Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area

The Deer Hill amethyst locality is a pegmatite of granitic composition. The term pegmatite simply means the individual mineral grains are relatively large; upwards of 3-5 cm., where as in granite the average individual grain size is much smaller. The Deer Hill location has produced a large amount of amethyst (purple quartz) along with many other minerals, including feldspars of many varieties, beryl, garnet, columbite, pyrite, and muscovite. The collecting area on Deer Hill is located on the southeast side of the hill where you can dig through glacial sediments under the surficial deposits.

At a Glance

Permit Info:	A mineral collection permit is required to collect mineral specimens from the Deer Hill Site No fee required for permit. Permits are valid for 1 day at one mineral collecting site. Permits can be obtained at the trailhead. Please read and comply with the conditions stated on the permit.
Closest Towns:	Stow, Maine
Information Center:	Saco Ranger District Office

General Information

Directions:

From Rte. 113 in Stow, Maine turn right onto Deer Hill Rd (FR9). Follow Deer Hill Road 2.2 miles to the Deer Hill Mineral Site trailhead.

From the trailhead, follow the yellow blazed hiking trail 0.1 miles to a fork in the trail. Bear right for 0.4 miles to permit area 1, bear left for 0.4 miles to permit area 2.

General Notes:

Mineral Collecting Tips

For best results, use a shovel and a sifting screen to find amethyst crystals located in the sandy soil. Bring newspaper or baggies for specimens collected, and a field guide for rocks and minerals.