Clara Mine
Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Grube Clara, Rankachtal, Oberwolfach, Wolfach, Schwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Clara Mine is in Oberwolfach, Black Forest, southwestern Germany, known for over 472 minerals, including 17 type localities.
It mainly produces baryte and fluorspar, with silver and copper as by-products, and is still active.
The mine is in metamorphic gneiss rock, with minerals formed through hydrothermal processes.
Mining started in 1726, initially for silver and copper, now operated by Sachtleven company.
Local culture includes a museum in Oberwolfach and mineral collecting on dumps, with a temperate climate and dense forests.
Location and Minerals
The Clara Mine is located in Oberwolfach, in the upper Rankach valley, about 7 km north of the town and 9 km north of Wolfach, within the scenic Black Forest region of southwestern Germany. This area is famous for its dense forests and traditional German culture, making it a picturesque spot for mineral enthusiasts. The mine is renowned for its vast mineral diversity, with over 472 different minerals identified, including 17 type localities—minerals first discovered here, such as agardite-(Ce) and arsenbrackebuschite. It primarily produces baryte and fluorspar for industrial use, with silver and copper as additional by-products, offering unexpected variety for collectors.
Geological and Historical Context
Geologically, the mine sits in the Black Forest Gneiss Complex, a metamorphic rock formation, with minerals found in fault zones, suggesting a hydrothermal origin from mineral-rich waters flowing through cracks over time. Historically, mining began in 1726, initially targeting silver and copper, and has evolved to focus on baryte and fluorspar, remaining active under the Sachtleven company, which adds a layer of continuity to its long history.
Cultural and Environmental Notes
The local community in Oberwolfach is deeply connected to the mine, highlighted by the Mining and Mineral Museum, which showcases its history and mineral wealth. The mine's dumps are open for collecting, attracting enthusiasts globally, adding a social dimension to the experience. The region has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers, surrounded by dense coniferous forests typical of the Black Forest, enhancing its ecological appeal.