Alpe Sparesè

Alpe Sparesè is nestled in Dorio, within Lecco Province, Lombardy, Italy, close to the scenic Lake Como. It's at an elevation of about 616 meters, with coordinates around 46.1117° N, 9.3506° E. You can reach it by traveling from Colico to Piona, then to Borgonuovo-Fumiarga, and finally to Sparesè. The area is known for its stunning mountain views and proximity to Lake Como, a famous tourist spot.

This locality is rich in minerals, including albite, almandine, apatite, autunite, beryl, biotite, feldspar group, garnet group, metatorbernite, monazite supergroup, muscovite, pyrite, quartz, schorl, torbernite, uraninite, xenotime, and zircon. Notably, it was mined for feldspar and muscovite, but also yields gemstones like beryl and garnet, as well as rarer uranium minerals like autunite and torbernite, which might surprise collectors.

Alpe Sparesè features pegmatitic veins, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks known for large crystal formations. These veins formed through the crystallization of magma, creating ideal conditions for finding well-formed mineral specimens.

Mining at Alpe Sparesè began before the early 20th century, focusing on feldspar and muscovite. It was abandoned over 60 years ago, likely before 1965, leaving behind a site now reclaimed by nature, offering a glimpse into historical mining practices.

Dorio, where Alpe Sparesè is located, has a rich history tied to Lake Como, with influences from Celtic and Roman times. It's part of Lecco Province, established in 1992, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, including connections to writer Alessandro Manzoni.

The region has a humid subtropical climate, with mild to warm summers and cold winters, receiving about 1539 mm of precipitation annually. This supports a diverse ecology, with forests and varied flora and fauna, enhancing the area's natural appeal.