Delaware County invests in mineral-rich area

Delaware County has bought a large tract of land known for its geological significance. It will open the area as a park for hikers and explorers. Well-known among rock buffs, Mineral Hill has long been a source of rare gems.

Located along Baltimore Pike just west of Ridley Creek in Middletown Township, the 46-acre site is chockfull of hard-to-find minerals such as feldspar, amazonite and moonstone. Mineral Hill is also a source for serpentine — a green rock used to construct a number of buildings in the area.

Christine Fizzano Cannon is vice chairwoman of Delaware County Council.

“For Delaware County residents, it doesn’t just hold that significance — it also holds the significance of being a large parcel of open space that sits adjacent to some already preserved properties, and sits along the Ridley Creek,” said Cannon.

Cannon said the purchase will help preserve the creek’s watershed.

The site was once used as a Boy Scouts camp. The $650,000 purchase was funded through a number of government and non-profit grants.