Near Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pegmatite
igneous
Pegmatite veins are found throughout the Piedmont. Pegmatites are igneous rocks with visible crystals. They form deep underground where high temperature and pressure causes sediments and rocks to melt. The melted minerals flow into fractures where they slowly cool, allowing time for the crystals that we see in pegmatite to grow.
Most common minerals found in Delaware's pegmatites:
pink microline feldspar
white plagioclase feldspar
grey and clear quartz
silvery muscovite mica
[Sidebar:]
Have I ever eaten Pegmatite?
The feldspar in pegmatite weathers to kaolin, which is a blue-white Clay. this Clay was mined in the 18th and 19th centuries and used for manufacturing fine china and porcelain, and even as filler in chocolate.
What minerals would you expect to find in the pits and quarries along Kaolin Road?
Erected by Delaware Museum of Nature & Science.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Features • Natural Resources.
Location. 39° 47.952′ N, 75° 36.592′ W. Marker is near
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sillimanite (here, next to this marker); Gabbro (here, next to this marker); Cockeysville Marble (a few steps from this marker); Iron Hill Iron Ore and Chert (a few steps from this marker); Brandywine Blue Gneiss and Barley Mill Gneiss (a few steps from this marker); Weymouth Pine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cottage (approx. 0.6 miles away); 300-Year-Old Oak Tree
Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
