FIELD TRIPS

While there's not much to find in Florida in the way of rocks, there are a few good hunting spots for those interested in calcite crystals, sharks' teeth, and fossils.  The Tampa Bay Fossil Club has frequent field trips to such places as Vulcan, The Peace River, Zolfo Springs, and Venice Beach.  For more information on their field trips, please visit their website.  Information on joining their club can be found here.

Occasionally the Tampa Bay Fossil Club and the Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club have joint field trips to the Peace River and Fort Drum Crystal Mine.  As members, we sometimes get a reduced group rate of $20 to the crystal mine, but it's a commercial site and is open  to the public.

FORT DRUM CRYSTAL MINE - 28320 NE 55th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL  34972

This is the only place in the world where you can find calcite crystals formed inside fossil clam shells.  The mine is in Fort Drum, Florida, about 120 miles from Brandon, Florida.  Driving time is around 2 hours from Brandon.  Click here for directions.  Price is $30.

There is a campground at the mine, Turkey Creek Campground.  The phone number is (863) 634-0691, and the official address is 6645 NE 304^th Street, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.  Listed price is $25 per night.

You will need heavy rock tools, sledge hammer, chisels, rock hammer, metal rake, pry bar, and anything else you can find for heavy digging as some rocks are very large (see photo).  I also suggest you bring your garden hose with pistol type nozzle.

Bring your own lunch and drinks.  They do have restrooms and water.  Bring boots or old shoes, it can be muddy.  I suggest long pants to protect your knees, and gloves would be advisable.  Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen. 

For more information, contact Eddie Rucks at (863) 634-4579 or fortdrumcrystalmine@yahoo.com.

Click to enlarge