Wisconsin moonstone update
Sept 19, 2024 21:44:57 GMT -5
via mobile
drocknut, rockjunquie, and 4 more like this
Post by lapidary1234 on Sept 19, 2024 21:44:57 GMT -5
If anyone is in the central Wisconsin region you may know that there was somewhat recently a new owner of the property that sits right on the heart of the moonstone deposit.
They opened up their property for fee collecting (i say collecting because digging really isn't even needed, most people just pick up the stones off the ground.
Anyways, started a fee collecting site and it has been a growing hit with rockhounds and locals alike. The local news even ran a segment on it.
A neighbor became extremely outspoken against it (out of nuisance concerns or more likely envy) and the county put a hold on it. They now need to apply for a special exception permit for the mining of nonmetallic minerals. All future reservations and digs were put on hold.
I attended the zoning and planning commission board meeting and the public was allowed to give their inputs on the matter. Aside from one extremely outspoken neighbor the bulk of other concerns were related to some residents fear that the operation would take a turn towards industrial mining. I believe myself and others put residents at ease by saying "even if the site gains alot of popularity it wouldn't make logical sense for the owners to pivot toward industrial mining", other points were made such as a common farm producing more dust/noise/smells than their operation.
The owners want to provide an activity for families to bring g their kids to do something outside. Fun and educational!
Anyways, the zoning/planning commission voted all in favor to make their recommendation to the town board to approve the permit. Reservations have been allowed to resume and it looks very likely that at the next board meeting (sep 23rd) the permit will be granted!
For those of you unaware, wisconsin has a unique form of k-feldspar (moonstone) that produces a blue flash similar to labradorite. It is a finicky material to work with as it is a brittle material to begin with and takes proper orientation to produce the flash. In particular I am of the opinion that a cab that displays flash when worn hold extra value. It also makes a great stone for rock tumbling!
If you are in (or plan to be) in central Wisconsin they will have collecting wed and sun through the middle of October. They reopen in May next year.
Price is $35 entry including 20 lbs of moonstone. After that it is $2.00/lb. You can find them on Facebook at "wisconsin moonstone". They may have a website as well. The owner tills the field monthly to expose fresh material. Come out and try it
They opened up their property for fee collecting (i say collecting because digging really isn't even needed, most people just pick up the stones off the ground.
Anyways, started a fee collecting site and it has been a growing hit with rockhounds and locals alike. The local news even ran a segment on it.
A neighbor became extremely outspoken against it (out of nuisance concerns or more likely envy) and the county put a hold on it. They now need to apply for a special exception permit for the mining of nonmetallic minerals. All future reservations and digs were put on hold.
I attended the zoning and planning commission board meeting and the public was allowed to give their inputs on the matter. Aside from one extremely outspoken neighbor the bulk of other concerns were related to some residents fear that the operation would take a turn towards industrial mining. I believe myself and others put residents at ease by saying "even if the site gains alot of popularity it wouldn't make logical sense for the owners to pivot toward industrial mining", other points were made such as a common farm producing more dust/noise/smells than their operation.
The owners want to provide an activity for families to bring g their kids to do something outside. Fun and educational!
Anyways, the zoning/planning commission voted all in favor to make their recommendation to the town board to approve the permit. Reservations have been allowed to resume and it looks very likely that at the next board meeting (sep 23rd) the permit will be granted!
For those of you unaware, wisconsin has a unique form of k-feldspar (moonstone) that produces a blue flash similar to labradorite. It is a finicky material to work with as it is a brittle material to begin with and takes proper orientation to produce the flash. In particular I am of the opinion that a cab that displays flash when worn hold extra value. It also makes a great stone for rock tumbling!
If you are in (or plan to be) in central Wisconsin they will have collecting wed and sun through the middle of October. They reopen in May next year.
Price is $35 entry including 20 lbs of moonstone. After that it is $2.00/lb. You can find them on Facebook at "wisconsin moonstone". They may have a website as well. The owner tills the field monthly to expose fresh material. Come out and try it
- I need this t-shirt as well! LOL
