Almadén
Almadén, in Spain, was the largest mercury mine in history — the world's greatest cinnabar deposit.
About Almadénextended article
Almadén, in Spain, is the largest mercury deposit ever worked — the source of roughly a third of all the mercury ever produced by humankind — over more than two thousand years.
The world's greatest mercury mine
Almadén's extraordinary cinnabar orebodies were worked from Roman times until the late 20th century. The mine and its landscape are a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognising this unique mining heritage.
Signature minerals
Almadén is the classic source of cinnabar — vivid red crystals and masses — together with native mercury. Fine Almadén cinnabar is a historic and sought-after collector mineral.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Almadén?
Almadén is a mineral locality in Castile-La Mancha, Spain.
What minerals are found at Almadén?
Minerals from Almadén include Cinnabar.
What is Almadén known for?
Almadén, in Spain, was the largest mercury mine in history — the world's greatest cinnabar deposit.
References & databases
Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database.