Gypsum Quarry
Arignac, Foix, Ariège, Occitanie, France
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Gypsum Quarry in Arignac, France, is located in the Ariège department, 11 km south of Foix, near the Pyrénées.
It is known for minerals like gypsum, celestine, and rare dravite, formed in meta-evaporites from Triassic salt deposits.
The quarry, owned by 'Société des Plâtres de France,' has a history of plaster production, though specific dates are unclear.
Arignac has a rich cultural history, with Neolithic and Gallo-Roman finds, and is part of a protected natural park.
The climate is oceanic with mountain influences, with average temperatures around 11.8°C and annual rainfall of 978 mm.
Geographic Location
The Gypsum Quarry is in Arignac, a commune in the Ariège department, Occitanie region, southwestern France. It is 11 km south of Foix and 3 km from Tarascon-sur-Ariège, nestled at the foothills of the Pyrénées. The area spans 8.84 km², with altitudes ranging from 467 to 1,371 meters, and is part of the historic Sabarthès region, known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Ariège River.
Minerals and Geology
The quarry is famous for its diverse minerals, including gypsum, celestine, anhydrite, aragonite, calcite, and the rare dravite (a tourmaline variety). These minerals are embedded in meta-evaporites, remnants of Triassic salt deposits, highlighting its geological significance within the limestone-rich Pyrénées.
Mining History
Owned by 'Société des Plâtres de France,' the quarry has been historically significant for producing high-quality plaster. While specific operational dates are not detailed, it is part of a network of gypse quarries in the Sédour area, contributing to regional economic history.
Local Culture and Climate
Arignac boasts a rich cultural heritage, with archaeological finds like Neolithic bronze axes and Gallo-Roman artifacts. It is part of the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées ariégeoises, popular for trout fishing. The climate is oceanic altered with mountain influences, with an average temperature of 11.8°C and annual rainfall of 978 mm, supporting diverse ecology.