Interstate 84 (I-84; I-86; State Route 15; Wilbur Cross Highway), Union, Tolland Co., Connecticut, USA

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Started in 1940 and originally called the Wilbur Cross Highway (Route 15), then after 1970 Interstate I-86, and finally Interstate I-84, road construction uncovered minerals described from unspecified locations by Bartsch (1940) (coordinates are arbitrarily set for the intersection of I-84 and state Route 190):

"A considerable amount of blasting of outcropping ledges has been completed with still more to be done. Much interesting material is thus being exposed. Most of the rock consists of schists containing a large amount of poorly formed pinkish garnet and an equally large amount of pyrite. This latter mineral causes a rapid disintegration of the material on exposure. A large amount of limonite is being formed which can be seen filling seams up to 1/2 inch in thickness.

"There are, however, some interesting minerals to be found here. Oligoclase in rather large plates, translucent and in some cases nearly transparent, of a greenish color, is to be found in excellent specimens. One cavity with prehnite and calcite xls was secured. A vein of limestone produced an interesting find—coarse granular calcite containing crystals of pyroxene which are partially absorbed giving them a rounded appearance. A quick glance gave the impression of franklinite grains in calcite from Franklin, N. J. Several specimens of sphene were also found in the vein, as well as some amethyst."

Mineral List

Albite Calcite 'Garnet'

Goethite Prehnite Pyrite

'Pyroxene Group' Quartz var: Amethyst Titanite

9 entries listed. 6 valid minerals.

References