Berry Materials Corp. Quarry

North Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana, USA

Key Information

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The Berry Materials Corp. Quarry is in North Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana, USA, about 50 miles south of Indianapolis.
It is famous for golden calcite crystals, with other minerals like dolomite and pyrite also found.
The quarry lies in Devonian limestone, formed from ancient marine deposits, likely influencing crystal formation.
Mining started in the early 1900s, was later acquired by Berry Materials Corp. in the 1960s or 1970s, and seems inactive now.
North Vernon has a rich history with notable figures like Sarah T. Bolton and hosts events like the St. Mary Community Festival.
The climate is humid continental, with cold winters and hot, humid summers, and the area features fossil-rich limestone.

Geographic Location

The Berry Materials Corp. Quarry is located in North Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana, USA, approximately 50 miles south of Indianapolis and 100 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. This positioning places it in the southeastern part of the state, surrounded by a mix of agricultural fields and wooded areas, offering a picturesque setting for mineral enthusiasts.

Minerals Produced

The quarry is renowned for its golden calcite crystals, which are prized for their unique color and pseudo rhombic-dodecahedral shape. Other minerals found include dolomite, pyrite, sphalerite, apatite, and baryte, though calcite remains the highlight. The golden hue is likely due to impurities like iron or manganese, adding to their collectible appeal.

Geological Structure and Formation

Situated in the North Vernon Limestone and Jeffersonville Limestone, both Devonian sedimentary rocks, the quarry’s geology reflects ancient marine environments. These limestones formed from calcium carbonate deposits of marine organisms, with the golden calcite crystals possibly resulting from specific diagenetic or metamorphic processes within the limestone.

Mining History

Originally known as the Paul Frank Quarry, it began operations in the early 1900s and was acquired by Berry Materials Corp. in the 1960s or 1970s. Known for its high-quality calcite, the quarry appears to be inactive today, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable specimens for collectors.

Local Culture and Characteristics

North Vernon, with a population of around 6,608, boasts a rich cultural heritage, including historic districts and notable figures like poet Sarah T. Bolton and John C. New, a former U.S. Treasurer. The town hosts events like the St. Mary Community Festival and features parks like Tripton Park, enhancing its community vibe.

Climate and Ecology

The area experiences a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The surrounding ecology includes agricultural and forested lands, with the quarry’s limestone formations rich in Devonian fossils, such as corals and brachiopods, offering a glimpse into ancient marine life.