Mahodari quarry
Sinnar, Nashik District, Nashik Division, Maharashtra, India
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Mahodari quarry is in Sinnar, Nashik District, Maharashtra, India, about 27 km from Nashik city, west of the highway to Pune.
It is known for minerals like apophyllite, stilbite, and unique spheroidal fluorites, with some rare finds prized by collectors.
The quarry is in basalt rock from the Deccan Traps, formed by volcanic activity, with minerals in cavities.
Specific mining history details are limited, but it seems likely part of long-standing regional quarrying.
Sinnar has a rich history, including the Gondeshwar Temple and the Gargoti Museum, enhancing cultural appeal.
The climate is tropical with monsoon and dry seasons, typical of the Deccan Plateau's ecology.
Location and Accessibility
The Mahodari quarry is nestled in Sinnar, a city in Nashik District, Maharashtra, India, approximately 27 km from Nashik city. It lies west of the National Highway going to Pune, making it accessible for enthusiasts. Sinnar, with a population of around 34,000, is historically significant and home to cultural landmarks like the Gondeshwar Temple and the Gargoti Museum, which displays local mineral specimens.
Minerals and Geological Features
The quarry is renowned for its diverse minerals, including colourless apophyllite with tabular habits, pink/orange stilbite, and notably, spheroidal fluorites, which are unusual and prized by collectors. Other minerals found include calcite, fluorapophyllite-(K), powellite, and opal. The geological setting is within the Deccan Traps, characterized by basalt rock from ancient volcanic activity, with minerals forming in cavities during the cooling of lava flows.
Historical and Cultural Context
While specific details on the quarry's mining history are scarce, it is part of a system of quarries around Nasik town, suggesting a long tradition of regional mining. Sinnar itself has a rich history, having been part of the Yadava dynasty and the Maratha Empire, and is the birthplace of Baji Rao I, a key Maratha figure. The area's cultural landmarks, such as the 11th-12th century Gondeshwar Temple and the Gargoti Museum, add depth for visitors interested in history and minerals.
Climate and Ecology
Nashik experiences a tropical climate with distinct monsoon and dry seasons, featuring heavy rainfall and hot temperatures, respectively. The ecology is typical of the Deccan Plateau, with scrub forests and agricultural lands, providing a backdrop to the quarry's operations.