Belvidere Mountain Quarries
Lowell & Eden, Orleans & Lamoille Cos., Vermont, USA
Key Information
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Belvidere Mountain Quarries, in Lowell and Eden, Vermont, USA, are located in the Green Mountains, near the Missisquoi and Lamoille Rivers, about 6 miles from Eden Mills and Belvidere villages.
The site is famous for grossular garnet (Vermont State Gem) and vesuvianite, with over 40 rock-forming minerals, including uncommon ones like antigorite and lizardite.
The geology features ultramafic rocks, mainly serpentinite and dunite, formed through serpentinization processes.
Mining began in 1899, peaked in the 1960s with 3500 tons daily, and closed in 1993 due to health concerns, leaving 30 million tons of tailings.
The area supports unique plant communities due to magnesium-rich rocks, and scientists study CO2 sequestration here, connecting to local ecology.
Unexpectedly, the mine was a community hub, employing 325 people and running 364 days a year, pausing only for Christmas, reflecting its cultural impact.
Geographic Location
Tucked away in the rugged Green Mountains of Vermont, Belvidere Mountain Quarries span Lowell and Eden, in Orleans and Lamoille Counties, USA. This remote site, about 6 miles from the villages of Eden Mills to the south and Belvidere to the west-southwest, rises to a summit of 3360 feet. It’s part of New England’s northern Appalachians, with dramatic ridges and valleys shaped by the nearby Missisquoi and Lamoille Rivers, making it a scenic spot for hikers on the Long Trail.
Minerals Produced
For mineral enthusiasts, Belvidere is a gem, literally, as it’s home to grossular garnet, the Vermont State Gem, and striking vesuvianite crystals with gemmy green hues. You’ll also find diopside, hessonite garnets, and rarer minerals like antigorite and lizardite, alongside over 40 rock-forming types, including talc, calcite, and epidote. These uncommon finds, especially the vibrant grossular and vesuvianite, make it a collector’s paradise.
Geological Structure
The quarries sit on ultramafic rocks, part of an ancient ophiolite belt, with serpentinite and dunite dominating. These metamorphic rocks formed through serpentinization, a process where deep-earth rocks transformed under heat and pressure, creating the perfect cradle for the minerals enthusiasts seek.
Mining History
Mining kicked off in 1899 with the discovery of asbestos, and by the 1960s, it was a powerhouse, extracting 3500 tons of ore daily. At its peak in the 1940s, it produced 90% of U.S. asbestos, employing 325 people who worked tirelessly, 364 days a year, pausing only for Christmas. The Ruberoid Company took over in 1936, but health concerns led to its closure in 1993, leaving behind 30 million tons of tailings—a testament to its industrial scale.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Belvidere wasn’t just a mine; it was the heart of the community, especially in the Northeast Kingdom, where it shaped local life. Its non-stop operations, except for Christmas, reflect a tight-knit culture tied to the land. Today, hikers on the Long Trail and collectors exploring the site keep its legacy alive, while its magnesium-rich rocks connect to local ecology and scientific interest.
Climate and Ecology
The area’s high magnesium, iron, and calcium-rich rocks support unique plant communities, drawing ecologists to study their adaptations. Scientists are also exploring CO2 sequestration using these ultramafic rocks, linking the site’s geology to modern environmental efforts, making it a fascinating blend of nature and innovation.