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Rockhounding in MaineRockhounding in Maine is a unique family adventure! Scour the Western Maine foothills for beautiful Maine gems!  Rockhounding in Maine offers a unique gem-hunting experience! MAINE MINERALOGY EXPEDITIONS, (MME)www.rocksme.biz We are the premier attraction in the greater Bethel area for rockhounds of all experience levels. Our main attraction is a four-hour guided tour of the famous Bumpus Mine where some of the world’s largest beryl crystals were found at the Bumpus in the late 1920’s. They were over twenty feet long and weighed many tons. Visitors (5 yrs and older) are treated to a basic introduction to local geology and mineralogy and a guided tour of two of the only mine tunnels in the area still permitting public access. Finally, visitors have an opportunity to dig in the mine tailings in search of mineral specimens including, feldspar, rose quartz, milky and smoky quartz, black tourmaline and beryl. It’s a great outdoor experience for history buffs, nature lovers, students and scouting groups who often take the tour to qualify for various academic and merit badge requirements. Visitors gather at BETHEL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES, (BOA) before noon departure for the Bumpus Mine in their own vehicles. Safety requirements must be obeyed at all times and visitors must be equipped with sturdy shoes, repellent, and their own comfort items. MME provides hard hats, lights, collection buckets, and hand tools. While the site is considered “easy access”, tunnels are not wheel chair accessible. The mine is remote, with the only “improvements” being the access road and a maintained Porta-Jon, pretty much the same as it was when mining operations ceased in the 1960’s. Take a look at our web site, (www.rocksme.biz) for pictures and comments from our guest experiences! Along with MME, two closely affiliated businesses provide a great menu of experiences that will make your visit to our area a truly memorable one. First, to compliment the experience with gems and native minerals is MT MANN JEWELERS. Owner, hard rock miner, gem cutter and jewelry designer Jim Mann has created an educational and eye-popping exposition that is sure to impress the whole family. He provides a fantastic display of native and worldwide mineral specimens in his Museum and the Crystal Cave. Jim completes the experience with local gems set in fine jewelry with a major wow factor. The knowledgeable staff at Mt Mann is well equipped to answer your questions. BETHEL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & CAMPGROUND, (BOA) is “home base” for MME and a mineral sluice under our “Big Top” tent. Rock Hounds can process buckets of great mine material from some of the best sources in western Maine. The SLUICE is a great fun and an educational experience for the entire family. The pictures on our web site tell the story and we’re sure you won’t go home empty handed. To round out the total experience, BOA provides a beautiful campground for RV’s and tenters, has kayak, canoe, drift boat and bicycle rentals, and they provide fishing adventures and guide services as well. Your visit with us is sure to provide adventure and it’s a natural compliment to the many outdoor activities available here. Learn something new and go home with some of natures beautiful treasures! For more information on features and tour reservations please call B.O.A. at (207) 824.4224 (800.533.3607) or Mt Mann at (207) 824.3030. Maine Mineral Adventures Ask about our 3-day Dig & Lodging packages with meals AT POLAND MINING CAMPS Opening May 21! Oma’s Attic filled with treasures, rocks and more! Jewelry maker on site, wire wrapping and stonecutting available. |
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