MAINE
State Mineral: Tourmaline (1971)
State Fossil: Pertica quadrifaria (1985)
Maine is home to numerous rocks and gemstones. As a result, there is almost no limit to the number of interesting material rockhounds can find here.
The large variety of gemstones and minerals found in Maine can mostly be attributed to the world-class pegmatites that make up a large portion of the surface geology. Ancient volcanic and metamorphic rocks have been worn down by recent glaciation and subsequent weathering from rivers and streams have exposed interesting gemstones and minerals for us to find.
Maine has yielded an abundance of gem quality minerals including tourmaline, aquamarine, beryl, topaz, spodumene, morganite, smoky quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst. Maine is mostly famous for its tourmaline. In addition, at least five meteorite falls have been documented in Maine.
These are a few of the things you may want to take along with you on your dig:
A small, handheld garden rake
A handheld trowel
Knee pads or an old cushion to kneel/sit on
A bucket, for holding your finds
Newspaper or grocery bags to wrap and protect your crystals
While digging crystals you will probably be outside for a long time. You may want to bring:
Water
Snacks
A wide hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, and a small first aid kit (Quartz can be sharp!)
MINE INFORMATON
We are proud to be one of the only sources of deep purple, Siberian quality Amethyst. Now you can come visit us and find some, too!! We have fee dump digs every weekend!! Bring your family!
Colton Hill Amethyst Mine is a privately owned Mine.
Visit us and keep what you dig!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
MOUNT MICA – DIG MAINE GEMS
110 Bethel Rd, West Paris, Maine, 04289
Tel: 207-674-3440
Cell: 207-890-9753
Email: digmainegems@gmail.com
MINE INFORMATON
Individuals, families, and groups are welcome. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
We supply tools for sifting such as:
- Buckets to fill
- Shovels
- Sifting screens
- Plastic baggies for keepers
Bring bug spray! Sunscreen, a hat, rain gear, depending on the weather. (on rare occasions, under canopy space is full) Good footwear that can get dirty is nice to have.
We sell refrigerated water, soda, and tea on site but you may want to bring lunch as some people find themselves visiting for several hours on occasion.
We sell empty 5 gal buckets with lids for taking a bunch of material home for $5
HOURS
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations are not required, unless you are a very large group of 10 or more.
Under average weather situations, we are open from May to November.
It all depends on when the ground is frozen!
PRICES
Mt. Mica – $20 plus tax per 3.5 gallon bucket
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.