Pennsylvania has a lot of different geology and minerals. Usually we associate PA with coal, limestone and iron. There are lots of other elements found too, just not as much or as concentrated.
There are various gemstones found in eastern Pennsylvania, but surprisingly there is a location in south central PA that has a deposit of turquoise. The mineral is found at Waggoners Gap along Route 74 in Cumberland county.
There is a parking area along Route 74 at the gap with a great view. All around that area the terrain is very rocky and you can see where great rock layers push out of the ground , an ancient layer of the earths crust exposed.
The mineral can be seen as a blue-green mineralization on the older rock. You may or may not see it from the road, but walking into the woods a short ways, you will start to detect the blue-green color on the boulders and rocks.
Note: This is not a "vein" of turquoise, merely traces. You will not be able to "chip off a piece". The rocks are extremely hard. With the right hammer you might get lucky and break off a piece of rock that has a little blue-green on it.
So, while not really a good treasure hunt, it is still pretty cool to be able to see and recognize this mineral that is so unusual in Pennsylvania, right in Cumberland County. Note: the area of rocks extends up the mountain into Perry County too.
