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TRIP: The history of Birmingham is intertwined with the history of iron processing in Alabama. Sloss Furnaces is a unique glimpse into both histories. The furnaces operated continuously from 1882 to 1970. The site has been preserved and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1981. Park contains relics of past mining operations including multiple iron ore mines.
SLOSS FURNACES TOUR: Field trip attendees received a special guided tour to learn about the materials, processes, and products at Sloss Furnaces. COLLECTING: Attendees got a piece of slag from the iron processing at Sloss Furnaces.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
ALABAMA
TRIP: This was the first GMS trip to a private gravel location. Though there was some collecting, this was primarily a geological education trip. A company geologist told us about the fascinating geology of the area and answered questions about the geology as well as the uses of the gravel.
COLLECTING: Gravel included jasper, agate, oolitic material, and petrified wood. Jaspers were mostly black, brown, and some pink. The agate had fortifications, but did not have much color. Most of the oolitic material had good contrast between ooids and matrix. The petrified wood ranged from gravel size up to one foot or so.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Clarkesville, GA
TRIP: This location is known for some distinctive kyanite. It is a private location and has been closed for a few years.
COLLECTING: Kyanite blades and cobbles. Specimens ranged from blue-gray to pale blue. Graphite in the kyanite causes the distinctive color of the kyanite here and larger specimens contain vugs of graphite.
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