Ruggles Mine - Grafton, NH
Posted by: 
CayenneTS
N 43° 32.900 W 071° 53.365
19T E 266588 N 4825765
While mostly an open pit mine, there are also giant rooms and tunnels with arched ceilings to explore at your leisure.
Waymark Code: WM5G10
Location: New Hampshire, United States
Date Posted: 01/02/2009
Views: 29
The Ruggles Mine, in Grafton N.H., is part of the Littleton Formation and has a rich mining and geological history. It is the oldest and largest mine of its kind in the United States. Minerals such as Mica, Feldspar, Beryl, and Uranium were mined at Ruggles for 175 years.
For 40 years visitors have been able to come and experience a part of this geologic and mining history. When entering the mine today one can still see where the feldspar and mica of the pegmatite connects to schist of the Littleton formation. One can witness the tremendous forces of the earths folding by observing the layers of schist that stand vertically above the pegmatite. The collecting of minerals is permitted at the Ruggles Mine, one can take home pieces of this history. Exploring the enormous caverns and tunnels provides insight into an event that took place 350,000,000 years ago. A visit to Ruggles provides insight into an important part of mining and geologic history.
Mine Type: Tourist Mine
Mineral Collecting: Yes
Material Mined: Other - Specify in long description
Operation: Opencast Mine
Surface Features: Yes
KNOWN DANGERS:
None
Any associated website: [Web Link]
Any Other information:
There is a gift shop at the mine.
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Visit Instructions:
Optional photograph welcomed.