Cornouaille beach alluvial deposits
Concarneau, Quimper, Finistère, Brittany, France
Plage de Cornouaille, Concarneau, Finistère, Bretagne, France
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Cornouaille beach is in Concarneau, Finistère, Brittany, France, known for its scenic coastal location.
Research suggests minerals like rutile, magnetite, and ilmenite are found in its alluvial deposits.
The geological structure includes sedimentary rocks, with minerals formed by water erosion.
It seems likely there was no large-scale mining history, possibly small-scale or amateur activities.
The area has a rich culture, including the medieval Ville Close and the Fête des Filets Bleus festival.
The climate is marine west coast, influencing mineral deposition through water flow.
Geographic Location
Cornouaille beach is located on the west side of Concarneau port, in the Finistère department of Brittany, France. This coastal town is part of the historical Cornouaille region, known for its beautiful beaches and maritime heritage. Nearby, you can explore the medieval walled town (Ville Close) and other beaches like Plage des Sables Blancs, making it a vibrant area for mineral enthusiasts.
Minerals and Geological Structure
The alluvial deposits at Cornouaille beach are likely to contain minerals such as rutile, magnetite, ilmenite, and possibly pyrite, formed through the erosion and sedimentation processes typical of coastal environments. The area's geology consists mainly of sedimentary rocks, with minerals transported and concentrated by water flow from surrounding igneous and metamorphic rocks, characteristic of Brittany's ancient geological formations.
Mining and Cultural Context
There is no evidence of large-scale mining at Cornouaille beach, but the region has a history of gold and tin mining, suggesting possible small-scale or amateur mineral collection. Concarneau's culture is rich, highlighted by the medieval Ville Close, a fortified island, and the annual Fête des Filets Bleus festival, celebrating Breton heritage. Local specialties include seafood and crêpes, with famous visitors like Gustave Flausbert adding to its cultural allure.
Climate and Ecology
Concarneau has a marine west coast climate with warm summers, averaging 12.71°C and 62.93 mm of annual precipitation. This climate influences the formation of alluvial deposits by facilitating water flow and erosion, which are crucial for mineral concentration in the beach's sediments.