Ilfeld Harz Mountains

Figure 1. Postcard view of Ilfeld ca. 1890. U.S Library of Congress collection.

Tucked away in north-central Germany lies the Harz Mountains, a geologically complex region that has been a treasure trove for mineral collectors and nature enthusiasts alike. Within this picturesque landscape is the small town of Ilfeld, which holds a significant place in the history of manganese mining.

A Haven for Mineral Collectors

The Ilfeld area has been renowned for its exceptional richness in metallic ore, particularly manganese. For centuries, miners have extracted valuable minerals from the region’s soil and rocks. Among the prized finds are the world-class crystal specimens of manganite, a manganese oxide that is highly sought after by collectors.

A Brief History of Manganese Mining in Ilfeld

The history of manganese mining in Ilfeld dates back to around 1700, with small-scale workings occurring intermittently until the final closure of the mines in 1922. During this period, thousands of brilliant black manganite crystals were recovered, many of which still appear on the market today.

Interestingly, an entrepreneur from Nordhausen named Eduard Gossel offered to lease the mines from the Mine Office and continue mining. However, negotiations were broken off due to concerns over whether Gossel could mine at a profit. Bergmeister W. Schleifenbaum pointed out that manganese ores were being recovered cheaply in Spain and in the Caucasus, while the use of high-quality Ilfeld braunstein in glass manufacture was declining

. Moreover, minable Ilfeld reserves seemed still confined to Rasenläufer veins just under the surface, most known examples of which were almost completely mined out (Rumscheidt, 1926; Gaevert, 1981).

The Braunsteinhaus and Its Significance

Early in 1891, the buildings around the Braunsteinhaus, with their entire inventories, were sold off. This marked a significant turning point for the Ilfeld district, which went dormant until 1916. However, with the resumption of mining activities, manganese ore production resumed.