Minerals, Mofettes, Mineral Waters and Spa Culture at Ciomadul

Abstract

The geologically young age of Ciomadul is not only highlighted by the presence of intact volcanic landforms (such as crater lakes), but also through the occurrence of sulphate minerals, gas emissions typically as mofettes, and mineral-rich water springs that occur around the volcano. This volcanic-related activity has played an important role to the local population over time, where the gas emissions, known as mofettes, or ‘stinky pits’ to locals, were used as healing gas baths. Similarly, the mineral-rich water springs were used, depending on their temperature, as drinking or curing baths.