Harakas Cove slag locality
Lavrion slag localities, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Harakas Cove slag locality is in Lavrion, Greece, near Cape Sounion, with coordinates 37° 39' 54'' N, 23° 58' 24'' E.
It features rare minerals like Mammothite (a type locality) and others such as Anglesite and Atacamite, formed from historical slag.
The area has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, influencing its coastal ecology.
Mining history dates back to ancient times, crucial for Athens, with modern activity in the 19th-20th centuries.
Local culture includes museums like the Mineralogical Museum and nearby Temple of Poseidon, with a mysterious giant hole adding intrigue.
Geographic Location
Harakas Cove is a small cove west of Cape Sounion, in Lavrion, East Attica, Greece. It’s on the eastern coast, close to settlements like Legrená (1.9km) and Palaiá Fókaia (6.5km), making it accessible for enthusiasts. The Temple of Poseidon nearby adds a historical backdrop.
Minerals and Geology
This locality is famous for secondary minerals in slag, including Mammothite (a type locality, first described here), Anglesite, Annabergite, and Atacamite. These formed from ancient smelting, offering unique collecting opportunities. The geology involves slag from the Aegean and Eurasian Plates, shaped by human mining activity.
Mining and History
Lavrion’s mining, vital for ancient Athens’ silver, left slag at Harakas Cove. Operations continued into the 19th-20th centuries, with companies like the Greek Lavrion Metallurgical Company, enriching its historical significance.
Culture and Climate
The area features the Mineralogical Museum and the Temple of Poseidon, with a mysterious giant hole adding local charm. It has a Mediterranean climate, hot in summer (29-30°C) and mild in winter (12-13°C), with coastal ecology enhancing its appeal.