[Rockhounds] Looking for exploring/collecting info for Mount Rushmore area

[Andrew Turner]

David,

 

I know I've written more detailed stuff in the past, couldn't find it easily in the archives.  I used to work in the Black Hills at Jewel Cave National Monument.  Jewel Cave is the 3rd longest in the world and by far the most diverse in the Black Hills (I've been to Wind Cave as well as almost all the private caves there).  The regular tour is fantastic and a definite to do.

 

Regarding mineral collecting:  Unfortunately the sites are getting more and more off-limits, and I haven't been there in a few years.  I would suggest getting a Black Hills National Forest Map.  Many mines are listed on that.  The mines around Custer/Keystone almost all are pegmatites with black tourmaline, muscovite, regular and rose quartz, and potentially beryl (not to mention some really rare stuff, spodumene, lepidolite, etc.).  Additionally, look for roadcuts that are white and shiny (pegmatite).  Also, the surrounding schist has considerable staurolite and garnet.

 

The best mines I've been to are the Ingersoll Mine (gem tourmaline, lepidolite--hills behind Rushmore and a strenuous hike to the top of the hill), Tin Mountain Mine (beryl, columbite, lepidolite-right before driving into Custer on north side), Etta Mine (huge spodumene-now off limits near Keystone), and the Tip Top Mine (world famous phosphate mineral locality south of Custer).  Not sure on the status of most of them.  An easy place to collect is a small quarry right before entering Custer State Park coming from Custer (on the south side, in the hillside, across from a few rock shops), the Shamrock Mine.

 

I would ask some of the people at the rockshops.  Additionally, Tom Loomis of Dakota Matrix Minerals still has some claims to the Tip Top Mine tailings (I believe), so you may want to email him and ask for ideas.  Website is http://www.dakotamatrix.com.  He's an expert in the area and has a fantastic collection.

 

SD School of Mines Museum is also fantastic--best local minerals and fossils I've seen.  Hope this helps.

 

Andrew Turner

Victorville, CA
 
> Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 08:52:34 -0700
> From: dlevenseller at yahoo.com
> To: rockhounds at lists.drizzle.com
> Subject: [Rockhounds] Looking for exploring/collecting info for Mount Rushmore area
> 
> 
> Hi Everyone,
> 
> Let me start out by saying I am a very novice rockhound but I like to learn. My family will be in the Mount Rushmore area for vacation in July and would like to do some exploring. I was wondering in anyone had any books to suggest for the area or and places that we should see. We will definitely be stopping and touring some of the caves in the area. Are there any public areas to explore or do collecting? We are not looking for anything specific, we just like to get out and explore.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> David
> 
> 
> 
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