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Where to Find Minerals in Málaga
Zones with Minerals in the Province of Málaga
The province of Málaga, in southern Spain, is known for its beautiful scenery, golden beaches, and charming white villages. Beyond its superficial charm, however, the region is home to a treasure trove underground: a rich variety of minerals that appeal to geologists, collectors, and nature enthusiasts alike. From sparkling quartz to stunning pyrite specimens, Malaga’s geology offers a fascinating window into the region’s geological past. We are going to see where to find minerals in Malaga, revealing how to get to them, the types of minerals that we can find and some curiosities that will make this experience unforgettable.
Málaga has a rich mining history dating back to Roman times, when minerals such as iron and lead were mined. Throughout the centuries, the region has been active in the extraction of minerals such as quartz, calcite, fluorite, celestine, pyrite, quartz, barite and many other mineral species. These resources have been essential for the economic development of the area and have left a significant mark on its culture and history.
1. The Route of the Crystals in the Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama
- Locations: The Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama is a paradise for crystal seekers. You can explore abandoned mines and caves in search of quartz, amethyst and calcite.
- How to get there: From Málaga, take the A-7206 road north until you reach Frigiliana. From there, follow the signs to the park visitor center. Some areas may require some walking, so be sure to wear suitable footwear.
- Mineral Types: In this region, you’ll find quartz crystals in various shapes and colors, from clear to smoky to purple-hued amethysts. Calcites and dolomites are also common.
- Curiosities: The Tortuga mine, located in the area, is famous for its smoky quartz crystals, which can reach impressive sizes.
2. Underwater Jewels: Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Nature Reserve
- Locations: Although most of the mineral deposits in Málaga are located on the mainland, the Natural Reserve of the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo offers a unique opportunity to discover marine minerals. The underwater cliffs are good areas to find minerals in Malaga and are rich in calcites, aragonites and halite.
- How to get there: From Málaga, follow the A-7 road to the east until you reach the town of Maro. There, you will find several access points to the nature reserve.
- Types of minerals: In the crystal clear waters off the cliffs, you can find calcite and aragonite crystals embedded in the underwater rocks, as well as halite formations that create “salt” type structures.
- Curiosities: In addition to its mineralogical value, the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Reserve is a refuge for a varied marine life, so diving here is an unforgettable experience.
3. Sierra de las Nieves: Quartz and Calcite
The Sierra de las Nieves, declared a Biosphere Reserve, is a true gem for mineral lovers and one of the best areas to find minerals in Málaga. Here, collectors can find excellent quality quartz and calcite crystals. Quartz crystals can range from clear specimens to beautiful smoky quartz. In some areas, it is possible to find quartz drusen that create impressive crystalline formations.
The Sierra de las Nieves, declared a Natural Park, is another area with a rich mineral diversity. In its mountains and valleys, minerals such as magnesium, copper and iron can be found. Geology enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails and mineral viewing in this stunning natural area.
The Sierra de las Nieves is located about 50 km west of Malaga capital. You can reach Ronda by car or by public transport and, from there, continue towards the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.
4. Trinidad Benalmádena Mine: Pyrite and Limonite
The La Trinidad Mine is located in the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas, in the municipality of Benalmádena Pueblo, province of Málaga. To get to this interesting place, you can follow the A-368 road from Malaga in the direction of Benalmádena, and then take the MA-3404 road to the mine.
La Trinidad Mine is one of the oldest mines in the province of Malaga, with evidence of mining activity dating back to Roman and medieval times.
In addition to the minerals mentioned, samples of chalcopyrite, quartz and other metallic sulphides have been found on occasion, which adds even more interest to the geological variety of the place. During the visit to the mine, it is possible to learn about the history of mining in the region and appreciate the work of the former miners who worked in these galleries in difficult conditions. You can find minerals such as galena, sphalerite, pyrite, calcite, limonite or galena.
See videos of Mine Trinidad
5. Encarnación Mine in Mijas, Malaga
The Encarnación Mine is located in the municipality of Mijas, in the province of Málaga, Spain. To get to this location, you can take the A-387 road from Mijas to the area near the mine. It is important to note that due to security and conservation reasons, access to certain areas of the mine may be restricted, so it is recommended to join organized tours or have local guides to explore the mine safely and authorized to access this good area where to find minerals in Malaga.
- The Encarnación Mine has a long history of mining activity, dating back to ancient times. The Phoenicians and Romans are believed to have been some of the first to exploit the minerals in this region.
- Over the years, the mine has been a major source of industrial minerals used in various applications, such as barite for pigment production and calcite in cement manufacturing.
- The Encarnación Mine has also been an attractive place for mineral collectors and geologists, due to the variety and quality of the specimens found.
6. Minerals from the Barrio Quarry in Mijas, Malaga
La Cantera del Barrio is located in the municipality of Mijas, in the province of Málaga, Spain. To reach this location, you can follow the A-368 road from Mijas to the vicinity of the quarry. It is important to note that, being an active or inactive quarry, access to certain areas may be restricted for security reasons.
La Cantera del Barrio has a long history of extracting marble, dating back to ancient times. This marble has been used in the construction of buildings and monuments in the region and beyond.
Parts of the quarry may have been abandoned, creating stunning landscapes with exposed rock faces and natural pools that have formed over time.
The presence of different types of minerals in the quarry provides the opportunity to study the local geology and the formation of mineral deposits such as marble, calcite, dolomite and spinels.
7. La Juanona Quarry in Antequera, Malaga
La Cantera La Juanona is located in the city of Antequera, in the province of Málaga, Spain. To reach this location, you can follow the A-384 road from Antequera to the vicinity of the quarry. Exploring the La Juanona Quarry is an enriching experience for lovers of minerals and geology. However, it is important to respect the regulations and restrictions to ensure a safe and environmentally friendly visit. Organized tours with expert guides offer the opportunity to learn about the geology of the quarry and the formation of minerals in their natural environment.
The La Juanona Quarry has been exploited for centuries for the extraction of construction materials, such as limestone and dolomite, which have been used in the construction of buildings and monuments in the region.
The aragonite crystals found in the quarry are highly valued by mineral collectors due to their beauty and rarity.
8. Minerals from the Tejea Quarry in Archidona, Málaga
La Cantera de Tejea is located in the town of Archidona, in the province of Málaga, Spain. To get to this location, you can follow the A-92 road from Malaga to Archidona and then take the MA-4100 road to the quarry. It is important to note that due to security and conservation reasons, access to certain areas of the quarry may be restricted.
The Tejea Quarry has been exploited for centuries for the extraction of construction materials, such as dolomite and calcite, which have been used in the construction of buildings and monuments in the region.
The quartz crystals found in the quarry are highly valued by mineral collectors due to their beauty and diversity of colors, making them one of the best areas to find minerals in Málaga.
9. Minerals from the La Araña Quarry in Malaga
La Cantera de La Araña is located in the province of Malaga, Spain. To reach this location, you can follow the A-356 road from Malaga in the direction of Colmenar. Subsequently, you must take the MA-3103 road towards the quarry. It is important to note that due to security and conservation reasons, access to certain areas of the quarry may be restricted. For this reason, it is recommended to request permission or join organized tours with specialized guides to explore the quarry in a safe and authorized manner.
The La Araña Quarry has been exploited for centuries for the extraction of construction materials, such as calcite, gypsum and quartz, which have been used in the construction of buildings and monuments in the region.
The aragonite crystals found in the quarry are highly valued by mineral collectors due to their beauty and rarity.
Zones with minerals in Malaga safely
The province of Málaga not only offers great natural beauty on its surface, but is also home to a fascinating underground world of precious minerals and geological curiosities. From sparkling crystals in the mountains to historic minerals in old mines, and hidden gems on the seabed, Málaga is a unique destination for lovers of geology and nature. Through this underground adventure, we can appreciate the geological richness and history of the region, connecting with the land in a way that only mineral mining can offer, being the areas named among the best to find minerals in Málaga. So, the next time you visit the province of Malaga, don’t forget to look beyond its surface and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of its minerals.
However, it is important to remember that visiting some of these locations may require authorization or permission, as some mines may be closed to the public due to security concerns. It is always advisable to inform yourself and take the necessary precautions before embarking on any mining adventure.
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