Almaden Quicksilver County Park

[fish]

Gray gray misty day today...

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/2055197-L.jpg

[fish]

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/2057043-L.jpg

It was the very first mining community in California, starting up operations in 1845. Before it closed down for good in 1976, it also held the distinction of being the largest, richest mine California has ever known, processing over $700,000,000 in metallic wealth. New Almaden Mine was situated in the Santa Clara Valley near San Jose and in its heyday was bustling with activity with a mix of miners from Mexico to Cornwall. And the surprise is -- this was not a gold mine. It was a quicksilver mine! Quicksilver (mercury) was absolutely essential in hard rock mining because it was used to separate the gold from the rock it was found in. The fact that the New Almaden Mine was already in operation when gold was discovered in our state only quickened the pace of the gold rush itself. Today, the town is a registered National Historic Landmark and the mine itself is on land which is part of a county park. Source. (http://www.calgold.com/calgold/Default.asp?Series=800&Show=73)

When the weather (and my legs) improve a bit, I'll hike further up and try to get some shots of the mine ruins.

[ian408]

It was the very first mining community in California, starting up operations in 1845. Before it closed down for good in 1976, it also held the distinction of being the largest, richest mine California has ever known, processing over $700,000,000 in metallic wealth. New Almaden Mine was situated in the Santa Clara Valley near San Jose and in its heyday was bustling with activity with a mix of miners from Mexico to Cornwall. And the surprise is -- this was not a gold mine. It was a quicksilver mine! Quicksilver (mercury) was absolutely essential in hard rock mining because it was used to separate the gold from the rock it was found in. The fact that the New Almaden Mine was already in operation when gold was discovered in our state only quickened the pace of the gold rush itself. Today, the town is a registered National Historic Landmark and the mine itself is on land which is part of a county park. Source. (http://www.calgold.com/calgold/Default.asp?Series=800&Show=73)

When the weather (and my legs) improve a bit, I'll hike further up and try to get some shots of the mine ruins.
Pretty cool. I've never been there (keep meaning to) though.

Thanks!

Ian

[Fleas]

Wow ! I just did the same thing, a gold mining town in AZ... I enjoyed you post. The wet green grass appeals to me. The weathered fence and building add a charm to you picture. Wonderful