A geode, according to the Royal Spanish Academy of Language (RAE), is defined as a “hole in a rock, lined with a generally crystallized substance. With the Pulpí Geode there are more than 60 natural monuments in Andalusia. Almería becomes count on eleven, only surpassed by Málaga, with thirteen. In Granada there are eight, seven in the case of Jaén and Seville, six in Huelva, five in Cádiz and three in Córdoba. Looking ahead to summer, the Pulpí geode, the largest visitable in the world, it is one of the best possible tourist plans.
The enclave presents a mixed typology (geological and ecocultural). It has an area of 9.91 hectares. It is a protected space in which it is integrated: ZEC Sierras de Almagrera, de los Pinos and el Aguilón.
Located in Mina Rica, in the eastern sector of the Betic mountain range and at the foot of the Sierra del Aguilón, this giant geode about 8 meters long and 2 meters high is covered with enormous gypsum crystals, being a unique geological heritage. global level. Its transparency and state of conservation make it a jewel of nature. In fact, it is considered the second largest in the world, after the Cueva de los Cristales in Chihuahua (Mexico) and the first to be visited.
With almost ten hectares, The Pulpí geode is characterized by its enormous gypsum crystals. The Geode of Pulpí and Mina Rica del Pilar de Jaravía – that is its full name – was declared a Natural Monument of Andalusia of a mixed nature (geological and ecocultural). Located in the municipality of Pulpí, province of Almería, this giant geode was discovered in 1999 by members of the Madrid Mineralogist Group. It is considered a unique heritage worldwide, since its transparency and state of conservation make it an authentic jewel of nature.
The declaration of the Pulpí Geode as a Natural Monument of Andalusia led to its inclusion in the Inventory of Protected Natural Spaces of Andalusia and registration in the Registry of the Network of Protected Natural Spaces of Andalusia (Renpa). This cataloging represents, therefore, the recognition of its environmental value and its uniqueness, as well as a guarantee of conservation.
The Pulpí Geode, a natural jewel, is located in the Rica Mine (Pilar de Jaravía, Almería), specifically in the eastern sector of the Betic Mountain Range and at the foot of the Sierra del Aguilón. With almost 10 hectares (9.91 to be exact), it is a giant geode about eight meters long and two meters high. In fact, it is the second largest in the world after the Cueva de los Cristales de Chihuahua, in Mexico, but the largest of all the geodes that can be visited. To this end, the Pulpí City Council and the Almería Provincial Council launched a project to enhance its value, financing the necessary works for the opening of the Rica Mine until reaching the entrance to the giant geode.
To safeguard this natural jewel, the University of Almería carries out rigorous monitoring of the conditions of thermal and humidity stability, with 24-hour monitoring, given the fragility of this unique heritage.
The Rica Mine has different elements of interest, such as folds, fault surfaces or mineral neoformations, among other peculiarities. In this sense, the Pilar de Jaravía mines have been considered an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) since 2004. In addition, the entire territory of the new natural monument is located within the Sierras Almagrera, de los Pinos y Special Conservation Area. the Aguilón of the Natura 2000 Network.
On April 25, 2020, the Pulpí City Council requested the declaration as a Natural Monument of Andalusia. Until the approval of this declaration, the mandatory procedures were followed, including public information and hearing, which included the participation of public administrations involved, as well as business, union and conservation associations and organizations.
The decree approved by the Government Council established the description of its values, especially of a didactic and cultural nature, and established general rules and guidelines for planning and management regarding the administration, monitoring and social participation, on cultural and landscape resources, public use or environmental education, among other issues. The direct management of this natural monument is the Pulpí City Council.
Visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. The ticket price for adults is around 22 euros.