The Big Cottonwood area lies in the highest portion of the Wasatch Mountains southeast of Salt Lake City. It contains exposed geologic features developed during two billion years of earth history. Discoveries of small but rich mineral deposits within the area led to a colorful, moderately productive, century-long period of metal mining. While there is no mining activity in the Big Cottonwood mining district today, the area is of considerable interest to students of regional geology and to numerous visitors to the mountain recreational areas. Major thrust faulting is well exposed in outcrops and in mine workings and is of economic importance on a regional scale. The unusual occurrence of the major ore bodies, at the intersections of steep fissure veins with several overthrust planes, similar to that of deposits mined in the adjoining Little Cottonwood (Alta) and American Fork districts to the south, is a classic regional feature. The small deposits in the older Precambrian rocks at the eastern edge of the district present features not seen elsewhere in the state. This report presents new detail on these and other aspects of the geology of the district, and records available geology and history of the many formerly-active underground mines. It presents an update on regional geology. It is written for readers of many interests, not merely for economic geologists. 98 pages + 4 plates

Whether you are a geologist, history buff, or rockhound, this booklet will be a helpful guide to Utah?s mining districts. The booklet is divided up into three parts: the first part provides general information on what a mining district is, how many mining districts are in Utah, types of mineral deposits found at these districts, and landownership issues. The second part includes individual mining-district discussions containing information on location, production, history, geology, mineralogy, and current/future operations. The third part includes a glossary of geologic terms and other useful resources in the appendices, such as a descriptive list of minerals found in the districts, geologic time scale, and a list of mineral resources of the mining districts.

With the tremendous growth of population in this and neighboring states, there are more collectors than ever before and with the rapidly escalating prices for mineral and fossil specimens in the retail market, there is a great demand for displayable material. It has become necessary for professional geologists, hobby collectors, and commercial collectors to recognize each others existence and to try to work together within a framework of regulation, courtesy, and common sense so that material of scientific value is not lost and undue restrictions are not placed upon collecting. There is a continuing need for collectors and professionals to work together with resource managers and legislators to develop workable laws and rules affecting the collecting of minerals and fossils. This publication contains details information about collecting areas, divided by county to make for ease of use. Each collecting area contains information about the minerals, rocks, or fossils present, map recommendations, and other helpful tips on getting to the sites.