On this adventure we explored the mineral mountains in Arizona searching for chrysocolla and amethyst. The first stop was an abandoned mine site which had an old foundation. It appears that this was the processing center, and the mine was on a nearby hill. In the tailings there were small vugs of drusy quartz some amethyst and chrysocolla. After looking in the tailings and not finding anything worthwhile, we moved to the hillside which the tunnel was dug into.
Exploring the area, there were a few prospects and some tunnels. One tunnel was straight down, located in a wash below the hill. The other on the hillside. I went to the top of the hill to explore the exposed bluff and prospects we could see from the road. Another member of the group checked out the tunnel and proceeded to find the other tunnel afterwards. He reported that the tailings and the other tunnel did not seem promising. However, after searching the wash, they returned with some hematite with chrysocolla veins running through it.
While they explored there, I went to the top of the hill to explore the exposed bluff and prospects. As I ascended the hill, I found a few small drusy quartz specimens. once I reached the base of the bluff, I worked my way around the front to check out the geology. The small prospects on the way were bare of any interesting minerals. Once I reached the larger prospect that changed. Many of the rocks in the tailings had larger vugs of drusy quartz and amethyst. Some pieces also had what I speculate to be small sulfur crystals on drusy quartz. None of the amethyst I found had deep color, and most was nearly grey.
Once I had sufficiently explored the prospect and tailings, I proceeded to climb up to the top of the bluff finding a few specimens along the way that were naturally weathered from the bluff. At the top, a nice large vug of drusy quartz was exposed (1*). The other thing I saw at the top was the amazing view (2*). This area had wonderful scenery. The gentle dry breeze in the 75 degree desert air was refreshing after pulling myself up the stagnant hillside in the direct sun.
After enjoying the scenery for awhile, I decided to make my way back down the steep rugged hillside, collecting my favorite finds I had stationed along the way. After making back to the rigs, we proceeded to drive out to our next spot where we would search for gem quality chrysocolla and other copper minerals.
On arrival we grabbed our gear and walked the ridge were a line of open pits dropped below the surface (3*), (4*). Along the walls you could make out veins of copper minerals next to quartz, a good indicator of sturdy material suitable for making into jewelry. The party chose to dig in the tailings of the pit Brian had dug in before. I however, settled on digging some shallow holes in the tailings of one of the other pits.
After digging for an hour or so, I had only come up with a small malachite on drusy quartz specimen so I decided to move to the other tailings pile where the rest of the party was stationed. I dug here for 2 hours or so as I was continuously finding suitable pretty rocks of chrysocolla to cut jewelry from. By the time I had sifted through over 12 cubic feet of material, I had more than a gallon bag full of gorgeous chrysocolla plus a small bag of gem quality material. Now it was time to head back.
Driving back through the maze of hills and rock out of the mineral mountains was a blast. A true adventure, spending the day in the desert exploring and hunting for rocks. Once home we emptied our bags and sprayed our finds to reveal the true colors hiding within (5*). Everyone had found wonderful chrysocolla, and some quartz and amethyst specimens too.
Now the adventure was over, and it was time to settle in for some tasty food and a good night's rest. Today's adventure was over, now we wait for next time.
Image (2*) of the mineral mountains from on top of a mini mountain.
Image (1*) of the large quartz vug found at the top.
One of the pits along the ridge, this one over 30 feet deep (3*).
Smaller pits along the ridge (4*).
Best of my chrysocolla freshly washed (5*).
