Pasto Bueno
La Libertad, Peru
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Pasto Bueno is a mining district in Pampas District, Pallasca Province, Ancash, Peru, at 15,000 feet elevation, not in La Libertad as mentioned.
It produces notable minerals like fluorite, hübnerite, and rhodochrosite, attracting collectors.
The geology features a hydrothermal vein system, likely epithermal or mesothermal, with tungsten and carbonate minerals.
Mining history includes multiple mines like Huayllapon, significant for tungsten and specimen collecting.
Local culture involves agrarian practices, crafts, and festivals like San Juan Bautista, with historical ties to the Spanish Conquest.
The climate is cool, with temperatures from 42°F to 65°F, wet from October to April, and dry from May to September.
Geographic Location
Pasto Bueno is located in the Pampas District, Pallasca Province, Ancash Region, Peru, at coordinates 8° 9' 15'' South, 77° 51' 9'' West. Despite the query mentioning La Libertad, it is actually in Ancash, a region known for its Andes Mountains and mining activities. At about 15,000 feet elevation, it sits in a rugged, high-altitude area, part of the South America Plate. Nearby, the Pallasca District shares similar cultural and environmental traits, enhancing the region's appeal.
Minerals and Geology
Pasto Bueno is famous for its mineral diversity, including emerald green fluorite, dark red hübnerite (manganese wolframite), and light pink to red rhodochrosite, with crystals up to 15 cm. Other minerals include quartz with inclusions, scheelite, topaz, and sulphides like galena and sphalerite. The geology suggests a complex hydrothermal system, likely epithermal or mesothermal, with tungsten-rich veins and carbonate conditions, indicating a rich history of mineral formation.
Mining and History
The district comprises several mines, notably Huayllapon, known for exceptional specimens and tungsten production. Mining has been active for decades, making it a significant site for collectors, though exact specimen provenance can be unclear. Nearby, the Majistral Mine operated for copper, adding to the region's mining diversity.
Culture and Climate
The Pallasca region features a vibrant culture with agrarian practices, cultivating potatoes and maize, and crafts like bayetas and ponchos. The annual San Juan Bautista feast in June showcases folkloric tapestries and processions, reflecting historical ties to the Spanish Conquest and independence struggles. The climate is cool, with temperatures ranging from 42°F to 65°F, a wet season from October to April with heavy rains, and a dry season from May to September, shaped by the high-altitude Andes environment.