Asztag kő
Gyöngyössolymos, Gyöngyös District, Heves County, Hungary
Key Information
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Asztag kő is a disused quartzite quarry in Gyöngyössolymos, Heves County, Hungary, within the Mátra mountains, known for its hydrothermal minerals.
Research suggests it hosts minerals like anatase, baryte, cinnabar, and stibnite, with cinnabar being particularly notable for mercury content.
The evidence leans toward a volcanic origin, with the area formed 13-18 million years ago, featuring quartzite and hydrothermal deposits.
It seems likely that mining has ceased, with limited historical details available, now serving mineral collectors.
The local culture includes a watermill museum and narrow-gauge railway, enhancing geotourism in a temperate climate with beech and oak forests.
Geographic Location
Asztag kő is nestled in the Mátra mountains, the highest range in northern Hungary, reaching up to 1014 meters at Kékestető. Located in Gyöngyössolymos, Heves County, this site is about 80 kilometers northeast of Budapest. The village is surrounded by natural beauty, with forests and streams, and is near other geological sites like Bábakő and the town of Gyöngyös, known for its historical significance.
Minerals Produced
This quarry is a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts, boasting a variety of hydrothermal minerals. Notable finds include anatase, baryte, cinnabar (notable for its mercury content), goethite, hematite, jarosite, kaolinite, limonite, marcasite, opal, pharmacosiderite, pyrite, quartz, scorodite, senarmontite, stibiconite, stibnite, sulphur, tripuhyite, and valentinite. The presence of cinnabar and antimony minerals like stibnite makes it particularly interesting for collectors.
Geological Structure
The Mátra mountains, including Asztag kő, have a volcanic origin, formed during the Miocene period, 13-18 million years ago. The site features quartzite, a metamorphic rock, with hydrothermal activity depositing a rich array of minerals, reflecting the region's geological history of mineralization, including nearby copper, lead, silver, and gold deposits.
Mining History
Asztag kő is a disused quarry, indicating past mining activity, though specific details like start dates or methods are scarce. It likely served local needs or mineral extraction, and today, it's a site for enthusiasts to explore and collect, rather than commercial mining.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Gyöngyössolymos offers a rich cultural experience with attractions like a watermill museum and a narrow-gauge railway, now used for tourists. The area is known for mineral collecting tours, enhancing its appeal for geotourism, with historical sites like the 14th-century church adding depth to the visitor experience.
Climate and Ecology
The Mátra mountains enjoy a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, mild summers, and cold winters with snowfall. The ecology is vibrant, featuring beech and oak forests, providing a habitat for diverse fauna, making it a scenic and ecologically rich destination.