Since the mid 18th century the "montagnards" have searched for crystals. The same men became the first mountain guides. These gnarly specimens of humanity are mere babies when compared to their prey. The crystals began life over 15 million years ago, 10 km 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 Mont Blanc in 1786, was rumoured to have searched for "mine d'or". We aren't sure if Jacques Balmat was successful, but others were, in their quest for gold.
Visit the Musée des Cristaux (Crystal Museum) at the Espace Tairraz in Chamonix Town center for more information.
| For more Information: | |
|---|---|
| Club de Minéralogie de Chamonix | +33 (0)4 50 54 04 07 |
| Société des Cristalliers du Mont Blanc | clubmineralogiechamonix@hotmail.fr |
| 74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc |
| For more Information: | |
|---|---|
| Musée des Cristaux | +33 (0)4 50 55 53 93 |
| 615 allée du Recteur Payot | espace.tairraz@chamonix.fr |
| 74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc |
