Emerald deposit
Leckbachgraben, Nasenkopf mountain, Bramberg am Wildkogel, Zell am See District, Salzburg, Austria
Smaragdlagerstätte, Leckbachgraben (Leckbachrinne), Nasenkopf, Habachtal, Hohe Tauern, Salzburg, Österreich
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Emerald deposit in Leckbachgraben, Nasenkopf mountain, Bramberg am Wildkogel, is in western Austria, part of the scenic Hohe Tauern range.
It is known for emeralds and other minerals like fuchsite and gold, with rare cutting-quality emeralds.
The deposit formed under high-temperature, high-pressure conditions in metamorphic rocks.
Mining started before 1797, with significant activity from 1860 to 1913, and sporadic work continues today.
The area has a rich mining history, local folklore, and is part of a national park with alpine climate and diverse ecology.
Geographic Location
The Emerald deposit is located in Leckbachgraben on Nasenkopf mountain, in Bramberg am Wildkogel, Zell am See District, Salzburg, Austria, with coordinates at 47° 12' 11'' North, 12° 22' 9'' East. This site lies in the Hohe Tauern mountain range, known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities, and is near towns like Mülbach and Wenns, making it accessible for enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
This locality is famous for emeralds, with rare specimens suitable for cutting often containing inclusions. It also hosts a variety of other minerals, including fuchsite, biotite, molybdenite, phenakite, and even gold, adding to its appeal for collectors. The presence of 58 valid minerals, many as inclusions in emeralds, makes it a mineralogist's paradise.
Geological and Mining History
Research suggests the deposit consists of talc-actinolite schists and emerald-bearing biotite-chlorite schists, formed under supercritical conditions of about 700°C and 5 kbar, typical of metamorphic processes. Mining likely began before 1797, with significant operations from 1860 by Samuel Goldschmiedt, continuing intermittently until 1949, and sporadically worked since 1964, reflecting its enduring allure.
Local Culture and Environment
The area, part of Hohe Tauern National Park, offers a glimpse into local culture with the Museum Wilhelmgut, showcasing minerals and folklore like the legend of Knight Bart and his horse discovering a gold mine. Local specialties include apple products and Pinzgau dishes, with an alpine climate (average 8.86°C yearly) and diverse ecology preserved in the park.