Rohdenhaus
Wülfrath, Mettmann, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Rohdenhaus, Wülfrath, Region Niederberg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland
Key Information
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Rohdenhaus Quarry is located in Wülfrath, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, about 23 km northeast of Düsseldorf, in a region known for its hilly terrain and forests.
It is famous for minerals like Aurichalcite, Smithsonite, and Sphalerite, with some uncommon finds like Adamite.
The quarry features upper Devonian limestones with lead, zinc, and copper veins, part of the Central European Blocks.
Quarrying began in the late 19th century, with a notable safety restriction on mineral collecting after a 2008 accident.
Wülfrath has a rich local culture with historical sites and festivals, and a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers.
Location and Accessibility
Rohdenhaus Quarry is situated in Rohdenhaus, a locality within Wülfrath, in the Mettmann district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This area is approximately 23 km northeast of Düsseldorf, making it easily accessible for enthusiasts. Nearby cities include Velbert (2.1 km), Mettmann (3.9 km), and Wuppertal (10.5 km), enhancing its connectivity. The region, known as Bergische Land, is characterized by its picturesque hills and forests, offering a scenic backdrop for mineral exploration.
Mineral Highlights
The quarry is renowned for its upper Devonian limestones, which host a variety of minerals, particularly those rich in lead, zinc, and copper. Notable finds include Aurichalcite, Smithsonite, and Sphalerite, with rarer specimens like Adamite and Brianyoungite adding to its allure for collectors. These minerals are often found in veins, providing a diverse range for enthusiasts to study and collect.
Geological Context
Geologically, the quarry is part of the Central European Blocks, with its host rock being upper Devonian limestones, a sedimentary formation. These limestones are interspersed with mineralized veins containing lead, zinc, and copper, reflecting the region's middle-aged geological history from the Paleozoic era. This setting offers a fascinating insight into the area's mineral formation processes.
Historical and Cultural Notes
Quarrying in Wülfrath started in the late 19th century, with the town boasting some of Europe's largest limestone quarries. Rohdenhaus Quarry, likely operational for over a century, saw a significant change after a fatal accident in 2008, leading to a prohibition on mineral collecting for safety reasons. Culturally, Wülfrath is rich with historical charm, featuring an old town with half-timbered houses and the Lutheran church. The Zeittunnel, a geological museum in a former quarry, and various festivals like the Potato Fair and Christmas Markets, add to its cultural vibrancy.
Climate and Ecology
The climate in Wülfrath is temperate, with comfortable summers and cold, snowy winters, typical of the Bergische Land. The area's ecology includes mixed forests and hilly terrain, which not only enhances its scenic beauty but also influences the mineral formations found in the quarry.