[Rockhounds] Barton Garnet Mines

[Earl R. Verbeek]

Yes, that's correct.  If you go to this mine, think "rock specimens" as
opposed to "mineral specimens".  The rock is spectacular, though.  Imagine
numerous baseball-sized crystals of red garnet surrounded by a reaction rim
of black amphibole embedded in amphibole-feldspar gneiss.  Damn this stuff
is good!  But I'm a geologist and get excited about such things.  A mineral
collector fixated on free-standing, gem-quality crystals -- that is, on
mineral aesthetics -- probably wouldn't find much of interest here, but if
you are a *true* lover of minerals and get just as excited about a black
lump of metamict euxenite as you would from a transparent tourmaline
crystal, this is a locality you'll love.  Go!!

           Cheers-   Earl Verbeek


On Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:32:25 -0500,  wrote:
> Massive red garnet, lumpish, locked in matrix. Some chance of facet
rough. 
> Moderately interesting specimens; eg study grade for a mineralogy course.

> That's what I've heard.
> 
> T
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Kreigh Tomaszewski" <Kreigh at tomaszewski.net>
> To: "Rockhounds at drizzle.com: A mailing list for rock and gem collectors" 
> <rockhounds at lists.drizzle.com>
> Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 7:49 PM
> Subject: [Rockhounds] Barton Garnet Mines
> 
> 
>> The Barton Garnet Mines in North River, New York, produce something like
> 
>> 80% of the abrasive garnet sold commercially. They allow public access
> to 
>> their #1 pit that is no longer being mined for $10 a head, plus $1 a
> pound 
>> for what you take out.
>>
>> Has anyone collected there? Is it worth the price? Is there roadside 
>> collecting in the area that would be worthwhile? Is there any chance of 
>> getting into any of their other pits?
>>
>>
>> -- 
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>