Where to Find Feldspar in Maine

Maine feldspar is a defining mineral of the state's pegmatite belt. Mount Apatite in Auburn (Androscoggin County) yields cleavelandite (white tabular albite) alongside green and watermelon tourmaline. Mount Mica in Paris (Oxford County) produces microcline, perthite, and amazonite (the blue-green potassium feldspar) in some of the largest pegmatite pockets in North America. The Newry pegmatites add cleavelandite blocks and amazonite, and the Bumpus quarry has produced perthite up to several meters across. Most Maine feldspar is collected from quarry dumps; specimen-grade crystals come from active pocket mining and rarely surface on the open dumps. The most productive ground is in Mount Apatite (Androscoggin County), Mount Mica (Oxford County), Newry pegmatites (Oxford County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like feldspar is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Maine, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.

Mount Apatite (Androscoggin County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Mount Mica (Oxford County), Newry pegmatites (Oxford County).