Celebrating The Big Find (Fifty Years Later) at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

Abstract

on the eastern slopes of Plumbago Mountain in Newry, Maine, the largest single discovery of gem-quality tourmaline in North America was unearthed—more than a ton in all. This discovery sent shockwaves throughout Maine and around the mineral world. Never had such a large quantity of world-class tourmaline been found from a single locality in North America. Located in the mountainous region of Oxford County, Plumbago Mountain has a long history of mineral exploration. The International Paper Company purchased the land in the late 1890s and leased it many times, presumably for mining and not for timber operations. The Dunton quarry was named after Hollis Dunton, one of the first to lease the property. Although Maine tourmaline was used by jewelry producers (most notably Tiffany & Co.) at the turn of the twentieth century, pegmatite mining in Maine was more focused on MAGGIE KROENKE Maine Mineral & Gem Museum 99 Main Street Bethel, Maine 04217 mkroenke@mainemineralmuseum.org