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Songo Pond Mine
PO Box 864
Bethel, ME 04217
207/824-3898

Welcome to the Songo Pond Mine Web site!

This mine will be open to the public on a seasonal basis and gives you a chance to collect minerals and observe a small scale mining operation at the same time. Families and groups will want to call ahead to Songo Pond Gems in Bethel (207) 824-3898 since daily admission will be limited and hours vary with mining demands.

The mine is located on top of a hill overlooking Songo Pond. The mine tailings (dump area) will be open to collectors on a fee basis. Collectors may keep all pieces collected, with a limit of one pail (5 gal) per day.

The Songo Pond Mine is well known for producing beryl crystals of a very fine deep blue color. Gem Aquamarine has been mined since 1992 and a large variety of common and rare minerals have been documented since that time. Fluoro-apatite crystals, usually on a matrix of white albite feldspar, have been found in surprising abundance. These are sometimes found in association with brown siderite crystals ( up to 4 cm rhombohedrons) . Occasionally copper rich pyrites break down to redeposit as malachite layers, a rare mineral in N.E. pegmatites. In 2003 and 2004 almandine variety garnets were found in a matrix of schorl (black tourmaline). These have an odd metallic luster. Micro Apatites have been found in massive schorl, as well. Rare metallic crystals of rutile (Titanium Dioxide) have been found in pockets in 1993 and 2008. These crystals may be the largest ever found in Maine.

The 2010 season started on April 3 this year and these crystals were found in the dump . Adam & Jen found these beautiful Beryl crystals near some recent diggings by an excavator. The dump has been dug up with fresh material available. Blasting should start by the middle of May. We're looking forward to working hard this year!

Come Have Some Fun!!!