Last weekend, we went to MINFOS, an international exposition of minerals, fossils and environment. Every year, it takes place in Tržič during the second weekend of May. I actually haven’t been there since becoming a parent (because it’s crowded and “fragile” – but I will definitively bring them once they are older).
Part 1 – Galerija paviljon NOB
First, we stopped at the Galerija paviljon NOB, which is next to the post office. A nice lady from the Tina Mezek Zlatarna šolo showed us around.
The Skriti dragulji Slovenije (Hidden Gems of Slovenia), which is an exhibition of jewelries make from (precious) “rocks”. Because there are no “jewelry grade gemstones” in Slovenia, but a lot of “microscopic gemstones in rocks”, such as ruby and even diamonds!
| Centuries ago, people thought to have found “diamonds” in Cerknica, but they were actually quartz crystals. They are often referred as Cerkniški diamanti (Cerknica diamonds) 😆 |
The Živeti s kristali (Living with crystals) is a nice series of photos and exhibitions of crystals and minerals from the prirodoslovni muzej. There was even an activity where you can “find gold” by panning earth from the Drava and Mura river (the only spot where “gold” can be found in Slovenia). We tried our luck and actually found some flakes as a souvenir! 😁
Part 2 – Dvorana BPT
After, we went to the “main” event, which was held in the renovated BPT hall.
| Some historical fact: BPT was established in 1885, as a cotton spinning and weaving mill. Due to the lack of power, it built its first hydropower plant in 1902. By 1934, it had 4, which are located along the stream of Mošenik (Tržiška Bistrica). The textile factory has closed down in 2004, but the hydropower plants are still in use for the production of green energy. |
Some personal collections were exhibited. There were many little stands, selling minerals and fossils from all around the World (as I mentioned, MINFOS is an international fair). You could find raw and processed minerals, some were made into jewelries of all sort.
One of my favorite “made in Slovenia” (beside cookies) is Idrijska cipka (Idrija lace) made into a piece of jewelry. On my very first visit to Slovenia, I remember visiting Idrija and getting myself a nice pair of earrings, a bracelet and a broch. This time, during MINFOS, I got myself a necklace with nice crystals. Totally surprised and happy 🥰.
It was a very nice day out. If you are around Tržič, you can also go hiking in Dovžanova Soteska for its geological path. Also, since we are talking about minerals and such. We also found geodes in our big “backyard” 🤣.
Anna in Slovenia 