Lengenbach Quarry

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Fäld, Binn, Goms, Valais, Switzerland

Grube Lengenbach, Im Feld (Imfeld; Feld; Fäld), Binntal, Wallis (Valais), Schweiz (Suisse; Svizzera)

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Key Information

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  • The Lengenbach Quarry is in the Binn Valley, Valais, Switzerland, a scenic alpine area known for minerals.

  • It hosts over 160 mineral species, including rare sulfosalts, with 44 first discovered here.

  • The rock type is meta-dolomite, formed through metamorphic processes.

  • Mining started in the 19th century for specimens, not commercially, and continues in summer for research.

  • The area has a rich alpine culture, focused on nature and mineral preservation.

  • The climate is typical alpine, with cold winters and mild summers, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

Geographic Location

The Lengenbach Quarry is nestled in the Binn Valley, a remote and romantic side valley of the Rhone Valley in the Goms district of Valais, Switzerland. Its coordinates are approximately 46°22' N, 8°11' E, placing it in the heart of the Swiss Alps, near the Italian border. This area is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers, with other notable mineral localities nearby, enhancing its appeal for mineral enthusiasts.

Minerals Produced

This quarry is renowned for its extensive variety of minerals, particularly sulfosalts. It hosts over 160 different species, with sulfides and sulfosalts being prominent. Notably, it is the type locality for 44 minerals, many of which are rare thallium-containing species like hutchinsonite, eckerite, and debattistiite, making it a treasure trove for collectors and researchers.

Geological Structure

The quarry is situated in meta-dolomite, a metamorphic rock formed from the transformation of original dolomite deposits. The minerals here result from metamorphic processes that altered earlier metal deposits, such as iron, lead, and zinc, creating the rich array of sulfosalt minerals found today.

Mining History

First studied in the 19th century by British explorers, the Lengenbach Quarry was never mined commercially due to the lack of economically viable metal deposits. Instead, it has been a site for scientific research and specimen collection. Today, it is operated by the Forschungsgemeinschaft Lengenbach (FGL), conducting measured specimen extraction during the summer months to support research and tourism.

Local Culture and Characteristics

The Binn Valley, where the quarry is located, is known for its mineral heritage and is a nature reserve since 1964. The local culture is deeply rooted in appreciating nature and preserving the environment, with several hamlets classified as sites of national importance. It attracts visitors interested in minerals, hiking, and the natural beauty of the Alps.

Climate and Ecology

The climate of the Binn Valley is typical of the Swiss Alps, with cold winters and mild summers. The area is a nature reserve, boasting diverse flora and fauna adapted to the alpine environment, enhancing its ecological richness and supporting the mineral-related activities.

Citations

Wikipedia