McRocks Eureka Prospect Dig
Crittenden County, Kentucky
April 2-4, 2010
By Mike Streeter
(mcstreeter@charter.net)

 

For the third year in a row, we conducted two separate spring field trips to the Eureka Prospect and Columbia Mine near Marion in Crittenden County, Kentucky. The renowned Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum in downtown Marion was our host. As I have stated before, the Clement contains the world's largest collection of fluorite; an untold number of specimens that would be the envy of any collector and even the Smithsonian. In addition to guided tours of the museum, the Clement conducts fee-based field trips to local fluorite mines and prospects, including the Columbia Mine and Eureka Prospect. Be sure to check the museum's web site for more information (see above link).

McRocks Group Dig April 2-4, 2010
(field pictures taken April 2nd)

Chrissy, Opal and I made the long drive to Marion to help lead the McRocks Group dig. It was good for me to have my whole immediate family there this time. Most everyone who made the wise decision to attend got muddy at some point during the weekend, but had big time fun!


Group Dig in Fluorite Pit


Group Dig in Fluorite Pit -
Side view from spoil piles


Robert Duncan working a vein


Jason, Justin & Michael Hefner
working the muddy pit


Close-up of pit showing mud, rock & veins

April Gibbs hunting the spoil piles


Philip & Linda Stancill & Grand kids
taking in the view

Linda, April & Steven Gibbs


Chrissy & Opal Streeter

Christian & Keely Kohen
comparing finds


Brian & Christian Kohen
busting surface rocks

Bebe Buck surface collecting

So, now you've seen the field portion of my report, but how about specimens you ask? The following page includes pictures of some of what we brought home - needless to say, we are pleased with the lot.

Thanks again to the Clement Museum's Bill Frazer, Tina Walker and BJ. You could not have treated us all better

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Report continued . . . . . . .

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