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

[CP]

I agree, Emac is just diving into the subject and I'm confident that Johnny will be giving us plenty of additional information as we go with all his work involved over the years.

The last pic you posted of the heat tested sample definitely looks melted to me and no bubbling/frothing which would indicate tektite from the heat test for sure! (edited to add.....) But that is a meteorite sample heat tested and the melt looks glassy or similar to me. Would that indicate any certain material in the meteorite heated area then too?

I also thought I could see the "shattering followed the shock lamellae in that blue-green glassy chondrule" you were showing in the 10x close up too.

Thanks Johnny and Emac, this thread will be a fun info filled read I'm sure! I thoroughly enjoy attempting to "wrap my Sasquatch brain" around the concepts and possibilities of what these super impacts could have, or did have on the total tectonics evolution. Even at a global scale there could be effects felt on other continents from such an event or multiple events.