Alto da Serra quarries

Rio Maior, Santarém, Portugal

Pedreiras do Alto da Serra, Rio Maior, Distrito de Santarém, Portugal

Key Information

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Alto da Serra quarries are located in Rio Maior, Santarém, Portugal, within the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, known for its limestone deposits.
Research suggests the quarries produce calcite, dolomite, goethite, pyrite, and limonite, with calcite being particularly collectible.
The evidence leans toward the area being Middle Jurassic limestone, formed in a shallow marine environment.
It seems likely that mining started in 1979, operated by Parapedra, SA, for construction and mineral trade.
The area has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, supporting diverse ecology.

Geographic Location

Alto da Serra quarries are situated in Rio Maior, part of the Santarém district in central west Portugal. This region is within the Estremadura Limestone Massif, a significant geological feature known for its karstic landscape, including caves and springs. Nearby, the Serra dos Candeeiros offers scenic views and outdoor activities, enhancing the area's appeal for enthusiasts.

Minerals Produced

The quarries are primarily known for calcite, with unique, collectible crystals in various forms and colors. Other minerals include dolomite, goethite, pyrite, and limonite, found in specific quarries like Cabeça Gorda. This diversity makes the area a treasure trove for mineral collectors.

Geological Structure

The area consists of Middle Jurassic limestone, part of the Lusitanian Basin. This limestone, rich in calcium carbonate, was formed in a shallow marine environment and shaped by tectonic activity and erosion over millions of years.

Mining History

Mining operations began in 1979, managed by Parapedra, SA. The company extracts and processes limestone for construction and possibly for the mineral trade, maintaining sustainable practices to respect the environment.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Rio Maior has a rich history, including the Roman Villa Romana de Rio Maior, and was historically significant for salt mining. Agriculture, particularly viticulture and fruit growing, remains a key part of the local economy, set against the natural beauty of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, known for its limestone caves.

Climate and Ecology

The region experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, supporting a diverse ecology adapted to the limestone environment, including various plant and animal species.