Comments for The Elements Unearthed

Comment on The Tintic Mining District by davidvblack

davidvblack — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:52:16 +0000

Sean:
If I remember correctly, a photocopy of that drawing was on a larger map showing the locations of mines in the Tintic district. It was hanging up in the Tintic Mining Museum in the old city hall building in Eureka. I liked the drawing so much that I took a photo of it, then cleaned it up a bit in Photoshop. I’ve been wondering who did the original drawing. I don’t know where the copy came from, but the person who showed us through the museum was June McNulty, who is the president of the Tintic Historical Society. I’m still working on a video documentary of the area and my science students have been doing a study of soil contamination south of town for the American Chemical Society, which I’ll be reporting on soon on this blog. That is still the best thing I’ve seen on the Iron Blossom 3. Can I have your permission to use that in our documentary? It is strictly a not-for-profit project.

David Black

Comment on The Tintic Mining District by Sean Larsen

Sean Larsen — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:43:18 +0000

The mining history around Eureka that I saw while riding my motorcycle in the hill, created a huge passion for mining, I went to Utah State and studied geology. I love those mines surrounding Eureka!!!!
Sincerely, Sean.

Comment on The Tintic Mining District by Sean Larsen

Sean Larsen — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:23:31 +0000

I came across this article just doing web surfing about Eureka Utah and it’s mining history. I saw a photo of the drawing of the Iron Blossom 3 Head frame and hoist house. I am really curious where you got that photo. The reason being I have the original print framed sitting here in my house in Oregon. Back in 1982 or 1983 , not sure exactly , my father had a artist friend of his do that drawing and two other drawings, all of which I have. The other drawings are of the old substation in Eureka and the Park City Coalition Tram Building. Wow, I was surprised to see
That photo. Please contact me. Thank you Sean. Oh, our family owned a little house in Eureka in the 70′s and 80′s that is my connection. I think Dad had those
Drawn up for Depot Days.

Comment on The Geology of the Tintic Mining District by William Tuft

William Tuft — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:05:56 +0000

I wish I had more info for you. Both my father and grandfather have passed away. As you know Knightsville went ghost and nothing is left except a few foundations of the houses that were there. My grandfather left Monroe to go to Knightsville with some friends for the relatively high wages that were paid at the time (1914.) I mentioned that he was “leaded” and had to quit mining. He lost his hair and fell ill for quite a spell. For the rest of his life he had very low energy but lived until 1967.
I look forward to your publication. My father wanted to be a mining engineer after hearing the stories from his father and visiting various sites but the Depression killed that dreamI
I do remember my father telling me a story of a cousin or uncle that supposedly backed an early dump truck over the end of a load out & jumped as the truck plummeted downgrade. He was unhurt.

Comment on The Geology of the Tintic Mining District by davidvblack

davidvblack — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:26:15 +0000

William:

Thank you for your comment. I would love to hear any stories you might have about working in the Tintic Mines. I’m trying to put all the parts of this long-standing project together this summer and create a video about the history of the area and the current EPA superfund project there. My students are conducting a soil analysis project in and around Eureka for the American Chemical Society looking at how much contamination there is in the soil from the smelters, etc.

David Black

Comment on The Geology of the Tintic Mining District by William Brady

William Brady — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:57:03 +0000

William Brady
I was a miner in the Chief Consolidated mine in the early 1950′s and my father was the Superintendent until it closed in 1955. My Grandfather was also a miner and worked in the Mammoth, Grand Central, Eagle-Blue Rock and the Chief Con from 1914 to 1928. It is refreshing to see the interest in the Tintic Mining District is still alive.
I spent several years in the 1940′s and 1950′s prospecting from Diamond to Eureka.

Comment on The Geology of the Tintic Mining District by William Tuft

William Tuft — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 01:39:07 +0000

My grandfather was a miner in the Iron Blossom Mine during 1914-1915 while living in Knightsville. He got “leaded” and had to quit and return to Monroe to recuperate. My father was born in Knightsville in 1915.

Comment on Refining Beryllium Ore by davidvblack

davidvblack — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:35:54 +0000

Johannes,

Although phenakite isn’t part of the beryl family of minerals, I believe it can be refined in the same manner as low-grade beryl crystals. In fact, without the aluminum found in beryl, it should be easier to refine. But phenakite is so rare that I doubt anyone refines it commercially.

David Black

Comment on Refining Beryllium Ore by Johannes Felle

Johannes Felle — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 23:09:23 +0000

David, appreciate your insight. I would be grateful if you could help me answer a few questions.
Can Phenakite be a berryllium ore? What grades are mineable and is there a refining process for that kind of ore?
Best regards

Johannes Felle

Comment on Three Threads to Chemistry by davidvblack

davidvblack — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:26:49 +0000

The best advice I can give is that it takes time. This blog is doing pretty well now, but it started out slowly, less than 100 views per month. You just have to keep writing and be passionate about what you write. Try to write at least twice per week – I haven’t been able to do that most months, but the more topics you write about, the more traffic will come to your site. If you can become an expert on a topic and say more on it than anyone else, you’ll get listed higher in Google. This blog has been boing for over four years now, and it is finally reaching the numbers it should.

Dave Black