Tremolite

specimen number:
2062126

location:
Metronite Quarry, Dickinson Co., Michigan, USA

description:
Lustrous striated slightly translucent green prismatic crystals of tremolite to 4.0 cm in length embedded up on matrix. Good example for the species from this area, collected August 28, 1997.

The Metronite Quarry, located near Felch in Dickinson County, Michigan, was a notable industrial operation focused on the extraction of high-quality white marble and dolomite. Geologically, the quarry exploited the Randville Dolomite, a Paleoproterozoic formation that underwent significant regional metamorphism, resulting in a crystalline, sugary-textured marble. This metamorphic environment also facilitated the growth of various accessory minerals, making the site a popular destination for mineral collectors seeking tremolite, actinolite, and even small amounts of copper-bearing minerals. Historically, the Metronite Company began significant operations at the site in the early 1900s, with a primary focus on producing ground marble for industrial fillers and paint pigments. The quarry remained active through much of the mid-20th century, with peak production occurring during the 1930s and 1940s. Although large-scale commercial mining eventually ceased, the quarry remains a classic Michigan locality known for its stark white rock and the distinct mineral specimens found within its metamorphic layers.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.