Harding Pegmatite Mine
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Former lithium-beryllium-tantalum adit mine in the Picuris Mountains near Dixon, NM. Donated to the University of New Mexico in 1979 and preserved as a mineral collecting locality and outdoor geology laboratory. Visitors welcome but must sign release forms. Collecting limited to a few samples for personal collections. The pegmatite produced beryl, lepidolite, spodumene, microlite, tantalite, and accessory minerals including apatite, almandine, and spessartine garnet. Located off NM75 near mile marker 8. Includes a walking tour of the mine.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
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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Spodumene
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Microlite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Tantalite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Apatite
Phosphate mineral found in pegmatites and sedimentary rocks. Alabama's pegmatite deposits contain apatite crystals in association with other minerals.
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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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Cleavelandite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
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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Feldspar
Common rock-forming mineral group. Found in granites and pegmatites throughout the US, often associated with gem minerals.
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⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Harding Pegmatite 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