Is Murvonis Mine
Domusnovas, South Sardinia Province, Sardinia, Italy
Miniera di Is Murvonis, Domusnovas, Carbonia-Iglesias, Sardegna, Italia
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Murvonis Mine is located in Domusnovas, South Sardinia Province, Sardinia, Italy, a region known for its rich mineral deposits.
It primarily produced baryte and fluorite, with sabelliite being a notable rare mineral found here.
The mine operated from 1955 to 1984, embedded in Cambrian limestone, with a history of prospecting for lead-zinc ores dating back to around 1870.
Domusnovas, known as the "village of the grottos," has a strong mining culture, with museums like the Mineralogical Museum showcasing local minerals.
The area has a Mediterranean climate, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including the Marganai forest.
Location and Geography
The Murvonis Mine sits in Domusnovas, about 40 kilometers northwest of Cagliari and 20 kilometers northeast of Carbonia, in the Sulcis-Iglesiente region. This area is mountainous, with the mine located west of Riu Luvinas near Monte Murvonis-Monte Acqua. Nearby, you'll find other famous mines like Sa Duchessa and Perda Niedda, making it a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts. The region is also popular for rock climbing due to its limestone cliffs, adding an unexpected adventure for visitors.
Minerals and Geology
Research suggests the mine is best known for baryte and fluorite, but it also yields rarer finds like sabelliite, a copper-zinc arsenate-antimonate mineral unique to this site. The geological setting is Cambrian limestone, a sedimentary rock, with mineralized veins formed through hydrothermal processes. Metamorphic rocks in the area contain biotite, muscovite, plagioclase, quartz, and tourmaline, enhancing the mineral diversity.
Mining History and Culture
The mine's history dates back to a prospecting permit for lead-zinc ores around 1870, but it was actively mined for baryte and fluorite from 1955 to 1984, using three main adits and numerous winzes. Domusnovas, dubbed the "village of the grottos" for its San Giovanni Caves, has a deep mining heritage, reflected in local museums like the Mineralogical Museum (Mindat.org) and the Museum of Wild Life and Nature, offering insights into the region's mineral and ecological history.
Climate and Ecology
The evidence leans toward Domusnovas having a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, ideal for diverse ecosystems. The nearby Marganai forest is a haven for flora and fauna, potentially influencing mineral formation through its environmental conditions.