We’ve peered over the edge into the pit at Texas Quarry for years, dreaming of the treasure waiting below. That dream is now a reality with this newest adventure – a trip to the bottom to search for calcite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and other less common minerals at Martin Marietta’s Texas Quarry.
We’ll start at the scenic overview to learn the quarry’s history, including past and current ownership, and get an overview of daily operations and equipment. From there, we will caravan down into the pit, stopping at three or four spots, with time at each to collect. Since this is a working quarry, everyone must provide their own full safety gear, including a hard hat, steel-toed shoes, a reflective safety vest/shirt/jacket, safety glasses, and gloves. No safety equipment will be provided. Most specimens can be found by surface collecting. Bring a bucket to carry your finds, and you are welcome to bring hand tools such as a chisel and rock hammer.
The pit is about a mile long and a half mile wide and was the source of marble used to build the walkway to the Capitol in Annapolis and the portico for St. Paul’s Cathedral in NYC. Our Washington Monument in Baltimore and a section of the Washington Monument in D.C. are also made from Texas marble. The history of this quarry goes back even further to 1802 and the first Irish immigrants to the region.
A moderate level of fitness is required to walk on uneven surfaces unaided and carry your own equipment, or have a partner to help. It may be hot and dusty: please consider that, also.
- You can find our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Participant must supply all of their own safety equipment.
- You must follow all safety equipment and protocols outlined above and in our opening talk on site, or you will be asked to leave. It is a privilege for us to attend, and we must respect all rules and requests.
- No one under 14 is allowed. Children must be able to sit quietly and listen to the safety and history presentation, and demonstrate proper outdoor etiquette. No climbing, running, or loud voices.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Everyone must sign a liability waiver, available on site. Minors will need their waiver signed by a parent or guardian. If you are bringing a child without their parent, please request a waiver to be emailed from JAsh@marylandnature.org.
- Photos are welcome.
- Bring binoculars to view the pit from the overlook. It is over a mile wide.
- Bring a lunch, snack, water, and sunscreen.
- We will carpool into the pit, using high-clearance vehicles. If your car is not 4-wheel drive, we highly recommend carpooling with another participant.
In case of inclement weather, Martin-Marietta may cancel this tour, and NHSM will notify you. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Martin-Marietta offers this trip for groups only, not individuals. Please consider our registration fees as a donation to NHSM to cover administrative costs.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
NHSM Membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
NHSM Fossil Club Member: $3
Guests must be Fossil Club members, too. -
NHSM Members: $5
Guests should be members, too. - Non Members: $10