Lignite deposit
Berstadt, Wölfersheim, Wetteraukreis, Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
Braunkohlevorkommen, Berstadt, Wölfersheim, Wetterau, Hessen, Deutschland
Key Information
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Berstadt, in Hesse, Germany, hosts a lignite deposit near Wölfersheim, now a flooded lake called Unterer Knappensee.
The deposit is known for vivianite, a rare iron phosphate mineral, alongside lignite.
Mining occurred from the mid-20th century, likely ceasing in the 1980s, transforming the site into a nature reserve.
The area has a temperate climate, with the lake supporting local ecology and recreation.
Geographic Location
Berstadt is nestled in the community of Wölfersheim, within the Wetteraukreis district of Hesse, Germany, placing it in central Germany. The lignite deposit, located 2 km east of Berstadt and 8 km northeast of Wölfersheim, is now the flooded Unterer Knappensee, part of the nearby Hungen community. This region, about 20 km southeast of Gießen and 18 km northeast of Friedberg, lacks other famous mineral localities but holds historical significance due to its mining past.
Minerals and Geology
The deposit is notable for vivianite, a striking blue-green iron phosphate mineral, alongside lignite, a low-grade coal. Formed in a tertiary sedimentary environment, the geology features lignite beds from compressed plant material, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient swampy past.
Mining History and Local Impact
Mining began in the 19th century, with intensive open-cut operations in the 1970s and 1980s, ceasing by the late 1980s or early 1990s when the pit flooded to create Unterer Knappensee. This transformation turned the site into a nature reserve, reflecting local efforts to reclaim and repurpose post-mining landscapes.
Climate and Ecology
The area enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The flooded pit now supports diverse aquatic life and surrounding flora, enhancing local ecology and serving as a recreational spot for activities like hiking and angling.