Fieldtrip Report:

MARION, KENTUCKY FLUORITE DIG
Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum, Eureka Mine, Columbia Mine, and the Mary Belle Mines
Report and photos by Steve Bonney

Official Fieldtrip of the
Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association
Dates:  March 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2009 

Galena, 2 cm x 2 cm.

The Columbia Mine and Mary Belle Mines were also available for digging, but few could pull themselves away from the Eureka, despite the mud bath it required.  Those who checked them out found some interesting specimens and yard rocks.

Columbia Mine fluorite and smoky quartz, field of view 3 cm x 3 cm.

Mary Belle Mine calcite and fluorite, field of view 2 cm x 2 cm.

Mary Belle Mine calcite and fluorite, field of view 2 cm x 2 cm.

The pit at the Eureka Mine after everyone had headed home. 

Overall diggers made the trip from as far away as Wisconsin and Florida.  It appeared as if many went home with specimens to be proud of.  The trip was a success for the Clement Museum, Marion, and MAGMA. 

More specimen photos

Fluorite with calcite 8cm x 5cm

Crystallized fluorite slab, 24cm x 8cm

Fluorite crystals to 1.5 cm with phantoms.

Fluorite 6cm x 5cm

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