Photos

  • Синий Камень (шихан). Photo 1
  • Синий Камень (шихан). Photo 2

Description

Blue Shikhan, also known as Blue Stone, is a rock outcrop located on the left bank of the Ural River in the Chelyabinsk region. This geological natural monument is known for its quartz porphyrites of light lilac color. A rare complex of plants protected by law grows on the slopes of the rock.

Blue Shikhan has a unique geological and historical history. This remnant was formed more than 330 million years ago from solidified lava after an eruption and clogged the mouth of an ancient volcano. Over time, the surrounding softer rocks eroded, and the lava plug remains to this day.

The rock has a cone shape and rises 60-70 meters above the river level. Its slopes are dissected by hollow-like cracks, and the rocks of which it consists are lilac-red and pinkish in color due to the content of the iron-containing mineral hematite. Under certain sunlight, they acquire a bluish tint, which was the basis for the name of this natural miracle - Blue Shikhan.

In the past, gold was mined on the territory of Blue Shikhan. At the beginning of the 20th century, mines were opened here and mining began. The main deposits were in the Aidirli region, but the entire Suunduk River basin was rich in gold. In Siny Shikhan, work began in 1902-1906. However, due to the unprofitability of mining, gold mining at Siny Shikhan had to be stopped.

Now Blue Shikhan is not only a geological natural monument, but also a place associated with the history of gold mining and a Muslim cemetery. This place is also the habitat of a rare plant species - Ural toadflax, which is listed in the Red Book.

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