Montpelier Feldspar Mine - Archive

Here's a look at what has been found at this mine:

Actinolite, Albite (var: Andesine), Albite-Anorthite Series, Amphibole Group (var: Uralite), Anatase, Anthophyllite, Apatite, Biotite, Garnet Group, Goethite, Hornblende, Illite, Ilmenite, Kaolinite, Microcline, Muscovite, Prehnite, Pyrite, Pyroxene Group, Quartz (var: Blue Quartz), Rutile, Sericite, Spessartine, Titanite, Zircon.

Check it out at: http://www.mindat.org/loc-11147.html

Disclaimer: The availability of these minerals depends on where they are working in the quarry at the time of the field trip and that some of the occurrences are very small. Particularly the gold and jewels. Also, a lot depends on your luck. Talismans reccommended.

Here's the address:

17359 Taylors Creek Road/UPS-Route 677
Montpelier, VA 23192

• Take exit 92 toward Ashland 0.3 mi
• Merge onto England St/VA-54 0.3 mi
• Turn right at N Cottage Green Dr 0.1 mi
• Turn left toward US-1/N Washington Hwy 0.2 mi
• Turn left at US-1/N Washington Hwy 400 ft
• Turn right at England St/VA-54
• Continue to follow VA-54 12.4 mi
• Slight right at Mountain Rd/US-33 1.0 mi
• Turn left at Bethany Church Rd 3.1 mi
• Slight right at Taylors Creek Rd 0.8 mi

Standard full dress safety precautions apply. Here's what you'll NEED:

1. Steel Toed Boots - generally not fashionable unless in the 5 inch stiletto heel version.
2. Safety Goggles - polarized lenses are a good idea. If they cost more tha $15, you're just showing off.
3. Heavy Work Gloves - Dandy for keeping you digits intact.
4. Safety Helmets - A MUST, though color is optional.
5. Young Folks - Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For those who are interested I will be meeting with others at 7:30 am on the 29th at the Spotsylvannia exit Starbucks to do some carpooling.

NOTE: Severe weather or other crisis out of our control may result in the canceling or rescheduling of this trip. If there is any question, please call me to confirm the trip.