... for Geologists
Geologie und Bergbau   Vesser's Mining History
An iron forge was the impetus for the town of Vesser. This forge must have had a far-ranging reputation, because it is rare to find so prominent a mention in the documents of the time. Vesser can look back on a long mining tradition, especially the mining shafts which were operated well into this century.
Until a few years ago the historical significance of mining for the development of the region and tourism was underestimated.
During the period between 1600 and 1630 when the weapons industry in Suhl began to flourish, the iron produced in Vesser was in high demand because it lent itself well to drilling, welding and filing.
The iron was used in gun lock mechanisms, pistol barrels and armour.
The mines resumed production in 1647 after the 30 Years War. In 1649 a bellows foundry was constructed. Water power was harnessed in this process.The mining works named first the "Vereinigte Crux-Zechen " and later the "Schwarzer Crux" were the largest preserved mining facility in the middle Thuringian Forest. Between 1742 and 1745 600 wagons of iron ore were mined. 500 of them found their way to the forges in Suhl. The ore was mined until the 18th century
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Mineralogical Significance of the Ore ”Cruxen” (types)
The types can be categorised into black, yellow (white), red and blue. The type names are derived from the minerals:

"Black" (magnetite),
"Red" (Hematite) and
"Yellow" (pyrite)

The black variety also contains the minerals:
pyrite, chalkopyrite, hematite, ilmenite, pyrophanite, pyrrhotine, fluorite, baryte, calcite und scheelite.
The description "Crux" is probably derived from a cross at the side of a road.
Tipps für Vesser

  · Visit our mining educational path
  · A look into the ”Schwarzer Crux”
    (”black cross”) mining museum

 
Kontext

  · The Henneberger Historical Society
  · The geology of Suhl and its surrounding
    area
  · Preservation Society "Schwarzer Crux"
  · Thuringian Cave Society
  · Calendar of the German Scientific Cave
    and Mountain Society