Béke adit
Parádsasvár, Pétervására District, Heves County, Hungary
Key Information
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Béke adit is an abandoned sphalerite mine in Parádsasvár, Hungary, known for its mineral variety.
It’s located in the Mátra Mountains, with coordinates around 47° 55' 0'' N, 19° 58' 59'' E, near Eger.
Minerals include sphalerite, galena, and uncommon ones like greenockite, attracting collectors.
The geology is volcanic, likely andesite, with hydrothermal mineralization.
Mining history is limited, but it’s now a site for enthusiasts, with local culture tied to glassmaking.
The climate is temperate, cooler in the mountains, with forests enhancing ecological interest.
Geographic Location
Béke adit sits in Parádsasvár, a quaint village nestled in the Mátra Mountains of Heves County, Hungary. This area, part of the Carpathian range, is in northern Hungary, roughly 25 km from main road 3 and 32 km from the M3 motorway, with Eger, the county seat, nearby for reference. Its coordinates, approximately 47° 55' 0'' N, 19° 58' 59'' E, place it in a scenic, mountainous region ideal for exploration.
Minerals Produced
This locality is famed among mineral enthusiasts for its abandoned sphalerite mine, the longest in the area, yielding a rich array of minerals. Key finds include sphalerite (zinc ore), galena (lead ore), and chalcopyrite (copper iron sulfide), alongside rarer specimens like greenockite (cadmium sulfide) and devilline (copper sulfate). These uncommon minerals, with their vibrant colors and unique formations, make Béke adit a treasure trove for collectors.
Geological Structure
The Mátra Mountains, where Béke adit lies, are volcanic in origin, formed during the Miocene era, with rocks like andesite dominating. The mineralization here seems likely to result from hydrothermal activity, where hot, mineral-rich fluids deposited ores within these volcanic rocks, creating the conditions for the diverse mineral collection found today.
Mining History
Béke adit, once a bustling sphalerite mine, is now abandoned, with limited historical details available. It was the longest in Parádsavár, suggesting small-scale operations, possibly for local use or specimen collection. The village’s history leans more toward glassmaking, but the mine’s legacy lives on for enthusiasts exploring its dumps and adits.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Parádsasvár’s culture is deeply rooted in glassmaking, with a factory active until 2005 and small-scale production continuing today. The area’s natural beauty, with the Mátra Mountains, offers hiking and outdoor activities, while historical ties to noble families, like the Rákóczi, add depth. It’s a quiet village, perfect for those seeking a peaceful base to explore Hungary’s mineral and cultural heritage.
Climate and Ecology
The climate here is temperate, with average temperatures between 8 and 10 °C, cooler in the mountains due to elevation. The Mátra’s montane environment supports forests, likely rich in biodiversity, though specific ecological ties to the mineral locality are less documented. This setting enhances the area’s appeal for nature-loving mineral hunters.