I mined for MICA!

Clinton · Post by **Clinton** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 2:04 pm

I have been preparing for a trip to a very well kept secret open pit mica mine out in the great "South West" for over a year. Well, I was finally there yesterday and found it! it's waaaaay out in the middle of nowhere on a sadly kept up dirt road in the blistering hot desert. I dug in deep for over an hour until my arms and legs went out and the 108 degree heat got to me, but I collected about a 5 gallon bucket and brung it home. Probably enough to last me a lifetime and more! Here below, is a pic of the washed and "processed" mica. One side is the nice, chunky stuff, and the other is the fine stuff. Can't wait to try it out on my next project! I'll keep everyone posted...

Clinton · Post by **Clinton** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 2:29 pm

Here's some pics of the actual "mine" that my family and I went to. I had to jump through a few hoops with the BLM (mining permits, etc.), well worth it IF you're willing to make the trek out there!

Post by **Howard** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 3:03 pm

Will...

You've proved that the pioneer spirit is alive and well...but it sounds like way too much work for this old man...

My very best regards...

Howard...

Clinton · Post by **Clinton** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 5:39 pm

Yes Howard,
I'm one hard headed, stubborn, pioneer! LOL.. I love not only the "build" of my projects, but the adventure of making,collecting, the materials to give my creations a special touch. My 2 little boys loved the mining trip and it will definitely go down as an incredible memory for us all. Here below, is some pics of a house I built a while back. I used the chunky mica on the walls and the powdery stuff on the roof, stoop, and the base. Nice thing about this mica is that it doesn't cut up your fingers like the German glitter glass does. That chunky stuff probably needs some more grinding, but-- it does give it a unique look though!

Post by **Lucy** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:09 pm

I think the mining for MICA is brilliant. It looks wonderful on your house.

Post by **Lynn** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:37 pm

Will,

What a wonderful adventure thanks for sharing!! Your mica looks great, I love them both.

Post by **Laurie** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 10:14 pm

Wow - who would have thought. That's an interesting adventure. I'll look forward to seeing what else you do with the mica.

Post by **JCass** » Sun Jun 18, 2017 2:15 pm

Hey Will - This is very cool - thanks so much for sharing. Your enthusiasm on this forum is much appreciated!

John

Laney · Post by **Laney** » Sun Jun 18, 2017 7:28 pm

Wow! What a cool trip. I'm not surprised your sons liked it! The mica looks nice on your house too. I really enjoyed seeing the pics from the mine as well. Thanks for sharing.

Clinton · Post by **Clinton** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 12:36 pm

Thanks all for your kind comments. I will go back out there hopefully this Fall with a BIGGER tool and dig some good size pieces out for another type of project I have in mind (not putz related), like a "lamp" or something! I will be posting my usage of this awesome material with other builds soon.