Collins Hill

Collins Hill is an elongated hill in Portland, Connecticut, approximately 15 miles south of Hartford and near the Connecticut River. It measures about 1 mile north-south and 0.4 miles east-west, with coordinates around 41° 35' 22'' North, 72° 35' 27'' West. The town is known for its rich mineral resources, making it a notable spot for enthusiasts.

This locality is famous for a diverse range of minerals, including gem-quality beryl varieties like aquamarine and morganite, phosphates such as brazilianite and augelite, and ores like columbite and cassiterite. Other minerals include fluorapatite, galena, sphalerite, and rare wodginite, offering a treasure trove for collectors.

Collins Hill is part of the Ordovician Collins Hill Formation, composed of metamorphic rocks like schist, quartzite, and calc-silicate rock. Pegmatites intruding these rocks are responsible for the rich mineral deposits, providing a geological setting that has fascinated researchers.

Mining at Collins Hill, particularly at the Strickland Quarry, began around 1840, with significant operations from 1904 to 1954. It produced feldspar, mica, quartz, beryl, and gemstones, but is now flooded and closed to collecting, marking the end of an era for this site.

Portland, nicknamed "Quarrytown," has a deep connection to its quarrying history, especially for brownstone and pegmatite minerals. This heritage has made it a hub for mineral collectors and researchers, with ties to scientific advancements like radiometric dating through columbite.

Portland has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers, experiencing snowfall in winter months. While specific ecological impacts from past mining are not detailed, it seems likely that activities at Collins Hill affected local ecosystems, potentially altering landscapes and water quality, though current recovery details are limited.