El Hoyazo
Níjar, Almería, Andalusia, Spain
Cerro del Hoyazo / Cráter de las Granatillas (Cráter de La Granadilla), Níjar, Almería, Andalucía, España
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
El Hoyazo is a mineral-rich site in Níjar, Almería, Andalusia, Spain, known for garnets and cordierite.
It lies in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with nearby towns like Níjar (3.3 km) and Lucainena de las Torres (9.3 km).
The area features volcanic rocks with minerals formed through weathering, offering a unique geological experience.
Mining occurred mainly in the early 20th century, with a brief revival in 1996, and is now protected.
The climate is hot and dry, with summer highs of 88°F and annual rainfall of 7.95 inches, supporting unique ecosystems.
Geographic Location
El Hoyazo is located at 36° 57’ 37’’ North, 2° 10’ 9’’ West, within the municipality of Níjar in Almería, Andalusia, Spain. It is part of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, a protected area known for its volcanic landscapes. Nearby settlements include Níjar (3.3 km away, population 26,516), Lucainena de las Torres (9.3 km, population 603), and Turrillas (11.5 km, population 247), making it accessible yet secluded for mineral enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
El Hoyazo is famous for its garnet placer deposits, especially almandine, with crystals up to 1.5 cm. Other minerals include biotite, cordierite (locally called “sapphires”), cristobalite, fluorapatite, graphite, hercynite, ilmenite, pyroxene group minerals, quartz, sillimanite, and zircon, offering a diverse range for collectors.
Geological Structure
The site is an ancient underwater volcanic cone, 600 meters in diameter, formed by calc-alkaline potassic volcanism. The rocks are biotite-rich dacites with phenocrystals of almandine, plagioclase, cordierite, and biotite, plus xenoliths of cordierite/sillimanite gneiss. Garnets are concentrated in placer deposits due to weathering, creating rich alluvial fans.
Mining History
Mining at El Hoyazo began in the early 20th century, focusing on garnet-rich sands, with production peaking at 6 tons daily. It was briefly reactivated in 1996 but has since ceased. The site’s historical significance includes early studies of cordierite, first described in 1801, adding to its mineralogical legacy.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Known locally as Cerro del Hoyazo or Cráter de las Granatillas, El Hoyazo is part of Andalusia’s cultural tapestry. Níjar, nearby, features white-washed houses and traditional crafts like pottery, contrasting with the arid landscape. The natural park enhances its appeal with volcanic craters and fossilized coral reefs, reflecting a rich historical and ecological narrative.
Climate and Ecology
El Hoyazo experiences a desert climate, with August highs of 88°F (31°C) and January lows of 48°F (9°C). Annual rainfall is just 7.95 inches (202 mm), one of Europe’s driest regions. Despite aridity, it supports unique ecosystems, including fossilized coral reefs from ancient seas, protected under the natural park’s status.