Slovak opal mines

World unique hidden in the Slanské hills

A mountain range of volcanic origin stretches between Prešov and Košice. Slanské vrchy in his heart hide a world unique, the largest and oldest opal mines in the world. Dubnícké mines are historically and culturally significant site, whose history dates back to the times before our era. The precious opal from Dubník enchanted many a ruler, alchemist or poet. Until the end of the 19th century it was the only open deposit of precious opal in the world.

Rich underground

Slovak opal is a certified geographical designation of precious opal, which comes from deposits in the Slanské vrchy Mountains in Eastern Slovakia. For centuries, Slovak precious opals have been distinguished by their intense play of colours, the so-called opalescence, and they are highly valued worldwide for their unique properties. The underground of the mines consists of an intricate network of tunnels over 35 kilometres in length. The mining of precious opal in Dubník took place until 1922. In the underground mines you will discover the history of precious opal from Dubník with your own senses, you will get to know how the opal originated, how it was mined, processed and how jewellery made of precious opal adorned the necklines and heads of the world's monarchs. A visit to the opal mines is also an excellent tip for a school trip.

Did you know:

• they are the oldest opal mines in the world
• These were the only opal mines in the world until the discovery of precious opal deposits in Australia in the late 19th century
• they are the most extensive opal mines in the world
• The Harlequin is the largest opal ever found here and is housed in the Natural History Museum in Vienna
• The Trojan fire, one of the most famous opal necklaces, adorned the décolletage of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte
• Queen Victoria's head was adorned with an opal tiara with 17 opals from Dubník
• 16 species of bat, totalling more than 8,000 individuals, hibernate in the mines
• the temperature in the mines is a constant 6°C

You can find out more interesting facts about precious opal and this site, which is steeped in history, during a guided tour of the opal mines. A tip for a walk – the Opal Mines Nature Trail is located in the immediate vicinity.

Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ