Inhalt
Zinc
The most common zinc ores and the zinc smelting process are presented as initial and introductory topics to the theme. A wide variety of final products such as bathtubs out of grandmother's time, buckets watering cans etc. are shown in our main exhibition. Another example for former utilization of zinc are ornaments and other elements for architectural purposes (weather-cocks, statues and richly decorated window frames as well as turrets).
In the middle of the 18th century, the metallurgists succeeded in smelting zinc from calamine, a zinc ore mostly consisting of smithsonite. Until that time, zinc was not known in its pure, metallic form.
In the traditional process of producing brass, calamine had also been used. However, this calamine had not been recognized as a zinc ore but was formerly considered as a kind of pigment or dye which gave the red copper the typical yellowish, golden appearance of brass.
After the 16th century, the region of Stolberg developed into a center of brass manufacturing. Due to the rich deposits of calamine, the Kupfermeister (brass manufacturers) of Stolberg were able to export their brass products throughout all of Europe.
In the 19th century, brass production significantly declined for several reasons. Because of the still abounding ore deposits in the region and supported by the local metallurgic experience, a flourishing zinc industry could be established in Stolberg which became of major importance for the entire district.
