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Crystals and Crystal Hunting in the Alps
Since the mid 18th century the "montagnards" have searched for crystals. The same men became the first mountain guides.
Mineral Shops in Chamonix
History
These gnarly specimens of humanity are mere babes when compared to their prey. The crystals began life over 15 million years ago, 10km deep in the earth's crust. As the "young" alps rise and erode, crystals still appear.
Precious metals were also present.
Jacques Balmat, the first man to summit Mt Blanc in 1786, was rumoured to have searched for "mine d'or".
We aren't sure if M. Balmat was successful, but others were, in their quest for gold.
Visit the Musée des Cristaux for more information.
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For local information:
Club de Minérologie de Chamonix
Tel 33 (0)4 50 54 04 07
Société des Cristalliers du Mt Blanc
Tel 33(0)4 50 54 04 07