The Spruce Pine Mining District–A brief review of the history,geology,and modern uses of the minerals mined in the Spruce Pine Mining District,Mitchell,Avery and Yancey Counties,North Carolina

摘要

The story of prospecting and mineral production of the Spruce Pine Mining District began before recorded time when Native Americans mined for glittering muscovite mica during the Woodland Age 2000 years ago. From Native American grave decoration to semi-conductor computer chips and tiles for the Space Shuttle, the Spruce Pine Mining District has been providing vital minerals for mankind. These minerals, including Feldspar, Quartz, and Mica are used in many applications of our daily life. It took colliding continents, plutonic heat, and millions of years of cooling to place this rare geologic source in the once mighty and lofty Appalachian Mountains. These mountains, now worn and distinctly beautiful lie in western North Carolina within sight of the small town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina–nicknamed‘The Mineral City’.