Pierrefitte, France

source of the ore for Gallium

in the French Pyrenées

City Hall

some industry remains

historic mine area

a minor (but paved) road

road follows a mountain stream

seams of sulfide ores

Looking down on Pierrefitte-Nestalas

Cutoff to La Galène mining area.

dirt road up to the mine area

Talus slopes

Top of the mine

ancient smelter

Slag remaining

Closeup of slag

Huge talus slope

Searching for rocks and minerals

Gallium was found in sulfides

Scars are common

take another highway up

to Gavarnie from Pierrefitte-Nestalas

to Gavarnie

park area

National Park of the Pyrénées

mountains tower to over 3000 m

geological feature