Talc
specimen number:
2262300
location:
Dexter Quarry, Providence Co., Rhode Island, USA
description: The Dexter quarry, located in Lincoln, Providence County, Rhode Island, was a historic open-cut quarrying operation famous for its diverse metamorphic and hydrothermal mineral suite. Geologically, the quarry is situated within the Precambrian-age Blackstone Group, specifically exploiting a massive, localized lens of highly crystalline limestone and marble flanked by greenstone and chlorite schists. Intense regional metamorphism and subsequent hydrothermal fluid circulation altered the original carbonate strata, precipitating a complex variety of minerals including prominent crystallizations of calcite, dolomite, quartz, tremolite, and pyrite within the sheared marble matrix. Historically, lime quarrying and burning at the site began as early as 1661 under Gregory Dexter, establishing it as one of the earliest colonial industrial mineral operations in New England. Systematic surface quarrying and commercial processing of lime for mortar and agricultural use continued across multiple generations under the Conklin Limestone Company and other operators, sustaining nearly continuous production for three centuries. Commercial extraction eventually wound down in the mid-twentieth century as localized high-purity reserves neared exhaustion and modern industrial operations shifted elsewhere, leading to the permanent cessation of all quarrying activities at the site by the 1960s. Ward's Natural Science Establishment, located in Rochester, New York, is one of the oldest and most influential scientific supply houses and mineral dealerships in United States history. Founded in 1862 by Henry Augustus Ward, a prominent professor of natural sciences at the University of Rochester, the institution began as a specialized studio to create, preserve, and distribute high-quality geological collections, taxidermy, and anatomical models for museums and universities. Geologically and mineralogically, the company became a primary global conduit for classic mineral specimens, systematically sourcing, cataloging, and distributing rare and aesthetic reference pieces from important international discoveries throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. Historically, the business operated out of its iconic, sprawling College Avenue complex from 1869 until a devastating fire destroyed a large portion of its inventory and historical archives in 1930, prompting a relocation to its modern facilities on Ridge Road. The establishment played a foundational role in professionalizing American museum curation, serving as a training ground for legendary museum builders, and establishing standardized mineral kits that educated generations of geologists.
A large colorless mass of talc. Good old time specimen, this comes with a previous label from Ward's Natural Science Establishment. This is shown at the end of the video.
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