Ruggles Mine - Page 2© Christina Coruth
Page 2
Jun 15, 2002
Exploring the tunnels is just as much fun as mining; these tunnels are huge. When standing at the top of the pit looking down, people look like ants next to the tunnel openings. You get the feeling you've been transported back to a prehistoric time. That's not surprising since these formations are 350 million years old. Inside the tunnels, natural springs have created crystal clear pools of water. The sounds of hammers chinking away at the rocks reverberate throughout the tunnels. Other miners search the ground for loose mineral treasures. Keep in mind that you have to carry your loot back up to your car without the help of any kind of conveyance. While some people stuff their pockets or make slings by holding out their shirts, it seems wisest to bring a plastic bag.
What are these pockets, shirts and plastic bags filled with? Any of 150 different minerals, which include amethyst, beryl, feldspar, garnet, mica, rose quartz, and topaz crystals. Another mineral found at the mine is uranium that fluoresces under a black light. You can see this for yourself. The folks at Ruggles mine have set up a black light in an area containing uranium. It's quite a sight to see! When you reach the end of the tunnels, take a minute to rest and enjoy the view that extends for miles on a clear day of forested land, valleys, and distant mountains such as Ragged, Kearsarge, and Cardigan. It is breathtaking! Happy mining! The Particulars
Admission is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for children aged four years to 11. Children under four are admitted free. Ruggles mine opens for the season on weekends beginning in mid-May until mid-June. It is open daily from mid-June until the season ends in mid-October. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except in July and August, when the hours are extended to 6 p.m. The last admission ticket is sold one hour before closing. There is a snack bar and a gift shop on the premises. Ruggles Mine is located off Route 4 at the Village Green in Grafton. For more information call (603) 523-4275 References:
Ruggles Mine last accessed 6/14/02
http://www.rugglesmine.com
WMURTV "Chronicle" originally broadcast 5/22/02
Photos by Mariah Coruth
Websites:
Tozour Family's Fluorescent Rocks Page 16
See photos of fluorescent rocks under a black light
Ruggles Mine Gift shop
Photos of some of the unique gifts available at the shop.
Ruggles Mine Minerals
A listing of many of the minerals at the mine. Some are hotlinked to photos and information about
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In response to message posted by AnneWatkins:
Hi Anne,I love amethyst, too. It's a fitting stone for your precious Bailey Bug!
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In response to message posted by Fort_Spunky:
Hi Linda,I'm glad you are not in the area of flooding. I thought I remembered that ...
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Hi Tina,Oh, I would love to visit the mine and pick up some pieces of amethyst! That's Bailey's birthstone and I'm sure Laura would love some chunks of real, unpolished amethyst mined by hand. I k ...
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In response to message posted by Tina_Coruth:
Hi Tina,Glad to hear you've had some relief in your weather; even if it is just a ...
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In response to message posted by earlytimes:
Hi Earl,
We came close to 100 degrees, but not quite! The humidity was awful. Ruggles i ...
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