Avarela No. 2 quarry
Santa Maria e São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa, Óbidos, Leiria, Portugal
Avarela Nº 2 (pedreira no. 4980), Santa Maria, Óbidos, Distrito de Leiria, Portugal
Key Information
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The Avarela No. 2 quarry is located in Óbidos, Leiria, Portugal, a region known for its medieval history and cultural richness.
It primarily produces gypsum, especially selenite, with other minerals like quartz and calcite also found.
The geological setting includes Upper Cretaceous limestones, likely hosting gypsum in sedimentary layers.
The quarry is active as of 2022, with limited historical details available.
Óbidos is famous for its cherry liqueur, "ginjinha," and has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
Geographic Location
The Avarela No. 2 quarry is in Santa Maria e São Pedro e Sobral da Lagoa, part of Óbidos in the Leiria district, central-western Portugal. This area is about 88 km north of Lisboa and 138 km southwest of Coimbra, making it accessible for enthusiasts. Óbidos is renowned for its medieval town and castle, adding historical charm. Nearby, Nazaré, another Leiria town, features Upper Cretaceous limestones and volcanic activity, offering additional geological interest for explorers.
Minerals Produced
This quarry is a treasure trove for mineral collectors, primarily known for gypsum, especially the selenite variety, prized for its clarity and beauty. Other minerals include quartz (including smoky quartz), calcite, dolomite, epidote, hematite (including specularite), ilmenite, and pyrite, providing a diverse range for enthusiasts to discover.
Geological Structure
The region’s geology is fascinating, with Upper Cretaceous limestones dominating, formed in ancient marine environments. These limestones likely host the gypsum deposits, possibly in evaporite sequences, alongside evidence of volcanic activity seen in nearby Nazaré. This setting suggests a rich history of mineral formation, appealing to those studying geological processes.
Mining History
The quarry is actively extracting gypsum as of 2022, but specific historical details are scarce. It seems likely that gypsum mining has been part of the local economy for some time, given the region’s geological suitability, though exact start dates and methods remain unclear.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Óbidos, where the quarry is located, is a medieval gem, recognized by UNESCO as a creative city of literature since 2015. It’s famous for "ginjinha," a cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups, a delightful local specialty. The town’s cultural events and historical architecture, like its well-preserved castle, enrich the visitor experience.
Climate and Ecology
The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers averaging 20°C and mild, wet winters around 11°C. Rainfall peaks in November, with July being the driest. This climate supports diverse flora and fauna, enhancing the ecological appeal for nature-loving mineral enthusiasts.