Did you now that the oldest opal mines in the world and the only one in Europe are in Slovakia?
In the territory of mountains Slanské vrchy between the villages of Zlatá Baňa and Červenica hidden behind the winding forests of Dubník hill are the famous Slovenské opálové bane. Opals from Slovak opal mines are highly appreciated in the world markets for their unique characteristics. Their asset is what is referred to as opalescence which is the perfect play of colours. The species of precious opal, with its iridescent coloring only occur in Europe in Slovakia.
The mines lived their best times between 1845 and 1880, when run by the jeweller from Vienna – Solomon Goldschmidt and his heirs. The Goldschmidts succeeded in introducing the opals to the world markets what won them the corresponding fame.
Harlequin is the biggest Slovakia opal in the world. It was found in 1775 in the bed of the brook Oľšavka. It is 13 cm long and it weighs 594 g (2,970 carats ). It is one of most precious exhibits of the Museum of Natural History in Vienna.
Professional technical diving is also used in the ethereal depths of mines, which is used by divers from all over the world. Underwater, they can see a number of corridors, flooded staircases, rails and the like. It is a unique, ethereal experience.
Great to visit with your little ones and you can even get lucky and find your own opal during one of the excursions which you can book on www.slovenskeopalovebane.sk
