Ruggles Mine
Approximate — check official site before visiting
World-famous open-pit mica mine on Isinglass Mountain, known as the "Mine in the Sky." Reopened in 2023 under new ownership. Collect mica, feldspar, quartz, beryl, garnet, amethyst, and smoky quartz. Up to 5-gallon bucket of rocks per paid admission. Camping available on-site.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Mica
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Feldspar
Common rock-forming mineral group. Found in granites and pegmatites throughout the US, often associated with gem minerals.
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Quartz Crystals
Clear, smoky, and rose quartz crystals are among the most common and rewarding rockhounding finds. Arkansas produces world-class quartz.
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Beryl
Mineral species that includes emerald, aquamarine, and morganite. Found in pegmatites across the US, with notable deposits in New England and the West.
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Garnets
Deep red almandine garnets are found in many states. Idaho's star garnets are among the rarest in the world.
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Amethyst
Purple quartz crystals found in geodes and pegmatites. Notable sources include Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
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Smoky Quartz
Brown to black quartz variety colored by natural radiation. Colorado's Mt. Antero and New Hampshire's pegmatites produce exceptional smoky quartz crystals.
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📍 Nearby Locations in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Pegmatites (Beryl & Smoky Quartz)
North Conway, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
White Mountain pegmatites known for smoky quartz, beryl, and topaz. Fee-dig operations near North Conway and the Moat Mountain area.
Moat Mountain Smoky Quartz
North Conway, New Hampshire · USFS
USFS area in the White Mountains known for smoky quartz and topaz crystals. Requires hiking. Collecting for personal use.
New Hampshire Beryl Quarries
Keene, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Numerous pegmatite quarries in the Keene area for beryl, smoky quartz, and garnet. Some fee-dig operations available.
Russel Mines
Alstead, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Historic pegmatite mines in the Alstead area. Known for beryl and quartz crystal specimens.
Hurricane Mountain
North Conway, New Hampshire · Public Land
Public mineral collecting area on Hurricane Mountain in the White Mountain National Forest. Known for amethyst and smoky quartz crystals in alkali sye...
Lost River Mining Sluice
North Woodstock, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Gemstone and fossil mining sluice at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. Includes a bag of mining rough with gemstones. Water-powered sluice. Great fami...
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Ruggles Mine with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35