For more than 150 years the granitic pegmatites in Maine have produced spectacular specimens of tourmaline and other minerals. The gem-bearing pegmatites occur in the western and southwestern parts of the state – mainly in Androscoggin, Oxford, and Sagadahoc counties.
How to Use this Reading List
This reading list gives you an opportunity to learn more about the history of tourmaline and other gem minerals from Maine. Entries in the list are presented in chronological order to emphasize the development of ideas over time. The list is not comprehensive, but is a compilation of some interesting information that has often been forgotten or overlooked.
Many of the articles in the reading list exist in the public domain and can be found online at digital libraries such as Hathitrust, Internet Archive, or other digital repositories. More recent publications can often be found in libraries. Abstracts of these more recent articles can usually be found on the website of the original journal or magazine, and the article itself is often available for purchase from the publisher.
On Amblygonite from Hebron in Maine, G.J. Brush, American Journal of Science, Ser. 2, Vol. 34, No. 101, pp. 243-245, (1862). A description of translucent amblygonite found in association with masses of lepidolite mica in coarse granite.
“The Tourmaline”, A.C. Hamlin, J.R. Osgood & Company, Boston, 107 pp., (1873). A description of tourmaline from Mt. Mica in Oxford County.
On a New Locality of Amblygonite, and on Montebrasite, a New Hydrated Aluminum and Lithium Phosphate, A.L.O.L. Des Cloizeaux, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Vol. 163, No. 1, pp. 573-585, (1873). Early chemical analyses of amblygonite and montebrasite.
On the Chemical Composition of Amblygonite, S.L. Penfield, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 18, No. 106, pp. 295-301, (1879). Summary of chemical compositions of amblygonite from several pegmatite localities.
Colored Tourmalines and Lepidolite Crystals from a New American Locality, G.F. Kunz, Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Vol. 32, pp. 274-275, (1884); A Note on the Finding of Two Fine American Beryls, Vol. 32, pp. 275-276, (1884); and Topaz and Associated Minerals from Stoneham, Oxford County, Maine, Vol. 32, pp. 271-273, (1884). Three articles by the same author on gem minerals found at several localities in Maine.
On the Probable Occurrence of Herderite in Maine, W.E. Hidden, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 157, p. 73, (1884). This is a preliminary report of an occurrence of herderite.
On Herderite (?), a Glucinum [Beryllium] Calcium Phosphate and Fluoride, from Oxford County, Maine, W.E. Hidden and J.B. Mackintosh, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 158, pp. 135-138, (1884). The authors identify a transparent colorless to faintly yellow mineral as herderite that was initially thought to be topaz, but it lacked the basal cleavage of the latter and it displayed a different crystal morphology.
Tourmaline from Auburn, Maine, W.E. Hidden, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 158, pp. 154-155, (1884). A brief description is given of multi-color gem tourmaline crystals some up to 8 centimeters in length.
Topaz and Associated Minerals at Stoneham, Maine, G.F. Kunz, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 159, pp. 212-216, (1884). The author describes minerals found near Stoneham, including what he believes are the finest crystals of topaz found in the country.
On the Crystalline Form of the Supposed Herderite from Stoneham, Maine, E.S. Dana, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 159, pp. 229-232, (1884). Crystallographic data are presented based on an examination of material from Stoneham in comparison to previously published data on this mineral.
On the Tourmaline and Associated Minerals of Auburn, Maine, G.F. Kunz, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 160, pp. 303-305, (1884). An occurrence is described of colored tourmalines along with apatite, lepidolite, quartz, and other minerals at Mount Apatite near Auburn.
On Herderite, F.A. Genth, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 21, (October), pp. 694-699, (1884). A detailed chemical analysis is presented for this pegmatite mineral.
Topaz from Stoneham, Maine, F.W. Clarke and J.S. Diller, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 29, No. 173, pp. 378-384, (1885). The authors make a careful chemical analysis of the material.
Researches on the Lithia Micas, F.W. Clarke, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 32, No. 191, pp. 353-357, (1886). Chemical data are presented on lepidolite micas from the Maine pegmatites.
Description of the New Mineral, Beryllonite, H.L. Wells and E.S. Dana, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 37, No. 217, pp. 23-32, (1889). The chemical and physical properties of beryllonite are summarized. A preliminary note on this new mineral appeared in 1888 in the American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 36, No. 214, pp. 290-291; a second article appeared in the American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 37, No. 219, pp. 213-216, (1889).
The Tourmalines of Mount Mica, S.B.B. Merrifield, New England Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 6, pp. 648-650, (1890). According to the author, tourmalines at Mount Mica were first found in 1820. Details of the locality and the methods used to find tourmaline pockets are discussed.
On the Composition of Pollucite and its Occurrence at Hebron, Maine, H.L. Wells, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 41, No. 243, pp. 213-220, (1891). The occurrence of pollucite and a study of its chemical composition are described.
The Discovery of Microscopic Tourmalines in the Micas of Maine, E.S. Drake, Journal of the New York Microscopical Society, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 102-105, (1891). Note on small tourmaline crystal inclusions in micas.
On Herderite from Hebron, Maine, H.L. Wells and S.L. Penfield, American Journal of Science, Vol. 144, No. 260, pp. 114-116, (1892). Description of the physical properties and chemical composition of herderite.
On the Crystallization of Herderite, S.L. Penfield, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 47, No. 281, pp. 329-339, (1894). Results are presented of a study of the crystal morphology of herderite.
On the Chemical Composition and Related Physical Properties of Topaz, S.L. Penfield and J.C. Minor, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 47, No. 281, pp. 387-396, (1894). Study of topaz material from several localities including Stoneham, Maine.
“The History of Mount Mica of Maine, USA, and its Wonderful Deposits of Matchless Tourmalines”, A.C. Hamlin, Published by the author, Bangor, Maine, 72 pp. (1895). This booklet describes an important locality for gem tourmalines.
On the Occurrence of Pollucite, Mangano-Columbite and Microlite at Rumford, Maine, H.W. Foote, American Journal of Science, Ser. 4, Vol. 1, No. 6, pp. 457-461, (1896). Pollucite and other minerals from a pegmatite near Rumford are described.
Apatite from Minot, Maine, J.E. Wolff and C. Palache, Contributions from the Harvard Mineralogical Museum, Vol. 10, pp. 517-529, (1902). The authors describe the pegmatite occurrence of strongly colored purple apatite. The same article appeared in the Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 438-448, (1902).
The Gem-Bearing Pegmatites of Western Maine, W.R. Wade, Engineering and Mining Journal, Vol. 87, No. 23, pp. 1127-1129, (1909). The author describes the pegmatite region, which extends from the Kennebec River in Maine into New Hampshire. The pegmatites occur as dikes and sills in older schists, gneisses and limestones. He also describes the features of the pegmatite dikes and their minerals.
Origin of the Pegmatites of Maine, E.S. Bastin, Journal of Geology, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 297-320, (1910). This article reviews the geological occurrence and genesis of the granitic pegmatites in the state.
Über einige Herderitkrystalle von Auburn, Maine [On some Herderite Crystals from Auburn, Maine], W.E. Ford, Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 97-100, (1911). Data are presented on a selection of herderite crystals from a pegmatite deposit at Auburn. The article by the same author appeared in the American Journal of Science, Ser. 4, Vol. 32, No. 190, pp. 283-286, (1911).
“Geology of the Pegmatites and Associated Rocks of Maine”, E.S. Bastin, United States Geological Survey Bulletin, No. 445, 152 pp., (1911). This publication reviews the geological setting, structure and mineralogy of the pegmatitic rocks in the state of Maine.
A Remarkable Crystal of Apatite from Mount Mica, Auburn, Maine, W.E. Ford, American Journal of Science, Ser. 4, Vol. 44, No. 261, pp. 245-246, (1917). A brief description is given of a large purple crystal weighing slightly over 100 grams.
Modern Gem Mining in the United States, L.P. Gratacap, American Museum Journal, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 65-70, (1917). Tourmaline mining in various locations, including those in Maine, is discussed.
Famous Mineral Localities: Mount Mica, Mount Apatite, and Other Localities in Maine, J.G. Manchester and W.T. Bather, American Mineralogist, Vol. 3, No. 9, pp. 168-174, (1918). The authors present a description of several pegmatite localities known for their production of gem minerals.
The Chrysoberyl Pegmatite of Hartford, Maine, C. Palache, American Mineralogist, Vol. 9, No. 11, pp. 217-221, (1924). Short description of a pegmatite locality.
The Paragenesis of the Granitic Pegmatites of Central Maine, K.K. Landes, American Mineralogist, Vol. 10, No. 11, pp. 355-411, (1925). This article reviews the occurrences and geologic origin of a number of pegmatite deposits in Maine.
Beryllonite and Other Phosphates from Newry, Maine, C. Palache and E.V. Shannon, American Mineralogist, Vol. 13, No. 7, pp. 392-396, (1928). A discussion of the occurrence of phosphate minerals in pegmatites near the town of Newry.
Gem Mining in Maine, L. Wright, Jewelers’ Circular Keystone Magazine, Vol. 98, No. 9, pp. 76 and 78, (1929). Article not seen.
Large Topaz Crystal from Maine, W.D. Nevel, American Mineralogist, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 75-76, (1929). Brief note on large crystal found on Mount Apatite near Auburn.
Paragenesis of the Newry Pegmatite, Maine, H.J. Fraser, American Mineralogist, Vol. 15, No. 8, pp. 349-364, (1930). A description is given of the pegmatite deposit which is being exploited at the Dunton mine as a source of tourmaline, amblygonite, pollucite and other minerals.
Pegmatite Minerals of Poland, Maine, H. Berman and F.A. Gonyer, American Mineralogist, Vol. 15, No. 8, pp. 375-387, (1930). The authors describe the Berry Quarry that has produced tourmaline, apatite, cesium beryl, and herderite as well as other minerals.
A Topaz Deposit in Topsham, Maine, C. Palache, American Journal of Science, Ser. 5, Vol. 27, No. 157, pp. 37-48, (1934). A description is given of the pegmatite exposed at the Fisher Quarry that has produced topaz, blue tourmaline, herderite and other minerals.
The Crystallography of Herderite from Topsham, Maine, G.M. Yatsevitch, American Mineralogist, Vol. 20, No. 6, pp. 426-437, (1935). A study of the crystal faces and growth forms exhibited by crystals from the Fisher Quarry at Topsham.
On Pollucite and Petalite, W.E. Richmond and F.A. Gonyer, American Mineralogist, Vol. 23, No. 11, pp. 783-789, (1938). A study of the crystallography, physical properties, and chemical composition of these two rare minerals from several New England pegmatite localities.
On the Origin of Some Pegmatites in the Town of Newry, Maine, B.M. Shaub, American Mineralogist, Vol. 25, No. 10, pp. 673-688, (1940). The author gives a geological description of several pegmatite bodies near Newry.
A Brief History of the Gem Industry of Maine, J.H. Wallace, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 21, No. 9, pp. 571-573, (1946). Mining at gem tourmaline localities is briefly discussed.
Beryl at Mount Mica, Maine, C.S. Hurlbut and H.E. Wenden, American Mineralogist, Vol. 36, No. 9/10, pp. 751-759, (1951). A study of some beryl crystals with an unusual habit with milky cores and colorless exteriors.
The Gem Minerals of Maine, F.E. Schiller, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 70-76, (1953). A review of the gem deposits of the state.
“Pegmatite Investigations 1942-1945 (New England)”, E.N. Cameron, D.M. Larrabee, A.H. McNair, J.J. Page, G.W. Stewart, and V.E. Shainin, United States Geological Survey Professional Paper, No. 255, 352 pp., (1954). This paper summarizes information obtained from a regional survey of pegmatite deposits in Maine and other New England states which were being checked for economically important minerals.
Recent Discovery of Fine Gem Tourmaline in Maine, B.M. Shaub, Gems & Gemology, Vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 131-136, (1955). The discovery of a major find of gem tourmaline near Norway, Maine.
An Authoritative and Official Guide Describing Gemstone and Mineral Localities in Maine, R.G. Doyle, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 264-278, (1960). A list of Maine mineral localities is given.
The Peg Claims Spodumene Pegmatites, Maine, H.W. Sundelius, Economic Geology, Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 84-106, (1963). Description of a pegmatite locality which contains giant spodumene crystals.
The Rare and Unusual Gemstones of New England, R.C. Gosse, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 336-342, No. 3, pp. 432-443 and No. 4, pp. 510-513, (1964). The author presents a review of gem materials from New England.
Mount Apatite, Auburn, Maine, M.J. Ingraham, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 39, No. 5/6, pp. 229-235, (1964). Article not seen.
The Richest Find of Royal Purple Apatite in More than Fifty Years! – Made at Pulsifer Quarry, Mount Apatite, Maine, T. Szenics, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 20, No. 10, pp. 1178-1189, (1967). A report of a major find of purple apatite.
A Tourmaline Bonanza at the Old Mount Mica, Maine Location, S.B. Graves, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 10-17, (1967). The author describes a major find of gem tourmaline at Mount Mica.
“Emerald-green” Tourmaline Found at Pulsifer Quarry, Mount Apatite, Auburn, Maine, T. Szenics, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 96-110, (1968). A report of the discovery of some bright green tourmaline.
The Crystal Structure and Chemical Composition of Pollucite, R.M. Beger, Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Kristallgeometrie, Kristallphysik, Kristallchemie, Vol. 129, No. 1/4, pp. 280-302, (1969). Article not seen.
Mt. Mica’s Fabulous Treasure Trove, E.W. Courter, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 754-759, (1970). The author reviews the gem material found at Mount Mica.
Giant Tourmaline Strike, F. Trapp, Rock and Gem, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 8-11, (1973). Note on a tourmaline find on Plumbago Mountain.
Maine Tourmaline, J.P. Stevens, Rock and Gem, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp. 56-63, (1974). A discussion of tourmaline mining in Oxford County.
Gem Tourmaline Rediscovered at Newry, D. McCrillis, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 14-21, (1975). The report of a new discovery of gem tourmaline near Newry.
On Gem Elbaite from Newry, Maine, U.S.A., P.J. Dunn, Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 14, No. 8, pp. 357-368, (1975). Results are presented of a characterization study of colored tourmalines from the Dunton mine at Newry. A similar article by this author appeared in the Mineralogical Record, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 22-25, (1975).
Inclusions in Beryllonite from Stoneham, Maine, U.S.A., P.J. Dunn, Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 14, No. 5, pp. 208-212, (1975). The author presents observations on inclusions found in beryllonite from Stoneham.
The Story Behind the Story of the Great Tourmaline Discovery, R.P. MacFall, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 994-1001, (1975). The opening of tourmaline gem pockets at the Dunton Mine near Newry is recounted.
Pegmatite Minerals of Maine, D.M. Seaman, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 147-151, (1975). A brief review of the pegmatite minerals found in the state.
Tourmaline, J.P. Accord, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 216-219 and No. 2, pp. 512-525, (1977). A discussion of tourmaline mining at Mount Mica.
The Maine Tourmaline Necklace, J.P. Stevens, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 31, No. 5, pp. 102-114, (1977). Description of a necklace created in 1977 using local gold and faceted tourmalines from localities in Maine, and later donated to the state museum.
Famous Mineral Localities: The Pulsifer Quarry, W.E. Wilson, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 72-77, (1977). A description is given of this well-known locality near Auburn and of the minerals found there.
The Oxford Quarries of Maine, J.P. Stevens, Rock & Gem, Vol. 8, No. 8, pp. 36-39, 67, 72, (1978). The author provides directions for visiting several pegmatite deposits around the town of Oxford.
The Gerhard Becker Miniatures in Maine Tourmaline, J.P. Stevens, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 32, No. 10, pp. 2122-2160, (1979). A set of carved animal figures created from Maine tourmaline is described.
New Adventures in Maine Tourmaline, J. Perham, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 33, No. 10, pp. 2114-2118 and 2142-2152, (1980). The mining of tourmaline at Mount Mica is described.
Maine Tourmaline – A Study in Lapidary, J. Perham, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 1400-1402, (1980). This article briefly discusses the faceting of gem tourmaline.
Maine Tourmaline, C.A. Francis, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 16, No. 5, pp. 365-388, (1985). A review of the occurrences and history of tourmaline production from localities in Maine.
Formation of Tourmaline-Rich Gem Pockets in Miarolitic Pegmatites, D.A. London, American Mineralogist, Vol. 71, No. 3/4, pp. 396-405, (1986). Field and experimental evidence is presented for the conditions of gem tourmaline formation in miarolitic granitic pegmatites.
The Fascinating Story of Mount Mica’s Largest and Most Remarkable Tourmaline Crystal, B.M. Shaub, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 447-451, (1987). A description is given of a large tourmaline crystal found at Mount Mica.
“Maine’s Treasure Chest – Gems and Minerals of Oxford County”, J.C. Perham, Quicksilver Publications, West Paris, Maine, 267 pp., (1987). Book not seen.
The Geology of Maine, M. Loiselle and W.B. Thompson, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 386-392, (1987). A review of the geology of the state is given which includes a discussion of the gem pegmatites.
Topaz and Herderite at Topsham, Maine, B.B. Burbank, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 434-438, (1987). Reprint of an article originally published in 1934 that described pegmatite minerals from Topsham.
Minerals of the Topsham, Maine Pegmatite District, C.A. Francis, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 407-415, (1987). A review of the localities and mining history of an important gem pegmatite district in southern Maine.
Some Notable Maine Gemstones, J.C. Perham, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 420-427, (1987). The author describes gems found in the state mainly in pegmatite deposits.
Four Obscure Pegmatite Mineral Localities in Oxford County, Maine, M.I. Jacobsen, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 401-405, (1987). A report on several less-visited pegmatite localities that still might yield excellent mineral specimens.
Mining at the Bennett Quarry, Buckfield, Maine, R.E. Holden, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 65, No. 6, pp. 498-504, (1990). Some general information is presented on gem mining at the Bennett Quarry.
Distribution, Classification and Geological Setting of Granitic Pegmatites in Maine, M.A. Wise and C.A. Francis, Northeastern Geology, Vol. 14, No. 2/3, pp. 82-93, (1992). Article not seen.
X-ray Powder Diffraction Data for Beryllonite from Stoneham, Maine, USA, L.K. Frevel and C.E. Crowder, Powder Diffraction, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 47-53, (1993). Report on the crystal structure and powder diffraction data on beryllonite.
Mineralogy of the Bennett Pegmatite, Oxford County, Maine, M.A. Wise, T.R. Rose, and R.E. Holden, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 175-184, (1994). The authors provide a detailed description of this pegmatite deposit, which has produced tourmaline, apatite and morganite beryl.
Mount Apatite Tourmalines, N. Rochester, Rock & Gem, Vol. 27, No. 11, pp. 28-31, (1997). A report of a mineral-collecting trip to the famous Mount Apatite pegmatite locality.
Renewed Mining at the Western Quarries of Mount Apatite, Maine, T.R. Rose, M. Wise and C. Brown, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 44-48, (1997). The authors describe renewed mining of pegmatites at Mount Apatite, including the famous Pulsifer Quarry that has produced gem tourmaline and purple apatite. The mining history and geology of the pegmatites are discussed.
Hope Springs Eternal, G.M. Eckel, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 51, No. 11, pp. 55-58, (1998). This is a report of a visit to the Harvard Quarry near Greenwood which produced colored tourmaline, apatite, and other pegmatite minerals.
Sm-Nd Isotope Systematics and the Derivation of Granitic Pegmatites in Southwestern Maine, P.B. Tomascak, E.J. Krogstad and R.J. Walker, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 327-337, (1998). A study of the isotopic compositions of monazite and apatite suggests that pegmatite bodies in southwestern Maine that are spatially and temporally related need not to have been derived from identical igneous magma sources.
Stable Isotope and Crystal Chemistry of Tourmaline across Pegmatite-Country Rock Boundaries at Black Mountain and Mount Mica, Southwestern Maine, USA, M.D. Dyar, C.V. Guidotti, D.P. Core, K.M. Wearn, M.A. Wise, C.A. Francis, K. Johnson, J.B. Brady, J.D. Robertson and L.R. Cross, European Journal of Mineralogy, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 281-294, (1999). A study of tourmaline chemistry to understand the conditions of formation of two zoned granitic pegmatites.
Ben Shaub and the Mt. Mica Tourmaline, J.L. Lininger, Matrix – A Journal of the History of Minerals, Vol. 6, No, 4, pp. 156-158, (1999). Article not seen.
New Tourmaline Production from Mount Mica, Maine – America’s First Gem Pegmatite, W.B. Simmons, G. Freeman, A. Falster, B. Laurs and K. Webber, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 80, No. 6, pp. 396-408, (2005), and Mt. Mica: A Renaissance in Maine’s Gem Tourmaline Production, W.B. Simmons, B.M. Laurs, A.U. Falster, J.I. Koivula and K.L. Webber, Gems & Gemology, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 150-163, (2005). In these two articles, the authors reviewed the mining history and geologic setting of gem pegmatites on Mount Mica, and they characterized the chemical composition and gemological properties of several hundred tourmaline crystals. The latter article contains a photograph of the famous “Hamlin necklace”, one of the most significant pieces of jewelry featuring tourmalines from Mount Mica.
On the Crystal Structure and Crystal Chemistry of Pollucite, (Cs,Na)16Al16Si32O96.nH2O: A Natural Microporous Material of Interest in Nuclear Technology, G. Diego-Gatta, R. Rinaldi, G.J. McIntyre, G. Nénert, F. Bellatreccia, A. Guastoni, and G. Della-Ventura, American Mineralogist, Vol. 94, No. 11/12, pp. 1560-1568, (2009). A characterization study of the structure and crystal chemistry of pollucite.
Mineral Chemistry, Petrology and Geochemistry of the Sebago Granite-Pegmatite System, Southern Maine, USA, M.A. Wise and C.D. Brown, Journal of Geosciences, Vol. 55, No. 1, pp. 3-26, (2010). The authors discuss the relationships of pegmatites to the host Sebago granite pluton near Oxford, Maine.
Western Maine Mineral Adventures – Screen for Beryl Gems from Mount Mica, W. Safer, Rock & Gem, Vol. 41, No. 7, pp. 52-55, (2011). A collecting trip to Mount Mica to find gem tourmaline and beryl is described.
Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Evolution of Li-Al Micas and Feldspars from the Mount Mica Pegmatite, Maine, USA, K.L. Marchal, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster, K.L. Webber and E. Roda-Robles, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 221-233, (2014). The authors discuss the geochemical formation of his pegmatite which is being mined for gem tourmaline and other rare minerals.
Single-Crystal Neutron Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopic Study of Hydroxylherderite, CaBePO4(OH,F), G. Diego-Gatta, S.D. Jacobsen, P. Vignola, G.J. McIntyre, G. Nénert, F. Bellatreccia, A. Guastoni, and G. Della-Ventura, Mineralogical Magazine, Vol. 78, No. 3, pp. 723-737, (2014). Study of a specimen of this mineral from the Bennett pegmatite in Oxford County provides detailed information on its chemical composition and crystal structure.
Tourmaline as a Petrogenetic Monitor of the Origin and Evolution of the Berry-Havey Pegmatite (Maine, U.S.A.), E. Roda-Robles, W. Simmons, A. Pesquera, P. Gil-Crespo, J. Nizamoff and J. Torres-Ruiz, American Mineralogist, Vol. 100, No. 1, pp. 95-109, (2015). The abundance of tourmaline in many pegmatites combined with its complex crystal chemistry can provide a valuable tool to understand the sequence of mineral crystallization of pegmatite bodies.
Tourmaline from the Havey Quarry, Maine, USA, B.M. Laurs, Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 394-395, (2015). Note on the discovery of a pocket of green tourmaline.
Bulk Composition of the Mt. Mica Pegmatite, Maine, USA: Implications for the Origin of an LCT-type Pegmatite by Anatexis, W. Simmons, A. Falster, K. Webber, E. Roda-Robles, A.P. Boudreaux, L.R. Grassi, G. Freeman, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 1053-1070, (2016). This pegmatite has been an important source of gem tourmaline for nearly 200 years. By careful mapping and sampling of the internal zonation structure, the authors were able to determine an approximate bulk composition of the pegmatite body. They concluded that the pegmatite did not form by fractional crystallization of a granitic magma, but was derived from the partial melting of metamorphosed clay-rich sediments.
Aquamarine from Stoneham and Vicinity, Oxford County, Maine, C.A. Francis, M. Felch, A.U. Falster, and D.A. Bailey, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 91, No. 1, pp. 28-33, (2016). A report on the discovery of aquamarines in pegmatites near Stoneham.
Geochronology and Tectonic Context of Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum Pegmatites in the Appalachians, D. Bradley, E. Shea, R. Buchwaldt, S. Bowring, J. Benowitz, P. O’Sullivan and A. McCauley, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 945-969, (2016). The authors review the tectonic setting of rare-element granitic pegmatites that occur at intervals along the Appalachian Mountains from Alabama in the USA to Nova Scotia in Canada.
Giant Spodumene and Montebrasite Crystals from the Plumbago North Pegmatite, Oxford County, Maine, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster, J.W. Nizamoff and G. Freeman, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 795-797, (2019). Description of a new pegmatite body on Plumbago Mountain that contains abundant lithium minerals.
Evidence for Internal Fractionation from Li Isotopes in Tourmaline and Mica in the Berry-Havey Rare-Element Pegmatite (Maine, USA), E. Roda-Robles, A. Pesquera-Pérez, W.B. Simmons, P.P. Gil-Crespo and A.U. Falster, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 779-782, (2019). A study of the isotope geochemistry of lithium during the pegmatite formation process.
Anatectic Pegmatites of the Oxford County Pegmatite Field, Maine, USA, K.L. Webber, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster and S.L. Hanson, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 811-815, (2019). While many granitic pegmatites appear to form by fractional crystallization of granitic magmas, others have no obvious connection to any nearby granite body. These anatectic pegmatites appear to originate by the melting or partial melting of preexisting metasedimentary or migmatitic rocks in the Earth’s crust. The occurrences of these pegmatites in Oxford County often contain a higher abundance of rare earth elements.
The Emmons Pegmatite, Greenwood, Oxford County, Maine, A.U. Falster, W.B. Simmons, K.L. Webber, D.A. Dallaire, J.W. Nizamoff and R.A. Sprague, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 94, No. 6, pp. 498-519, (2019). Description of a pegmatite that has been a prolific source of mineral specimens.
The Plumbago North Pegmatite, Maine, USA: A New Potential Lithium Resource, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster and G. Freeman, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 55, No. 7, pp. 1505-1510, (2020). Description of a recently discovered pegmatite on Plumbago Mountain, which could become a significantly new source of lithium ore based on the high content of spodumene.
The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, Bethel, Maine: A Hidden Gem in the Woods, P.K.M. Megaw, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 95, No. 2, pp. 128-141, (2020). Opened in 2019, this museum houses the finest collection of minerals, rocks, and meteorites in the state of Maine.
The Crystal Structure of Beryllonite from the Type Locality and Comparison with Isopointal Structures, A.M. Callegari, M. Boiocchi, M. Zema and S.C. Tarantino, Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie Abhandlungen, Vol. 197, No. 2, pp. 107-119, (2021). Using a sample from Stoneham, Maine, the crystal structure of beryllonite is re-evaluated based on high-resolution of X-ray diffraction data.
Garnet as an Indicator of Pegmatite Evolution: The Case Study of Pegmatites from the Oxford Pegmatite Field (Maine, USA), L. Hernandez-Filiberto, E. Roda-Robles, W.B. Simmons and K.L. Webber, Minerals, Vol. 11, No. 8, Article 802, (2021). In a study of granitic pegmatites in Oxford County, the authors discuss how the composition of garnets can provide an indication of the degree of chemical fractionation of pegmatite magmas during pegmatite crystallization.
The Roebling Apatite, Pulsifer Quarry, Androscoggin County, Maine, M.A. Wise and J.E. Post, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 97, No. 1, pp. 8-11, (2022). Description of a spectacular purple apatite specimen found in 1914 in a granitic pegmatite near the town of Auburn. Weighing just over 100 grams (500 ct), the crystal is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.
Large Almandine Crystals from Mt. Marie, Paris, Oxford County, Maine, M.I. Jacobsen, J.W. Nizamoff and D.P. Durgin, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 98, No. 2, pp. 142-147, (2023). Sharply formed almandine crystals on matrix were first found at this locality in 2017.
Dr. James Shigley is a distinguished research fellow at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California.
For more than 150 years the granitic pegmatites in Maine have produced spectacular specimens of tourmaline and other minerals. The gem-bearing pegmatites occur in the western and southwestern parts of the state – mainly in Androscoggin, Oxford, and Sagadahoc counties.
How to Use this Reading List
This reading list gives you an opportunity to learn more about the history of tourmaline and other gem minerals from Maine. Entries in the list are presented in chronological order to emphasize the development of ideas over time. The list is not comprehensive, but is a compilation of some interesting information that has often been forgotten or overlooked.
Many of the articles in the reading list exist in the public domain and can be found online at digital libraries such as Hathitrust, Internet Archive, or other digital repositories. More recent publications can often be found in libraries. Abstracts of these more recent articles can usually be found on the website of the original journal or magazine, and the article itself is often available for purchase from the publisher.
On Amblygonite from Hebron in Maine, G.J. Brush, American Journal of Science, Ser. 2, Vol. 34, No. 101, pp. 243-245, (1862). A description of translucent amblygonite found in association with masses of lepidolite mica in coarse granite.
“The Tourmaline”, A.C. Hamlin, J.R. Osgood & Company, Boston, 107 pp., (1873). A description of tourmaline from Mt. Mica in Oxford County.
On a New Locality of Amblygonite, and on Montebrasite, a New Hydrated Aluminum and Lithium Phosphate, A.L.O.L. Des Cloizeaux, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Vol. 163, No. 1, pp. 573-585, (1873). Early chemical analyses of amblygonite and montebrasite.
On the Chemical Composition of Amblygonite, S.L. Penfield, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 18, No. 106, pp. 295-301, (1879). Summary of chemical compositions of amblygonite from several pegmatite localities.
Colored Tourmalines and Lepidolite Crystals from a New American Locality, G.F. Kunz, Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Vol. 32, pp. 274-275, (1884); A Note on the Finding of Two Fine American Beryls, Vol. 32, pp. 275-276, (1884); and Topaz and Associated Minerals from Stoneham, Oxford County, Maine, Vol. 32, pp. 271-273, (1884). Three articles by the same author on gem minerals found at several localities in Maine.
On the Probable Occurrence of Herderite in Maine, W.E. Hidden, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 157, p. 73, (1884). This is a preliminary report of an occurrence of herderite.
On Herderite (?), a Glucinum [Beryllium] Calcium Phosphate and Fluoride, from Oxford County, Maine, W.E. Hidden and J.B. Mackintosh, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 158, pp. 135-138, (1884). The authors identify a transparent colorless to faintly yellow mineral as herderite that was initially thought to be topaz, but it lacked the basal cleavage of the latter and it displayed a different crystal morphology.
Tourmaline from Auburn, Maine, W.E. Hidden, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 158, pp. 154-155, (1884). A brief description is given of multi-color gem tourmaline crystals some up to 8 centimeters in length.
Topaz and Associated Minerals at Stoneham, Maine, G.F. Kunz, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 159, pp. 212-216, (1884). The author describes minerals found near Stoneham, including what he believes are the finest crystals of topaz found in the country.
On the Crystalline Form of the Supposed Herderite from Stoneham, Maine, E.S. Dana, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 159, pp. 229-232, (1884). Crystallographic data are presented based on an examination of material from Stoneham in comparison to previously published data on this mineral.
On the Tourmaline and Associated Minerals of Auburn, Maine, G.F. Kunz, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 27, No. 160, pp. 303-305, (1884). An occurrence is described of colored tourmalines along with apatite, lepidolite, quartz, and other minerals at Mount Apatite near Auburn.
On Herderite, F.A. Genth, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 21, (October), pp. 694-699, (1884). A detailed chemical analysis is presented for this pegmatite mineral.
Topaz from Stoneham, Maine, F.W. Clarke and J.S. Diller, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 29, No. 173, pp. 378-384, (1885). The authors make a careful chemical analysis of the material.
Researches on the Lithia Micas, F.W. Clarke, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 32, No. 191, pp. 353-357, (1886). Chemical data are presented on lepidolite micas from the Maine pegmatites.
Description of the New Mineral, Beryllonite, H.L. Wells and E.S. Dana, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 37, No. 217, pp. 23-32, (1889). The chemical and physical properties of beryllonite are summarized. A preliminary note on this new mineral appeared in 1888 in the American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 36, No. 214, pp. 290-291; a second article appeared in the American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 37, No. 219, pp. 213-216, (1889).
The Tourmalines of Mount Mica, S.B.B. Merrifield, New England Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 6, pp. 648-650, (1890). According to the author, tourmalines at Mount Mica were first found in 1820. Details of the locality and the methods used to find tourmaline pockets are discussed.
On the Composition of Pollucite and its Occurrence at Hebron, Maine, H.L. Wells, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 41, No. 243, pp. 213-220, (1891). The occurrence of pollucite and a study of its chemical composition are described.
The Discovery of Microscopic Tourmalines in the Micas of Maine, E.S. Drake, Journal of the New York Microscopical Society, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 102-105, (1891). Note on small tourmaline crystal inclusions in micas.
On Herderite from Hebron, Maine, H.L. Wells and S.L. Penfield, American Journal of Science, Vol. 144, No. 260, pp. 114-116, (1892). Description of the physical properties and chemical composition of herderite.
On the Crystallization of Herderite, S.L. Penfield, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 47, No. 281, pp. 329-339, (1894). Results are presented of a study of the crystal morphology of herderite.
On the Chemical Composition and Related Physical Properties of Topaz, S.L. Penfield and J.C. Minor, American Journal of Science, Ser. 3, Vol. 47, No. 281, pp. 387-396, (1894). Study of topaz material from several localities including Stoneham, Maine.
“The History of Mount Mica of Maine, USA, and its Wonderful Deposits of Matchless Tourmalines”, A.C. Hamlin, Published by the author, Bangor, Maine, 72 pp. (1895). This booklet describes an important locality for gem tourmalines.
On the Occurrence of Pollucite, Mangano-Columbite and Microlite at Rumford, Maine, H.W. Foote, American Journal of Science, Ser. 4, Vol. 1, No. 6, pp. 457-461, (1896). Pollucite and other minerals from a pegmatite near Rumford are described.
Apatite from Minot, Maine, J.E. Wolff and C. Palache, Contributions from the Harvard Mineralogical Museum, Vol. 10, pp. 517-529, (1902). The authors describe the pegmatite occurrence of strongly colored purple apatite. The same article appeared in the Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 438-448, (1902).
The Gem-Bearing Pegmatites of Western Maine, W.R. Wade, Engineering and Mining Journal, Vol. 87, No. 23, pp. 1127-1129, (1909). The author describes the pegmatite region, which extends from the Kennebec River in Maine into New Hampshire. The pegmatites occur as dikes and sills in older schists, gneisses and limestones. He also describes the features of the pegmatite dikes and their minerals.
Origin of the Pegmatites of Maine, E.S. Bastin, Journal of Geology, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 297-320, (1910). This article reviews the geological occurrence and genesis of the granitic pegmatites in the state.
Über einige Herderitkrystalle von Auburn, Maine [On some Herderite Crystals from Auburn, Maine], W.E. Ford, Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 97-100, (1911). Data are presented on a selection of herderite crystals from a pegmatite deposit at Auburn. The article by the same author appeared in the American Journal of Science, Ser. 4, Vol. 32, No. 190, pp. 283-286, (1911).
“Geology of the Pegmatites and Associated Rocks of Maine”, E.S. Bastin, United States Geological Survey Bulletin, No. 445, 152 pp., (1911). This publication reviews the geological setting, structure and mineralogy of the pegmatitic rocks in the state of Maine.
A Remarkable Crystal of Apatite from Mount Mica, Auburn, Maine, W.E. Ford, American Journal of Science, Ser. 4, Vol. 44, No. 261, pp. 245-246, (1917). A brief description is given of a large purple crystal weighing slightly over 100 grams.
Modern Gem Mining in the United States, L.P. Gratacap, American Museum Journal, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 65-70, (1917). Tourmaline mining in various locations, including those in Maine, is discussed.
Famous Mineral Localities: Mount Mica, Mount Apatite, and Other Localities in Maine, J.G. Manchester and W.T. Bather, American Mineralogist, Vol. 3, No. 9, pp. 168-174, (1918). The authors present a description of several pegmatite localities known for their production of gem minerals.
The Chrysoberyl Pegmatite of Hartford, Maine, C. Palache, American Mineralogist, Vol. 9, No. 11, pp. 217-221, (1924). Short description of a pegmatite locality.
The Paragenesis of the Granitic Pegmatites of Central Maine, K.K. Landes, American Mineralogist, Vol. 10, No. 11, pp. 355-411, (1925). This article reviews the occurrences and geologic origin of a number of pegmatite deposits in Maine.
Beryllonite and Other Phosphates from Newry, Maine, C. Palache and E.V. Shannon, American Mineralogist, Vol. 13, No. 7, pp. 392-396, (1928). A discussion of the occurrence of phosphate minerals in pegmatites near the town of Newry.
Gem Mining in Maine, L. Wright, Jewelers’ Circular Keystone Magazine, Vol. 98, No. 9, pp. 76 and 78, (1929). Article not seen.
Large Topaz Crystal from Maine, W.D. Nevel, American Mineralogist, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 75-76, (1929). Brief note on large crystal found on Mount Apatite near Auburn.
Paragenesis of the Newry Pegmatite, Maine, H.J. Fraser, American Mineralogist, Vol. 15, No. 8, pp. 349-364, (1930). A description is given of the pegmatite deposit which is being exploited at the Dunton mine as a source of tourmaline, amblygonite, pollucite and other minerals.
Pegmatite Minerals of Poland, Maine, H. Berman and F.A. Gonyer, American Mineralogist, Vol. 15, No. 8, pp. 375-387, (1930). The authors describe the Berry Quarry that has produced tourmaline, apatite, cesium beryl, and herderite as well as other minerals.
A Topaz Deposit in Topsham, Maine, C. Palache, American Journal of Science, Ser. 5, Vol. 27, No. 157, pp. 37-48, (1934). A description is given of the pegmatite exposed at the Fisher Quarry that has produced topaz, blue tourmaline, herderite and other minerals.
The Crystallography of Herderite from Topsham, Maine, G.M. Yatsevitch, American Mineralogist, Vol. 20, No. 6, pp. 426-437, (1935). A study of the crystal faces and growth forms exhibited by crystals from the Fisher Quarry at Topsham.
On Pollucite and Petalite, W.E. Richmond and F.A. Gonyer, American Mineralogist, Vol. 23, No. 11, pp. 783-789, (1938). A study of the crystallography, physical properties, and chemical composition of these two rare minerals from several New England pegmatite localities.
On the Origin of Some Pegmatites in the Town of Newry, Maine, B.M. Shaub, American Mineralogist, Vol. 25, No. 10, pp. 673-688, (1940). The author gives a geological description of several pegmatite bodies near Newry.
A Brief History of the Gem Industry of Maine, J.H. Wallace, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 21, No. 9, pp. 571-573, (1946). Mining at gem tourmaline localities is briefly discussed.
Beryl at Mount Mica, Maine, C.S. Hurlbut and H.E. Wenden, American Mineralogist, Vol. 36, No. 9/10, pp. 751-759, (1951). A study of some beryl crystals with an unusual habit with milky cores and colorless exteriors.
The Gem Minerals of Maine, F.E. Schiller, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 70-76, (1953). A review of the gem deposits of the state.
“Pegmatite Investigations 1942-1945 (New England)”, E.N. Cameron, D.M. Larrabee, A.H. McNair, J.J. Page, G.W. Stewart, and V.E. Shainin, United States Geological Survey Professional Paper, No. 255, 352 pp., (1954). This paper summarizes information obtained from a regional survey of pegmatite deposits in Maine and other New England states which were being checked for economically important minerals.
Recent Discovery of Fine Gem Tourmaline in Maine, B.M. Shaub, Gems & Gemology, Vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 131-136, (1955). The discovery of a major find of gem tourmaline near Norway, Maine.
An Authoritative and Official Guide Describing Gemstone and Mineral Localities in Maine, R.G. Doyle, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 264-278, (1960). A list of Maine mineral localities is given.
The Peg Claims Spodumene Pegmatites, Maine, H.W. Sundelius, Economic Geology, Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 84-106, (1963). Description of a pegmatite locality which contains giant spodumene crystals.
The Rare and Unusual Gemstones of New England, R.C. Gosse, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 336-342, No. 3, pp. 432-443 and No. 4, pp. 510-513, (1964). The author presents a review of gem materials from New England.
Mount Apatite, Auburn, Maine, M.J. Ingraham, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 39, No. 5/6, pp. 229-235, (1964). Article not seen.
The Richest Find of Royal Purple Apatite in More than Fifty Years! – Made at Pulsifer Quarry, Mount Apatite, Maine, T. Szenics, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 20, No. 10, pp. 1178-1189, (1967). A report of a major find of purple apatite.
A Tourmaline Bonanza at the Old Mount Mica, Maine Location, S.B. Graves, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 10-17, (1967). The author describes a major find of gem tourmaline at Mount Mica.
“Emerald-green” Tourmaline Found at Pulsifer Quarry, Mount Apatite, Auburn, Maine, T. Szenics, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 96-110, (1968). A report of the discovery of some bright green tourmaline.
The Crystal Structure and Chemical Composition of Pollucite, R.M. Beger, Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Kristallgeometrie, Kristallphysik, Kristallchemie, Vol. 129, No. 1/4, pp. 280-302, (1969). Article not seen.
Mt. Mica’s Fabulous Treasure Trove, E.W. Courter, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 754-759, (1970). The author reviews the gem material found at Mount Mica.
Giant Tourmaline Strike, F. Trapp, Rock and Gem, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 8-11, (1973). Note on a tourmaline find on Plumbago Mountain.
Maine Tourmaline, J.P. Stevens, Rock and Gem, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp. 56-63, (1974). A discussion of tourmaline mining in Oxford County.
Gem Tourmaline Rediscovered at Newry, D. McCrillis, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 14-21, (1975). The report of a new discovery of gem tourmaline near Newry.
On Gem Elbaite from Newry, Maine, U.S.A., P.J. Dunn, Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 14, No. 8, pp. 357-368, (1975). Results are presented of a characterization study of colored tourmalines from the Dunton mine at Newry. A similar article by this author appeared in the Mineralogical Record, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 22-25, (1975).
Inclusions in Beryllonite from Stoneham, Maine, U.S.A., P.J. Dunn, Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 14, No. 5, pp. 208-212, (1975). The author presents observations on inclusions found in beryllonite from Stoneham.
The Story Behind the Story of the Great Tourmaline Discovery, R.P. MacFall, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 994-1001, (1975). The opening of tourmaline gem pockets at the Dunton Mine near Newry is recounted.
Pegmatite Minerals of Maine, D.M. Seaman, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 147-151, (1975). A brief review of the pegmatite minerals found in the state.
Tourmaline, J.P. Accord, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 216-219 and No. 2, pp. 512-525, (1977). A discussion of tourmaline mining at Mount Mica.
The Maine Tourmaline Necklace, J.P. Stevens, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 31, No. 5, pp. 102-114, (1977). Description of a necklace created in 1977 using local gold and faceted tourmalines from localities in Maine, and later donated to the state museum.
Famous Mineral Localities: The Pulsifer Quarry, W.E. Wilson, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 72-77, (1977). A description is given of this well-known locality near Auburn and of the minerals found there.
The Oxford Quarries of Maine, J.P. Stevens, Rock & Gem, Vol. 8, No. 8, pp. 36-39, 67, 72, (1978). The author provides directions for visiting several pegmatite deposits around the town of Oxford.
The Gerhard Becker Miniatures in Maine Tourmaline, J.P. Stevens, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 32, No. 10, pp. 2122-2160, (1979). A set of carved animal figures created from Maine tourmaline is described.
New Adventures in Maine Tourmaline, J. Perham, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 33, No. 10, pp. 2114-2118 and 2142-2152, (1980). The mining of tourmaline at Mount Mica is described.
Maine Tourmaline – A Study in Lapidary, J. Perham, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 1400-1402, (1980). This article briefly discusses the faceting of gem tourmaline.
Maine Tourmaline, C.A. Francis, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 16, No. 5, pp. 365-388, (1985). A review of the occurrences and history of tourmaline production from localities in Maine.
Formation of Tourmaline-Rich Gem Pockets in Miarolitic Pegmatites, D.A. London, American Mineralogist, Vol. 71, No. 3/4, pp. 396-405, (1986). Field and experimental evidence is presented for the conditions of gem tourmaline formation in miarolitic granitic pegmatites.
The Fascinating Story of Mount Mica’s Largest and Most Remarkable Tourmaline Crystal, B.M. Shaub, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 447-451, (1987). A description is given of a large tourmaline crystal found at Mount Mica.
“Maine’s Treasure Chest – Gems and Minerals of Oxford County”, J.C. Perham, Quicksilver Publications, West Paris, Maine, 267 pp., (1987). Book not seen.
The Geology of Maine, M. Loiselle and W.B. Thompson, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 386-392, (1987). A review of the geology of the state is given which includes a discussion of the gem pegmatites.
Topaz and Herderite at Topsham, Maine, B.B. Burbank, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 434-438, (1987). Reprint of an article originally published in 1934 that described pegmatite minerals from Topsham.
Minerals of the Topsham, Maine Pegmatite District, C.A. Francis, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 407-415, (1987). A review of the localities and mining history of an important gem pegmatite district in southern Maine.
Some Notable Maine Gemstones, J.C. Perham, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 420-427, (1987). The author describes gems found in the state mainly in pegmatite deposits.
Four Obscure Pegmatite Mineral Localities in Oxford County, Maine, M.I. Jacobsen, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 401-405, (1987). A report on several less-visited pegmatite localities that still might yield excellent mineral specimens.
Mining at the Bennett Quarry, Buckfield, Maine, R.E. Holden, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 65, No. 6, pp. 498-504, (1990). Some general information is presented on gem mining at the Bennett Quarry.
Distribution, Classification and Geological Setting of Granitic Pegmatites in Maine, M.A. Wise and C.A. Francis, Northeastern Geology, Vol. 14, No. 2/3, pp. 82-93, (1992). Article not seen.
X-ray Powder Diffraction Data for Beryllonite from Stoneham, Maine, USA, L.K. Frevel and C.E. Crowder, Powder Diffraction, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 47-53, (1993). Report on the crystal structure and powder diffraction data on beryllonite.
Mineralogy of the Bennett Pegmatite, Oxford County, Maine, M.A. Wise, T.R. Rose, and R.E. Holden, Mineralogical Record, Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 175-184, (1994). The authors provide a detailed description of this pegmatite deposit, which has produced tourmaline, apatite and morganite beryl.
Mount Apatite Tourmalines, N. Rochester, Rock & Gem, Vol. 27, No. 11, pp. 28-31, (1997). A report of a mineral-collecting trip to the famous Mount Apatite pegmatite locality.
Renewed Mining at the Western Quarries of Mount Apatite, Maine, T.R. Rose, M. Wise and C. Brown, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 72, No. 1, pp. 44-48, (1997). The authors describe renewed mining of pegmatites at Mount Apatite, including the famous Pulsifer Quarry that has produced gem tourmaline and purple apatite. The mining history and geology of the pegmatites are discussed.
Hope Springs Eternal, G.M. Eckel, Lapidary Journal, Vol. 51, No. 11, pp. 55-58, (1998). This is a report of a visit to the Harvard Quarry near Greenwood which produced colored tourmaline, apatite, and other pegmatite minerals.
Sm-Nd Isotope Systematics and the Derivation of Granitic Pegmatites in Southwestern Maine, P.B. Tomascak, E.J. Krogstad and R.J. Walker, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 327-337, (1998). A study of the isotopic compositions of monazite and apatite suggests that pegmatite bodies in southwestern Maine that are spatially and temporally related need not to have been derived from identical igneous magma sources.
Stable Isotope and Crystal Chemistry of Tourmaline across Pegmatite-Country Rock Boundaries at Black Mountain and Mount Mica, Southwestern Maine, USA, M.D. Dyar, C.V. Guidotti, D.P. Core, K.M. Wearn, M.A. Wise, C.A. Francis, K. Johnson, J.B. Brady, J.D. Robertson and L.R. Cross, European Journal of Mineralogy, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 281-294, (1999). A study of tourmaline chemistry to understand the conditions of formation of two zoned granitic pegmatites.
Ben Shaub and the Mt. Mica Tourmaline, J.L. Lininger, Matrix – A Journal of the History of Minerals, Vol. 6, No, 4, pp. 156-158, (1999). Article not seen.
New Tourmaline Production from Mount Mica, Maine – America’s First Gem Pegmatite, W.B. Simmons, G. Freeman, A. Falster, B. Laurs and K. Webber, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 80, No. 6, pp. 396-408, (2005), and Mt. Mica: A Renaissance in Maine’s Gem Tourmaline Production, W.B. Simmons, B.M. Laurs, A.U. Falster, J.I. Koivula and K.L. Webber, Gems & Gemology, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 150-163, (2005). In these two articles, the authors reviewed the mining history and geologic setting of gem pegmatites on Mount Mica, and they characterized the chemical composition and gemological properties of several hundred tourmaline crystals. The latter article contains a photograph of the famous “Hamlin necklace”, one of the most significant pieces of jewelry featuring tourmalines from Mount Mica.
On the Crystal Structure and Crystal Chemistry of Pollucite, (Cs,Na)16Al16Si32O96.nH2O: A Natural Microporous Material of Interest in Nuclear Technology, G. Diego-Gatta, R. Rinaldi, G.J. McIntyre, G. Nénert, F. Bellatreccia, A. Guastoni, and G. Della-Ventura, American Mineralogist, Vol. 94, No. 11/12, pp. 1560-1568, (2009). A characterization study of the structure and crystal chemistry of pollucite.
Mineral Chemistry, Petrology and Geochemistry of the Sebago Granite-Pegmatite System, Southern Maine, USA, M.A. Wise and C.D. Brown, Journal of Geosciences, Vol. 55, No. 1, pp. 3-26, (2010). The authors discuss the relationships of pegmatites to the host Sebago granite pluton near Oxford, Maine.
Western Maine Mineral Adventures – Screen for Beryl Gems from Mount Mica, W. Safer, Rock & Gem, Vol. 41, No. 7, pp. 52-55, (2011). A collecting trip to Mount Mica to find gem tourmaline and beryl is described.
Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Evolution of Li-Al Micas and Feldspars from the Mount Mica Pegmatite, Maine, USA, K.L. Marchal, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster, K.L. Webber and E. Roda-Robles, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 221-233, (2014). The authors discuss the geochemical formation of his pegmatite which is being mined for gem tourmaline and other rare minerals.
Single-Crystal Neutron Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopic Study of Hydroxylherderite, CaBePO4(OH,F), G. Diego-Gatta, S.D. Jacobsen, P. Vignola, G.J. McIntyre, G. Nénert, F. Bellatreccia, A. Guastoni, and G. Della-Ventura, Mineralogical Magazine, Vol. 78, No. 3, pp. 723-737, (2014). Study of a specimen of this mineral from the Bennett pegmatite in Oxford County provides detailed information on its chemical composition and crystal structure.
Tourmaline as a Petrogenetic Monitor of the Origin and Evolution of the Berry-Havey Pegmatite (Maine, U.S.A.), E. Roda-Robles, W. Simmons, A. Pesquera, P. Gil-Crespo, J. Nizamoff and J. Torres-Ruiz, American Mineralogist, Vol. 100, No. 1, pp. 95-109, (2015). The abundance of tourmaline in many pegmatites combined with its complex crystal chemistry can provide a valuable tool to understand the sequence of mineral crystallization of pegmatite bodies.
Tourmaline from the Havey Quarry, Maine, USA, B.M. Laurs, Journal of Gemmology, Vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 394-395, (2015). Note on the discovery of a pocket of green tourmaline.
Bulk Composition of the Mt. Mica Pegmatite, Maine, USA: Implications for the Origin of an LCT-type Pegmatite by Anatexis, W. Simmons, A. Falster, K. Webber, E. Roda-Robles, A.P. Boudreaux, L.R. Grassi, G. Freeman, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 1053-1070, (2016). This pegmatite has been an important source of gem tourmaline for nearly 200 years. By careful mapping and sampling of the internal zonation structure, the authors were able to determine an approximate bulk composition of the pegmatite body. They concluded that the pegmatite did not form by fractional crystallization of a granitic magma, but was derived from the partial melting of metamorphosed clay-rich sediments.
Aquamarine from Stoneham and Vicinity, Oxford County, Maine, C.A. Francis, M. Felch, A.U. Falster, and D.A. Bailey, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 91, No. 1, pp. 28-33, (2016). A report on the discovery of aquamarines in pegmatites near Stoneham.
Geochronology and Tectonic Context of Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum Pegmatites in the Appalachians, D. Bradley, E. Shea, R. Buchwaldt, S. Bowring, J. Benowitz, P. O’Sullivan and A. McCauley, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 945-969, (2016). The authors review the tectonic setting of rare-element granitic pegmatites that occur at intervals along the Appalachian Mountains from Alabama in the USA to Nova Scotia in Canada.
Giant Spodumene and Montebrasite Crystals from the Plumbago North Pegmatite, Oxford County, Maine, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster, J.W. Nizamoff and G. Freeman, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 795-797, (2019). Description of a new pegmatite body on Plumbago Mountain that contains abundant lithium minerals.
Evidence for Internal Fractionation from Li Isotopes in Tourmaline and Mica in the Berry-Havey Rare-Element Pegmatite (Maine, USA), E. Roda-Robles, A. Pesquera-Pérez, W.B. Simmons, P.P. Gil-Crespo and A.U. Falster, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 779-782, (2019). A study of the isotope geochemistry of lithium during the pegmatite formation process.
Anatectic Pegmatites of the Oxford County Pegmatite Field, Maine, USA, K.L. Webber, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster and S.L. Hanson, Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 57, No. 5, pp. 811-815, (2019). While many granitic pegmatites appear to form by fractional crystallization of granitic magmas, others have no obvious connection to any nearby granite body. These anatectic pegmatites appear to originate by the melting or partial melting of preexisting metasedimentary or migmatitic rocks in the Earth’s crust. The occurrences of these pegmatites in Oxford County often contain a higher abundance of rare earth elements.
The Emmons Pegmatite, Greenwood, Oxford County, Maine, A.U. Falster, W.B. Simmons, K.L. Webber, D.A. Dallaire, J.W. Nizamoff and R.A. Sprague, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 94, No. 6, pp. 498-519, (2019). Description of a pegmatite that has been a prolific source of mineral specimens.
The Plumbago North Pegmatite, Maine, USA: A New Potential Lithium Resource, W.B. Simmons, A.U. Falster and G. Freeman, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 55, No. 7, pp. 1505-1510, (2020). Description of a recently discovered pegmatite on Plumbago Mountain, which could become a significantly new source of lithium ore based on the high content of spodumene.
The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, Bethel, Maine: A Hidden Gem in the Woods, P.K.M. Megaw, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 95, No. 2, pp. 128-141, (2020). Opened in 2019, this museum houses the finest collection of minerals, rocks, and meteorites in the state of Maine.
The Crystal Structure of Beryllonite from the Type Locality and Comparison with Isopointal Structures, A.M. Callegari, M. Boiocchi, M. Zema and S.C. Tarantino, Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie Abhandlungen, Vol. 197, No. 2, pp. 107-119, (2021). Using a sample from Stoneham, Maine, the crystal structure of beryllonite is re-evaluated based on high-resolution of X-ray diffraction data.
Garnet as an Indicator of Pegmatite Evolution: The Case Study of Pegmatites from the Oxford Pegmatite Field (Maine, USA), L. Hernandez-Filiberto, E. Roda-Robles, W.B. Simmons and K.L. Webber, Minerals, Vol. 11, No. 8, Article 802, (2021). In a study of granitic pegmatites in Oxford County, the authors discuss how the composition of garnets can provide an indication of the degree of chemical fractionation of pegmatite magmas during pegmatite crystallization.
The Roebling Apatite, Pulsifer Quarry, Androscoggin County, Maine, M.A. Wise and J.E. Post, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 97, No. 1, pp. 8-11, (2022). Description of a spectacular purple apatite specimen found in 1914 in a granitic pegmatite near the town of Auburn. Weighing just over 100 grams (500 ct), the crystal is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.
Large Almandine Crystals from Mt. Marie, Paris, Oxford County, Maine, M.I. Jacobsen, J.W. Nizamoff and D.P. Durgin, Rocks & Minerals, Vol. 98, No. 2, pp. 142-147, (2023). Sharply formed almandine crystals on matrix were first found at this locality in 2017.
Dr. James Shigley is a distinguished research fellow at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California.
