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 history of the quarry, including past and current ownership, and get an overview of their 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 will need to be dressed in full safety gear, including a hard hat, steel-toed shoes, a reflective safety vest/shirt/jacket, safety glasses, and gloves. Most specimens can be found by surface collecting. A bucket is needed to carry your finds, plus 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 be able to carry their own equipment, or have a partner to help. It may be hot and dusty: please consider that, also.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- All safety equipment and protocols as outlined above and in our opening talk on site must be followed, 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 the age of 14 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 will need to 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 at 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.
In case of inclement weather, this tour may be canceled by Martin-Marietta, and you will be notified by NHSM. 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.
NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of 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 canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
Education for All: $3
This donation helps cover our costs in offering this program to you. -
NHSM Fossil Club Member: $0
Thank you for your support of our Fossil Club. -
NHSM Member: $7
This donation helps cover our costs in offering this program to you. -
Non Member: $10
This donation helps cover our costs in offering this program to you.