Gauli
Lauteraar glacier, Lower Aar glacier area, Bern, Switzerland
Gauli, Lauteraargletscher, Unteraargletscher-Gebiet, Grimsel, Haslital, Bern, Schweiz (Suisse; Svizzera)
Key Information
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The locality, Gauli, Lauteraar Glacier, and Lower Aar Glacier area in Bern, Switzerland, is in the Bernese Alps, known for its glaciers and high peaks.
It features minerals like Ruby, Fuchsite, Rock Crystal, Hematite, and Adularia, appealing to collectors.
The geological structure includes clefts in amphibolites, part of the Alps Accretionary Complex.
Specific mining history is limited, likely focused on small-scale collecting by enthusiasts.
The Gauli Glacier is notable for a 1946 aircraft crash and rescue, adding historical interest.
The climate is alpine, supporting glaciers, with unique high-altitude ecology.
Geographic Location
This locality is nestled in the Bernese Alps, a subrange of the Swiss Alps in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. It encompasses the Gauli Glacier, Lauteraar Glacier, and Lower Aar Glacier, surrounded by other famous glacial and mountainous areas like the Finsteraarhorn and Unteraargletscher. The region is accessible via passes like the Grimsel Pass and is near lakes such as Grimselsee, offering a dramatic alpine setting.
Minerals Produced
The area is rich in minerals that attract collectors, including:
- Corundum, notably its variety Ruby, adding vibrant color to the landscape.
- Muscovite, including Fuchsite, known for its green hue.
- Hematite, an iron oxide mineral.
- Quartz, especially Rock Crystal, prized for its clarity.
- Adularia, a potassium feldspar variety common in alpine settings.
These minerals are significant for both their scientific value and aesthetic appeal.
Geological and Historical Context
The geological structure features clefts in amphibolites within the Alps Accretionary Complex on the Eurasian Plate, shaped by tectonic activity and glaciation. While industrial mining history is sparse, the area likely has a long tradition of mineral collecting, driven by the allure of its rare specimens. An unexpected detail is the historical event at Gauli Glacier: a 1946 C-53 Skytrooper aircraft crash and the pioneering rescue operation, marking a milestone in alpine rescue history.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is alpine, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, ideal for preserving glaciers like Gauli, Lauteraar, and Lower Aar. The ecology supports hardy alpine plants, mosses, lichens, and animals like ibex and chamois, adapted to the high-altitude environment.