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]

Yep Johnny, can't tell in these pics either but there are some that for sure carry that tint/hue in them. That's why I just had to semi polish the larger one on the reverse of one rectangle for study....after blowing it up on the computer I could see several (4 actually) colors/layers and center form/color that's heart shaped even. You can see in the reverse side pic that it also appears there could be small metal flakes spread through out the piece too. All show the same flakes but it's harder to spot them on the rounded side surface, for some reason they appear more readily on a flat cut surface. More for study and proof of origin I'm thinking.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what the final determination is after further study/testing is completed soon too, should be very interesting and educational for us all! There all unique with many characteristics to individual stone.

Here's some completed cabochon pics of what made it through finish processes, mother nature wasn't lighting friendly when I took these sorry, little cloudy out.

Meteorite cabochons






and the reverse side inclusion of one larger rectangle cut stone....study interests







the tektite and breccia cabochons.... the one furthest lower right does have an obvious fracture showing but it held together until finished. I did carry a "crown" cut so to speak to full top center on one rectangle tektite cut which almost gives it a faceted look.