The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1873-03-20
The Jefferson Mica Mine.

We call the attention OF our readers 10 the
following communication to the Richmond
State Journal:
Among the varied minerals with which
Virginia lands are underlaid, perhaps none
is more valuable or less knownan apprecia-
ted than mica. Chemically almost If not
quite indentical with the kaolin, always
found with it, its geological formation is but
poorly accounted for. Much of our red clay
land is mingled with comminuted particles
of mica which, washing out from the clay,
are often anuoyances in our spring and well
water. Its value increases in proportion or
rather out Of all proportion as the size OF the
clear cuts grow larger. Two by three inches
is the smallest available size and would
scarcely pay for working, while from
eight up, it will pay vastly more than any
ordinary gold mine, provided the deposits
yield in any reasonable quantities: Surface
indications are valuable aids in finding the
deposit, but frequently mislead the inexpe..
rienced from the fact that the comminuted
mica so abundant in the masses Of pure kao-
lin naturally induces miner to follow that
while the streaked masses Of mixed red clay
and kaolin are the real ground in which to
ind valuable mica Large masses Of quartz
in juxtaposition with this mixed clay and
kaolin are almost certain indication. The
Jefferson mine was first opened two years
ago on the land of John G. Jefferson, near
Amelia Courthouse, and have paid hand
somely. Mr.. Jefferson contracted with
company to work the mine, paying him roy.
atty, but con6ning them to the east side OF
a road. The vein in which the mica was
found led directly across the road, and after
few months they were compelled to sus-
pend operations, not, however, at loss to
themselves. Mr.. Jeferson's health failing
soon afterwards, he determined to sell out
his valuable estate and to make the prospect
for mica and plumbago, which latter had
been known to exist for many years, an ii-
ducement to purchase. In November last,
a gentleman belonging to the silvered Mica
manufacturing company, 81 North length
street, Philadelphia, finding the market
poorly supplied with mica, purchased the
whole estate, and commenced working the
mica. The quality and and quantity both
improving as the work progressed, he IN
creased the scale of his operations and IS
now turning out large quantities of silver
mica reAectors, DETECTING shades, locomotive
head lights, parabola lights, ETC., which be-
ing far stronger reAectors, and mt the same
time non. tarnishable and non breakable, to
say nothing of their. being cheaper, are ra-
pidly gaining favor with railroads, mines,
counting g-rooms and private families BY
placing the light, either gas jet Or kero-
sene, near a silver. mica reflector gives a
brilliant and at the same time mellow light
all over the room Engineers who have
once used them will have no other Mica
is used for variety Of other purposes, all l
believe protected by patents The smaller
sizes are used for stove light and for putting
between the soles Of shoes to keep the feet
warm and dry. The larger size are used tor
Photographic purposes and for covering pic
lures, giving them lfe-life appearance
This mica interest and its various adapta-
bilities being yet in their infancy, it bids
fair to prove one of Virginia's greatest
resources, provided it can be found in sutfi-
cient quantities.