I have a degree in geology from the University of Maine at Farmington. My studies there had much to do with the current interest in mineral collecting. I have been collecting for ten years, amassing a pretty decent collection of a variety of different minerals. Many of which came from mines located right here in Maine. Some may believe that Maine is not a good place to collect minerals, but this is not the case.
Maine has a very diverse geology due to its complex formation history. As a consequence of this complex geological history, many pegmatites can be found in northwestern Maine. These mines have given rise to Maine’s reputation for having some of the finest watermelon tourmalines in the world. Some of the largest crystals of beryl (aquamarine) ever mined were found here. Along the coast runs a multi-metal vein that stretches from Down East Maine to the New Hampshire border. This is not a continuous mine, but if one follows that trend you will find several mines located along that stretch of coastline. The most abundant mine in this region is the Callahan mine. This mine is located in the town of Brooksville, in Hancock County, Maine.
It is currently closed and is no longer a working mine. It’s actually in cleanup mode, as the mine is on DEP’s list of one of the most contaminated sites in the world. This is largely due to the fact that the mine is located in a tidal zone. The pit itself is quite large, but visitors to the mine do not know this. That’s because the original mine has been flooded. Minerals from the mine and the large thallium pile are now seeping into the surrounding water table and into the port. So visitors to the mine can be impressed by its size and the abundance of various minerals that can be found here; but in reality you never know its true size. The flooded pit is over a hundred feet deep and just as wide, resembling a large crater. I have been here several times to collect minerals and I think the site is still open for collecting. It would still be smart to call ahead, perhaps to the city office to find out its current status.
The Callahan mine is classified as a metal sulphide ore deposit. Minerals worked at the mine included zinc and copper ore. Other minerals found here were allophane, aragonite, bornite, calcite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, gypsum, hematite, hornblende, mica, quartz, gold, silver, sphalerite, sulfur, talc, titanite, and marcasite. These are the most popular minerals found here. Other less common minerals can also be found here. That is not to say that the minerals I listed are common in this mine.
Don’t go there hoping to find a ton of gold or silver. If a mineral is identified in a mine, it is included in the list of minerals found there, even if the amount is extremely small. The minerals that I have personally collected on this site are pyrite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, talc, galena, and pyrolusite. The most abundant of which was pyrite. The place is loaded with pyrite. I collected other clean mineral samples that I have yet to take the time to identify. I took them, mainly because I had no samples of them in my collection.
I highly recommend this mine to anyone interested in mineral collecting. It’s also a good place to take the family for a nice day out, just keep an eye on the kids. The thallium piles here are quite large, made up of very large rocks. A nasty fall here could be pretty fatal. However, that is in the talice stack. The area is extensive and there are many safe places for children to search for minerals. The other dangerous zone is at the top of the hill. You will notice that driving towards the site there is a hill on your right hand side. This is an open rock wall as a result of mining. If you walk, you can get to the top of this area.
There is at least a 50 foot drop from the top to the road so be careful here too. You’ll see what I mean when you go there. I know I make it sound dangerous, but trust me, there are plenty of safe places with samples to collect. The ground is literally alphabetized with neat samples. The finer samples will have to be found by digging and hammering a bit. Be sure to bring a hammer and chisel with you. A sieve screen can also be helpful in finding some nicely shaped pyrite cubes. The area is so large that it really takes more than one trip to explore the place. Every time I go back I always find something new. The only shame is that the mine itself is flooded. I bet there are still some really good samples down there. Be sure to check out the large core samples lying on the ground to your left as you drive by. These are really big cores and fun to watch. Trust me, you can’t miss them.
Here are the driving directions if you are interested in visiting this mine.
From the junction of Routes 175 and 176 in the town of Brooksville, go west 4.5 miles on Route 176. Turn left onto Cape Rosier Road and go 1.65 miles. Turn right onto Goose Falls Road (gravel) and go 0.9 miles to where the road to the bird sanctuary turns right. Continue straight for 1 mile, crossing the Goose Galls Bridge. Turn left onto mine road. Mine will be in full view at this point. (Maine Mineral Localities 3rd EDT. by WB Thompson, DL Joyner, RG Woodman, VT King)
These instructions are good, but difficult to follow. At least they were for me. I got lost twice before finally finding the mine. The only thing I had going for me was that I knew I was in the right area. I drove aimlessly until I got lucky and bumped into him. If you want to save yourself that trouble, just do this. Look for the bird sanctuary sign and turn onto that road. Follow it and you will find the turnoff to the mine on your left. The area is a big loop so it’s easy to drive in circles. Just remember that it is on the dirt road that goes directly through the bird sanctuary. Coming from the right path, the mine is clearly visible.
If you’re coming from the other direction, so the turnoff is on your right, you won’t see the mine unless you look back over your shoulder. It can be a little hard to find, but it’s worth it. Once you turn onto the road that leads to the mine, you will have to go through a couple of houses to get to the mine. Just know that you are on the right path, also on a dirt road. Once you’re there, have fun. It’s good to go early, because you’re going to want to spend the day. Also, make sure you have enough room for samples, because you will find yourself collecting more than you need or should.