Fuchsköpfle quarry

The Fuchsköpfle quarry is located in Herdern, a suburb of Freiburg im Breisgau, in the Freiburg Region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It sits on the northern slope of Fuchsköpfle mountain, approximately 3 km northeast by north of Freiburg’s city center, with coordinates at 48° 0' 41'' North, 7° 52' 50'' East. Freiburg, with a population of around 215,966 (2018), is a significant urban center in southwestern Germany, near the borders of France and Switzerland. Nearby settlements include Gundelfingen (3.6 km), Heuweiler (4.5 km), Merzhausen (6.1 km), and Denzlingen (6.1 km). The area is close to the Black Forest, a famous natural landmark, and is part of the Breisgau region, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance.

The quarry is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, producing a variety of minerals including Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), Quartz (SiO₂), Rutile (TiO₂), Calcite (CaCO₃), Descloizite (PbZn(VO₄)(OH)), Vanadinite (Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl), Almandine (Fe₂⁺₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃), Datolite (CaB(SiO₄)(OH)), Prehnite (Ca₂Al₂Si₃O₁₀(OH)₂), and Laumontite (CaAl₂Si₄O₁₂·4H₂O). Among these, Descloizite and Vanadinite stand out as particularly uncommon and visually striking, making them highly sought after by collectors. The presence of these minerals reflects the quarry’s rich geological history and its potential for unique finds.

Geologically, the Fuchsköpfle quarry is an ancient amphibolite quarry. Amphibolite is a metamorphic rock formed from the transformation of basalt or gabbro under high pressure and varying temperatures, typically dark and coarse-grained, containing minerals like hornblende and plagioclase feldspar. The quarry is part of the Eurasian Plate in Europe, suggesting formation through tectonic processes. The minerals found here, such as garnets (Almandine) and zeolites (Laumontite), indicate high-pressure metamorphism and possible hydrothermal activity.

Specific details about the mining history are limited, but it is described as "ancient," suggesting it has been in operation for centuries, possibly since medieval times or earlier. The lack of precise historical records may be due to its small scale or focus on local use rather than large-scale industrial mining. However, the broader region of Baden-Württemberg has a rich mining heritage, with records dating back to the Middle Ages, which may include similar quarries.

Freiburg im Breisgau, where the quarry is located, is often called the "Jewel of the Black Forest," founded in 1120 by Konrad and Duke Berthold III of the House of Zähringen as a free market town, meaning "free town." Herdern was incorporated into Freiburg in 1457, sharing in this rich heritage. The city is known for its vibrant university town atmosphere, with the University of Freiburg being one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. The medieval old town, featuring the Freiburg Münster (cathedral), and its commitment to sustainability, with extensive cycling paths and green initiatives, add to its cultural appeal. Herdern benefits from its proximity to these cultural and educational centers, offering a blend of historical architecture and modern eco-consciousness.

Freiburg enjoys a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb), with an average yearly temperature of around 10.3°C (50.5°F) and significant rainfall totaling about 1115 mm (43.9 inches) annually. Summers are warm, with July and August being the warmest months, often reaching into the mid-20s°C (70s°F), while winters are moderate with occasional frosts at night. The highest recorded temperature was 40.2°C (104.4°F) on 13 August 2003, and the lowest was -21.6°C (-6.9°F) on 10 February 1956. The region’s climate supports a diverse ecology, with the nearby Black Forest offering various habitats for flora and fauna. While specific ecological details about the quarry itself are not well-documented, its location in a biodiverse region adds to its appeal for those interested in both minerals and nature.