Rock Talk

Welcome rockhounds, gold prospectors and nature lovers. Another prospecting season is just beginning although it may be a later start due to our huge snow pack this year in Chaffee County, Colorado. If you haven't spent time here in the “Banana Belt” of Colorado, you're in for a treat. We've got cooler temps in the summer and warmer temps in the winter than Denver – even at 8000 feet (although Mother Nature offered a frozen “Banana” Belt this year).

Mount Antero was a challenge at times last year. Our prolific rains led to a major mud slide in the vicinity and later a short term closure of the “road” up Antero due to sliding. As usual the prospectors were diligent in accessing their claims but the incident is a good reminder to all who visit or dream of visiting the mountain – GO PREPARED. A problem like this one could create a huge problem for you if stuck on the slopes – not being able to get up the hill is one thing but not being able to get down … well…

Some pretty exciting finds in the last couple of years. Large smoky quartz crystals have been found (one over 40 inches tall) and a couple of years ago a Morganite occurrence was identified. Some decent matrix specimens have also come to light in the last year. You've got to give a hand to those hardy souls that have the fortitude, diligence and (sometimes) craziness to pursue the gems on the treacherous slopes of Mount Antero and White Mountain. Bravo for you Brian, Steve, Clay, Jeff, Donna, Bill and all the rest of you mountaineers.

If you choose to challenge the mountain, feel free to stop by the shop (located near the base of Mount Antero) and we'll offer what information we know about current conditions. Please do NOT take the trip lightly.

Reminder: I have a few copies of the soft cover “Antero Aquamarines” book left in stock as of this writing. Stop by if you haven't gotten one yet.

Local prospecting maps have been updated and once again provided by the Columbine Gem & Mineral Society. I have plenty of them at the store although this year Columbine is asking for a donation – a deal for a $2 donation. We'll also be glad to direct you to some gold prospecting spots as well as offering information on new claims in the area.

Mineral specimens from the local area and around the world are just waiting for you to come admire them. As usual I have plenty of fluorites from various localities and have found some very lustrous green-blue crystals from the Rogerley Mine in England (just a few)– just let me decide which one I'm keeping for my collection and the rest will be on the shelves. Some nice aquamarine matrix specimens that came down last year are available and reasonably priced. And I just received a very cool, and relatively large piece, of zoned calcite from Larimer County. It will be on display after some cleaning and trimming as I just picked it up recently.

Donna was busy this year putting together mineral specimens for clearance at $1, $2 and $5. There are some good deals so check it out in the clearance section. As always we diligently try to keep reasonable prices so everyone can enjoy their own mineral collection.