Field Trip Report:

minerfun

Abernathy Mica Mine
Mitchell County, N.C.
March 24th, 2007

photos by: Warren Falcone and Rick Jacquot

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Some single apatite crystals found by a member.

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New members Steve and Kim from Pennsylvania.

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Henderson County member, Ralph Bastedo.

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MAGMA member Jonathan working the dumps.

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One neat specimen that is found quite a bit, is the red rum mica with apatite crystals formed in the mica. I saw at least four specimens like this one on this trip.

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The apatite is fluorescent orange under a short wave UV light.

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For a look at the mining past of Western North Carolina, you can't beat a visit to the Abernathy Mine.

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