La Viesca Mine
Huergo, La Collada mining area, Siero, Asturias, Spain
Mina La Viesca, Huergo, Zona minera de La Collada, Siero, Asturias, España
Key Information
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La Viesca Mine is located in Huergo, Siero, Asturias, Spain, known for its Fluorite and Calcite.
It produces colorful Fluorite crystals, especially blue and violet, and unique Calcite forms.
The mine is in Permian and Triassic rocks, with fluorite in carbonate formations.
Mining started with coal, shifted to fluorspar, and restarted in 2004, owned by Preminor S.L.
Asturias has a rich Celtic culture, with Huergo part of this heritage.
The area has a maritime climate, with moderate temperatures and ample rainfall.
Geographic Location
La Viesca Mine sits in Huergo, within the La Collada mining area in Siero, Asturias, Spain, in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. It's about 13 km along the As-248 road, near other notable mineral sites like Villabona and Caravia, also known for fluorite.
Minerals and Geology
The mine is famous for its Fluorite, displaying colors from transparent to nearly black, with blues and violets being standout. The "Geoda de Las Monjas" pocket in May 2010 yielded around 400 specimens. Calcite here forms scalenohedrons and complex shapes. Geologically, it's part of the Asturian Permo-Triassic basin, with fluorite in carbonate formations, linked to Permian and Triassic rocks.
Mining History
Originally a coal mine under Felgueroso Hermanos, it transitioned to fluorspar mining with Fluoruros S.A., and is now run by Preminor S.L. since restarting in 2004 via a 5 km inclined ramp. Fluorite was first noted in the area in 1904.
Local Culture
Asturias boasts a vibrant Celtic culture, seen in its music and traditions, with Huergo reflecting this heritage. The region is known for its cuisine and festivals, adding depth to the mining area's cultural backdrop.
Climate and Ecology
Asturias enjoys a maritime climate with moderate temperatures and plenty of rain, influencing the mine's operations. Ecological considerations likely include water management, given the region's wet conditions.