Take a Peek Inside Pulpí’s Giant Geode

Location of La Geoda de Pulpí

Address: Poligono S-AG2A, 33, 04640 Pulpí, Almería

In december 1999, members from Madrid’s Mineralogist Group discovered Pulpí’s Geode in Mina Rica, a colossal mineral geode measuring 8 metres length times 2 metres height fully covered in huge gypsum crystals. It’s upholstered with gypsum crystals, some of them measuring 2 metres long. Its transparency and spotlessness make it a wonder of nature. Given its dimensions as well its crytals size, transparency and perfection, this is a unique phenomenon worldwide (Calaforra & García-Guinea, 2000).

The origin of this outlandish geode can be explained in two stages: the gap formation and the subsequent mineral deposit on the inside. The gap was produced by dolomite karstifications that make up the Sierra del Aguilón, accompanied hidro-termal volcanic shots. The mineral deposit could follow a mixed model (Karstic and hidro-termal).

Geologists describe a geode as a spherical or egg-shaped rock with a sparkly hidden treasure inside: a hollow cavity lined with crystal formations. They’re not particularly rare; geodes are found all over the world, especially in deserts. The kind of crystals they contain depends on factors like location, temperature and the type of rock the geode is formed from.

They can be as small as a centimetre or so long. What makes the Pulpí geode so special is its spectacular size. At approximately eight metres long, two metres wide and two metres high, and covered with translucent gypsum crystals up to nearly two metres in length it is widely regarded as the world’s largest accessible geode.

Members of the Madrid Mineralogist Group discovered the geode in 1999 during an expedition to the abandoned Mina Rica mine in Pulpí’s Aguilón mountains. Some 60 metres down they spotted gypsum crystals on the wall of a hole. Intrigued, they made the hole big enough to get through and found they were looking at an incredible geological phenomenon.

The geode was formed in two phases. First, there was the formation of the hole due to the karstification of the rocks which make up the Sierra del Aguilón, then the mineral deposits which became the crystals. The crystals are 165,000 years old. See it for yourself if you’re interested in learning about a key chapter of Costa de Almería history or looking for something different to do, the 90-minute guided tour of the Mina Rica and the chance to see the giant geode for yourself are definitely worth it.

Specialised guides take visitors through the main galleries and spectacular chambers created by miners to exploit the mineral riches inside the mountain. They talk about the mine geology, show you traces of unusual minerals and explain how different types of ore – lead, iron and silver – were extracted and transported to the coast from the mid-19th century until the mine closed in the 1960s. A lot of thought has gone into giving visitors an insight into what life down in the mine was like. You see details like tools the miners used, what they wore and how they ate and drank during their long hours toiling under the earth.

The guides know their stuff and are happy to answer questions. The tour highlight comes at the end when you get to look inside the jewel in the mine’s crown: the huge geode. It’s located between the third and fourth levels, and to reach it you walk down a 15-metre spiral staircase or go down in a lift. You can’t go inside the geode because the crystals are easily damaged, but take your turn to stick your upper body through the aperture and marvel at this amazing creation of Mother Nature.

Visits must be booked in advance, which you can do easily by going to the official Pulpí geode website. The ticket includes entry to the castle in San Juan de los Terreros, where you can experience a virtual tour of Mina Rica and the geode. You’re advised to get to Mina Rica 30 minutes before your visit begins to give you time to pick up the sticker which identifies you as booked on a tour.

If you have time to spare you can take in the views of the surrounding area or check out the gift shop. Items for sale include minerals extracted from Mina Rica, jewellery and various gifts. Proceeds go towards preserving the mine and the geode and the costs of keeping it open to the public. Tours are in groups of up to 12 and are in Spanish, but it’s possible to book group visits of up to 15 with an English-speaking guide. Alternatively, there are audio guides in English, French, German and Flemish available at the information office.

There’s a fair bit of walking and going up and down steps between the different levels of the mine; 80 in fact without including the staircase to the geode. You should wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear. If you have certain medical conditions or mobility issues you should check whether they prevent from you being allowed to do the tour. Earlier this year the Junta de Andalucía awarded Mina Rica and the geode “Natural Monument” status in recognition of their environmental and geological value and uniqueness and to guarantee their preservation.

The opportunity to visit them is a privilege and it’s essential to respect the regulations designed to protect them and ensure visitors’ safety. You must wear the helmet given to you at the mine entrance throughout the tour. The same goes for face masks. You’re not allowed to take bags into the mine, touch the minerals, crystals or structures inside or take your own photos. The guides take pics of each person in their group at the main points of interest, including the giant geode, and for just one euro they’ll email you memorable images of yourself in this remarkable underground world.

For more information and to book tickets 950 962 727 informacion@geodapulpi.es http://www.geodapulpi.es