Friends of Mineralogy National will host a three-day field trip and machine-assisted dig at the Hogg Mine in Troup County from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24, 2026. Participation is open to members of any Friends of Mineralogy Regional Chapter.
The Hogg Mine is one of the best-known granitic pegmatite localities in the southeastern United States. The deposit is associated with the Pine Mountain belt and consists of complex pegmatite dikes intruding metamorphic host rocks. It is particularly noted for:
- Well-formed beryl (including aquamarine and green beryl)
- Black schorl tourmaline, along with occasional colored tourmaline
- Rose quartz masses and crystals
- Smoky and clear quartz
- Garnet (primarily almandine)
- Muscovite books
- Accessory species including apatite and other typical granitic pegmatite minerals
The mine is especially famous for its beryl crystals occurring in a distinct beryl-bearing zone beneath a massive rose quartz cap. Machine excavation significantly increases the probability of accessing fresh, unweathered material from productive zones that are otherwise difficult to reach through hand digging alone.
While the Hogg Mine is generally open to the public on Saturdays, Friends of Mineralogy National has arranged for two private machine-assisted digging days (Friday and Sunday), in addition to participation during the regular Saturday public dig. A trackhoe will be used to strip and loosen overburden and expose new sections of the pegmatite for members to work.
Participants are responsible for their own lodging and transportation. Numerous lakefront rentals are available in the area (including properties near West Point Lake), and primitive camping is permitted on-site at the mine.
The surrounding area offers a variety of restaurant options in nearby LaGrange and surrounding communities. A food truck will also be available on-site each day to provide convenient lunch service.
All registrants will receive access to a pre-trip video presentation covering the geology, mineralogy, and structural/geospatial setting of the pegmatite system. This will provide context for mineral zonation, crystal habit expectations, and effective collecting strategy.
In the field, guidance will be provided by:
- FM National President Bill Stephens, PG
- Director-at-Large David Tibbits, MS
- Hogg Mine staff, who will direct members to productive areas and provide instruction on safe and effective digging techniques
The cost for the three-day trip is $325 per participant and is limited to 30 people.
The fee includes:
- All dig fees for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Private access on Friday and Sunday
- Machine excavation costs to expose fresh pegmatite material
Registration will close on May 15, 2026.
Day One – Friday, May 22, 2026
Private machine excavation day
Active excavation to remove and loosen the rose quartz cap and expose the beryl-bearing zone. Members will work freshly exposed material throughout the day.
Day Two – Saturday, May 23, 2026
Public dig day
Open digging, sifting, picking, and hand excavation in active and previously exposed areas. Machine work may occur intermittently as permitted under standard operating conditions.
Day Three – Sunday, May 24, 2026
Private machine excavation day
Continued active machine work to expose new pegmatite sections and maximize collecting opportunities in productive zones.
This trip offers a rare opportunity for extended access to one of Georgia’s premier pegmatite localities under guided geological supervision, with heavy equipment specifically deployed to increase specimen recovery potential.