Coaldale Crater Gemstones, Meteorite Impact Produces Rare Specimens Options

[ASTROBLEME]

Members and Guests of Colorado Prospector,

Many years ago I discovered a highly eroded, geologically complex and very ancient impact crater centered 3 ¼ miles northwest of Coaldale, Colorado (USA). I am announcing this discovery as a long-time contributor to this forum in an effort to assure that the public has access to this information. Dan (the owner and operator of Colorado Prospector) is preparing some of my "Coaldale Crater" specimens for jewelry settings. He has graciously agreed to document his work progress so that others can gain a better understanding of the effort it takes to transform these raw materials into valuable gemstones. Please take time to follow this project along the way. I hope you find the subject interesting.

I'll be sharing the science behind this amazing discovery as our work progresses. This research builds upon my work at Gunnison Crater, Westcliffe Crater, Silver Cliff Crater and Hillside Crater that proved an extension to the 38th Parallel Crater Chain dating to the Late Devonian Period. Although the Coaldale Crater is also along the 38th Parallel, it is not part of the well documented crater chain system. My efforts in the Coaldale Colorado region included collecting field survey data, acquiring and analyzing numerous geologic specimens followed by an extensive review of the relevant scientific literature. The results support an impact event that occurred during the Oligocene Epoch.

For now, I'm providing the attached map depicting the present peak ring exposure. It is fascinating that this impact crater has survived the deep erosion and strong fault deformation that Mother Nature has provided continually over the past 27+ million years.

Sincerely,

ASTROBLEME

[ASTROBLEME]

Gemstone Material Represented in Breccia at Coaldale Crater

The attached photo depicts the major stratigraphic complexes and regional ignimbrites trapped in impact generated breccia. As a side note, the coin used for scale was found in a recent recovery of a CP Geochache.

A close observation of this cut specimen reveals the blue-green gemstone material from the meteorite along with shocked quartz fragments. The other major components and age in millions of years are as follows;
Carpenter Ridge Tuff 27.4 Ma
Fish Canyon Tuff 27.8 Ma
East Gulch Tuff 33.7 Ma
Antero Formation 33.8 Ma
Wall Mountain Tuff 36.7 Ma

ASTROBLEME