FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[rcollar]

Hi everyone!

I am planning on visiting the Champion Andalusite Mine in Mono County, CA with my dad and uncle before I head off to college this fall. I have checked out different articles and websites online regarding the mine, but because I don't have many connections to experienced collectors, I was hoping to gather some advice for the trip! I know that the road up to the trailhead is a bit dangerous, would something like a Honda pilot make the trip? And would taking the upper or lower trail to the black eagle camp make more sense? In regards to collecting, any suggestions would be great, especially regarding signs of good material (i.e. rutile, lazulite, woodhouseite), techniques of working the rock, difficulty getting specimens down the mountain, etc. I am from the San Francisco Bay Area, so if anyone has any suggestions of knowledgeable collectors in the area to contact, please let me know. Also, any suggestions for alternate collecting areas in the Owens Valley, in case the Champion Mine doesn't work out, would be great! Thank you!

Thanks, Robert Collar

[David Fryauff]

Robert:

If you have not done so already, check into BAM -- Bay Area Mineralogists.

They operate an excellent website & comprise a group of interesting & very knowledgeable people who know CA collecting sites & mines pretty well.

....Champion Mine in Mono Co. may be a bit out of their neighborhood but check it out.

Is that area under BLM? The County BLM office can give you good information about their roads.

Good luck....great site for rutile & pyrophyllite.

David