Eastern moraine
Fee glacier, Saas-Fee, Visp, Valais, Switzerland
Östliche Moräne, Feegletscher, Saas-Fee, Saastal, Gebiet Zermatt - Saas Fee, Wallis (Valais), Schweiz (Suisse; Svizzera)
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Eastern moraine of the Fee glacier, near Saas-Fee in Switzerland’s Valais canton, is a mineral-rich area in the Pennine Alps, surrounded by peaks like the Dom.
Research suggests minerals like Clinochlore and rodingite boulders are found here, with nearby areas indicating Actinolite, Albite, and others, though exact listings for the moraine are limited.
The geological structure seems to involve glacial deposits with metamorphic rocks, shaped by the Alpine orogeny.
It appears there’s no significant mining history, with the area focused on tourism and collecting.
Local culture features traditional Swiss alpine villages, car-free Saas-Fee, and year-round outdoor activities, with tame marmots as a highlight.
The climate is high alpine, with cold winters and mild summers, supporting diverse alpine flora and fauna, influenced by glacial melt.
Geographic Location
The Eastern moraine of the Fee glacier is located in the Saas Valley (Saastal), within the canton of Valais, Switzerland, near the village of Saas-Fee at 1800 meters above sea level. This area is part of the Pennine Alps, known for its dramatic glacial landscapes and high peaks, including the Dom (4545 meters), the highest mountain entirely in Switzerland. Saas-Fee, nicknamed “The Pearl of the Alps,” is surrounded by 13 peaks over 4000 meters, making it a scenic and accessible spot for mineral enthusiasts. Nearby, other notable localities like Felskinn and Allalinhorn offer additional mineral exploration opportunities.
Minerals Produced
The Eastern moraine is notable for its mineralizations in rodingite boulders, a type of metamorphic rock. Clinochlore, a green chlorite mineral, is a standout find here, prized for its rarity and aesthetic appeal. While specific mineral lists for the moraine are limited, nearby areas like Felskinn (part of the Fee Glacier system) suggest a rich variety, including Actinolite, Albite, Andradite (with varieties like Demantoid and Melanite), Calcite, Chamosite, Chrysotile, Copper, Cuprite, Diopside, Epidote, Fluorapatite, Grossular (including Hessonite), K Feldspar (including Adularia), Magnetite, Morenosite, Nickelhexahydrite, Perovskite, Piemontite, Prehnite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Stellerite, Titanite, and Vesuvianite. These minerals reflect the alpine environment’s metamorphic and igneous processes, offering unique specimens for collectors.
Geological Structure
The Eastern moraine’s geology is shaped by its glacial origins within the Pennine Alps. The Fee glacier, stretching over 5 kilometers and covering 17 square kilometers, deposits debris forming moraines like this one. The moraine contains rodingite boulders, indicative of metamorphic rocks from ophiolite sequences, a result of the Alpine orogeny’s tectonic activity. This complex history reveals ancient seafloor materials now exposed, making it a fascinating study for geologists and collectors alike.
Mining History
There is no significant documented mining history for the Eastern moraine or Saas-Fee, with the area historically focused on agriculture and later tourism. Instead, it’s known for recreational mineral collecting, preserving its natural state for enthusiasts seeking pristine alpine specimens. This lack of industrial mining enhances its appeal for those interested in untouched geological treasures.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Saas-Fee embodies traditional Swiss alpine charm, with its car-free village center featuring Valaisian wooden chalets. Known as “The Pearl of the Alps,” it’s a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering peaks like Dom and Allalinhorn. The village is famous for year-round outdoor activities, including skiing on the glacier and hiking its 350 kilometers of trails. Tame marmots, local celebrities, add a whimsical touch, while its mountaineering history, championed by figures like Father Johann Josef Imseng, underscores its cultural significance.
Climate and Ecology
The area has a high alpine climate, with cold winters ideal for skiing and mild summers perfect for hiking, enjoying over 300 sunny days annually. Ecologically, it supports diverse alpine flora like edelweiss and gentians, and fauna including chamois and ibexes. The Fee glacier’s meltwater sustains lush meadows below, while its retreat reveals new geological features, highlighting the interplay between climate and ecology in this pristine alpine environment.