We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting. Examples of metamorphic mineral occurrences include the kyanite and staurolite crystals in mica schist at Windham, garnet crystals in schist and calcium-rich rocks at numerous places, and vesuvianite crystals in Sanford. Maine Mineral Attraction: Poland Mining Camps | Rock & Gem Magazine This site contains affiliate links to products. %PDF-1.5 Pink, green and blue tourmaline, aquamarine beryl and deep red garnet, purple amethyst and sparkling lepidolite they all lie buried in Maine granite. Other pegmatite minerals that may produce gem-grade material or great specimens include beryl (aquamarine, morganite, and heliodor are forms of beryl); topaz; spodumene; and apatite, to name a few. Before we dig really deep, lets take a peek at some of the prime rock-hounding locations in Maine. A lot of people will bring kids with them, and they get hooked, Turcotte said. You can also usually get the landowners name and address by visiting the county records office. The purpose of the club or association is to bring people together that share interests in geology and mineralogy in hopes that through the exchange of info and various specimens, everyone involved can benefit in some way. The most commonly found and collected rocks and minerals in New Hampshire are: Amethyst Quartz Apatite Gold Staurolite Topaz Fluorite Tourmaline Jasper Garnet Amethyst If you've already found a rock and you're not sure what it is, I would highly recommend checking out my Practical Rock Identification System. We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because were always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. The love for rocks, minerals, fossils, and precious stones has made rockhounding a popular hobby in New England. Most mineral collecting activity takes place in the larger of the 2 quarry pits. The Kennebec Rocks and Mineral Club is dedicated to rockhounding recreation in its many forms and phases. Take the Mine Trail to your right to the abandoned mine. Share sensitive information only Master Faceter, Avid Rock Hound, World Traveler, Tamminen, Pingree Ledge, and Waisanen Quarries. The most commonly listed primary commodities in Oxford mines are Gemstone , Beryllium , and Feldspar . Mineral collecting is an inexpensive hobby that can be enjoyed by all age groups, and offers the fringe benefits of outdoor recreation and the opportunity to learn about earth science. amzn_assoc_linkid = "aac5e87b1ca95eb9841c18e11fbbd48f"; Lots of mica and different kinds of rock, haven't found any tourmaline yet but I often see people up there with mining gear finding things. Quarry for finding many different rocks. The state is rich in a variety of minerals. Important Disclaimer: I have not been to these locations myself, and I do not know if they are currently open for collecting. The Kennebec Rocks and Mineral Clubs monthly field trips are usually held on the Sunday following their monthly meeting. From the trailhead, follow the yellow blazed hiking trail 0.1 miles to a fork in the trail. This isa small parking area at a curve in the road. The Lubec Lead Mine, near Lubec, Maine, is an excellent rockhound location for explorers to score decent specimens. The more common minerals found are varieties of feldspar, quartz, topaz, phenakite, and garnet. The best rockhounding sites are usually at quarries and mines, both active and inactive. I recommend giving Mary Groves a call rather than sending an email. Among the more popular locations with collectors are Mount Apatite, Lord Hill, and Deer Hill. ) or https:// means you've safely Youre usually under cover if its a hot day, splashing in the water. New Hampshire Rockhounding Location Guide & Map. I think they are green frogs from the banjo sounding call. We came for the rock hunting. Here are some additional resources to help you check on land ownership and mineral claims: As with most states, each county in Maine will have records of who owns each piece of property. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. 113 in Stow, Maine turn right onto Deer Hill Rd (FR9). For those who cannot attend in-person meetings, the club holds e-board meetings. )'u\d3Q;^{w/^+/{W?z?\>'yLx!OxyQadeY\b/. o/^e*{'BAQynb97T )OQO/HlG+ 2f6;?_Suj yy-~pi:-%GG4# # K\wZ"RYe"E2oh@Q4s~L^J"_+Di3sLHE[Wk9LYVuF-v*lP{R4 k2#cV`oEgUt|{5f}R`al#v5ZqbE If youre lucky enough to be in Maine with the intention of doing some rockhounding, Im jealous! The "hike" up is an access road and is easy. About Us: Maine Geological Survey: Maine ACF How to go rockhounding for Maine gems and crystals - Bangor Daily News I started showing up at camp, as the regulars know Poland Mining Camps, 20 years ago as a rookie mineral collector who didnt know a garnet from a gahnite or an elbaite from an albite. Mineral collecting is allowed in the White Mountain National Forest in western Maine, provided that your activities are non-commercial, limited to the use of hand tools, and do not greatly disturb the area. Got distracted by the tranquility and nature. Phone: (207) 287-3200 More by Aislinn Sarnacki, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Many sites that used to be popular with rockhounds are now closed, including the sites listed here. This information is essential for gemstone and mineral finds, since provenance is paramount to us and to our clients, and should be for you as well.