February, 2026

The mineral specimen section on this website has recently been expanded

with more locations and many more specimens to choose from.

Check out the new places added to the list: mineral specimens

The study of historic mining is continuing with more mines being added to the list.  Join us when you can.  It is exciting to learn the names of people who owned or worked at a specific mine and/or mine structure including the shaft(s), tunnel(s), levels, assay reports, and the geology in the area of a mine. I would enjoy making a bibliography for an individual mine for you. If you had relatives that worked in or owned a mine you would probably appreciate learning more about that mine.

For information about collecting mining history information, click on the link below:

https://www.booksgeology.com/mines.html

If you have mineral specimen collection from one or several mines please let me know.  Maybe we can work out a deal to do some swapping and/or to place some of your specimens on this website. If an ore sample is covered with crystals it should probably not be tampered with.   I am currently slicing large ore samples from the Mission Mine in Arizona and also from several mines in South America. 

What do I consider a large ore sample to cut up into pieces?  6 to 8 inches across and 10 to 15 inches long.

 Using a diamond saw to cut ore samples open reveals the true mineralization of ore from various mines.

For samples of what I am working onto click the link below:

https://www.booksgeology.com/minerals.ore%20samples.html

If you are about to retire and have individual mine reports or other information and/or ore specimens you would be willing to donate or sell, please contact me.  Much of the mine information I already have for you relates to early mining in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico and Alaska.  I will let you know what specific mines for which I have information. Click on the link below for more information.

mines.html

Mel Schmidt, owner

 my email:  msbooks@booksgeology.com

MS Book and Mineral Company has started stocking more historical Colorado USGS 1:24,000 and 1:56,000 maps.  You can click on the small map to enlarge them slightly.  To enlarge them to a usable size requires a purchase. Link to the Colorado Maps described above.

Don't miss out on the Bruce Cairncross mineral book is ready to ship to you today!  This mineral book makes someone a great gift. 

Go to the Select Mineral book catalog for details.  You will receive a free copy of this book with any $100 order. Just ask me to include it with your order.

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Want to sell your book or mineral collection?  Please record my contact information (see below). 

My advertisement in GSA Today is gone as their advertising rates are now unaffordable. 

Call me if you have any questions. I am always willing to help find information or books you are looking for.  My fee for helping to find something you need is still zero.

Email will be the best way to contact me for the next few months.

My cell phone number is (337) 292 - 6154.

Please continue to send in your book, mineral, and fossil orders to me at: msbooks@booksgeology.com  

For a list of all state or federal books, maps, or pamphlets, go to the U.S. State Catalogs  United States Mining History & Geology
A few states are currently sold out.

 
Two unique, historic catalogs of Tristate and Upper Mississippi Valley Lead and Zinc mining:

Tristate Pb-Zn Mining:  Lead and Zinc Mining in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri

Upper Mississippi Valley Zn-Pb Ore Deposits:  Zinc and Lead Mining in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. 


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