The Story of Andrade Júnior Spring and the Fossils of Araxá
Discover the Hidden History and Fossils Unearthed in Araxá’s Famous Thermal Springs
The Andrade Júnior Spring, located in Araxá, Minas Gerais, is renowned for its sulfurous waters and therapeutic properties, drawing visitors from across Brazil seeking health benefits. However, beneath this popular tourist destination lies a fascinating and ancient story dating back thousands of years.
The Discovery of Fossils
Nearly 60,000 years ago, a community of mastodons inhabited the thermal waters of the region. These prehistoric creatures eventually became extinct, leaving their bones buried beneath the earth. In the 1930s and 1940s, as construction began on the famous Grande Hotel in Araxá, workers stumbled upon a significant discovery. While excavating the land to build the Andrade Júnior Spring, they found a depression in the ground filled with hundreds of fossilized bones from an ancient megafauna.
This discovery caused a sensation throughout Araxá, as more bones appeared with every dig. The fossils were identified as belonging primarily to the species Notiomastodon platensis, an extinct type of elephant that once roamed South America. The remains of about 80 individuals were uncovered, making it the largest concentration of this species ever found in one location.
Scientific Significance
The discovery of these fossils provided scientists with invaluable insights into the life and extinction of these massive creatures. Researchers from the Division of Geology and Mineralogy of the National Department of Mineral Production in Rio de Janeiro studied the remains, which consisted of 388 bones and teeth. These findings helped to unravel the mystery of how these animals lived and died, offering clues about the ancient environment they once inhabited.
Some scholars believe that the region of Araxá may have been shaped by volcanic activity in the distant geological past. This activity provided the area with a rich variety of minerals, including the therapeutic waters that now attract visitors to the Andrade Júnior Spring.
A Historic and Natural Landmark
Today, the Andrade Júnior Spring stands as a historical and natural landmark in Araxá. Its sulfurous waters and beautiful surroundings make it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. But beyond its natural allure, the spring offers visitors a chance to connect with the ancient history of the region. As you soak in the therapeutic waters, you are standing on a site that once teemed with prehistoric life, a silent witness to the history of life on Earth.
Visiting Andrade Júnior Spring is like stepping through a portal to the past, where you can experience the healing properties of the waters and learn about the incredible archaeological discoveries made in this very location. It is a truly unique and enriching experience, blending natural beauty with a deep sense of history.
This story of the Andrade Júnior Spring and the fossils found beneath it is a treasure trove of history, science, and natural beauty, all waiting to be discovered by those who visit Araxá.
