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Home , Almandine, Bluestone, Granite, Greywacke, Hexagonite, Potsdam sandstone

2019 Fact Sheets Products of New York State Mines

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Resources 625 Broadway Albany, New York 12233-6500

www.dec.ny.gov

New York State Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources, 2019

Table of Contents

Bluestone Fact Sheet ...... 2 NYS Location Map of Active Mines ...... 3 Fact Sheet ...... 4 NYS Location Map of Active Garnet Mines ...... 5 Fact Sheet ...... 6 NYS Location Map of Active Granite Mines ...... 7 /Dolostone Fact Sheet ...... 8 NYS Location Map of Active Limestone/Dolostone Mines ...... 9 Fact Sheet ...... 10 NYS Location Map of Active Peat Mines ...... 11 Salt Fact Sheet ...... 12 NYS Location Map of Active Salt Mines ...... 13 & Fact Sheet ...... 14 NYS Location Map of Active Sand & Gravel Mines ...... 15 Fact Sheet ...... 16 NYS Location Map of Active Sandstone Mines ...... 17 Fact Sheet ...... 18 NYS Location Map of Active Wollastonite Mines ...... 19 Zinc Fact Sheet...... 20 NYS Location Map of Active Zinc Mines ...... 21

Remember: If it can’t be grown, it has to be mined!

NYSDEC Division of Mineral Resources 1 Thirty-Sixth Annual Report NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 2

BLUESTONE MINES IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Feldspathic (, , , ) Color: Varies (blue, bluish-gray, green, red, purple, brown, green, etc.) Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale Structure: Layered

View of a bluestone mine in New York State.

Bluestone

Bluestone is a specific type of evenly this low-lying, shallow sea

layered sandstone that can be split environment, much of the material in Using a hand to split the into into thin, smooth slabs. The term the rock originated from of landscaping and . “bluestone” was coined back in the the former Acadian , which FAST FACTS mid-1800s when the majority of the were located in what is now the modern-day ranges of the stone appeared blue or bluish-gray. Northeast. Bluestone can be found in many colors including Despite the name, bluestone can bluish-gray, green, red, purple, pink, and brown. also be found in a range of colors In the U.S., bluestone is only commercially- including shades of green, brown, Exploring for bluestone is more produced in south-central New York and northeast purple, dusty gray, pink, or red. New . difficult than for many types of rock York and Pennsylvania are the only where a few well-placed core holes The term “bluestone” refers to a type of sandstone sources of commercially-produced that is easily split into thin slabs. will yield useful information. High bluestone in the . It is quality bluestone deposits tend to be Bluestone is very durable, naturally skid-resistant, very durable, maintains its color, and maintains its color, and can withstand fluctuations limited in extent and discontinuous in in temperature and pressure without cracking. is resistant to cracking under nature, so it is not always cost- atmospheric changes, such as effective to use core holes to locate WHAT IS IT USED FOR? temperature and pressure new deposits. In addition, bluestone Bluestone is primarily used as an fluctuations. Bluestone in mining typically involves architectural/decorative stone in sidewalks, New York State began in Ulster removing eight times more patios, building veneer, stair treads, th , etc. Notable structures that County in the mid-19 century and it overburden (overlying utilize bluestone in their construction: has been mined ever since for use in material) than the quantity

* Fenimore Art Museum – Cooperstown, NY sidewalks, building veneer, stair of useable bluestone. * NY logo at Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY treads and other construction * Cornell University – Ithaca, NY applications. * Princeton University – Princeton, NJ In 2019, there were 96

* Bellevue Hospital – New York, NY permitted bluestone * Bethel Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY New York’s bluestone was deposited mines in New York, * Opus 40 – Saugerties, NY during a time when an ancient sea with the majority located in Delaware * Grant’s Tomb Restoration – New York, NY covered the majority of present-day and Broome Counties. Bluestone * Starrucca Viaduct (a National Civil New York. Streams transported the Landmark) – Lanesboro, PA mining is, by nature, a relatively * The White House Rose Garden terrace – sand-size grains that make up the small-scale operation (approximately Washington D.C. stone and deposited them in a 52% are less than 10 acres). * Sidewalks and curbing throughout NYC shallow sea/deltaic environment, and many other metropolitan areas. known as the Catskill Delta. Even though the bluestone was formed in NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

Bluestone Mines

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*# Mine Location Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 4

GARNET MINES IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Iron aluminum Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 or (Fe, Mg, Mn)3Al2(SiO4)3 Color: Dark red, reddish-brown, black Hardness: 7 – 7.5 on Mohs scale Structure: Dodecahedral (12-sided)

View of a garnet mine in New York State with piles of garnet separated from the source rock.

Garnet

As a member of the group, Mountain Mine was the largest garnet is actually a generalized term garnet mine…IN THE WORLD! for a group having similar properties NYCO in Essex County and but varying chemical compositions. R.T. Vanderbilt in Lewis County also The mined in New York are produce garnets in small amounts at garnets, the most their wollastonite mines. Closer view of a large garnet and some of the common type, which are an iron processed grade sizes for use in . aluminum silicate, and which The garnet found in the FAST FACTS are a aluminum silicate. Gore/ Mountain Mines are Garnets can be found in a multitude unique and highly-valued for their of colors due to their differing NY garnets are primarily red to very dark red but properties. These garnets can also be found as purple, green, orange, yellow, chemical makeup, however, they are always break with a chiseled edge, and brown. In fact, garnet varieties can be found most commonly associated with a throughout the world in every color except blue! even at the smallest sizes, which deep red color. Garnet is New York gives them a “self-sharpening” trait Garnet is the official New York State Gem. State’s official gem, even though the that is ideal for use as an abrasive. majority of garnets found here have NY garnet mines are among the top producers in the country with products sold worldwide. too many imperfections for use in Garnets are primarily used as NY garnets always break with a sharp edge even at jewelry and are better suited for abrasives and cutting media (sand- the smallest sizes, making them an ideal abrasive! industrial purposes. , waterjet blasting/ cutting) in Garnet products have an advantage over similar products because they are non-toxic, non-reactive, many industries including: and reusable/recyclable. They also produce less Garnets have been mined in the woodworking, ceramic/glass, dust than other abrasive materials. of New York petroleum, electronic WHAT IS IT USED FOR? since 1878 by the Barton Mines component , Corporation, which is the first aircraft/shipbuilder/ * Sandpaper and sand blasting industrial garnet mining operation in automotive, etc. It’s even * Waterjet abrasives and cutting the world, as well as the oldest * Polishing television/computer screens and used for cutting armor other high quality glass; such as the glass continuous garnet mining operation plating on military sights on American aircraft during WWII, the in the world (second oldest in the windows on the space shuttle, and the Humvees! It is also Hubble telescope lenses! U.S. mining the same product used as a paint additive * Water filtration media throughout its history and still under for non-skid surfaces, water filtration * A non-skid additive for paint the same management). Prior to media, countertops, tile, and * Removing peanut hulls Barton moving its active mining landscape . * Eyeglasses and dental grinding wheels operations to the nearby Ruby * Cleaning petroleum drill pipes/well casings Mountain Mine in 1982, the Gore * Landscaping and decorative tile/ NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

Garnet Mine* *Primary Produced Commodity

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*# Mine Location Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 6

GRANITE MINE IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Varies – primarily quartz (~70%) and (~20%) with minor amounts of mica and

Color: White, gray, pink, or red color with varying amounts of darker minerals distributed throughout the rock

Hardness: 6 - 7 on Moh’s scale View of a granite in New York State. Structure: Phaneritic (grains visible by the naked eye)

Granite View of a granite quarry in New York State.

FAST FACTS In general, granite is a light-colored, known granite monuments include: in South Dakota, coarse-grained rock of igneous origin the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty, Granite is considered the most abundant rock in that is comprised primarily of the , whereas the much denser interlocking quartz and feldspar and parts of the Great in is the main component of . crystals with minor amounts of mica . In 2004, an over 20-ton piece Commercially sold “granite” is often any rock that and amphibole minerals. It is formed of granite that originated in the is harder than and has visible grains such Adirondacks was placed as a as , , , , anorthosite, when molten rock material, or , , labradorite, etc. , beneath the ’s surface cornerstone for the Freedom Tower in . Unfortunately, the Granite is very hard, highly resistant to abrasion, slowly cools, with the rate of cooling able to support significant weight loads, resistant determining the size (slower rock was removed due to a redesign. to , and attractive in both its natural and polished forms making it a worthwhile and sought- cooling equals larger crystals). after stone. Granite is considered the most Granite is also used in the The first commercial railroad in the U.S. transported abundant rock in the continental crust construction as crushed granite approximately three miles in Massachusetts and makes up the core of many and was nicknamed the “Granite Railway”. stone or for roads, railroad mountain ranges. Granite, and ballast, foundations, etc. Many rocks are radioactive and some can similar igneous granitic rocks, are contain radioactive elements many times higher than normal. known as “ rocks” and lie deep below many of the sedimentary As with many rocks, some granite WHAT IS IT USED FOR? rocks exposed at the Earth’s surface. contains trace amounts of radioactive elements. gas is * Countertops * Floor tile a byproduct of these elements and is * Building veneer In New York, granite is mined mostly considered the second leading * Paving stone in the Adirondack and Taconic * Curbing cause of , after * monuments regions, with Washington County smoking. The EPA has * Statues having the most granite mines in the * Stair treads stated, though, that radon * state. gas originating from in situ * Curling stones (used in the sport of curling) * Crushed stone/aggregate bedrock beneath buildings -roads is a greater health risk -railroad ballast Due to its hardness, strength, -foundations weather-resistance, and attractive than building materials appearance, granite is often used as made from granite. interior and exterior decorative stone. Its resistance to acid rain also makes granite favorable over marble for outdoor monuments. Some well- NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

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Granite Mines *#*# *# *# *# *#

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*# *# Mine Location Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 8

LIMESTONE QUARRY IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Limestone CaCO3; Dolostone CaMg(CO3)2

Color: White to gray; white to light brown (green, black, red also possible)

Hardness: Limestone 3 on Moh’s scale; Dolostone 3.5 - 4 on Moh’s scale

Structure: N/A

View of a limestone quarry in New York State.

Limestone/Dolostone

Limestone is a with water react in the atmosphere), Closer view of an active face showing angled limestone and dolostone often form bedding. at least 50% of its composition being carbonate, or various erosional features, known as

FAST FACTS (CaCO3). It most commonly forms in , which include caves, gorges,

a calm, shallow, warm marine , etc.

Limestone and dolostone comprise the third largest environment and is essentially the number of New York mines. accumulation of shells, skeletal Limestone and dolostone are Cement manufacturing is mostly focused in the fragments, and other organic debris primarily used in the construction upper Hudson Valley area where a relatively pure which can be microscopic, as is the limestone is mined from the Coeymans Formation. industry as crushed stone for road case with , or larger shell base, railroad ballast, aggregate in Marble is metamorphosed limestone. fragments/ , as is the case with and blacktop, a key Karst topography (many caves, gorges, sinkholes, coquina and fossiliferous . component of Portland cement, rip- etc.) is formed as a result of acidic water dissolving A less common type forms by the the calcium carbonate in limestone. rap, dimension stone, roofing direct precipitation of calcium granules, flux stone in metal refining Often a “reservoir rock” and a target of oil and gas carbonate in lake and marine drilling. processes, glass/ceramics/, environments. Travertine is a type of agricultural WHAT IS IT USED FOR? limestone that forms by the conditioner, acid-neutralizing evaporation of calcium-rich water In addition to the items mentioned in the text agent in the chemical of this Fact Sheet, limestone and dolostone and is often found in caves and near industry, and a livestock are used in a variety of every day products springs (stalactites, stalagmites, including: toothpaste, cosmetics, vitamins, feed additive (provides pharmaceuticals, breakfast cereal, baking flowstone). Dolostone is similar to calcium needed for soda, swimming pools, roofing shingles, paint, limestone but the material is altered caulking, crayons, glue, vinyl siding, PVC production of egg shells pipe, paper, detergent, fertilizer, etc. by magnesium-rich post and milk). Limestone is deposition to form CaMg(CO3)2. Many famous landmarks are constructed of also used to reduce limestone including: the NYS Capitol building, sulfur dioxide air the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, Yankee Stadium, the Great Both limestone and dolostone will emissions in power plants, as well as of Giza, the Sphinx, the [leaning] Tower of to control mine dust when Pisa, the Pentagon, the Lincoln Memorial, and effervesce in a cold solution of 5% so many more! Kingston, is even hydrochloric acid but dolostone applied to the walls as a powder. nicknamed the “Limestone City” because so many of its buildings are constructed of reacts much less vigorously. Due to limestone. their in weak acidic waters Limestone and dolostone Howe Caverns (and most other caves, (i.e. “acid rain” – commonly are New York’s third and sixth most including the well-known Carlsbad Caverns), comprised of hydrochloric, nitric, and common types of mines, as well as the escarpment are formed in limestone and dolostone. sulfuric acids; and carbonic acid – respectively. formed when dioxide and NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

*# *#*# *#*#*# Limestone and *# *# Dolostone Mines *# *#*# *# *#*## *# **# *#*# *#*# *# *# *# *#*#*# *#*# *# *#*#*# #*#*# *# # *# *# * *# *# *#*# *#*# * *# *# # # *# *# *#*# *# *#*#*# *# *#*# *#*# *#*#**#*#*#*#*# *# *# *#*# *# *#*# *# *#*#*#*# *# *#*#*#*# # *#*# *#*# *# *# *# *# *# *# Mine Location *# *# Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 10

PEAT MINE IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Partially decomposed organic material

Color: Light brown to dark brown to black

Hardness: N/A

Structure: N/A

View of a peat mine in New York State.

Peat

Peat is the buildup of partially source of fuel for generating

View of a peat mine in New York State. decomposed organic material (which electricity, heating and cooking. FAST FACTS comprises at least 30% of its dry Some whiskies are produced with malted barley that is dried by fires composition) formed in a saturated, low , and nutrient-poor fueled with peat. This gives them a Peat is essentially the accumulation of decaying distinct smoky flavor, referred to as plant matter that is formed in a saturated, environment. These environments anaerobic, and nutrient-deficient environment. go by many names including: bogs, peatiness. Burning peat releases the Peat has been used for at least 2,000 years as a fens, wetlands, peatlands, mires, stored-up carbon as CO2 at a rate fuel source. muskegs, etc. Peat is found higher than that of coal emissions. Peatlands are the most efficient carbon sinks in worldwide but is predominantly the world. located in the Northern Hemisphere. In the U.S., peat is primarily used as Peat fires can burn for a very long time, even It is found at all elevations and a soil conditioner and is often sold as underground! climates, in conditions that vary from sphagnum peat (contains sphagnum Peat accumulates at roughly 1 millimeter per year. alkaline to acidic. Historically, peat moss), or , a peat variety that Peat absorbs and retains a lot of water, allowing has been mined in almost every has experienced further decay than for its associated marshy area to broaden. region of New York State but today the more fibrous sphagnum only a few permitted peat mines exist WHAT IS IT USED FOR? variety. Peat is also used for with limited production. growing mushrooms, raising * Horticulture (as a soil amendment to earthworms, and aas improve plant growth by absorbing moisture, aerating roots, adding bulk to Peat environments are among the packing material for flowers sandy , and improving drainage in and shrubs. clayey soils) most efficient carbon sinks in the * Growing mushrooms world, as they capture CO2 and store * Raising earthworms * Fuel source for electricity, heating, and carbon. Analyzing the pollen and Peat is an effective cooking in some countries plant remnants in peat also allows water filtration medium * Water filtration medium * Absorbent material for fuel and oil spills scientists to learn more about past to remove toxic * Insulation material surroundings and climates. substances from wastewater, * Used to manufacture activated carbon, resins and waxes, medicinal products, etc. pathogens from sewage effluent, and * Drying malted barley used in some whisky suspended materials from storm distilleries Peat is used for a variety of purposes around the world. In some places water. It can be used to absorb (especially those lacking trees), such petroleum spills, as well as in the as areas of , , , manufacturing of a variety of Germany, Sweden, , and the products. Netherlands, peat is used as a NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

Peat Mines

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*# Mine Location Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 12

SALT MINES IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Halite NaCl

Color: Colorless to white when pure; can be yellow, gray, black, brown, red, orange, pink, blue, violet, green, and multicolored.

Hardness: 2 – 2.5 on Moh’s scale

Structure: Isometric w/ cubic

View of a salt stockpile in New York State.

Salt

Halite (NaCl) is the source mineral for Surface deposits of salt are typically Closer view of an underground salt mine in operation. salt and is also the primary ore for the only found in arid environments elements sodium and chlorine. where evaporation rates exceed FAST FACTS Ocean and saline lake waters contain precipitation rates, leaving behind

dissolved salt which precipitates and salt along the shorelines.

Per the 2018 USGS Annual Report, New York is the is left behind as the water third largest salt-producing state in the country. evaporates. About 400 million years Salt is actually one of the most ago, much of central and western Commercial production of salt began in Syracuse extensively utilized minerals in the due to the difficulty in getting salt during the War of New York was under a large sea. As 1812. world and has more than 14,000 it dried up, salt was deposited on the uses! In addition to its well-known In 1825, money from the taxes on salt was used to sea floor and eventually buried deep build the remaining leg of the Erie Canal, allowing uses as a seasoning for food and a below the surface. Most salt mines, salt to be transported to the . As such, road de-icing treatment (both of the canal was nicknamed “the ditch that salt built”. including those in New York, work which only account for a small In the 1800s, Irish salt workers in central New York these underground deposits. used the boiling salt vats to cook their potatoes at percentage of our salt consumption), lunch, thus introducing salt potatoes. a considerable amount of salt is used The U.S. government requires that any food-grade There are currently two active by the . The list on salt be a minimum of 97.5% pure. The remainder is underground salt mines and five the left describes some of salt’s uses. usually an anti-clumping agent and iodine. solution salt facilities in New York. The underground salt mines operate WHAT IS IT USED FOR? Salt is also an essential similarly to other underground hard mineral in the diet of humans * Food seasoning and flavor enhancer rock mines using pillars left in place * Curing meat and animals, playing a vital * Lotions and soaps to support the ceiling. The salt is role in managing blood * De-icing roadways processed underground prior to * Dyes pressure and volume, nerve * Paper being conveyed to the surface. In impulses to and from the * Electronic circuits solution mining, water is pumped * Salt licks for cattle brain, and heart and * Softening hard water down a well to dissolve the salt, the muscle contractions. In * Chemicals “brine” is retrieved, and the water is * Aspirin 1924, Morton began * Leather shoes then evaporated off to recrystallize selling iodized salt to address iodine * Removing water from aviation fuel the salt. This process leaves a * Stain remover (even wine!) deficiencies which were prevalent at * Warding off evil spirits (many cultures relatively pure salt, often used as the time. Overconsumption of salt is believe that salt has supernatural properties) table salt. The United States is the * Rust remover also a concern as it contributes to * Cleaning products second largest salt producer in the * Making ice cream (mixed with ice to lower heart disease and other issues. freezing point) world, with New York being the third largest salt-producing state. NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

Salt Mines

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Underground Salt *# Mine Location Solution Salt Mine .! FacilityLocation Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 14

SAND & GRAVEL MINES IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Varies (main constituents include quartz, limestone, feldspar, etc.)

Color: Varies

Hardness: N/A

Structure: N/A

View of a sand & gravel mine in New York State.

Sand & Gravel

across the entire state. Cattaraugus, Sand and gravel is a high volume, low value product derived from the Dutchess, Suffolk, and Rensselaer Closer view of an active face showing counties are among the leading depositional structure. breakdown of many rock types and is most commonly comprised of quartz, producers of sand and gravel due to FAST FACTS high quality glacial deposits in those limestone, and feldspar but can also counties and their proximity to large include garnet, , , Sand and gravel is New York’s third most , etc. Almost all sand and populations that require these economically important non-fuel mineral. gravel produced in New York is used materials for roads, buildings, and Sand and gravel mines are New York’s most in construction products such as other infrastructures. common type of mine. concrete (roads, buildings, Sand and gravel is produced in all 50 states. blocks/bricks, etc.) and blacktop Sand and gravel mines in New York (roads, parking lots, etc.) but other WHAT IS IT USED FOR? are typically located where glacial uses can include glass (Corning, Inc. deposits (eskers, kames, The industry is the headquartered in NY manufactures outwash plains, , largest consumer of sand and gravel in New York, where it is primarily used in concrete many products that you also use in etc.) were left behind by and blacktop products. The roads that you your everyday and they have a the melting . drive on and the buildings that you live, work, and play in all contain sand and gravel. museum where you can even make Much of the finer and Additionally, sand and gravel is used in the your own glass artwork!), abrasives, material in these manufacture of: traction (icy roads, railroad tracks, deposits was carried * Traction control in snow and ice. etc.), fiberglass insulation, play sand away by the glacial * Block, , and decorative stone. * Glass, ceramics, and related materials – this for sandboxes, foundry sand, water meltwater, leaving includes the glass on your smart phone, filtration media, and sports fields behind the heavier oven-safe cookware, and even the windows for the space shuttle! (golf, football, baseball, etc.), as well sand and gravel. Sand and gravel * Foundry sand – molds and casts are created as many other uses. deposits are also found in former from the foundry sand for the production of iron, steel, copper, and aluminum products. lake/river beds, shore-lines, and * Paint – used as a flattening agent and improves durability, scrubability, and Sand and gravel mines are New deltaic deposits. resistance to weathering. York’s most common type of mine, * – improves flexural strength. * Abrasives – used in the sand blasting of with active mines spread across the metal. state. Transporting long distances is * Water filtration – used in pools and waste water treatment facilities to filter out not economically feasible, thus, the unwanted material. mines must be located near the * Sports – baseball infields, golf courses, and football fields. consumer. The map on the next page shows how the sand and gravel mines in New York are located NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

*#*# *#*## *#*#*#*#*#*# *#*# *#*#*#*# *#*#*#*# *# *#*#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# *#*# *# *#*# *# *#*#*#*#*# *#*# *# *#*# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*#*# *# *## *#*#*#*#*# *#*# *# *#*#*#*#*# *# *# **# *# Sand and Gravel Mines *#*# *#*# *# *# *#*# *#*# *# *# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# *# *#*#*# *# *#*# *# *#*# *# *#*#*# *#*# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# *# *#*#*# *#*# *#*#*# *#*# *# *#*# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# *# *#*#*#*# *# *## *#*# *#*# *#*# *#*# *#**# *# *# *#*# *#*# *# *#*# *# *# *# *#*#*## *# *#*# *#*# *# *# *# *# *#*#**# *#*# *# *# *#*# *#*# *# *#*# *# *# *#*#*#*# *#*# *#*# *# *# *#*##**#*#*#*# *#*#*# *#*#*#*# *# *# *# *#*#*#*# *#*# *#*# #*#*#*# *# *# *#* *#*#*#*#*#*#*#* *#*# *#*#*#*#*# *#*#*#*# *##*#*#*#*# *# *# *# *#*#*# *# **# *# *#*#*# *# *##*# *#*#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*# *#*#*#*# *# *#*#*#*#*# *#*#*#**#*#*# *# *# #*#*#*#*# *#*# *# *#*# *# *#*# *#**#*# *#*#*# *# *##*#*# *#**#*# *## *#*#*#*# *# *# *# *#*#*#*#*# *#*#*# *#*#*# *# *# *# *# *#*# *#* *##*## *#*#*#*#*# *#*#*#*#*# *# *#*#*#*#*# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*#*## *#*#*#*# *# *#*# *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# *#*#*#*# *# *# *# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*#*#*#*# **## *# *#*# *#*# *#*# *# *#* *#*#*# *#*# *#*# *# *#*#*#*#*#*# *#*#*#*# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*#*#*#*#*# * *# *# *# #*# *# *#*# *#*# *#*#*# #*#*# *# *# *#*# *# *#*#*# *#*#*# **# *# #*# *# *# *#*#*# #**# *#*# *#*#*# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# *# *# *#*# **# *# *#*#*# *# *# *#*#*# *# *# *#*#*# #**#*# *#*# *#*#*#*#*# *# *#*#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*#*#*## **#*#*#*# *# *#*#*# *#*# *# *#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*## *# * *#*#*# *# *# *#*#*#*#*# *#*# *#*# #*# *# *#*#*#*#*# *#*# *# *#*##*#*# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# *# * *#*# *##*#*#*# *#*# *# *# *#*# *#*#*# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# *#*#*# *# # #*#*#**# *#*#*#*#*# *# *# *#*# *# *#*###*#*# *#*# *# *#*#*# *#*#*# #*#**# *#*# *#* *#*# *#*#*#*# *# *# *# *#*# *#*#*# *#*# *#*#*# *#*#*# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*#*# ***# *##* *#*#*# *# *#*#*# *#*#*#*#*# *# *#*# ##*# *#*# *#*#*# *# *# **#*# *#*#*#*##* *#**# # *# *#*# *# #*# *# *#*#*#*# *#*#*#** *# *#*#*#*# *# *#*#*#*#*# * *# *#*# *#*#*# *#*#*# *#*# *#*#* *#*# *#*# *#*#*# *# **# *#*# *# *# *# *#*# *#*# *# *# *#*# *# *#*#*#*# *#*#*#*# *# *#*#*# *#*# *#*# *#*# *# *#*# *# *# *#*# #*#*# *#*# *#*# *# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# *#*# *#*#*# *# *#*# #*# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# # *# *#*# *#*#*# *#*# *# *# * *# *#*#*# *#*#*# *# *#*#*#*# *#*#*#*#*#*# *# *# Mine Location *#*#*# *# *# Major Water Body *# *#*# Major Road *#*#*# *#*#*# *# *#*#*# *#*# *#*# *# *# NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 16

SANDSTONE MINES IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: Varies (typically high quartz content with siliceous or cement) Color: Varies (can be any color depending on its composition) Hardness: Varies Structure: Layered

View of a sandstone mine in New York State.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock constructed of sandstone. The photo View of a sandstone mine in New York State. typically formed by the deposition of below shows St. Mary’s Church in FAST FACTS eroded in near-shore Potsdam, NY which is constructed of . Bluestone is coastal environments. Of particular popularity in New York State is the also a popular type of sandstone Sandstone can be found in many colors including red, white, brown, yellow, green, blue, etc. Potsdam Sandstone, composed of

Potsdam Sandstone is very durable and virtually sand-sized quartz grains held unaffected by freeze-thaw processes, weathering, together by a siliceous cement acidic environments (acid rain and atmospheric conditions), fire, and parasitical plants. making it almost entirely silica. It is very durable, has a high compressive Bluestone is a type of sandstone also mined in NY. strength, maintains its color, and is Many in western and central NY are resistant to freezing and thawing “reservoir rocks” and are often targeted for oil and gas drilling. processes, acid rain and mined in New York State (see its Fact atmospheric conditions. Distinctively, Many highly recognizable geologic features Sheet). Many of the row houses, or throughout the United States are formed in its fire-resistant properties made it “”, in New York City are sandstone including: preferentially suitable over granite * The Delicate Arch (Arches Nat’l Park in faced with sandstone primarily which has over 2,000 natural sandstone arches) (less cracking and spalling) for use quarried from nearby Connecticut * The Wave (Coyote , Arizona) as a refractory lining in iron furnaces. * The Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada and New Jersey, but the Medina * The Mittens (Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Potsdam Sandstone ranges in color Sandstone from western New York Park in Utah) from red to pink, white, yellow, and * in Utah was also used. gray to tan depending on the * Sandstone is also prominently featured in the Grand ; along with limestone, shale, associated minerals. In general, , , gneiss, , , Not all sandstones are suitable for , basalt, , and . though, sandstone can be found in most every color possible. Fossils use as a building material, WHAT IS IT USED FOR? are scarce in the Potsdam though. Lime-cemented sandstones are readily Sandstone is primarily used as an Sandstone as quartz sand is not well- architectural/decorative/building stone in suited for preserving organisms, decomposed by weak acidic sidewalks, patios, building veneer, stair conditions and erosive treads, countertops, gravestones, etc. and however, ripple marks, mudcracks, can be seen in countless buildings and and trace fossils (ie. burrows, tracks, weathering processes (see structures throughout the world. It is also Limestone Fact Sheet). used as rip-rap for lining waterways and trails, etc.) are locally abundant. Some sand-stones are stabilizing embankments from erosion. Much of the sandstone in NY is crushed for use as also not very attractive aggregate. Some sandstone is also used as Due to its durability and attractive a refractory lining in iron furnaces due to its for use as a building’s high-heat resistance. appearance, many buildings, façade. sidewalks, gravestones, etc. are NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

*#*# *# *#*#*#*# Sandstone Mines

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*# Mine Location Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 18

WOLLASTONITE MINES IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: CaSiO3

Color: Bright white (can be gray, cream, brown, pale green, or red)

Hardness: 4.5 – 5.5 on Mohs scale

Structure: Acicular (needle-like)

View of a wollastonite quarry in New York State.

Wollastonite

Wollastonite is a calcium metasilicate production was estimated to have that is typically formed when impure decreased and the apparent limestones are metamorphosed or consumption was estimated to also when silica-rich fluids encounter have decreased as compared to

Closer view of the quarry face. calcareous sediments during 2018. FAST FACTS . In either case, the calcium carbonate reacts with One of wollastonite’s most unusual dioxide and creates calcium characteristics is its ability to cleave metasilicate (wollastonite) and into needle-like (acicular) crystals. 100% as shown here: These fibrous particles make it useful New York supplies nearly all of the wollastonite used in the U.S. On a global scale, New York is CaCO3 + SiO2 = CaSiO3 + CO2. both as an asbestos replacement the third largest producer behind and . Wollastonite can also form directly and as reinforcement material in from a high carbon content magma products ranging from plastics, WHAT IS IT USED FOR? but this is less common. ceramics and brake pads, to paint, coatings and sealants. The only commercially-produced Plastics and rubber are the wollastonite in the U.S. is mined in major end-uses of New York State in the Adirondack wollastonite in the U.S. for Mountains. Since only a relatively 2016, followed by ceramics. small quantity of wollastonite is The is a main consumer of Wollastonite has been used as a replacement imported into the U.S, New York for asbestos since the early 1980’s. It is inert supplies almost all of the wollastonite wollastonite. Plastics for and stable at high temperatures, improves interior, exterior, and flexural and tensile strength of products, and used in the country. On a global is chemically resistant. scale, New York is the third largest underhood components utilize wollastonite as a strengthening agent * Ceramics – reduces warping & cracking producer behind China and India. A during firing, increases strength, reduces and for its heat-resistant properties. glaze defects. significant portion of New York’s

* Metallurgy – used as a flux in welding, a wollastonite is specially milled and/or slag conditioner, and protects the surface of molten metal during the steel casting surface treated to achieve specific process. industrial properties. To protect * Paint – improves durability and resistance to weathering, pH buffer, and reduces pigment. proprietary data, USGS does not * Plastics – improves tensile and flexural publish detailed statistics on strength, reduces resin consumption, and improves stability at high temperatures. wollastonite. However, for 2019, USGS reports that the country’s NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

Wollastonite Mines *#*#*# *#

*# Mine Location Major Water Body Major Road NEW YORK STATE OIL GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES | 2019 20

ZINC QUARRY IN NEW YORK

Properties Composition: (Zn,Fe)S

Color: Brown, yellow, gray/black, red, green

Hardness: 3.5 - 4 on Moh’s scale

Structure: Isometric w/ dodecahedral cleavage

View of the entrance to the underground sphalerite (zinc) quarry in New York State.

Zinc

The primary ore mineral for zinc is resistant to further corrosive action. sphalerite (Zn,Fe)S which can be Interestingly, if the zinc coating is Commonly associated rocks found at the found in igneous, metamorphic, and damaged, the patina will eventually Balmat mine - blue calcite (l); hexagonite (r). sedimentary environments. In the spread to cover the underlying exposed steel and protect it from FAST FACTS case of most zinc mines, including those in New York, deposits were further corrosion. Since zinc is more reactive than iron or steel, it is often formed by ore-bearing hydrothermal After iron, aluminum, and copper, the fourth most used as cathodic protection of buried consumed metal in the world is zinc. fluid contacting a carbonate-rich, marine environment. The sulfides pipelines and metals exposed to sea New York was once considered a major zinc water. producer with one of the top ten zinc mines in the were deposited and then later country. remobilized during metamorphism.

There is currently only one remaining permitted Sphalerite has been mined in the It is too brittle to use on its own for zinc mine in NY and it is starting production this year. Balmat-Edwards Zinc District of St. manufacturing but zinc is often used The largest zinc mine in the world is the Red Dog Lawrence County, New York since as an alloy with other metals (ie. mine in Alaska. the early 1900s. New York was once brass is an alloy of zinc and copper). Sphalerite is too soft for most jewelry use, however, a major zinc producer with one of the The resulting alloy is stronger and high quality specimens can produce a “fire”, or top ten zinc mines in the country! more ductile than copper and has the flash of color, many times higher than . The Balmat mine is the only corrosion resistant properties of zinc. remaining permitted zinc mine in the WHAT IS IT USED FOR? state. * Galvanizing iron or steel for corrosion- Zinc is also an important resistance (i.e. automobile bodies, highway guide rails, chain-link fence, culverts, metal nutrient for our health and roofs, suspension bridges, nuts/bolts, etc.). Zinc is primarily used as a corrosion development. It is used in * Combined with other metals to make alloys or rust deterrent. It can be applied to such as brass and bronze. dietary supplements, * Batteries iron or steel by several methods with prenatal vitamins, cereals, * Dietary supplements the most common being hot-dip * Deodorants protective skin ointments, * Anti-dandruff shampoo galvanizing, where thin layers of zinc shampoo, etc. It can * Luminescent paint are added by dipping items into a * Sunscreen/Protective Skin Ointment also be found naturally * Rubber manufacturing bath of molten zinc. Freshly exposed in foods such as * Electrical components zinc is actually highly reactive to * Cathodic protection of buried pipelines and seafood, beef, nuts/seeds, and metals exposed to seawater (i.e. many boats atmospheric conditions but once the wheat germ. Caution should be and ships use zinc to protect rudders and patina forms, the corrosion rate propellers) taken, though, as digesting too much * Primary metal in pennies since 1982 and drastically decreases. The patina is zinc can also be toxic. coated with a thin layer of copper an insoluble carbonate film that gives * Fire retardant and preservative * Denture cream it its dull appearance but is highly NEW YORK STATE OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RESOURCES I 2019

Zinc Mine *#

*# Mine Location Major Water Body Major Road