Traversella Mine

Mindat.org

Traversella, Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Miniera di Traversella, Traversella, Val Chiusella, Canavese, Torino, Piemonte, Italia

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Key Information

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  • Traversella Mine, located in Traversella, Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont, Italy, is a significant site for mineral enthusiasts, known for its rich history and diverse minerals.

  • The mine, a skarn deposit, was active from the late Middle Ages to 1971, primarily extracting magnetite, with over 100 minerals identified, including the type locality mineral ferro-ferri-hornblende.

  • The area features a cold winter, hot summer climate, with mountain flora and fauna, and cultural attractions like a mining museum and ancient rock engravings.

Geographic Location

Traversella is nestled in the mountainous Canavese area, about 50 km north of Turin, in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. This location places it near the Alps, offering a scenic backdrop of valleys and peaks. While no other famous mineral localities are explicitly noted nearby, the region itself is known for its geological richness, making it a draw for enthusiasts exploring the broader area.

Minerals Produced

The Traversella Mine is renowned for magnetite, the primary iron ore mineral, which was extensively mined. It hosts over 100 valid minerals, with ferro-ferri-hornblende being a standout as the type locality mineral, first discovered here. This mineral, with its dark greenish, acicular or lamellar crystals, is particularly notable for collectors. Other minerals, like traversellite (a synonym for diopside), add to the site's diversity, though not uniquely rare.

Geological Structure and Mining History

The mine is a skarn deposit, formed at the contact between the Traversella pluton (a dioritic body) and metamorphic host rocks, resulting from magma-limestone interactions. Mining began in the late Middle Ages and continued until 1971, when it closed due to high costs and foreign competition. During the 20th century, pyrite and chalcopyrite were also extracted for sulfuric acid, reflecting the mine's evolving economic role. Owned by FIAT at closure, it played a key role in regional industrial development.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Traversella's cultural landscape includes the Mining Museum of Traversella Mindat.org, showcasing minerals and equipment, and ancient Stone Age rock engravings, offering historical depth. The region is known for truffle festivals, though specific events in Traversella are less documented, adding to its appeal for visitors interested in both history and cuisine.

Climate and Ecology

The climate features cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, with frequent precipitation in spring and autumn. The ecology, typical of alpine regions, includes mountain flora and fauna, though specific details are limited. The mining history likely impacted the local environment, but the area's natural beauty remains a backdrop to its geological significance.

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