Mas Dieu
Laval-Pradel, Alès, Gard, Occitanie, France
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Mas Dieu is located near Alès in the Gard department, Occitanie, France, on the outskirts towards the Cevennes mountains.
It is known for minerals like quartz, calcite, azurite, mimetite, and beudantite, with some rare occurrences.
The geological structure consists of Carboniferous sandstone, hosting both metallic and coal deposits.
Mining started in 1864 for antimony and lead-silver, later shifted to coal, and ceased by the mid-20th century, now partly a blue lake.
The village of Le Mas-Dieu thrived around mining, with historical buildings and a church, and was a stop on the Regordane way.
The area has a Mediterranean climate, with the recultivated site supporting potential aquatic life.
Location and Accessibility
Mas Dieu is nestled in the Gard department of Occitanie, France, near the town of Alès, and is accessible via the D906, heading towards the Cevennes mountains. This location places it in a region rich with historical and geological significance, making it a convenient stop for mineral enthusiasts exploring southern France.
Mineral Wealth
The locality boasts an impressive array of minerals, including common ones like quartz and calcite, and rarer finds such as mimetite and beudantite. These minerals, some with unique crystal formations, attract collectors looking for distinctive specimens.
Geological Insights
Research suggests that Mas Dieu’s geology is characterized by Carboniferous sandstone from the Stephanian stage, which has facilitated the formation of both metallic and coal deposits. This sedimentary rock base is key to understanding the area’s mineral diversity.
Historical Mining Context
The evidence leans toward Mas Dieu’s mining history beginning in 1864, initially for antimony and lead-silver, before shifting focus to coal under later operators like the Compagnie des Mines de la Grand-Combe. It seems likely that operations ceased by the mid-20th century, with the site now partly recultivated into a blue lake, offering a glimpse into its industrial past.
Cultural and Ecological Notes
Le Mas-Dieu village, shaped by its mining heritage, features historical buildings and an old church, and was historically a stop on the Regordane way for pilgrims. The Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, complements the site’s transformation, where the blue lake may support diverse aquatic ecosystems, adding an unexpected ecological dimension to its appeal.