SVGMS Field Trip - Willis Mountain 2013

Willis Mountain, September 2013 [Contributed by & used with permission of Calvin Phillips]

Willis Mountain is what's known as a monadnock. The kyanite exposure resisted weathering and, as the surrounding area was eroded and weathered away, the mountain outcrop was left standing. This is very much like the famous Graves Mountain kyanite mine in Georgia. The center of the mountain has been mostly mined away.

We should be able to find plenty of white kyanite blades in the massive kyanite quartzite; pyrite; quartz; hematite with some iridescent, red mica and possibly some blue kyanite and pale green trolleite. Some of the white kyanite here fluoresces a beautiful light blue as well as some of the quartz. East Ridge is rather new but the finds are slightly different but very impressive. Rutile has been found here in the past.

Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society

May The The Quartz Be With You!

SVGMS Field Trip - Willis Mountain 2013