Field Trip to
Pala & the
Stewart Mine
April 2006
Here we see the Mineralogy class assembling before "Gems of Pala"
and our good friend, Blue Sheppard (gesturing).
After a tour of the store, we head out to the mine.
The red clay road winds steadily up into the hills.
The anticipation of a grand adventure increases as we approach the location.
Blue tells us everything we need to know for a great experience at the Pegmatite outcrop.
Mining is serious business, no funny stuff on or in the mountain.
Near the top of the hill, the Pegmatite outcrop serves as a backdrop to Blue's lecture.
We are set free to explore the outcrop and search the tailings for interesting specimens.
Tabitha poses in front of a large boulder with massive black shorl crystals.
Professor Harma points out pegmatite features to students.
Pegmatite with large crystals of black shorl.
These tailings are from the time when a layer of lepidolite was mined for lithium (back in the day).
Another view of the amazing outcrop.
I found this particularly interesting specimen. Black shorl turning to green.
This unidentified flower blossomed beside the pegmatite outcrop (e-mail me if you know what this is).
Jim and Shellie show off their collection of pegmatite specimens.
Now the real fun begins: on to the mine!
~Click here to continue~
Field | Earth | Home
All images copyright ©2006 Adriano DeFreitas