Foto: AlpiNet.orgThe Blue Lake from the south west slope of Dealul Minei, a place near Baia Sprie, Maramures county, Romania, is a unique place in Europe. It was formed by the collapse of some mining works, around the year 1920.
The area of the lake is of about 0,5 ha, at it has a circular shape vith a diameter of about 40 cm. The deph is of 3-4 meters.
The green-blue collor of the "Blue Lake" comes from the iron sulfate (FeSO4) presence from the alteration of the pyrite from the upstream of old dumps and mine waters from the olt mines that functioned in the area in the past.
The lake was studied and investigated by the ecologist engineer Vasile Bologa, a protector of the nature. On its genesis and the water chemistry, the lake is unique in Romania and Europe. For this reason it was declared 25 years ago a "natural monument".
The conifers around the lake are completing a breathtaking view and for this reason this area is a special leisure place.
