Hüttenberger Erzberg
Hüttenberg, Sankt Veit an der Glan District, Carinthia, Austria
Hüttenberger Erzberg, Hüttenberg, Region Friesach - Hüttenberg, Kärnten, Österreich
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Hüttenberger Erzberg is in Hüttenberg, Carinthia, Austria, near the Seetal Alps, close to Styria.
It produces 160 minerals, including rare ones like Löllingite and Kahlerite, with gold and silver among them.
The geology features iron and manganese ores, formed through sedimentary and hydrothermal processes.
Mining stopped in 1978, now a tourist mine with a rich history dating back to Roman times.
The area has a mining culture, with local clubs for enthusiasts, set in a humid continental climate with hot summers and harsh winters.
Geographic Location
Hüttenberger Erzberg is located in Hüttenberg, within the Sankt Veit an der Glan District of Carinthia, Austria. It sits in the southern foothills of the Seetal Alps, near the border with Styria, at coordinates 46° 56' North, 14° 34' East. Nearby settlements include Knappenberg (0.4 km), Lölling Sonnseite (1.3 km), Gossen (1.3 km), Hüttenberg (1.5 km), and Löllinggraben (2.5 km), making it accessible for enthusiasts exploring the region.
Minerals Produced
This locality is renowned for its diversity, with 160 valid mineral species documented. Notable finds include Acanthite, Arsenopyrite, Baryte, Bismuth, Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Gold, Hematite, Magnetite, Pyrite, Quartz, Siderite, Silver, Sphalerite, Stibnite, and Uraninite. It is particularly significant as the type locality for Löllingite and Kahlerite, adding to its appeal for collectors seeking rare and unique specimens.
Geological Structure
Hüttenberger Erzberg is an ancient iron and manganese mining area, known as 'Erzberg' or 'ore mountain.' It features synsedimentary siderite ores, which are manganese-bearing and range from fresh to weathered. Additionally, Alpidic hydrothermal baryte layers and veins with sulphidic ore mineralizations (lead, copper, antimony, sulfur) highlight the complex geological processes, offering a rich field for study.
Mining History
Mining here dates back to Roman and Medieval times, focusing on iron, manganese, lead, silver, and copper, with over 150 adits known. Operations ceased in 1978, but the site has since become a tourist mine, allowing visitors to explore its underground tunnels. The nearby town of Hüttenberg features a mining museum and trail, preserving its industrial heritage.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Hüttenberg is steeped in mining culture, part of the Friesach - Hüttenberg region, with small settlements like Knappenberg (241 residents in 2018) and Hüttenberg (338 in 2018). Local clubs, such as the Vereinigung der Leobener Mineralienfreunde, cater to mineral collecting, fostering a community of enthusiasts. The area’s rural charm and historical ties to mining add depth to the visitor experience.
Climate and Ecology
Carinthia, where Hüttenberger Erzberg is located, has a humid continental climate with hot, moderately wet summers and long, harsh winters, recently becoming drier. Summer brings heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in mountains, while autumn and winter see temperature inversions, with foggy valleys and sunny higher elevations. The region’s diverse terrain supports rich forests, meadows, and alpine flora, enhanced by nearby protected areas like Hohe Tauern National Park.