Idrija
Idrija, in Slovenia, was the world's second-largest mercury mine — a classic source of cinnabar and rare native mercury.
About Idrijaextended article
Idrija, in Slovenia, was for centuries the world's second-largest mercury mine after Almadén, worked for 500 years and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Five centuries of mercury
Mining at Idrija began around 1490 and continued into modern times, making it one of the longest-lived mercury operations in history. Its ore yielded both cinnabar and droplets of native, liquid mercury.
Signature minerals
Idrija is known for cinnabar — including the soft, earthy 'idrialite'-bearing ore — and for native mercury. Fine red cinnabar specimens from Idrija are historic collector pieces.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Idrija?
Idrija is a mineral locality in Goriška, Slovenia.
What minerals are found at Idrija?
Minerals from Idrija include Cinnabar.
What is Idrija known for?
Idrija, in Slovenia, was the world's second-largest mercury mine — a classic source of cinnabar and rare native mercury.
References & databases
Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database.