Izumrudnye Kopi area
Malyshevo, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia
Изумрудные Копи (Малышевское месторождение, Малышево)
Key Information
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The Izumrudnye Kopi area, near Malyshevo in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, is a historic emerald and alexandrite mining site in the Central Urals.
It produces emeralds, alexandrite, and beryllium minerals, with unique finds like beryllium hydroxide.
The geological structure involves phlogopite-glimmerite veins in ultramafic lenses, part of the Murzinka-Adui anticlinorium.
Mining started in the early 19th century and was active until at least the late 20th century, with some quarries now flooded.
The area has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, surrounded by taiga forests.
Local culture is tied to mining, with the Urals offering a rich historical backdrop.
Geographic Location
The Izumrudnye Kopi area is located in the Central Urals, Russia, within the Sverdlovsk Region, near the town of Malyshevo, about 90 km northeast of Ekaterinburg Mindat. This mountainous region is known for its mineral wealth and scenic beauty, making it a significant site for mineral enthusiasts. Nearby, the town of Asbest is notable for asbestos mining, and Ekaterinburg is a major cultural and industrial center.
Minerals Produced
This locality is famous for emeralds and alexandrite, with emeralds being a variety of beryl and alexandrite known for its color-changing properties Gemdat. It also produces beryllium minerals like beryllium hydroxide (behoite) and bityite, which are less common and of interest to collectors. Other minerals include actinolite, albite, and chromite, adding to the area's diversity.
Geological Structure
The emerald deposits are found in phlogopite-glimmerite veins within ultramafic lenses, part of the Murzinka-Adui anticlinorium in the East Urals uplift Gemdat. This complex geological setting, with its system of jointing and schistosity, has facilitated the formation of these mineral-rich veins, making it a prime location for gemstone mining.
Mining History
Mining began in the early 19th century, with the first emeralds discovered between 1831 and 1836 Alexandrite.net. Various groups, including prospecting teams and an Anglo-French company, worked the deposits from 1936 to 1940 and 1969 to 1981. Some quarries are now flooded, suggesting the mining operations may have ceased or significantly reduced.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Malyshevo, a work settlement, has a culture deeply rooted in mining, with its identity tied to the extraction of precious stones Tripadvisor. The Urals Mountains provide a majestic backdrop, and the region's history is rich with stories of mineral exploration, enhancing the area's cultural significance.
Climate and Ecology
The area has a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters averaging -16°C to -20°C in January and warm summers reaching 19°C to 30°C in July Sverdlovsk Oblast. It is surrounded by taiga forests of pine, birch, and larch, supporting diverse flora and fauna, which adds an ecological dimension to the mineral site.