Granatium

Useful Information

Location:	Radenthein, parking lots at main road, frm car parking lot follow Fischerstraße, from coach parking lot follow Mirnockstraße. Signposted.
Open:	MAY to OCT daily 10-18. [2010]
Fee:	Adults EUR 9.90, Children (6-15) EUR 4.90, Children (0-5) free, Students EUR 7.90, Seniors EUR 7.90, Family (2+2) EUR 20. Groups (20+): Adults EUR 7.50, Children (3-18) EUR 3.50, Students EUR 6.50, Seniors EUR 6.50. [2010]
Classification:	Gem Mine
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:	D=2 h, self guided
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Granatium Radenthein, Klammweg 10, 9545 Radenthein, Tel: +43-4246-29135, Fax: +43-4246-291354. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1909	end of garnet mining.

Geology

Garnet is a dark red or blood-red mineral, a semi-precious gemstone. It is named after the Latin word granatus (grain). Characteristic is the impressive crystal form, a rhombic dodecahedra. It is used as gemstone since ancient Egyptian times. The variety mined at Radenthein was called Laufenberger Granat and sold to the famous Bohemian grinding shops who traded them as Bohemian garnet.

Description

The Granatium was named after the semi-precious gemstone garnet, which is called Granat in German. It is a sort of artificial mine allowing access to the garnet bearing veins which were once mined in this area. This is not a traditional show mine, it is more or less a garnet centric theme park. The red(!) entrance building contains a Garnet Exhibition. The Garnet Room is still under construction, it will be a room covered completely by garnet, similar to the famous Bernsteinzimmer (Amber Room). There is also the ticket booth and obligatory the shop.

From the entrance building the underground gallery is entered, which allows to see the largest accessible garnet veins in Europe. It is illuminated by an artistic, mystical lighting arrangement, at least thats what the official website says. Visitors get helmets at the ticket booth, which they must wear underground.

Back at the surface there are the Digging Grounds, where visitors can dig garnet gemstones and process them. Protective goggles and helmet are required, they are lent by the digging master. Mainly a fun for children. Professional gemstone grinders polish the findings for a fee.

The surrounding park along the Kaninger Bach extends to the Blauer Tumpf, a small pond. From here a ropeway starts, which follows the Garnet Gorge for about one kilometre to a large dam.