At what point should I consider filing a claim? Options

[CrazySanMan]

Last fall I found a non-claimed spot where I was digging finger-sized quartz crystal tips. I've been back to the area several times and tried tracing back to the pocket, each time finding bigger crystals as I went. This past weekend I found several quartz crystal tips as big around as my fist, as well as some other mineral crystals, and i began finding some malformed quartz crystals that are still attached to the matrix. I feel like I'm much closer to the originating pocket now and I have a good idea of where it is located.

My question is at what point should I consider filing a claim to dig the pocket? Should I file it now or wait until I actually locate the pocket?

[Clay Diggins]

Quartz has been classified as a "common variety mineral". You can't locate a claim for a common variety mineral. Only a discovery of "valuable minerals" will support a mining claim. Quartz in any of it's ordinary forms (including crystals) is by definition not a valuable mineral nor is the deposit locatable.

There are mineral leasing and purchase schemes available from the BLM and/or Forest Service. If you want to obtain exclusive rights to the quartz crystals you are finding that is your only option. The federal government will expect a significant share of your proceeds as part of the deal.

If you want to hobby collect crystals without paying for a sale you can collect up to 15 pounds per year but you can't sell them.