Felch advocates for Maine state rock

BETHEL — Myles Felch, curator of Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, is advocating for Maine to have a state rock, the granitic pegmatite. Felch brought the idea to Oxford County Senator Lisa Keim, who in turn is sponsoring the bill.

Myles provided public testimony, arguing that granitic pegmatite hosts tourmaline, Maine’s state mineral and that the rock is found in 14 out of 16 Maine counties. Additionally, the rock has a long history in terms of mining, mineral shops, and gem cutting. Pegmatites foster outdoor recreation and tourism through rock hounding and mineral collecting. Finally, there is ongoing research about the rock.