New York
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Herkimer Diamonds - Diamond Acres Mine, Fonda, NY
What you'll find - Herkimer Diamonds
What are they - Very clear, double pointed quartz crystals
Hours - Unknown (We went on a Sat in July)
Fees - $2 for adults, $1 for kids 12 and under
Address - Just west of the intersection of Stone Arabia Rd. and Barker Rd. on Stone Arabia's south side.
Phone - (518) 762-7960
Website - herkimerhistory.com/DiamondAcres.html (about the mine)
Tips - The easiest place to find diamonds with the kids is right in the front of the property by the large tailings pile. Within a few minutes we each found a small handful of diamonds and fragments. The serious collectors have claims back on the trails in the woods where you'll see people with 10 feet deep holes in the rock toiling away with power and hand tools. If you can find an old, unused, claim (not marked off by tarps and tape) you may be able to find some diamonds by chipping away more rock. We found a few this way, but it was really hot that day and much easier to go back and hunt through the pile. Most of the collectors here are out for much larger diamonds, some as big as footballs, so the little ones often get overlooked. This is not a crowded touristy spot like the mines north of Herkimer which is probably why we found more at this location in a few minutes than we sometimes have after a full day of hunting at other mines. That being said, I have no idea if they keep hours or when the close for the season. There are no signs, and when you drive in you'll just see a trailer in need of new siding where we payed our fee. For $2 a person it's a steal, and I laughed when they told us of the further discount for the kids. The regulars with claims there were are really friendly and helpful and enjoyed giving my kids a few small freebies.
Kid Facts - The best time to look for Herkimer's is after it has rained. They will be cleaner and easier to spot as a shinny or black spot for bigger diamonds on the surface of the dirt pile.
What are they - Very clear, double pointed quartz crystals
Hours - Unknown (We went on a Sat in July)
Fees - $2 for adults, $1 for kids 12 and under
Address - Just west of the intersection of Stone Arabia Rd. and Barker Rd. on Stone Arabia's south side.
Phone - (518) 762-7960
Website - herkimerhistory.com/DiamondAcres.html (about the mine)
Tips - The easiest place to find diamonds with the kids is right in the front of the property by the large tailings pile. Within a few minutes we each found a small handful of diamonds and fragments. The serious collectors have claims back on the trails in the woods where you'll see people with 10 feet deep holes in the rock toiling away with power and hand tools. If you can find an old, unused, claim (not marked off by tarps and tape) you may be able to find some diamonds by chipping away more rock. We found a few this way, but it was really hot that day and much easier to go back and hunt through the pile. Most of the collectors here are out for much larger diamonds, some as big as footballs, so the little ones often get overlooked. This is not a crowded touristy spot like the mines north of Herkimer which is probably why we found more at this location in a few minutes than we sometimes have after a full day of hunting at other mines. That being said, I have no idea if they keep hours or when the close for the season. There are no signs, and when you drive in you'll just see a trailer in need of new siding where we payed our fee. For $2 a person it's a steal, and I laughed when they told us of the further discount for the kids. The regulars with claims there were are really friendly and helpful and enjoyed giving my kids a few small freebies.
Kid Facts - The best time to look for Herkimer's is after it has rained. They will be cleaner and easier to spot as a shinny or black spot for bigger diamonds on the surface of the dirt pile.
Quartz, Galena, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite - Wurtsboro, NY
What you'll find - Quartz Galena, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite
What is it - The quartz here is white or yellowish. The pyrite looks like little chunks of gold and the chalcopyrite can be rainbow shimmery. The galena will be black.
Address - Park at the intersection of McDonald Rd & Leadmine Rd. in Wurtsboro near the airport. A public walking trail past the houses to the north runs alongside the old D&H Canal. Go around the gate and continue along the canal. As you walk along, you will cross several wooden bridges. Count each one you cross. AFTER the 4th wooden bridge, but BEFORE the 5th, look through the trees to the right. You will see the tailings pile there in an open sandy area. Cut through the trees and go to the tailings.
Website - This one tells about the history of the mines in this area: http://www.nyow.org/mamakating.html
Tips - This is an old lead mine, so make sure the kids wash their hands well after collecting, and not in the stream there which the signs will tell you is also contaminated with lead. The tailings pile here has plenty of stuff to pick through. We found a couple of stray clear quartz crystals, but mostly white or orange quartz with minerals such as the shiney black galena mixed in. The chalopyrite was hard to find, but pretty with it's shimmery blue/green pieces. There are new signs up by the DEC that say collecting is now prohibited due to the health risks in handling lead based minerals, but there were a number of families there collecting. Up the hill behind the pile are old mill ruins, and supposedly a steep trail to an upper mine and pile which we didn't take.
Kid Facts - The Native Americans knew about the lead in the Wurtsboro hills but kept it a closely guarded secret form the pioneers. This mine is thought to be one of the oldest in NY going back to the 1600's. The D&H Canal that you walk along to get to the lead mine, connects the Delaware and Hudson rivers creating a sort of water highway for boats to get from the Atlantic Ocean all the way into the coal deposits near Scranton, PA. The canal was opened in 1828. The path along the canal was used by mules who were tied to the boats in the canal. The mules pulled the boats down the canal.
What is it - The quartz here is white or yellowish. The pyrite looks like little chunks of gold and the chalcopyrite can be rainbow shimmery. The galena will be black.
Address - Park at the intersection of McDonald Rd & Leadmine Rd. in Wurtsboro near the airport. A public walking trail past the houses to the north runs alongside the old D&H Canal. Go around the gate and continue along the canal. As you walk along, you will cross several wooden bridges. Count each one you cross. AFTER the 4th wooden bridge, but BEFORE the 5th, look through the trees to the right. You will see the tailings pile there in an open sandy area. Cut through the trees and go to the tailings.
Website - This one tells about the history of the mines in this area: http://www.nyow.org/mamakating.html
Tips - This is an old lead mine, so make sure the kids wash their hands well after collecting, and not in the stream there which the signs will tell you is also contaminated with lead. The tailings pile here has plenty of stuff to pick through. We found a couple of stray clear quartz crystals, but mostly white or orange quartz with minerals such as the shiney black galena mixed in. The chalopyrite was hard to find, but pretty with it's shimmery blue/green pieces. There are new signs up by the DEC that say collecting is now prohibited due to the health risks in handling lead based minerals, but there were a number of families there collecting. Up the hill behind the pile are old mill ruins, and supposedly a steep trail to an upper mine and pile which we didn't take.
Kid Facts - The Native Americans knew about the lead in the Wurtsboro hills but kept it a closely guarded secret form the pioneers. This mine is thought to be one of the oldest in NY going back to the 1600's. The D&H Canal that you walk along to get to the lead mine, connects the Delaware and Hudson rivers creating a sort of water highway for boats to get from the Atlantic Ocean all the way into the coal deposits near Scranton, PA. The canal was opened in 1828. The path along the canal was used by mules who were tied to the boats in the canal. The mules pulled the boats down the canal.
Quartz and Pyrite - Ellenville, NY
What you'll find - Quartz and Pyrite
What is it - The quartz here is white or yellowish, and the pyrite looks like little chunks of gold
Address - Berme Road Park, Berme Road, Ellenville, NY
Tips: The deposit of small pyrite and quartz crystals formed on dolomite can be found in the old quarry. The quarry is open to the public and collecting is allowed. On Berme Road go 200 feet, then turn right into Berme Road Park. Drive up to parking lot. Look for information kiosk by the trees. That is the entrance to the quarry. Follow the rocky trail in for about 75 feet, then make a right where the trail splits. You will then be entering the quarry. The pyrite/quartz deposits are on the rock face at the far back of the quarry and can be chipped off with a rock hammer and a chisel. Some light climbing will be required. There are supposed to be pockets with larger crystals way in the back, but we didn't venture that far up with the kids. This site is probably best for children over 10 who can use a rock hammer to pry off some crystal clusters. There wasn't much loose stuff beside a few stray quartz crystals on the ground. Also, watch for snakes. My kids and husband found two rat snakes sunning themselves on the rocks, but neither were at all aggressive.
Kid Fact - Pyrite is also called "fools gold". There is a 3 inch group of quartz crystals and chalcopyrite from this mine at the Smithsonian Institute, Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.
What is it - The quartz here is white or yellowish, and the pyrite looks like little chunks of gold
Address - Berme Road Park, Berme Road, Ellenville, NY
Tips: The deposit of small pyrite and quartz crystals formed on dolomite can be found in the old quarry. The quarry is open to the public and collecting is allowed. On Berme Road go 200 feet, then turn right into Berme Road Park. Drive up to parking lot. Look for information kiosk by the trees. That is the entrance to the quarry. Follow the rocky trail in for about 75 feet, then make a right where the trail splits. You will then be entering the quarry. The pyrite/quartz deposits are on the rock face at the far back of the quarry and can be chipped off with a rock hammer and a chisel. Some light climbing will be required. There are supposed to be pockets with larger crystals way in the back, but we didn't venture that far up with the kids. This site is probably best for children over 10 who can use a rock hammer to pry off some crystal clusters. There wasn't much loose stuff beside a few stray quartz crystals on the ground. Also, watch for snakes. My kids and husband found two rat snakes sunning themselves on the rocks, but neither were at all aggressive.
Kid Fact - Pyrite is also called "fools gold". There is a 3 inch group of quartz crystals and chalcopyrite from this mine at the Smithsonian Institute, Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.
Garnets - North Creek, NY
What you'll find - Garnets
What is it - Garnets are reddish gemstones, but in this location they are mostly industrial grade, and have lots of cracks in them.
Address - Near 39 Garnet Hill Road, North River, NY
Tips - Follow signs for the Garnet Hill Lodge, but when you come to the last sharp turn left to the lodge, head to the right at the Y instead and continue until you see some sheds with a tennis court to your right. You'll actually want to park at the tennis courts. After parking follow the dirt road between the tennis courts and the shed to the trail for Hopper Mine. It's an uphill hike, for maybe a half a mile, but not to bad. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the large red cliffs surrounding the basin of the old mine. We went straight across from the trail to the base of the red cliff, and found lots of beautiful rocks with large garnets embedded in them. Don't get to greedy, remember, you have to carry them all the way back to the car.
Kid Fact - Garnets are very hard rocks and the ones from this mine were mostly ground up into sand and used on sand paper.
What is it - Garnets are reddish gemstones, but in this location they are mostly industrial grade, and have lots of cracks in them.
Address - Near 39 Garnet Hill Road, North River, NY
Tips - Follow signs for the Garnet Hill Lodge, but when you come to the last sharp turn left to the lodge, head to the right at the Y instead and continue until you see some sheds with a tennis court to your right. You'll actually want to park at the tennis courts. After parking follow the dirt road between the tennis courts and the shed to the trail for Hopper Mine. It's an uphill hike, for maybe a half a mile, but not to bad. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the large red cliffs surrounding the basin of the old mine. We went straight across from the trail to the base of the red cliff, and found lots of beautiful rocks with large garnets embedded in them. Don't get to greedy, remember, you have to carry them all the way back to the car.
Kid Fact - Garnets are very hard rocks and the ones from this mine were mostly ground up into sand and used on sand paper.
Fossils - Canajoharie, NY
What you'll find - Small Trilobites, Brachiopods, etc.
What is it - Marine Fossils
Address - Wintergreen Park Rd, Canajohaire, NY
Tips - Follow the park road all the way in to the river. Although there are no trespassing, and no swimming signs by the river, I think as long as you are just walking around on the river bank you are ok but you may want to check with the park before collecting. We have heard some mixed reports on needing permission to dig there. There is shale laying on the gravel banks and on the far side of the river, if the water is low enough to walk across. A hammer and some old screwdrivers or chisels work well for splitting open the shale. Have the kids wear goggles and shoes that can get wet. If you can get across the river it's pretty easy to find a layer on the wall with fossils in it. We found a layer of small trilobites about 3 feet up on the wall, and pretty much stuck with it.
What is it - Marine Fossils
Address - Wintergreen Park Rd, Canajohaire, NY
Tips - Follow the park road all the way in to the river. Although there are no trespassing, and no swimming signs by the river, I think as long as you are just walking around on the river bank you are ok but you may want to check with the park before collecting. We have heard some mixed reports on needing permission to dig there. There is shale laying on the gravel banks and on the far side of the river, if the water is low enough to walk across. A hammer and some old screwdrivers or chisels work well for splitting open the shale. Have the kids wear goggles and shoes that can get wet. If you can get across the river it's pretty easy to find a layer on the wall with fossils in it. We found a layer of small trilobites about 3 feet up on the wall, and pretty much stuck with it.
Labradorite - Keene Valley
What you'll find - Labradorite, Garnets, Moonstone, etc.
What is it - Labradorite is a generally black mineral that sometimes
shines blue, green, or orange when it's wet or polished. The
garnets here are dark red splotches in the rocks.
Moonstone will look white and more shimmery than quartz.
Address - 73 and Halhun Bushnel Rd in Keene Valley, NY at the bridge there is a small park
Tips - You can find labradorite (seen below) in many Adirondack streams. This spot on the Ausable was relatively shallow and easy for the kids to pick through the gravel.
What is it - Labradorite is a generally black mineral that sometimes
shines blue, green, or orange when it's wet or polished. The
garnets here are dark red splotches in the rocks.
Moonstone will look white and more shimmery than quartz.
Address - 73 and Halhun Bushnel Rd in Keene Valley, NY at the bridge there is a small park
Tips - You can find labradorite (seen below) in many Adirondack streams. This spot on the Ausable was relatively shallow and easy for the kids to pick through the gravel.
Labradorite - Jay, NY
What you'll find - Labradorite, Garnets, Moonstone, etc.
What is it - Labradorite is a generally black mineral that sometimes
shines blue, green, or orange when it's wet or polished. The
garnets here are dark red splotches in the rocks.
Moonstone will look white and more shimmery than quartz.
Address - Glen Road, Jay, NY at the covered bridge
Tips - The labradorite is bluish black out of the water, but in the stream bed you will see them glowing blue or gold. This is a great spot to hit on a sunny, warm, day with the kids because it's a fun place to swim and play around the large rocks. I highly suggest life jackets even if you kids swim well, since the rocks are slippery, and they could take an unintended swim in some fast moving water. The best finds are actually in the gravel under the bridge. There are also maroon red garnets here embedded in the stream rocks. We also found a few small pieces of moonstone in the gravel under the bridge. There is lots of quartz around that is also white, but moonstone, which is a white form of labradorite, will have that sort of shimmer to it.
What is it - Labradorite is a generally black mineral that sometimes
shines blue, green, or orange when it's wet or polished. The
garnets here are dark red splotches in the rocks.
Moonstone will look white and more shimmery than quartz.
Address - Glen Road, Jay, NY at the covered bridge
Tips - The labradorite is bluish black out of the water, but in the stream bed you will see them glowing blue or gold. This is a great spot to hit on a sunny, warm, day with the kids because it's a fun place to swim and play around the large rocks. I highly suggest life jackets even if you kids swim well, since the rocks are slippery, and they could take an unintended swim in some fast moving water. The best finds are actually in the gravel under the bridge. There are also maroon red garnets here embedded in the stream rocks. We also found a few small pieces of moonstone in the gravel under the bridge. There is lots of quartz around that is also white, but moonstone, which is a white form of labradorite, will have that sort of shimmer to it.
Labradorite - Blue Ridge, NY
Picture from Wikipedia
What you'll find - Labradorite, Garnets
What is it - Labradorite is a generally black mineral that sometimes
shines blue, green, or orange when it's wet or polished. The
garnets here are dark red splotches in the rocks.
Address - About halfway between Newcomb & Blue Ridge on Blue Ridge
Rd. a stream runs under the road. There is a parking area on
the one side. Set your GPS to Blue Ridge Rd. Blue Ridge, and
then go a few more miles towards Newcomb to locate the
bridge.
Tips: Look for bluish black rocks, the labradorite, in the stream bed. You'll often have to pick them up and turn them at different angles to see the "glow". It really helps to have a sunny day. The labradorite here is mostly mixed in with the local rock called anorthosite, so you will likely find blackish labradorite embedded in the lighter colored rocks. Once they dry most of your rocks won't look like much, unless you polish them. We found a helpful way to find them was to also splash the stream water up on the gravel banks so we could spot some more labradorite. We also found red garnets as red spots inside other rocks. It's not gem grade garnet, but its pretty anyway. This is a shallow stream with relatively small rocks here which worked out better for the kids than some other trickier locations. The stream is public property, but the land away from the road and stream is not.
What is it - Labradorite is a generally black mineral that sometimes
shines blue, green, or orange when it's wet or polished. The
garnets here are dark red splotches in the rocks.
Address - About halfway between Newcomb & Blue Ridge on Blue Ridge
Rd. a stream runs under the road. There is a parking area on
the one side. Set your GPS to Blue Ridge Rd. Blue Ridge, and
then go a few more miles towards Newcomb to locate the
bridge.
Tips: Look for bluish black rocks, the labradorite, in the stream bed. You'll often have to pick them up and turn them at different angles to see the "glow". It really helps to have a sunny day. The labradorite here is mostly mixed in with the local rock called anorthosite, so you will likely find blackish labradorite embedded in the lighter colored rocks. Once they dry most of your rocks won't look like much, unless you polish them. We found a helpful way to find them was to also splash the stream water up on the gravel banks so we could spot some more labradorite. We also found red garnets as red spots inside other rocks. It's not gem grade garnet, but its pretty anyway. This is a shallow stream with relatively small rocks here which worked out better for the kids than some other trickier locations. The stream is public property, but the land away from the road and stream is not.
Herkimer Diamonds - Ace of Diamonds, Middleville, NY
What you'll find - Herkimer Diamonds
What are they - Very clear, double pointed quartz crystals
Hours - April 1 - Oct 31, 9am - 5pm
Fees - $9.50 for ages 8+, $4.50 for ages 7 and under
Website - www.herkimerdiamonds.com
Address - NYS Route 28, Middleville, NY
Phone - (315 )891-3855
Tips - Although they will rent you a small hammer and advise you to crack open rocks, kids are not generally capable of smashing rocks safely. When other people smash rocks the diamonds generally fly out anyway. We have found way more diamonds by walking around with our eyes to the ground, especially after a good rain, than we ever have beating on the rocks. Kids are lower to the ground and often spot more than the adults. We found this mine more kid friendly for actual rock hunting than the Herkimer mine next door, because it was less crowded, and had more shade. Just watch the kids on the large rock mound. We have found the most diamonds in the mud and dirt along the wall where the excavators have scrapped back the loose rocks.
Kid Fact - The curved stripes you see in some of the regular rocks here are actually stromatolites, or basically fossilized slime mounds. Stromatolites are what created the oxygen in our atmosphere.
What are they - Very clear, double pointed quartz crystals
Hours - April 1 - Oct 31, 9am - 5pm
Fees - $9.50 for ages 8+, $4.50 for ages 7 and under
Website - www.herkimerdiamonds.com
Address - NYS Route 28, Middleville, NY
Phone - (315 )891-3855
Tips - Although they will rent you a small hammer and advise you to crack open rocks, kids are not generally capable of smashing rocks safely. When other people smash rocks the diamonds generally fly out anyway. We have found way more diamonds by walking around with our eyes to the ground, especially after a good rain, than we ever have beating on the rocks. Kids are lower to the ground and often spot more than the adults. We found this mine more kid friendly for actual rock hunting than the Herkimer mine next door, because it was less crowded, and had more shade. Just watch the kids on the large rock mound. We have found the most diamonds in the mud and dirt along the wall where the excavators have scrapped back the loose rocks.
Kid Fact - The curved stripes you see in some of the regular rocks here are actually stromatolites, or basically fossilized slime mounds. Stromatolites are what created the oxygen in our atmosphere.
Herkimer Diamonds - Herkimer Diamond Mines, Herkimer, NY
What you'll find - Herkimer Diamonds
What are they - Very clear, double pointed quartz crystals
Hours - April 15 - Oct 31, 9am - 5pm
Fees - $10 for ages 13+, $8 for ages 5 - 12, Free for ages 4 and under
Website - www.herkimerdiamond.com/
Address - 4601 State Route 28, Herkimer, NY
Phone - 315-891-7355
Tips - This mine is right next door to Ace of Diamonds. Just like at Ace, it's easier to find the loose diamonds that are on the ground. The first time I went, I cracked open a number of rocks after a lot of pounding with the little sledge hammer, only to have a kid walk up, just feet from me, and pick up a quarter sized diamond out of the dirt. It may have even come flying out of one of the rocks I was smashing. This mine is more out in the open, and the piles of loose rock are more spread out, making it a little safer for kids to climb around on. The museum here is also worth a look through and has some very impressive Herkimer Diamonds, along with other rocks and fossils. They also have an impressive gift shop here, where you can sluice bags of rocks and find Herkimer Diamonds and lots of other rock collection rocks for the kids. We have also stayed at the KOA campground associated with this mine twice, and the kids have loved it.
Kid fact: The stromatolites slime mounds used to grow about 6 feet apart from each other and they sort of pooped out the right minerals that form Herkimer diamonds. The best diamond pockets are just about 6 feet apart because of this. If you look at the above picture, you can see the pattern of holes on the mine wall.
What are they - Very clear, double pointed quartz crystals
Hours - April 15 - Oct 31, 9am - 5pm
Fees - $10 for ages 13+, $8 for ages 5 - 12, Free for ages 4 and under
Website - www.herkimerdiamond.com/
Address - 4601 State Route 28, Herkimer, NY
Phone - 315-891-7355
Tips - This mine is right next door to Ace of Diamonds. Just like at Ace, it's easier to find the loose diamonds that are on the ground. The first time I went, I cracked open a number of rocks after a lot of pounding with the little sledge hammer, only to have a kid walk up, just feet from me, and pick up a quarter sized diamond out of the dirt. It may have even come flying out of one of the rocks I was smashing. This mine is more out in the open, and the piles of loose rock are more spread out, making it a little safer for kids to climb around on. The museum here is also worth a look through and has some very impressive Herkimer Diamonds, along with other rocks and fossils. They also have an impressive gift shop here, where you can sluice bags of rocks and find Herkimer Diamonds and lots of other rock collection rocks for the kids. We have also stayed at the KOA campground associated with this mine twice, and the kids have loved it.
Kid fact: The stromatolites slime mounds used to grow about 6 feet apart from each other and they sort of pooped out the right minerals that form Herkimer diamonds. The best diamond pockets are just about 6 feet apart because of this. If you look at the above picture, you can see the pattern of holes on the mine wall.
Blue Calcite and Green Diopside - Cascade Lakes, Keene, NY
What you'll find - Blue & White Calcite, Green Diopside, Labradorite, Iron, etc
What are they - See the Gallery page for pictures
Hours - Whenever
Fees - Free
Address - Right between Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes off of 73 between Lake Placid and Keene
Tips - Right off 73 there is a picnic area between the two lakes. The trail starts across a foot bridge and basically follows a stream bed up the mountain to a small waterfall. There is a point where the stream bed becomes more tricky (see the picture to the right), and depending on your kids you may want to take the trail that follows along on the right of the stream rather than climb over the rocks. The blue and white calcite pieces, generally have the green diopside all mixed in and are scattered all along the stream bed. You'll also see heavy chunks of reddish iron ore and some labradorite here and there. It's pretty easy for kids to fill up a plastic bag with smaller samples from the gravely parts of the stream bed. The waterfall is lovely and a great place to stop for a snack before heading back down. I wouldn't suggest going any farther than the fall with children since it gets both slippery and steep after that. We have found this trail is easy enough to follow on the way up the mountain but we have often veered off on the wrong branch of the stream on the way down and ended up on the side of the lake instead of at the picnic area. We make this a yearly trek, and we now know to put an odd rock or stick as a marker on the way up where we see splits in the stream, so that on the way back down we follow the right one. Nobody wants to be the person who gets the kids lost, even if it is only for a few minutes. Trust me you'll never live it down.
Update - After Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee roared through this area in Fall 2011, the whole stream bed is very washed out, and it's extremely easy to find large chunks of blue calcite with green diopside.
What are they - See the Gallery page for pictures
Hours - Whenever
Fees - Free
Address - Right between Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes off of 73 between Lake Placid and Keene
Tips - Right off 73 there is a picnic area between the two lakes. The trail starts across a foot bridge and basically follows a stream bed up the mountain to a small waterfall. There is a point where the stream bed becomes more tricky (see the picture to the right), and depending on your kids you may want to take the trail that follows along on the right of the stream rather than climb over the rocks. The blue and white calcite pieces, generally have the green diopside all mixed in and are scattered all along the stream bed. You'll also see heavy chunks of reddish iron ore and some labradorite here and there. It's pretty easy for kids to fill up a plastic bag with smaller samples from the gravely parts of the stream bed. The waterfall is lovely and a great place to stop for a snack before heading back down. I wouldn't suggest going any farther than the fall with children since it gets both slippery and steep after that. We have found this trail is easy enough to follow on the way up the mountain but we have often veered off on the wrong branch of the stream on the way down and ended up on the side of the lake instead of at the picnic area. We make this a yearly trek, and we now know to put an odd rock or stick as a marker on the way up where we see splits in the stream, so that on the way back down we follow the right one. Nobody wants to be the person who gets the kids lost, even if it is only for a few minutes. Trust me you'll never live it down.
Update - After Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee roared through this area in Fall 2011, the whole stream bed is very washed out, and it's extremely easy to find large chunks of blue calcite with green diopside.
New York Museums
The American Museum of Natural History - New York, NY
What you'll find - Several rooms of rocks and
minerals from all over the world as well as one
of the largest collections of dinosaur, ice
age animals, and fossils.
Hours - 10am - 5:45pm except Thanksgiving &
Christmas
Fees - The suggested admission price:
Adults $22
Children $12.50
Seniors and students $17
Website - www.amnh.org
Address - Central Park West at 79ths Street
New York, NY
Tips: This is a public NYC museum so if you wish to pay less for admission you can. Technically, you can pay any amount and get in. Do not go over short school holidays such as winter or spring break, it will be packed! Getting there early is a good way to beat the mid afternoon crowds. if you are driving, there is a parking garage under the museum.
minerals from all over the world as well as one
of the largest collections of dinosaur, ice
age animals, and fossils.
Hours - 10am - 5:45pm except Thanksgiving &
Christmas
Fees - The suggested admission price:
Adults $22
Children $12.50
Seniors and students $17
Website - www.amnh.org
Address - Central Park West at 79ths Street
New York, NY
Tips: This is a public NYC museum so if you wish to pay less for admission you can. Technically, you can pay any amount and get in. Do not go over short school holidays such as winter or spring break, it will be packed! Getting there early is a good way to beat the mid afternoon crowds. if you are driving, there is a parking garage under the museum.
New York State Museum - Albany, NY
What you'll find -A large display of rocks and minerals from New York as well as a mastodon skeleton and Native American artifacts.
Hours - Tuesday - Sunday, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed Mondays
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Fees - Free. Donations are accepted at the door.
Website - www.nysm.nysed.gov
Address - 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230
Tips: Every year the museum hosts a Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show and Sale around presidents weekend in February. The museum itself sells off some extras from their collections and there are lots of other mineral and fossil vendors there too. We found the show was a lot of fun and we all came home with a few more rocks for our collections. On the 4th floor, where the show usually is located, is a carousel that is also free. After we were done at the show we headed down to check out the museum's mineral collection on the first floor.
Hours - Tuesday - Sunday, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed Mondays
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Fees - Free. Donations are accepted at the door.
Website - www.nysm.nysed.gov
Address - 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230
Tips: Every year the museum hosts a Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show and Sale around presidents weekend in February. The museum itself sells off some extras from their collections and there are lots of other mineral and fossil vendors there too. We found the show was a lot of fun and we all came home with a few more rocks for our collections. On the 4th floor, where the show usually is located, is a carousel that is also free. After we were done at the show we headed down to check out the museum's mineral collection on the first floor.
New York Rock Shops
Twin Crystal Rock Shop - Saranac Lake, NY
What you'll find -A large display of rocks and minerals from New York and beyond.
Hours - Monday- Saturday 10:00pm-6:00pm, closed Sundays
Website - www.twincrystalrockshop.com
Address - 13 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Phone - (518) 891-1714
E-mail - twincrystalrockshop@yahoo.com
What you'll find -A large display of rocks and minerals from New York and beyond.
Hours - Monday- Saturday 10:00pm-6:00pm, closed Sundays
Website - www.twincrystalrockshop.com
Address - 13 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Phone - (518) 891-1714
E-mail - twincrystalrockshop@yahoo.com