Mineral exploration, geotourism

Agates, amethysts, pyrites, calcites, jaspers, gold…

Where to look for minerals in the Land of Extinct Volcanoes?

The Land of Extinct Volcanoes is a paradise for geologists and mineral collectors. The Katshava Mountains are a very diverse and rich in rocks and minerals area, with many remnants of former mining activity.

closed quarry in Lubiechowa, agates and amethysts
Gozdno – agates, amethysts, quartz druses, smoky quartz in rhyolite
Nowy Kosciol, Rozana, Sokolowiec, Piekielko with agates in pink rhyolite
Nowy Kosciol – septaria
closed quarry in Przezdziedza – rare ribbon agate
Ploczki Gorne near Lwowek Slaski – beautiful agates and chalcedony
Radzimowice called Stara Gora, a very picturesque, former mining town – pyrites, chalcopyrites, arsenopyrites
Katshava River, Skora River, Bukownica River and other tributaries of these rivers – gold bearing sands
see on the map the places where you will find agates

Miedzianka in the Rudawy Mountains, popular thanks to Filip Springer’s book entitled “Miedzianka. History of a disappearance” – minerals associated with copper and uranium ores
the village of Leszczyna with an open-air museum and a mining museum and an interesting geoeducation path “Syncline of Leszczyna” – malachite, azurite, dendrites
closed limestone quarries in Wojcieszow: Silesia, Quarry of Death, Milek, Gruszka – calcites
Rosocha Mountain over Stanislawow – barite
a gallery of Katshavian agates and information about where agates can be found here

Why the Katshava Mountains and Foothills?

It is a Polish mecca of geologists and prospectors of precious stones and minerals

searching for minerals in the Land of Extinct Volcanoes is relatively simple. In a small space you can find rocks and minerals from different geological periods
before the workshops, it is worth getting to know the Sudetic Geoscience Centre – a modern interactive educational space focused on geology and volcanoes
the following workshops are available for children and adults:
- geological workshops with Marcin Jaskiewicz, combined with the exploration and processing of agates and amethysts,
- workshops on searching and processing of agates and septaria with Piotr Sarul
- in winter, workshops of grinding and polishing Katshavian minerals
for children, playing geologists is often the most interesting memory from the Land of Extinct Volcanoes

Worth visiting

Other geological attractions in the area

In addition to the search for minerals, the basis of the geotourist offer of the region are also unique places that are a must-visit.

Book a table after digging

- closed basalt workings: Mysliborz, Muchow, Pomocne with beautifully exposed basalt pillars, Bazaltowa Mountain
- Ostrzyca Mountain – basalt volcanic nec with basalt stone sea
- Wilcza Mountain – basalt volcanic nec cut in half!
- Wielislawka Organ Pipes in Sedziszowa with a rare column blow in ryolite in Europe
- gold and iron ore mine – underground tourist route in Zlotoryja
- Podgorze uranium ore mine – underground tourist route in Kowary
- Liczyrzepa uranium ore mine – underground tourist route in Kowary

The only such place in Poland!

the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark

This is a unique place. Only here you will see 500 milions years of the Earth history. In addition to relics of volcanic activity and geological treasures, you will find picturesque trails, beautiful views, you will meet great artists and craftsmen here.

get to know the geopark

Adventure plays in the soul

One day is not enough!

We must admit – to find an amazing mineral is not easy. However, commitment, a little effort and determination in the search give amazing results. Especially with so many sites in our area. Plan your stay, prepare for a trip and experience a geological adventure in the Land of Extinct Volcanoes. Such an adventure tastes best with family or friends!

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