Racos Geological Complex, Romania

In 2005, the Racos Geological Complex was declared natural protected area and it represents a natural geological reservation with a national importance. (ospbaraolt.webs.com) 

It is situated in the Western part of Persani Mountains, close to the basalt stripping in Racos village, Brasov region.

The area, included in Natura 2000 - Dealurile Homorodului site, is spread on a surface of over 95 hectare and is rich in volcanic rocks and mineral springs. Racos Geological Complex consist of tree quarry – two former basalt stripping and one for excavation of the basaltic slag. Even though the area is declared protected there are still excavations in the basaltic quarry, limestone quarry, or ballast pit, and the locals steal the rocks with the carriage.

The volcanic cone is located on Heghes Hill and it’s known as the Cariera de scorie vulcanică „Dealul Hegheş” ( The quarry of basaltic slag “Heghes Hill”). (brasovultau.ro) 

For many years, slag was excavated from the volcano cone. In the meantime, the area became natural reservation and the excavations were stopped. The highest point of the complex is the Heghes peak, measuring 60 meters.

Ten years ago, after the suspension of the basalt excavations in Brazi Quarry, a lake was formed as a result of snow melting and accumulation of rain water. The lake measures 10 meters in depth and 100 meters in length.

The natural monument Coloanele de bazalt de la Racoş (Racos basalt pillars) is included in the Racos Geological Complex. The basalt pillars measure 15 meters in height and were formed by the cooling of volcanic lava. The last volcanic eruption in the Carpathian Mountains occurred 800 thousand years ago, so the Racos Geological Complex  contains the newest rocks found in Carpathians. (adevarul.ro)