Bicske-Csordakút

Bicske-Csordakút is located in the Bicskei District of Fejér County, Hungary, approximately 37 km east of Budapest. It sits within the Bicske-Zsámbéki Basin, a geologically significant area in Central Europe. The nearby town of Bicske, with a population of about 12,100, is the largest settlement, offering cultural and historical context to the locality.

This locality is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, boasting 30 valid minerals. The Csordakúti Mine is particularly famous for rare finds like mellite, known for its large, honey-yellow to brown bipyramidal crystals, and humboldtine, a yellow, dull mineral forming crusts. Other notable minerals include gypsum, calcite, and alumohydrocalcite. Geologically, it features Eocene-aged coal and bauxite layers overlaying Upper Triassic dolomite, reflecting a complex history of sedimentary deposits.

Mining at Bicske-Csordakút began with open-pit operations for coal and bauxite between Nagyegyháza and Csabdi, later shifting to underground mining at the Csordakúti Mine, which used an inclined shaft. Coal mining ceased in 1990, followed by deep-level bauxite mining using pillar techniques. The mine is renowned for preserving organic minerals like mellite and humboldtine, often saved by miners rather than discarded, making them rare and valuable today.

While Bicske-Csordakút itself is primarily a mining site, its proximity to Bicske enriches its cultural backdrop. Bicske has a storied past, with historical ties to the Byckche family since 1258, Ottoman rule, and the Batthyány family, who built the Batthyány Mansion and an observatory in the 18th century. The town features the Roman Catholic Church with a Maulbertsch panel painting, ruins of a 15th-century temple, and a vibrant Jewish community history, including a synagogue. Sports fans might enjoy Bicskei TC, the local football club.

Bicske-Csordakút experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. July sees average highs of 79°F, while January lows dip to 26°F. The growing season spans April to October, with precipitation higher in summer and snow common from November to March. This climate, influenced by Hungary's position far from the Atlantic, shapes the ecological environment, though specific ecological ties to mineral formation are less documented.