Maine has some of the strictest mining and water quality standards in the country, and prohibits digging for metals in open pits larger than three acres. There have not been any active metal mines in ...

Experts say Maine tourmaline continues to shape regional culture and identity, from museum exhibits and scientific research to jewelry, education and local commerce.

From unearthing tourmaline in 1820 in West Paris to the world-changing 1972 discovery in Newry, the state has a place on the ...

Pink, green and blue tourmaline, aquamarine beryl and deep red garnet, purple amethyst and sparkling lepidolite — they all lie buried in Maine granite. To find them, all you have to do is dig — and ...

BETHEL, Maine (WMTW) — Even half a century later, no find of Maine Tourmaline has ever come close to matching the two tons worth found in Newry in October of 1972. Karen Webber is among the preeminent ...

Gary Freeman’s fascination with rocks has cost him about $1 million since July 2003. He’s spent that hard-earned money on a side project, digging for gems in the oldest tourmaline mine in the country ...