A European region which is one of the richest in gold is the so-called “Golden Square” in the Metaliferi Mountains. It is bordered by the municipalities of Baia de Arieş, Zlatna, Săcărâmb and Brad. Within the square, there were several gold mines, the most significant being in Roşia Montană. The Romans already mined gold here (formerly called Alburnus Maior) and even today Europe’s largest gold reserve, which is estimated at 300 tons, is located here. In the exhibition, the most important ore of gold that is native gold can be found from two sites in the Metaliferi Mountains: Roşia Montană and Băiţa.
In the picture: The "Golden Square" in Transylvania. Native gold, Roşia Montană, Romania. Image width: 3 cm. Photo by László Tóth