The offer of street markets in Madrid keeps growing. From the classic medieval markets to luxury houses that empty and sell their furniture, clothes and table linen, there are more and more options. You can buy books from 1 euro, very cheap plants or even products with New York aesthetics.
The Mercadillo de Minas goes a step further and puts on sale all kinds of minerals, fossils, gems and shells to attract collectors, curious and nature lovers. It will be held this Sunday, October 5, something that only happens once a month (except in August when it remains closed).
The stalls are located in the inner courtyard of the ETSIME building of the School of Mines of Madrid, in Ríos Rosas Street, 21. Admission is free and the market will be open from 10 am to 2 pm on Sunday.
Minerals endorsed by experts
More than thirty exhibitors gather at this flea market, making it a point of reference for those most passionate about the natural world. It adapts to all audiences, with simpler options for children, details to give as gifts and minerals to decorate the home or office.
The people in charge of each counter are experts in the field who can advise customers. They are geologists, gemologists or mineralogists who guarantee the provenance and authenticity of each mineral, gem or fossil, so that there is no deception during the purchase.
In addition, information about the history and origin of various minerals such as lapis lazuli from Afghanistan (also known as blue gold) and mining complexes such as the Naica mine, among others, can be found on the market’s website.
Continue learning in a historic building
In each edition, the Mercadillo de Minas organizes workshops for children by professionals who will bring them closer to geology and minerals. The cost of these activities is 3 euros per person and tickets can be purchased from 10 to 10:30 am in person at the market itself.
Adults can also broaden their knowledge by visiting the D. Felipe de Borbón y Grecia Historical Mining Museum, which is located on the second floor of the same building where the flea market is held. The collection dates back to 1831 and houses more than 10,000 pieces including minerals, fossils and historical archaeological remains.
The building itself is also of great artistic value, as the colonnaded courtyard where the market displays are displayed is the work of architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, the same architect who designed the famous Palacio de Cristal del Retiro.