Marble quarries of the world ... Probably, this term has been heard by many of us, and even more so by those who are interested in the nature of our native land.
There is some mystery and even a mystery in this phrase. At first glance, it begins to seem that this place cannot but be liked, because, apparently, there is a rock that is usually used in the construction of magnificent buildings, such as castles or palaces.
This article will tell you about the most famous marble quarries in our country. In addition, readers will learn about the characteristic features of these places, about the history of their appearance and about future prospects. It is possible that the information provided will help someone determine the destination for the next vacation.
Section 1. What are the marble quarries of the world? Define the concept
Before moving on to the main topic of the article, I would like to bring some clarity and tell what lies behind such a fairly common term as “quarry”.
So, from a purely scientific point of view, a quarry should be understood as a certain combination of all mining workings, in which the extraction of minerals is carried out in an open way.
It turns out that the marble quarries of the world are precisely those places on the planet where the aforementioned material is mined.
However, in nature, such areas are often formed in a natural way, that is, they are eroded by the wind or water washed out over time. Such geological objects of the planet are most often called canyons.
Section 2. Mountain Park "Ruskeala" - one of the most picturesque places in Russia
Marble quarry ... Everyone living nearby can probably tell you how to get to this object. And this, perhaps, is not surprising, because the locals are extremely proud of having their own, quite unique attractions.
From Petrozavodsk by bus you can reach the mountain park "Ruskeala" in 5 hours. Marble mining in these places continued until 1939, and then the quarry was flooded. Today in its place is a beautiful lake. A lot of tourists are eager to spend time on its shores.
Marble quarry (Karelia) - this is really an amazing place! The nature here is unusually beautiful: clear emerald water, marble steep banks and mysterious grottoes, natural stone painted in various shades and a riot of greenery ...
Section 3. Ruskeala - history of occurrence
Sometimes it begins to seem that some marble quarries have arisen completely by chance or have appeared on the surface of the Earth under some very mysterious circumstances. Why? The thing is that these places are very beautiful. Many argue that an unearthly power and incredible energy are felt inside them.
Karelia considers her marble quarry to be almost the most stunning corner of nature, and even a schoolboy can probably tell his story.
In 1765, a surprisingly beautiful rock, marble, was discovered in Ruskeala. Then began its industrial development. The quarry is located near picturesque waterfalls. The marble in this deposit has a very beautiful white-gray color with shades.
The mountain park in Ruskeala, where you can get acquainted with the development of industrial culture of the 17th - early 20th centuries, opened for tourists in 2005. Today it is visited by many travelers. Thanks to private investments in this facility, it was possible to create a surprisingly beautiful natural ensemble and an open-air mining museum.
The oldest of all the facilities developed in Ruskeala is the Marble Quarry (Karelia). In length, it stretches 450 meters, and its width is in different areas from 60 to 100 meters. Under water today is the majority of adits. Above the water level, there is only one, through which workers were transported and marble exported.
Section 4. Things to do in Ruskeale
Here you can explore the ancient mines in which marble was mined for the palaces of St. Petersburg in the 18-19 centuries. And how romantic to swim along the lake surface!
A hiking trail has been laid along the Marble Canyon. The lake is equipped with artificial lighting - a fascinating spectacle opens from the observation deck.
When it snows, tourists seem to plunge into a fairy tale - so wonderful are the wonderful winter landscapes, decorated with artistic lighting. We can say with confidence that the Ruskeala mountain park is a truly unique monument of nature and culture.
Section 5. Diving in the mountain park
This is perhaps one of the places that in the modern world more and more interests and inspires lovers of an active lifestyle for bold and desperate acts.
Ruskeala Park is a place that divers are very interested in. Underwater trips, the ability to explore the remote corners of the flooded tunnels, labyrinths in 3 horizons that were developed during the industrial mining of marble, and the ancient equipment used at that time and flooded subsequently - this canyon really deserves attention.
Section 6. Iskitim marble quarry
Another quarry where marble was mined, Iskitimsky, is located in the Novosibirsk region.
The nature in these places is also very beautiful. For modern travelers, the quarry appears as an amphitheater, the height of the steps of which is about 1 meter.
Experienced tourists recommend using bicycles to get to the Iskitim marble quarry. Next to it flows the river Berd. You can go to the spring with holy water, which is nearby.
Nature is gradually “erasing” traces of human activity - birch trees grow today at the bottom of the quarry and its steps. Cute lizards are found here. They can be held in the palm of your hand and admire their amazing colors.
There is a geocaching cache in the area of the Iskitim quarry. Fans of this fun have a natural interest in these places. The atmosphere of mystery in the search for treasure - what else do adventure lovers need ?!
Section 7. Harsh mining
In 1924, in the Chelyabinsk region, in Koelgi, white marble was found. Today, the pit where this beautiful natural stone is mined is simply enormous: its depth is 55 meters, and the plan size is 500x500 meters.
This quarry is currently the largest in Europe. Marble, which is mined here, is used in construction and finishing works in many countries of the world, including Israel, USA, Japan, Germany, Finland, etc.
There is practically no quartz and impurities in it, so the stone complies with the standards for radiation levels of building materials. Due to the fact that the said breed is characterized by relative transparency, on the surface of the pieces you can observe a subtle play of shadow and light.
Koelgi white marble is characterized by a very high degree of stability. It was used in the construction of many famous buildings, the construction of monuments and during the finishing work.
So, it was this stone that was used as a building material for the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the memorial complex on Poklonnaya Hill, for the decoration of metro stations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and other cities.
Natural stone deposits are amazing, which means that both the Ruskeala marble quarry and Iskitim will attract curious travelers for many years to come.
Now it’s hard to say with certainty, but perhaps some more time will pass, and the strings of ubiquitous tourists will also stretch to the Chelyabinsk region to look at another miracle of the world.