By the early 1900s, the practice ceased-there just wasn’t enough of the mineral to be profitable. in 1861.Īfter the Civil War, gold was mined for a time, but unlike the gold fields on the West Coast, Maryland’s gold rush never amounted to much. Gold was first discovered here in the late 1830s, then re-discovered by a Union soldier north of Washington, D.C. Maryland lies at the northern point of an East Coast gold belt that extends southward to Georgia and is mostly associated with the ancient metamorphic rocks of the Piedmont Plateau. Therefore, removal of rocks and minerals is prohibited in all Maryland state parks, natural resources management areas, state battlefields, rail trails and other state-managed lands.įederal and local governments may also have restrictions, so always check the rules before you search.Ĭhromite courtesy of Chromite Weinrich Minerals, Inc Public lands are completely off-limits to help protect our shared natural resources. Less busy roads are all right, but always watch for vehicles and wear brightly colored clothing. Collecting is prohibited-and generally unsafe-along major roadways. You may collect on privately owned lands, provided you have consent from the owner. The most important thing to have on hand is information on where you can or can’t conduct your search safely and legally. To get started, you’ll need some tools: a rock hammer and magnifying glass, a notebook, eye protection, geology references, sample bags and a backpack if you plan to collect. It’s a hobby anyone can begin simply by exploring within their own backyard, then expanding to the neighborhood and beyond. Rockhounding: it’s a passion shared by amateur geologists who hunt for and collect rocks and minerals out in the wild for their study and enjoyment.
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