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GeneralDana locale - Austinville, Va

25th Mar 2018 19:38 UTCChris DeGrave Expert

The Eighth edition from 1997 lists Austinville, Va as a producer of Cerussite. I don't see much detail on Mindat about it being a notable producer. Does anyone know more about the mines in the area and if there is any place available to go collecting? What was the basis for calling out this site in the book?

Thank you,

Chris DeGrave

25th Mar 2018 20:14 UTCKevin Conroy Manager

Hi Chris,

A little info: https://thediggings.com/mines/usgs10088538

another one

more

this one has photos

25th Mar 2018 20:23 UTCDavid Von Bargen Manager

It actually goes back to at least the 4th edition in 1850's where it is listed as occurring in fine crystals. This was before the major mines opened up in the West and produced better specimens. A lot of the localities have been retained over the various editions even though better localities were subsequently found.

25th Mar 2018 20:39 UTCChris DeGrave Expert

Thank you Kevin and David. That does explain it. Anyone know of any dumps in the area to explore?

7th Jul 2018 18:34 UTCRocky Mineralowicz

Howdy Chris,

I live in the area and have been to one of the mines in Austinville. They were finishing some reclaimation work which entailed laying plastic down along the bottom and covering it with gravel. They were then smoothing the sides and planting some grass. There was still much bare territory. I looked along the surface but did not do any digging. I did not find anything of interests but then again I am new to this hobby and am not sure for what I was looking. It is located at the intersection of Lead Mine Rd (69) and Loafers Rest Rd. (636). It is easily accessible and not posted.

The other section of the mine looks to be inaccessible and is behind a limestone operation. I will do some asking around and see if I can get any further info.

RM