Thermal Spring System of Karlovy Vary
The world-famous spa
The thermal spring system of the largest Czech spa lies on tectonic lines in the granites of the Karlovy Vary granite massif. The water that rises to the Earth´s surface and is mixed with gaseous CO2 has a high temperature and unique chemical composition. The content of dissolved substances remains practically the same in all of the thermal springs, and only the temperature and content of dissolved carbon dioxide differs. Of the many springs, 19 are proven to be natural healing sources according to spa regulations. The colonnade structures, pavilions and gloriettes are in harmony with Karlovy Vary´s mineral springs.
A typical phenomenon of the mineral springs of Karlovy Vary is the formation of sinter. It is composed of the mineral aragonite (orthorhombic calcium carbonate) with admixture of iron and manganese oxides, which give it a bright colour. Aragonite precipitates from the water in various forms – the most well-known are the banded “sprudelstein”, pisolithic “erbsenstein” (peastone) and sinter crusts.
