
SaharaGems Journals
Stories, Guides & Discoveries from Earth and Space

Papandayan Volcano Java’s Hidden Gem
Exploring Papandayan Volcano In June 2023, we had the chance to visit the incredible Papandayan Volcano in West Java, Indonesia — a destination that is far less famous than Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, or Krakatau, yet just as fascinating and truly unique. Unlike the crowded volcanoes of Java, Papandayan offers a more peaceful and authentic adventure, perfect for travelers who

Ocean Family Villa – Srau Beach – Pacitan – Java – Indonesia
My wife is the proud owner of Ocean Family Villa Pacitan, a beautiful retreat with private and direct access to Srau Beach, one of Java’s most breathtaking coastal gems. Nestled between lush green hills and the vast Indian Ocean, the villa offers guests the rare chance to enjoy tranquil seclusion, unspoiled landscapes, and

In Memory of Marc Jost and Peter Marmet
Without Marc Jost of Spacejewels Switzerland and Peter Marmet, I would never have ventured so deeply into the fascinating world of meteorites. I still remember meeting them for the first time in 2008 at the Mineral Fair in Bern. What began as an encounter between collectors and traders quickly grew

Pseudomorph Prophecy Stones – Mysteries from the White Desert, Egypt
The White Desert of Egypt is like no other place on Earth. Vast chalk formations, shaped by wind and time, rise from the golden sands like a surreal landscape from another world. Hidden within this stark beauty lies one of nature’s rare treasures: Pseudomorph Prophecy Stones. These stones are geological

Blue Amber from Sumatra – Nature’s Hidden Fire
Deep in the tropical forests of Sumatra, Indonesia, lies one of the world’s rarest treasures: Blue Amber. Unlike any other amber, this extraordinary fossilized resin glows with a mysterious blue sheen under sunlight or UV light, a natural phenomenon caused by its unique molecular structure and volcanic origins. While amber

Indonesian Luwak Coffee – The Taste of the Archipelago
Indonesia is not only a land of volcanoes and emerald jungles — it is also home to some of the finest coffees in the world. Across the islands, coffee has been cultivated for centuries, thriving in the rich volcanic soils and cool mountain climates. Each region tells its story through