression.