Anson Betts Manganese Mine

[TENTATIVE; still being negotiated]: Anson Betts Manganese Mine, Plainfield, MA.  Roughly 80 - 90 miles south of the Tripp Mine; on most NJ folks' route home from Tripp.  Mines in Gneissic material; minerals found include:  rhodonite, Rhodochrosite, Spessartine and Almandine Garnets, Rutile, various Sulfides, various Hornblendes, and other associated minerals.  ALL DETAILS TBD; SEE GROUNDHOG DAVE FOR DETAILS

Mindat page:  https://www.mindat.org/loc-5889.html 

 

Field Trip Report

Clubs in attend:  NoJMS, FM-NJ, DMS

Attendees:  Groundhog Dave, Bobby Allen, John Van Wagenen, Dawn Hill, Jack and Jackie Sangillo, Al and Bonnie Rogers

The day following our Tripp Mine trip, we were treated to an excellent outing to the Anson Betts Manganese Mine.  Rick Cermak, James Higby and Brianna Lison very graciously served as our collecting guides for the day, and Rick Cermak took us on a tour of various parts of the Mine.  John Van Wagenen dug hard and unearthed some nice pink rhodonite in several fist - sized rocks.  You really had to dig for the Rhodonite, so this was not an easy - to - find mineral for us.  Pyrite and other Sulfides were found, and Garnets were productive in various Zones, one in particular separate from the other pits.  Very small Spessartine and Almandine garnets were found relatively easy; Jack and Jackie Sangillo had the best luck with them, finding 1/8 inch or so crystals.  This was an excellent way to round out the weekend, and hopefully we will make a return trip soon.  

Event URL: https://www.mindat.org/loc-5889.html