Amateur geology

Radiator ( also Strahlner ) are specifically listed in Switzerland, the Alpine crystal and minerals viewfinder. More recently, the term is also used outside of Switzerland for mineral collectors par excellence. In large parts of Austria, however, is called crystal viewfinder " Stoasucher " (stone viewfinder).

Description

Crystal hunters are known from the Alps since Roman time of the scientific works of Pliny the Elder. The spotlight performance of their duties usually as a side job or as a hobby from ( "hobby sources"). The most important tool of the radiator is the beam floor, a kind of crowbar, which is also used as an extended chisel, as a hook or walker.

The name spotlight is because the crystals "rays" (singular " beam " ) are called, and consequently called " rays " (or " strahlnen " ) activity, " radiating " crystal- rich and so on. The term "radiation " appears in the literature for the first time in 1547 in a process log of the well ( SZ). The etymology of " beam " in connection with crystals is not fully understood - according to F. Maissen are particularly " Strähl " ( Alemannic "comb", some crystal groups are combing similar) or " radiant " ( light reflecting), " Crystall " ( short form) and other sources possible. The Swiss Idiotikon, the word to Stral, beam.

Some of the findings reached in various natural history museums, so that the radiators have contributed significantly to the understanding of the geology of the Alps. Crystals, which are not recovered by spotlights, be destroyed sooner or later by erosion again and eventually end up as sand in the sea.

Terms of Use

In Switzerland, some cantons needed in a so-called spotlight patent to collect minerals or gold. In Austria, there are no ' patents, and collecting of minerals is only in certain places (national park, land owner ) is prohibited.