Georg Agricola is considered the founder of the scientific study of mineralogy and mining and is one of the most important figures in the history of technology. His significant legacy for mining and the history of science is the work "De re metallica libri XII - Twelve Books on Mining and Metallurgy," published in 1556, in which he classifies minerals and formulates important approaches to ore deposit science. This work laid the foundation for the geological sciences of later centuries. Additionally, his extensive technological discussions establish the early engineering sciences during the European Renaissance.