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]

Thanks again Johnny, I'm really glad they all turned out so well too!

After cutting those meteorites I'm in complete agreement with Johnny on the high velocity impact influence upon them. As someone who's cut literally hundreds of pounds of agate from volcanic deposits, I can say for certain these were unlike any of those. The inclusions (chrondite/chrondules) were mostly fractured (with had melt pocket rims) in this way Johnny has illustrated, but in a volcanic sedimentary agate/nodule one might expect or find some fractures closer to surfaces possibly from freezing, weathering etc....then in a bit deeper the cut nodules/agates would likely be unbroken further within. Also the matrix hardness for the body of the piece seemed softer than what a typical agate or cryptocrystalline quartz forms in from volcanic flows/sediments and would be expected in my experiences while cutting or polishing.

Very much look forward to hearing what else Johnny has to tell us as time progresses with his work too! Kudo's Johnny, super cool stuff you're working with and I'm honored to have helped a little bit as a cutter.