The Carroll County Gem and Mineral Society, will be hosting the DMC field trip to Indian Mountain, Alabama on April 19th, 2003.  Indian Mountain is a well-known location for Phosphate minerals, particularly of the micro variety. Some of the minerals found there include Wavellite, Rockbridgeite, Strengite, Varisite, Dufrenite, Churchite, Goethite,Beraunite, Jarosite, Cacoxenite, and Iridescent Hematite.
 

What to bring- 

HAMMERS, a rock hammer will work, but I would recommend a 3- 4 lb. crack hammer or cross-peen. SAFETY GLASSES are highly recommended as although hard rock, it is well foliated and when it does come apart, shards will fly a good distance. Safety glasses and some consideration of your fellow rockhounds will go along way here. MAGNIFIER will be a handy tool, and help discern micro-mineral deposits. Other tools which may come in handy would be a sledge hammer, small and large pry bars, and a cart of some kind. The latter should be capable of some trail navigation to be useful. Thanks to a local hiking organization, the trail up the hill is pretty clear of debris. Some packing materials to protect your samples will be useful, and necessary for maintaining the fine micro-specimens!

What to wear-

Typical late winter hiking apparel would probably be best, dress in layers. Sturdy shoes or boots will help, as we will be working tailings piles left from the old mining operation, and there is a lot of loose rock. A slip or slide down the rock pile could adversely effect the enjoyment of your trip!

What we'll find- 

Wavellite is one of the most prevalent mineral deposit I found, and the radiating fiber deposits are the easiest to see as well. We have found some splays of radial fibers over an inch across within seam. These are typically found in thin seams through the host rock. These seams are quite thin and the splays of radial fibers are flat in relation to these seams. A small opening or vug allows for some beautiful white flowers of radial fibers formed of Wavellite. Goethite is quite prevalent as well, as is (what I identify as) Rockbridgeite. The Goethite found in some cases resembles what you might find at Graves Mtn., but in others appears as a shiny black deposit of nodules, some of which is quite thick. I may be corrected, but it is my understanding that large deposits of this material were mined from this area as large as 8 acres, as iron ore. Strengite crystals can be found as well, just look for tiny white nodules. Where found are often scattered about small vugs in the host rock. There are many other minerals here some in abundance. 

"Field trips are open to all members of associated clubs of the DMC program of the SFMS Field Trip Committee and to all members of SFMS member clubs who have provided their membership with SFMS liability insurance.  Because of insurance requirements, members of the GENERAL PUBLIC are NOT invited on this or any DMC program field trips!"