Mineral veins

Gneiss and schist form the rocks surrounding adit 9. The gneisses include laminated and augen varieties, which differ in the arrangement of their mineral components. The fluorite vein is accompanied by calcite and uranium mineralisation. Uranium compounds are therefore part of a more complex mineral assemblage, not the only constituent visible in the rock. The association of different minerals matters more than an eye-catching colour. It separates the appearance of an individual specimen from the composition and origin of the whole vein.

The formation of this mineralisation is linked to the Karkonosze granitoid massif. That connection does not mean that every wall of the workings consists of granite. The workings also contain quartz veins up to 15 cm thick and faults, surfaces along which rocks have moved.

The visit includes ore fragments and explanations of exploration methods: field observation, geophysical measurements and test drilling. Each provides different information. Colour helps describe a mineral's appearance, but cannot replace analysis of its composition or radiation measurements. A rock is considered alongside its surroundings and test results, not like a paint sample with a single fixed meaning.