One of the most attractive highlights from my visit to the Intergem Show was “Long Night of the Gemstones”, where institutions in Idar-Oberstein opened their doors to welcome exhibitors, visitors and Citizens free of charge and offer an attractive program for visitors. I had the privilege of visiting:
• The Industrial Monument Bengel
• Weiherschleife Grinding
• German Gemstone Museum
• Gemstone Mines Steinkaulenberg
Gemstone Mines Steinkaulenberg located in the middle of a nature reserve is the only gemstone mine in Europe that is open to visitors. Commercial mining ceased in 1875.
![Gemstone Mines Steinkaulenberg; Idar Oberstein; Germany| The Diamond Talk](https://thediamondtalk.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mines.jpg)
The lava rock of the Steinkaulenberg in Idar-Oberstein was formed more than 250 million years ago. Gemstones such as agate, amethyst, jasper and rock crystal; have been mined underground since the late Middle Ages. Mining was extremely labour intensive and in poor working conditions, the miners took one year to pass through 1 meter with oil lamps as the only form of electricity.
![Gemstone Mines Steinkaulenberg; Idar Oberstein; Germany| The Diamond Talk](https://thediamondtalk.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/tunnel.jpg)
Visitors can also hunt for their treasure and dig for gems in a designated area nearby. I had the most memorable experience, visiting the historic mine in Idar Overstein!
![Gemstone Mines Steinkaulenberg; Idar Oberstein; Germany| The Diamond Talk](https://thediamondtalk.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/intergem-image.jpg)
Read about my visit to the Intergem Show, The Industrial Monument Bengel, German Gemstone Museum and Weiherschleife Grinding and plan a visit to Idar Oberstein soon!