Excursion: Mining Gold and Gems on the Island of Naxos, Greece
In the heart of the Aegean Sea lies the Greek island of Naxos, renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique geological treasures - marble and emery. These natural resources have played a significant role in shaping Naxos' cultural heritage and economic development.
Naxos marble, over 98% calcite with traces of dolomite and pyrite, was the main material for sculpture in the Ancient Greek Cycladic civilisation. Known for its soft texture when freshly quarried, it facilitated advanced carving techniques in antiquity. Iconic works like the unfinished Kouros of Melanes, a large 6th-century BCE statue, and the monumental marble Portara—the gateway of the unfinished Temple of Apollo—are testament to the technical skill and architectural ambition of ancient Naxians.
Emery, found in large quantities on the slopes of Mt. Amomaxis between the villages of Koronos and Apeirnthos, is a geologically distinct hard rock mineral. Historically, it was used for polishing metals, glass, and wood. The minerals hematite, barite, and zircon were also found near the seaside town of Stelida. Naxos was the only known European source of emery, and its mining supported local industries and trade from antiquity through modern times.
Manolis Manolas, an elected local official for nearly 40 years and past president of the Union of Naxian Emery Workers, provided valuable information and photos of the emery mines. Mining emery in Naxos is a dirty and very strenuous manual labor, but its elasticity property gives it an edge over man-made abrasives, making it hold together better.
Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades, rich in farming and stockraising, and its marble and emery deposits have contributed significantly to its wealth and industrial growth. The Romans called emery Naxium, and the complex mineral composition of natural emery gave it an edge in the Aegean region's trade routes.
The marble from Naxos was a very significant ancient deposit, and it is still quarried today. The crystals in Naxian marble are usually transparent, giving the stone an appearance of depth and a blue-grey shimmer. The Geological Museum of Naxos, established in 1996, includes over 3,000 specimens of rocks, minerals, fossils, and metals mostly found on the island of Naxos.
However, with the advent of silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum, natural emery has become almost obsolete. Yet, its historical and geological significance remains tied to Naxos' cultural heritage and economic development. The Natural History Museum of Naxos, established in 1996, contains over 1,300 specimens of sea and land fauna and flora of the island of Naxos, offering a glimpse into the island's natural beauty and diversity.
[1] "The marble of Naxos," Journal of the Hellenic Society, Vol. 118, No. 2 (1998), pp. 111-133. [2] "The emery of Naxos: a geological and historical study," Journal of the Hellenic Society, Vol. 117, No. 2 (1997), pp. 121-140.
Members of the Geological Society may find the articles titled "The marble of Naxos" and "The emery of Naxos: a geological and historical study," published in the Journal of the Hellenic Society in 1997 and 1998, particularly appealing due to their discussions on the unique geological treasures found on the Greek island of Naxos, specifically its marble and emery. This island's lifestyle is deeply intertwined with its rich mineral resources, with many members enjoying the challenge of traveling to Naxos to explore its mines and learn about the historical significance of these materials in shaping its cultural heritage and economic development.
