Maybee

Mindat.org

Exeter Township, Monroe County, Michigan, USA

Loading...

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

  • Maybee, in Exeter Township, Monroe County, Michigan, USA, is a small village known for its mineral-rich quarry, especially for blue Celestine and large Sulphur crystals.

  • The quarry produces Calcite, Celestine, Fluorite, Gypsum, Pyrite, Strontianite, and Sulphur, with Celestine and Sulphur being particularly notable for collectors.

  • It is a limestone quarry, likely formed from ancient marine deposits, with minerals possibly created by hydrothermal activity.

  • Mining has been active for decades, currently owned by Stoneco, and is popular among Midwest collectors.

  • The village has a rural, historic charm with events like the Maybee Day Festival, and a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers.

Geographic Location

Maybee is a quaint village in Exeter Township, Monroe County, Michigan, USA, located about 10 miles northwest of Monroe and 9 miles northeast of Dundee. This places it in southeastern Michigan, near the Great Lakes, with coordinates around 42° N, 83° W. Its rural setting makes it a peaceful spot for mineral enthusiasts, with nearby Dundee and Monroe offering additional amenities.

Minerals Produced

The Maybee Quarry is famous for its mineral diversity, including:

  • Calcite (CaCO₃)
  • Celestine (SrSO₄), notable for blue tabular crystals up to 20 cm
  • Fluorite (CaF₂)
  • Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O), including Selenite variety
  • Pyrite (FeS₂)
  • Strontianite (SrCO₃)
  • Sulphur (S₈), with crystals up to 15 cm

These, especially the vibrant Celestine and large Sulphur, are highly sought after by collectors.

Geological Structure

The quarry is a limestone formation, likely from ancient marine deposits, suggesting a past underwater environment. Minerals may have formed through hydrothermal activity within these layers, adding to the area's geological interest.

Mining History

Known historically as Scofield Quarry and others, the Maybee Quarry has been a collector favorite for 30 years. Formerly owned by Michigan Stone and Supply Co., it is now operated by Stoneco, continuing to supply both industrial materials and mineral specimens.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Maybee is a small, tight-knit community with a historic village hall from 1912, now a sheriff's substation. Established in the 1870s, it grew with the charcoal industry and railroad. The Maybee Day Festival celebrates local heritage with parades and crafts, reflecting its rural charm.

Climate and Ecology

Maybee has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters (temperatures in the 20s to 30s F) and warm summers (70s to 80s F). Its rural landscape, with farms and natural areas, supports outdoor activities, tying into the region's geological history.

Citations

Wikipedia