Mineral collecting sites, Eastern PA

[ajk]

Having recently developed a fascination for minerals and hopefully soon collecting them I am now looking for sites to collect. I'd like to do it responsibly and respectfully and not just go trespassing in a mine or on some random property.

That said, I really don't know where to start. I know you guys probably don't want to give up your collecting sites, and I understand that. I'm just looking for a place to get started within a reasonable driving distance. Also, are there any clubs in this area, or are any of you experienced rockhounds from this area and know of any areas you are willing to share? I've read through this:

www.missourigeologists.org/Min-Loc3-2005.pdf

but it's so vague it's hard to know exactly where they are talking about. For instance, the directions they give for "Crystal Hill"are basically take 611 to 191 south. 191 for 3 miles, then go right for 1.2 miles. Aside from the main highways, no street names or an address or anything.

Any help would be much appreciated. Feel free to PM me with any info you are willing to share.

Thanks!

Aaron

[amythestguy]

oh heck..most folks here would gladly give you there collecting locations as long as it was legal and fine for others to collect without permission..those type of directions that you gave for crystal hill you have to use your imagination on...just follow them and anyplace you see thatlooks like it might have rocks or anything interesting then stop and check out..may not find it the first time or second time but sooner or later you will..takes a little patience and work but is worth it once i tplays out..always make sure you are not trespassing..even a quick stop at the house next to wherever you want to check out helps..most folks don't mind you poking around for a little bit..no trash or unfilled in holes either

[ajk]

May 14, 2010 22:28:06 GMT -5 @amythestguy said:

oh heck..most folks here would gladly give you there collecting locations as long as it was legal and fine for others to collect without permission..those type of directions that you gave for crystal hill you have to use your imagination on...just follow them and anyplace you see thatlooks like it might have rocks or anything interesting then stop and check out..may not find it the first time or second time but sooner or later you will..takes a little patience and work but is worth it once i tplays out..always make sure you are not trespassing..even a quick stop at the house next to wherever you want to check out helps..most folks don't mind you poking around for a little bit..no trash or unfilled in holes either

The problem for me is that there is just so much land out there, and so many rocks. I just don't know where to start. There are streams, hills with tons of exposed rock, mines, quarrys, ect. I just don't know exactly what to look for in a mineral collecting site. Do I just go anywhere randomly (with permission of course) and dig around, or should I be looking for something in particular? I'm ordering Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals by John Sinkankas, which will hopefully help shed some more light on this subject for me. It would also be nice to get in touch with some other local rockhounds to see what everyone is finding and maybe go out with a group to learn some techniques.

In any case I appreciate the reply!

Aaron

[amythestguy]

I found my little quartz site by stopping at construction sites and looking..no indication there would be anything there..just got to look..keep an eye out for color and shape anythiing that doesn't look like a normnal rock

[hydrogeologist]

One spot that I've had great success at is the old Brookdale Mine located at the Pickering Valley Golf Course in Phoenixville, PA. Just drive up, park behind the pro shop/restaurant and check in. They will give you a map of the course and where the old mines are located around the course. Although these mines are best known for the pyromorphite I've had great success finding quartz crystals and other lead secondaries such as cerussite and anglesite. This involves digging deep into the 100+ year old mine dumps to find specimens and the areas are heavily shaded and wooded so watch out for poison ivy this time of year.

www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com/jhbnyc/trips/penns.htm

Have fun and let us know what you find.

Lawrence

[amythestguy]

hook up with someone who knows what they are doing..the folks in MAGMA got me started along when I was green

[rickb29212]

Jason went from Greenguy to Amethystguy pretty fast - he's a fast learner. Folks on the board in you area should get in touch with you soon. Many are probably out digging today. Rick B

[jpolk123]

Do you know about this site? Its a compilation of sites visited by the DRH bunch. It's most all quite south of Pa. but a nice read.
www.wncrocks.com/magma/fieldtrips3.htm

[ajk]

hook up with someone who knows what they are doing..the folks in MAGMA got me started along when I was green

That's part of what I was hoping to get out of this thread. I would definitely like to go out on a dig with an experienced person or group of people just for the learning experience. I thought this would be a good place to look for people in my area. Unfortunately I just can't go real far (like across states). I'd love to, but work and cost are limiting factors right now.

Lawrence, many thanks! I'll definitely check that place out when I get a chance. What's nice is even if I don't find much digging, I can get in a round of golf ;D

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond; it's much appreciated!

Aaron

[darwinahoy]

If you're going to visit the site at Pickering Valley golf course, let me know, and I'll join you, if I have no work. I've been there once, and came away with some nice little pyromorphites, and I've been meaning to get back there. Admission to the site is a mineral specimen, last I was there.

[cjoyz1188]

I really want to go mining for quartz and other minerals. Not sure where to go and not sure what I need. Anyone willing to help??