Best spot

Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve): Almandine Garnet & Beryl Rockhounding in Lincoln County, Maine

Updated June 2026

The Edgecomb pegmatite pits sit inside the 766-acre Schmid Preserve, town land laced with more than seven miles of public trails, where 1880s feldspar and mica workings exposed almandine garnet, beryl, and aquamarine. The preserve is free and open to the public. Smoky quartz and muscovite occur in the same pegmatite. Reported finds include almandine garnet, beryl, aquamarine, smoky quartz, feldspar, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

An aquamarine beryl crystal on matrix, like the beryl from the Edgecomb pegmatite

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lincoln County
State: Maine
Nearest road: River Link
Postcode: 04556
Coordinates: 43.96322, -69.61776

Geology at Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)

This spot sits on Bucksport Formation, mapped as sandstone and limestone that formed roughly 485 to 360 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Bucksport Formation
Age: 485–360 Ma (Ordovician to Devonian)
Rock types: sandstone and limestone
Elevation: 260 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 31°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WISCASSET AP station (5 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Maine Geological Survey
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Acadia National Park rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve).

Across the state line from Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)

Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve) is close enough to the Maine border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve) FAQ

Where is Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)?+

Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve) is in Lincoln County, Maine, at 43.96322, -69.61776. Nearest road: River Link.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)?+

Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve) is reported to produce Almandine Garnet, Beryl, Aquamarine, Smoky Quartz, Feldspar, Muscovite.

Is collecting allowed at Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)?+

The most comfortable months at Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve) are April to November.

How do I get to Edgecomb Quarry (Schmid Preserve)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.96322, -69.61776 in Google Maps. The nearest road is River Link.

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