Exciting Places to Visit

A Fascinating Visit to a World-Famous Stone Museum

In 2010, I visited a dear friend in Germany. One day we made a 2- hour car trip to a town called Idar Oberstein. In the past, it was the place to go for precious stone merchants. They would come from all over the world to buy and sell.

Nowadays India and Thailand have taken over. Still, Idar Oberstein is visited by many, be it, merchants or tourists.

Lovely Agate image Photosforyou

The world-famous stone museum in Idar Oberstein

At 10.00 o’clock sharp we were in front of the entrance to the world-famous museum, just as well as at 10.15 o’clock a full bus arrived. We were able to visit the fantastic stone museum, room by room, at leisure.

The museum has amazing pieces, small to huge, polished, and in their natural state, some even mentioned in the Guinness book of records.

A collection of Semi-Precious stones image Brett Houdow

How stones were polished in old times

Close to the museum is the place wherein old times the stones were polished. Working conditions were unbelievably harsh. They had diverted water from the river to flow through a small workshop. The force of the water was used to make an enormous stone wheel rotate.

On a small platform, a person would lie on his belly and, with both hands, hold a stone to be polished against the rotating wheel. It should not need mentioning that in this humid environment a worker would not live past the age of 40. Arthritis and lung disease would take their toll.

I tried this position myself and immediately got a cramp in my arms. Awful that people had to work like this.

Of course, we each bought a delightful piece of jewelry in the shop afterward. There was too much to choose from, so it took some time till we finally settled on a necklace.

The unusual Sand-Rose image alusruvi

While in Germany, you might consider other places to visit. To do that, you need a trusted travel company. Click on the image below and you will be introduced to a company that can take you around the world.

In addition to Germany and all of Europe, this company has suggestions for specific tours. For example, you can take Game of Thrones tours in Europe or see the sights in Austria. Before your next vacation, see what they have to offer.

A rock tumbler as a birthday present

Conclusion

My entire life I have had a passion for stones. Going on a trip I will always try to find an interesting piece to take home for my collection. Some years ago, I got a rock-tumbler for my birthday. I save the empty yogurt buckets and put the stones from the different regions. I must say, lots of fun.

In About Me, I tell you about this passion and how it started.

I have made a special page for you. It holds a collection of things you might find interesting. Before you leave, please visit Recommendations.