This was a spur of the moment - pull off the road type of field trip! We were driving and driving and and came across a sign that said there was a Borax Visitor Center and we decided to make a quick stop and take a peek. Unfortunately, it was really close to closing time, but we had about 15 minutes to quickly browse and snap some pictures. It was a fun learning experience.
A sample of Borate Ore (Kernite) taken from the Borax Mine in September 1997
This was a huge rock of Borate Ore that was on display when you first walk into the visitor center. It was really beautiful and crystal like and reminded of our many science experiments over the years that we've used Borax to form crystals.
I was quite amazed to see all the everyday products that are made using Borax.
We also learned that this site only has about 30 years left of mining. Kind of left me wondering what will happen when this natural resource is no longer available.
20 Mule Team Information
Cost $900Weight 7,800 lbs eachLength of Wagon Bed 16'Width of Wagon Bed 4'Depth of Wagon Bed 6'These wagons hauled Borax out of Death Valley from 1883 to 1889. Two loaded wagons plus the water tank made a total load of 73,200 pounds or 36 1/2 tons. During their years of operation, these wagons carried over 10,000 tons of Borax out of Death Valley, to Mojave. Today, the U.S. Borax Operation in Boron, CA, mines over 12,000 tons a day.
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