Mineral Hill Mine
Louisville, Carroll County, Maryland, USA
Key Information
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The Mineral Hill Mine is in Louisville, Carroll County, Maryland, near Liberty Lake reservoir, part of the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.
It produced iron, copper, and rare minerals like carrollite and siegenite, with a diverse mineral list including actinolite and malachite.
The geological setting is metamorphic, with ore in talc and amphibole-chlorite schist, reflecting complex geological processes.
Mining began during the American Revolution, later focused on copper, employed up to 100 miners, and is now abandoned.
The area has a rich Civil War history, with recreational trails today, and a temperate climate with diverse ecology around the reservoir.
Geographic Location
The Mineral Hill Mine is located less than a mile south of Louisville, in Carroll County, Maryland, USA, on the edge of the Liberty Lake reservoir. Carroll County is in the northern central part of Maryland, bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, and is part of the Baltimore Metropolitan Area, offering a blend of rural charm and suburban accessibility.
Minerals Produced
This mine is a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts, originally mined for iron (hematite) and later for copper. It also boasts a wide range of minerals, including rare finds like carrollite, siegenite, and violarite, alongside actinolite, amphibole, augite, biotite, bornite, brochantite, calcite, chalcopyrite, chrysocolla, epidote, gahnite, garnet, malachite, magnetite, pseudomalachite, quartz, serpentine, sphalerite, talc, and tremolite. These minerals, especially the uncommon ones, make it a must-visit for collectors.
Geological Structure
The mine’s geological setting is metamorphic, with the ore hosted in talc schist or amphibole-chlorite schist, and in one vein, quartz schist forms the hanging wall. This environment, with a 2.5-foot-thick hematite vein, showcases the region’s complex geological history, offering insights into how these minerals formed under intense pressure and heat.
Mining History
Mining at Mineral Hill began during the American Revolution, initially for iron, then shifted to copper, reaching depths over 400 feet and employing up to 100 miners at its peak. Now abandoned, its legacy lives on in the tailings piles, which are still accessible for exploration.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Carroll County, named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a Declaration of Independence signer, has a rich history, especially during the Civil War with divided loyalties and Gettysburg campaign involvement. Today, the area around the mine is a recreational hub, with trails for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, reflecting its cultural and historical depth.
Climate and Ecology
The region enjoys a temperate climate with four seasons, ideal for outdoor activities. The nearby Liberty Reservoir, part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supports diverse ecology, including forests, various fish species like bass and crappie, and is a popular spot for nature lovers.