Duringthe past holidays, employees of the Ural Geological Museum and the limitedliability company “International geological tourism” made a trip to theChelyabinsk region deposits. The route of our geologists ran through the SouthernUral cities Miass and Zlatoust, Martian landscapes of Karabash, and Taganay NationalPark. They also visited old Akhmatovskaya and Zelentsovskaya Mines, Radostny Quarry,and Cheremshansky Nickel Mine.

Thefirst object of interest for the expedition was a well- known AkhmatovskayaMine located on the territory of Taganay National Park. The mine was opened in1811. It got its name after the managers of Kusinsky plant of the Akhmatovs.Within the territory of the mine more than 30 minerals were discovered.Minerals were mined here throughout the 19th century. Since 1981 the mine has gotthe status of the geological monument of nature and is of great interest to thetourists keen on the Ural nature.

Notfar from Akhmatovskaya Mine there is Zelentsovskaya Mine, one of the oldestmines in the Chelyabinsk region. It is situated on the hilltop near thesettlement of Magnitka in Zlatoust district. The mine is big enough and deep,and its sides have clearly visible traces of old workings and prospect holes.It should be noted that the wealth of Zelentsovskaya Mine is not inferior to thatof the famous Akhmatovskaya Mine.

Thenext place of destination was Radostny Quarry. The pit walls commanded amagnificent view of the mountain ranges stretching into the blue distance. Amongthe huge blocks of migmatite covered by fanciful patterns of contrasting bands,staff members of the Ural Geological Museum selected one, and soon it will takeits place in the alley of stones next to the third building of the MiningUniversity.

Itwas interesting to see Cheremshansky Nickel Mine near the town of VerkhniyUfaley, which the expedition was passing by on its way. The observation deckoverlooked the pit walls stepping down to a small lake with bright blue watersaturated with nickel.

Thetrip has resulted into a new geological and mineralogical guided tour of theChelyabinsk region deposits which will be interesting both for the residents ofour region and for its guests.

Zayakin Sergey administrator of the Ural Geological Museum

Photo taken by the author