John Betts - Fine Minerals > Home Page > Mineral Collecting Field Trips > Roxbury, Connecticut |
This web page is provided as a resource to mineral
collectors.
Recent collecting indicates this site is still open to collectors.
John Betts does not own the collecting site.
Description: Greens Farm Garnet Mine is an old, classic location. Large almandine garnet crystals to 1" across can be found in both hard rock or loose in the soil. The old mine dumps are also scattered around the woods and provide loose crystals without much work. The garnet is a dark wine red to black color, and commonly dodecahedral crystals in a schist matrix. Much of the matrix is very soft, but the best garnets are found in the harder schist. The mine is located in a rural area of northwest Ct. and is an enjoyable drive from the city.
Minerals: Almandine Garnet, Staurolite
Bring: Hand tools, prybars, sledge hammers, insect repellent, food and water
Directions: From Manhattan, take the Saw Mill River Parkway or Interstate 684 North to Brewster. Then get on Interstate 84 East to Route 7 North. Take Route 7 to Brookfield and turn right on Route 25 South. Follow Route 25 for about a mile to Brookfield Center and turn left on Route 133 North. Follow Route 133 for about 6 miles, before you reach Bridgewater, as you go up a small hill, look for Stuart Rd. on you right. Turn on Stuart Rd. (East) and follow it, it may turn into Treat Rd. or Minor Bridge Rd.. After it crosses the Shephaug River it will come to a "T". Go right to Roxbury Falls (a small group of building with River Rd. branching off to the right). Stay left through Roxbury Falls, as the road turns left and goes up a hill you will see Perkins Rd. on your left. Turn on Perkins Rd., take it all the way around a left curve. Do not turn right after the left curve (this is Garnet Road, but it does not take you to any!). Perkins Rd. becomes unpaved and then shortly after terminates at a gate posted with no trespassing signs. Do not park here; the collecting site is actually beyond the house and yard you can see to your right. Turn right (north) into the driveway and you can park along the driveway and pay the owners the $2.00 fee. If nobody is home, leave the fee under the door mat.
The collecting area is immediately to the north from the parking area. Follow an obvious path straight down the driveway, past the house, and through a small clearing in the trees. The mine workings are quite extensive.
Fees: $2.00 per person.
 |
Sample Minerals from this location: Almandine Garnet, Garnet2
Unfortunately, the status of mineral collecting sites change often. Inclusion in this site does not give an individual the right to trespass. If the land owner is present ALWAYS ASK PERMISSION prior to entering a collecting location. ALWAYS RESPECT THE PROPERTY OWNER, you are his guest. When in doubt, do not enter.
© 2002 by John H. Betts - All Rights
Reserved
John Betts - Fine Minerals Home Page
Click here for
Minerals For Sale
Order Form - Customer Comments - Galleries - Articles - Purchase Info - Shows - Home - Email me...