Capillitas mining district

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Andalgalá Department, Catamarca Province, Argentina

Minas Capillitas

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Key Information

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  • The Capillitas mining district is in Andalgalá Department, Catamaraca Province, Argentina, known for its rich mineral diversity, especially rhodochrosite.

  • It hosts over 126 minerals, with unique finds like catamaraite and ishiharaite, making it Argentina's most species-rich district.

  • Research suggests the area is part of the Farallón Negro Volcanic Complex, with epithermal mineralization from volcanic activity.

  • Mining started in pre-Hispanic times, gained momentum in the 19th century, and is currently closed with no plans for re-opening.

  • Local culture includes agricultural festivals for quince and peach, and crafts using rhodochrosite, reflecting the area's heritage.

  • The climate is hot and arid, with January being the hottest and December the wettest, shaping a dry-adapted ecology.

Geographic Location

The Capillitas mining district lies in the Andalgalá Department, central to Catamaraca Province in northwestern Argentina. This province borders Chile to the west and is surrounded by other Argentine provinces. Andalgalá covers about 4,500 km² with around 14,000 residents, featuring mountainous terrain and an arid climate, ideal for mineral exploration.

Minerals and Geological Insights

The district is famed for its rhodochrosite, known as 'Inca Rose', forming in banded layers and stalactites. It boasts over 126 minerals, including unique ones like catamaraite and ishiharaite, making it Argentina's most mineral-diverse area. Geologically, it is part of the Farallón Negro Volcanic Complex, with epithermal deposits from volcanic and hydrothermal activity, offering unexpected insights into volcanic mineral formation.

Mining History and Cultural Context

Mining here began in pre-Hispanic times, restarted in the 17th century, and peaked mid-19th century, with various owners over time. It is currently closed, with no plans for re-opening. Locally, Andalgalá celebrates with festivals for agricultural products like quince and peach, and crafts, especially rhodochrosite, reflecting a blend of mining and farming heritage.

Climate and Ecology

The area has a hot, arid climate, with January as the hottest month and December seeing the most rain. The ecology is adapted to these dry conditions, typical of northwestern Argentina's semi-arid regions, influencing both local life and mineral preservation.

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