Standard Slag Quarry

Mindat.org

Adams County, Ohio, USA

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Key Information

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  • The Standard Slag Quarry is located in Adams County, Ohio, USA, near Peebles, in a rural area known for its scenic farmlands and the Serpent Mound.

  • It produces Sphalerite, a zinc ore, along with Dolomite and Marcasite, with Sphalerite being notable in the Serpent Mound zinc district.

  • The quarry is in Silurian-aged Peebles Dolomite, with Sphalerite likely formed through hydrothermal or diagenetic processes.

  • It was operated by the Standard Slag Company, active from the mid-to-late 20th century into recent times.

  • The area has a small-town culture, highlighted by the Serpent Mound and historical Chautauqua events, with a temperate climate and rural ecology.

Location and Geography

The Standard Slag Quarry is nestled in Adams County, Ohio, near the town of Peebles, at approximately 38.9487° N, 83.4063° W (Mindat). This rural area is characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and the scenic influence of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a tranquil setting for mineral exploration.

Minerals and Geology

The quarry is renowned for Sphalerite, a zinc ore, which is a key mineral in the Serpent Mound zinc district, along with Dolomite and Marcasite (Ohio History Central). It is situated in the Silurian-aged Peebles Dolomite, suggesting that Sphalerite formed through hydrothermal or diagenetic processes within this ancient rock layer, reflecting the region's geological history.

Mining and History

Operated by the Standard Slag Company, the quarry's activity spans from the mid-to-late 20th century into recent times, as evidenced by mineral specimens from the 2010s (Mindat). While specific historical details are limited, it has been a significant site for mineral extraction, contributing to the region's industrial heritage.

Culture and Climate

The local culture around Peebles is deeply rooted in its rural charm, with the Serpent Mound, a prehistoric earthwork, being a cultural landmark (Touring Ohio). Historical Chautauqua events highlight a tradition of cultural enrichment. Adams County enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, enhancing its appeal for outdoor activities and supporting a diverse rural ecology.

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