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Field CollectingAdvice Needed for Collecting Opportunities in Western Michigan

2nd Aug 2011 15:55 UTCScott Sadlocha

Before the end of summer, I will be spending some time in western Michigan, which happens to be a part of my state that I know very little about. I was hoping that some fellow Michigan experts could offer any advice on collecting opportunities, if any, in that area. The area I will be in is around Grand Haven, and I will be there about a week. I was hoping to be able to get some kind of collecting in, even if it is not a great opportunity, but I know that there is not much close by that is also open. I wouldn't be averse to driving a ways if I needed to, and making a small day trip out of it.

If anyone could offer suggestions, I would appreciate it a great deal. Thanks-

2nd Aug 2011 17:30 UTCTaylor Vergin

Unfortunately, this part of Michigan seems to be rather bland when it comes to collecting. The only idea that I would have for a collecting trip in this area would be some of the old gravel pits along Butterworth Street in Grand Rapids. Gypsum was mined in this area, so some alabaster and maybe selenite could turn up if you spent enough time there. I am in no way a Michigan expert, but if I was heading out to Grand Haven, looking for some collecting, that's where I would try to go. Also, I have never been to these locations myself, so I cant really say how accessible they are. But if you're willing to do some exploring in this area, who knows what you'll find.

I really wish I could give you some better advice, but the western side of Michigan is probably the most boring area of Michigan for collecting. Anyway, good luck on your trip and have fun!

Taylor Vergin

3rd Aug 2011 01:46 UTCScott Sadlocha

Thanks Taylor. I know there isn't a lot around there, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask. I guess I can just do some exploring, even if I don't find much. I know that there was a ton of gypsum mining in the Grand Rapids area, but I didn't think anything was still open. I can look into some of it though. Maybe I will get lucky and find something available somewhere.

3rd Aug 2011 04:16 UTCmike reinke

Scott,

Have you done much beach-combing? I'm near the west shore of lk michigan, where it is all 'burbs, so rockhounding gets pretty desperate. In about 20-25 hours of perusing the Zion Il- Kenosha Wi. beaches, I've found a few pieces I like,( but as mentioned, desperate!) One 2x5x3/4 in. pc that is 1/2 in. granite, the other side looks like jade to me. Some hematite attached to another rock, some puddingstones nice enough, I had 'em wire wrapped. I haven't been to the other side of Mich-, so I don't know what washes up there. It is especially nice in cold weather, you have a mile of shore to yourself. Also, on the big rip rap I've chipped off, or at least admired, some cool pyrites w/ probably other metal sulfides mixed in.

Just some thoughts...

Mike

3rd Aug 2011 04:49 UTCDana Slaughter 🌟 Expert

Hi Scott,

There are some fine septarian nodules that can be collected on the beaches near Glenn. Gravel pits are always hit and miss in the Grand Rapids area but you can find fossils and occasional "Indian paint pots"---these are quite distinctive with their rich coloration. The east side of Indian Mounds Drive as you head north from Grandville to Grand Rapids (follows the Grand River) will sometimes give up some gypsum. I know that Domtar and Georgia Pacific would sometimes dump massive gypsum along the road in places. The creeks in Grandville (especially off Kenowa St/Dr/Rd) will yield some decent fossils and some beautiful orange gypsum. Just find an area and wade up- and downstream (the water is generally low and clear enough to see material on the bottom) from the road---I've found gorgeous orange gypsum here in the past.

You may be able to hit the Michigan Natural Storage mine (name may have changed due to ownership changes) on Judd Avenue in Wyoming--a SW suburb of Grand Rapids and my old hometown. They allow collecting on Saturdays for a small fee and one can always find fossil shark coprolites and all manners of gypsum, including some fabulous crystals (these are tough to find now and very difficult to extract). Also, in Bellevue is the abandoned Cheney quarry where you will be able to find calcite, glauconite, marcasite and pyrite and with any luck some baryte. It is a very shallow quarry and portions of it may be flooded but I would be shocked it one couldn't drive in and find some decent specimens. The newer quarry in Bellevue is off limits to my knowledge. There are also a few fossils here---mostly corals.

In short, West Michigan is not a hotbed for mineral specimens as there is virtually no exposed bedrock. The Cheney quarry is perhaps the closest area where rock is available to work on, etc. though bedrock comes very close to the surface in parts of Grandville. Toward Lansing is the famous fossil site at Lincoln Brick Park at Grand Ledge---you'll need permission to collect here but there are some marvelous plant fossils here. The gravel pits are always interesting as one never knows what one will find and I've found pyrite nodules, marvelous "Indian Paint Pots", the occasional artifact and agate, lots of loose fossils (brachiopods, bryozoans, corals, crinoids and sponges mostly). Some of the most overlooked items are the glacially polished and scratched cobbles, etc. that can be found in gravel pits and in rock piles in farm fields. Some of these are quite nice.

Good luck!

4th Aug 2011 21:55 UTCScott Sadlocha

Wow, thanks a ton Dana. That is a heck of a lot of information, and should help me to find something interesting to do while I am there. I like the idea of finding some orange gypsum around the streams and will probably be giving that a try, as long as I can find somewhere to park and look around. It looks like Michigan Natural Storage only allows limited collecting to clubs now, so that is probably not possible. I have been wanting to get my hands on a decent septarian nodule for quite a while, so I will definitely give that a try.

Do you happen to have more specifics on the abandoned quarry in Bellevue? I was looking at some satellite shots, and there are a few quarries located on the southwest part of the city off Sand Rd., but they look somewhat active. However, it looks like there might be remnants of one in the northwest corner of the city, off Pease Rd, and I am wondering if this might be the one you are referencing.

Thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it.

5th Aug 2011 02:02 UTCDana Slaughter 🌟 Expert

Hi Scott,

Yes, it is the abandoned quarry on the west side of Pease Road. The lake on the other side is a filled quarry. The last time I visited the Cheney quarry one could drive right into the quarry (the shallowest you'll ever see). Just start poking around--most of the mineralization occurs as veins/seams in the limestone with calcite and pyrite being very common. The best baryte crystals that I've found have been in the quarry floor and measure to about 5cm and are colorless to light pink. These occur in small vugs (generally the intersection of seams) in the limestone. The green glauconite is rather nondescript but occasionally you'll find glauconized brachiopod fossils with the brachs being greenish due to the glauconite. It is also founds as thin coatings on nodules within the limestone.

Just south of Wedgewood Park on Wilson Avenue in Grandville is Buck Creek. You can enter the creek at the park and head in either direction. Former gypsum quarries were operated just to the west so that should be a good direction to start. I've waded the creek (at no point in my searches did the water ever become too deep) and have found some good material this way. Also, be certain to check any cleared lots (housing construction, etc.) as some of the gypsum can be found here as well. The color is really very pleasing and I've found chunks to a couple of pounds in the past. Of course, I haven't been in those creeks for some time so who knows if you'll find anything...just like all mineral hunts I guess. I've also found painted turtles and snakes here so keep your eyes open and you may lucky to snag one for a bit before letting it go.

Some of the gravel pits near GVSU (where I once took geology/mineralogy courses) are good for fossils and contain a few of those Indian Paint Pots. GVSU has an excellent and vibrant Geology Department and some decent displays of minerals, etc. on campus (as with most displays, labeling errors are too frequent).

If you get a chance, stop by Robinette's Cider Mill on 4 Mile Road for the best cider you'll ever taste! They make it in the Fall but freeze it so that it can be sold throughout the year. It's best to go in the Fall but you won't be disappointed. Great bakery items too!

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