|
The mining began here in 1883, but a young boy found a piece of green tourmaline on his property in 1862. He put it on the mantle at his family home. In 1883, a well
known mineral collector from South Paris, Nathanial Perry, explored the area further. He uncovered a pocket of exceptional gem tourmalines. These gems were different in color from any other of the Maine tourmalines.
As a rule, they were lighter in color and had a more brilliant polish.
In 1884, Loren Merrill, who had been mining mount mica, leased the property and mined it for several years, finding lots of tourmaline. In 1902, the property was leased
by the Maine Feldspar Company of Auburn. They immediately began mining for feldspar. Their mining resulted in what came to be the largest excavation at Mount Apatite and numerous smaller pits. In addition to
tourmaline, a number of interesting minerals have been found. An abundance of lepidolite in an unusual ball-like shape has been found here. Quartz crystals, smoky quartz, gem morganite, spodumene, pollucite and
amblygonite have also been found here. All outstanding specimens.
The Maine feldspar company ended their mining in the 1930’s and there has been no further mining done here. Collectors continue to visit the area every year and
continue to find some nice specimens.
|
