Tyrolite trip to Falkenstein (Austria)

Falkenstein, Schwaz, Tirol (Austria) is type locality of tyrolite. Beside of that, nice specimens of malachite, azurite and tetrahedrite are possible to find there.

Tetrahedrite (most probably schwazite) with Schwaz town.

Some of the tetrahedrites from this locality are specifically rich in Hg (variety called schwazite). This beautifully colored mineral association is hosted in carbonate rocks. Finding tyrolite in this location is really challenging. On the other hand, one can easily find samples of malachite, azurite, tetrahedrite or dolomite crystals.

“It is assumed that most tetrahedrites will be dominantly Hg-rich, i.e. schwazites... unfortunately there is currently not much scientific work to verify this claim.”

In addition to the beautiful minerals, there is also a beautiful view of the surrounding hills. It is the views from this site that make it a real collector's paradise.

Large dumps are most visible memento of centuries-long mining in the area.

When you hike little bit higher over the forest, you can see a beautiful views from the dump such as this with Schwaz town and picturesque peaks in the background.

Entrance of adit above the largest dump.

Interior of the adit.

Some parts of the hill are relatively recently stripped out.

Another dump with more vegetation.

Nice views of the valley…

Secondary copper mineralisation (malachite and azurite) formed due to weathering of tetrahedrite.

Falkenstein is not only nice place for mineralogy lovers. Black salamander is joining our group.

Massive tetrahedrite within the carbonate rock.

Tetrahedrite and secondary malachite. But as you can see - it's starting to rain, so we had to run.