Minica de los Colores, Historic mine in Sierra de la Villa, Villena, Spain.
Minica de los Colores is an extraction site in Sierra de la Villa near Villena, recognizable by its colorful crystal formations and reddish soil tones. These colors come from iron-rich minerals concentrated in the surrounding rock layers.
Extraction started in Neolithic times and continued through the 18th century. Archaeological findings from the 1970s, including pottery from the 12th-century Almohad period, reveal the long span of human activity at this location.
The site holds meaning for artists and collectors who have gathered natural pigments here over generations. This tradition of seeking color and material from the earth shapes how people connect with the landscape today.
The site sits on hiking route PR-CV 312, which crosses Sierra de la Villa and links to several regional paths in the area. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear due to uneven ground and rocky terrain.
The crystal formations here display an unusual range of natural mineral colors that have drawn collectors and naturalists across generations. This colorful diversity makes the site stand out as a special location for anyone interested in minerals and earth sciences.
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