Monte Rosso di Verra
Champoluc, Ayas, Aosta Valley, Italy
Monte Rosso di Verra (Mont Rouge de Verra), Champoluc, Ayas, Val d'Ayas, Valle d'Aosta (Vallée d'Aoste), Italia
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Monte Rosso di Verra is in the Aosta Valley, Italy, near the Swiss and French borders, part of the Monte Rosa massif.
It features rare minerals like titanclinohumite and various garnets, attracting mineral enthusiasts.
The geological structure includes rodingite dykes in serpentinite, formed by ancient oceanic crust processes.
Historical records date back to 1835, mainly for collecting, not large-scale mining.
The area has a rich alpine culture, with hiking and mountaineering traditions, in a cold, high-altitude climate.
Geographic Location
Monte Rosso di Verra is located in Champoluc, Ayas, Aosta Valley, Italy, at coordinates 45° 53' 9'' North, 7° 45' 43'' East. This places it in the northwestern corner of Italy, near the borders with Switzerland and France, within the stunning Monte Rosa massif of the Alps. Nearby settlements include Champoluc-Champlan (6.3 km away), Gressoney-La-Trinitè (7.8 km), and Ayas (9.7 km), making it accessible yet remote in a mountainous, alpine setting.
Minerals Produced
The locality is renowned for its unique mineralogy, featuring rodingite dykes in magnetite-bearing antigorite serpentinite. Notable minerals include reddish titanclinohumite, a rare variety of hydroxylclinohumite, and garnets like andradite (including demantoid and topazolite) and grossular (including hessonite). Other minerals present are diopside, forsterite, epidote, vesuvianite, titanite, ilmenite, perovskite, and prehnite, offering a diverse range for collectors.
Geological Structure
Monte Rosso di Verra’s geology is part of the ophiolitic Zermatt-Saas nappe, representing ancient oceanic crust altered during the Alpine orogeny. The main rock types are rodingite dykes within magnetite-bearing antigorite serpentinite, rich in minerals like diopside, forsterite, and titanclinohumite. Outcrops are found at the base of the north face, WSW of Passo Superiore di Bettolina, and the western foot, showcasing a complex history of metamorphism and tectonic activity.
Mining History
While not a site of large-scale mining, Monte Rosso di Verra has a documented history since 1835, with Barelli reporting epidote crystals. Zambonini (1903) studied epidote and noted garnet, diopside, and others, with further studies by Boeris (1909) and Carpanese (1925–1932). It’s primarily a collecting locality for enthusiasts, preserving its natural state.
Local Culture and Characteristics
In the bilingual Aosta Valley, Monte Rosso di Verra is surrounded by alpine culture, with traditions in mountaineering and festivals. Nearby Champoluc, with a population of 392 (2014), reflects a rural, mountainous lifestyle. The area’s rugged terrain is popular for hiking, offering views of the Monte Rosa massif, blending natural beauty with scientific interest.
Climate and Ecology
The locality experiences a cold, mountainous climate, likely Dfc (subarctic with cool summers), with harsh winters and mild summers. Ecologically, it’s an alpine zone with glaciers like Verra Glacier and alpine pastures, supporting hardy flora and fauna, including lichens and microfungi, shaped by glacial activity.