RUCKS' PIT, FORT DRUM, FL.

RUCKS' PIT, FORT DRUM, FL.

Well-fossilized and calcified marine shells. Fossilized bone and teeth.

Honey colored calcite crystals found within large fossilized clamshells.

(Collecting by appointment only - call ahead!)
For current collecting information and fees contact: Eddie Rucks
fortdrumcrystalmine@yahoo.com
863-634-4579

ITEMS COLLECTED: There is an abundance of well-fossilized and calcified marine shells. The sand and shell matrix rock is in the Nashua Formation (Pleistocene) and is composed of well-calcified shells. Any cavities within these fossils may contain calcite crystals. Honey colored calcite crystals up to 1" in length can be found within large fossilized clamshells. Small calcite crystals within shells are very common. Fossilized bone and teeth, although rare, can also be found at this location.

DIRECTIONS: Ft. Drum is on Hwy 441 approximately 15 miles south of the intersection of Hwy 60 and 441 (Yeehaw Junction). Go south of Ft. Drum General Store about 0.5 mile and turn east on 304th St. Go about 2.75 miles to the quarry entrance (north side of the road).

WHAT TO BRING: Pants, sturdy shoes / boots, gloves and protective eyewear are recommended. Bring tools, buckets / cloth bag, and newspaper to collect, carry and wrap fragile specimens. The collecting area can be extremely wet and muddy. Bring a change of clothing along with plenty of water and a towel.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Spring, Fall, and Winter are the preferred collecting times at this quarry.
It is recommended that you wear sturdy shoes or boots and gloves. Daytime temperatures can vary as much as 40F, in the winter so layered clothing is appropriate. This is an active quarry and the sand/ rock along the quarry walls can collapse without notice. Be extremely careful working next to steep walls. Some areas may be marked off, so do not go into these areas for your safety.

WHERE TO STAY: Okeechobee is the nearest town! . I now know that it is very difficult to negotiate rates of stay due to fishing tournaments that often occur. Below is a list of motels in Okeechobee; however, January, February, and March are peak times for south Florida motels. There are also many inexpensive motels in the Kissimmee area and on I-95 south of Melbourne down to Ft. Pierce. Check ahead, some businesses are still closed due to hurricanes.

Okeechobee Motels      Phone Number
Budget Inn                    863-763-3185
Holiday Inn Exp.           863-357-3529
Flamingo Motel            863-763-4894
Travelers Inn                863-763-3146
Economy Inn                863-763-1148
Scottish Inn                  863-763-3293

For more information contact: Eddie Rucks
fortdrumcrystalmine@yahoo.com
863-634-4579