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Colorado Prospector - Gem and mineral prospecting and mining forums _ Gem and Mineral Specimen Finds or Processes _ Crystal Digging!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 13 2004, 05:04 PM

The family and I took a trip to a friend of ours claim.
He has found some great things such as large smokey quartz crystals, Goethite, large fluorites, Amazonite and much more. Most all have come in combos also. Very Nice!!

Here are some pics of Dan and I digging our own hole there. smile.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 13 2004, 05:06 PM

We got down about 9 feet then we hit hard rock finally. emoticon-misc-004.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 13 2004, 05:09 PM

It was a little bit more of a tight hole for Dan though. laugh.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 13 2004, 05:12 PM

The kids sure loved playing in our tailings pile.

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 13 2004, 05:15 PM

We put in a couple of stairs................. huh.gif ...............but watch out for that last one, it's getting to be a doozie. laugh.gif laugh.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 13 2004, 05:21 PM

Eventually we will get deeper, and lazy and add a rope like Quentin did in his 18-20 foot (so far) hole. blink.gif Now that steps a doozie!!
We had a great time, and next time we go, I will take more pics. cool.gif

 

Posted by: russau Jul 14 2004, 12:24 PM

you need to frame those walls before going ANY deeper!

Posted by: Redpaw Jul 14 2004, 05:20 PM

AWESOME.......I want to play in that hole, I can tell that the dirt is so solid that collapse is not possible ( you can't make a smooth wall in the second photo with loose pack )

BUT precaution is always the better part of thinking when your looking at a few tons at minimum above you.

I've got a climbing harness, lets play

Rp

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 22 2005, 01:48 AM

Cabin fever is setting in! I know im ready to hit the hole. How about you snowdog? wink.gif
Redpaws bringing the harness. biggrin.gif

 

Posted by: Snowdog Jan 22 2005, 12:25 PM

I'm R_E_A_D_Y, would like to see what's under that rock that's in the bottom. The only thing we need to harness is the rocks to get them out! Then keep on diggin biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 26 2005, 07:54 AM

laugh.gif I'll bring the shovels! I was thinking that maybe we could leave that rock in there for a ledge to put all our wonderful finds on before we get them out of the hole. biggrin.gif
We could just start cutting into the left more and start stepping it down again.
smile.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 31 2005, 03:26 AM

There might even be something like this under our rock. wub.gif
This was one of Quentins last finds.

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 13 2005, 01:05 AM

hmmmm..... What will they find next?
A huge smokey quartz, some Amazonite, Goethite, or maybe more Fluorites? wub.gif
Quick..... Get me a pick and shovel, the suspense is killing me.

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 20 2005, 11:11 AM

Here is a pic of what Timmy found the other day.
Thats my boy! wub.gif

 

Posted by: russau Apr 21 2005, 04:46 AM

what a cool pic of tim!happy as can be!

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 20 2005, 07:09 AM

This is a pic of what Anita found in her dig spot. biggrin.gif
These are some beautiful fluorites! They refused to be square, they took on a more square tip and round sides look. Guess mother nature was thinking outside the box when these were made.
Purples, blues and even some clear like ice.
Nice score Anita!!

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 20 2005, 07:18 AM

Here is a pic of the baseball sized one all cleaned up with a few smokeys decorating the matrix. cool.gif
This one was from a few digs ago found by Quentin.

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 29 2005, 07:43 AM

Another fun day at the digs! biggrin.gif

 

Posted by: Coalbunny May 29 2005, 10:05 PM

huh.gif !?!?!?!?!?


Ohhhhh! That's Dan....ok! For a moment there I though bigfoot had raided your camp! laugh.gif tongue.gif wink.gif biggrin.gif
Carl

Posted by: russau May 30 2005, 05:51 AM

carl, your cold!!!!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 3 2005, 06:55 AM

QUOTE (Coalbunny @ May 29 2005, 10:05 PM)
For a moment there I though bigfoot had raided your camp!  laugh.gif  tongue.gif  wink.gif  biggrin.gif
Carl

If thats big foot, he can raid my camp anytime!!
biggrin.gif

Posted by: russau Jun 3 2005, 08:05 AM

now now denise!! haha

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 6 2005, 06:29 AM

hehehe
Ok Russ. happy.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 10 2005, 07:29 AM

Quentin and Anita migth have their specimens at the Pikes Peak Gem and Mineral show in Colorado Springs on June 17th-19th at 10AM-5PM. I will find out today.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 20 2005, 11:01 AM

Here are a few pics of Mike and I working on our hole at the Dreamtime.

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 20 2005, 11:04 AM

Here is when Mike jumped into the hole to dig some more....
Hes thinking..... huh.gif "Did you want this hole big enough for a person to fit in?"
laugh.gif

Mike is going to get pics of Snowdog and Dan in the new hole they are starting. smile.gif

 

Posted by: wyodust Jul 22 2005, 10:36 PM

happy.gif always fun being a gopher isnt it, but what i really want to know is................












is that the first time those legs seen sunlight this year? laugh.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 23 2005, 01:41 PM

Gopher's dont get alot of sun on their legs..... huh.gif

laugh.gif

Posted by: wyodust Jul 25 2005, 12:46 PM

happy.gif i suppose your right

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 26 2005, 07:41 AM

A little miners yoga anyone?....... biggrin.gif

This is a picture Mike took.

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 26 2005, 07:43 AM

Here is a pic Mike took of Snowdog in the new dig. smile.gif

 

Posted by: jmann Jul 26 2005, 07:14 PM

SD is half armadilo and half backhoe. laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif Joe

Posted by: wyodust Jul 27 2005, 03:30 PM

happy.gif im not even going to ask , which half is which

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 3 2006, 01:37 PM

We talked to Quentin the other day, and he says the snow and ground is warm enough that he has been out digging already...hehe

cool.gif

Here is a pic of Jason last year on his claim "The Blue On Black", after pulling out a Smokey quartz on Amazonite.....MMMMMMMMMMM...I had great timing with my camera.

Do you have the need to get out and dig as bad as I do?...
wacko.gif

 

Posted by: cornwall84 Jun 8 2006, 03:55 AM

Hi denise, You got plans to get out digging soon.

They sure are pretty rocks

biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 9 2006, 07:12 AM

Hi Alan. Nothing in the plans as of yet. We have been enjoying being in a gold bearing area again. happy.gif
I cant keep from crystal digging long though... Especially knowing there is a baby blue fluorite just waiting for me to find it.
happy.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 22 2006, 01:39 PM

Here is a pic of several smokey quartz crystals about 7 feet in the hole.
The one on the right is about the size of a human head.
It doesnt get much better then this.
cool.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 22 2006, 01:45 PM

Here is a pic of the proud claim owner.....
Nice claim you have there Quentin! wink.gif

 

Posted by: cornwall84 Aug 22 2006, 02:35 PM

wow, thats huge denise. is it in your hole?did you dig it out yet.Wheres the pics


You gotta go over and get digging.

biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 24 2006, 06:54 AM

I wish it was my hole. biggrin.gif
Actually its Quentins hole. Amazing to see how they look in the ground still before they pull them out and get them all cleaned up. Gets the adrenalin flowing thats for sure.
cool.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 28 2007, 07:37 AM

The jack must be for the mini mucking cart in there.....rats a flat..... laugh.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 10 2007, 08:54 AM

Check out this nice find! Sweet purple fluorites..... happy.gif

 

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Apr 12 2007, 04:49 PM

Here are a couple pics of a square faceted smoky quartz from the Dreamtime mine.
Faceting and pic are done by Ed L.
Very nice work Ed! Thanks for sending the pictures out and we can't wait to see the next pieces you work on.

CP

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 2 2007, 01:59 PM

Fantastic work Ed! cool.gif

Here is a smokey I have been working on for Dans birthday.
Its a little over 2 inches long, and over 1/2 inch thick.
Its not done yet, but so far I have ingraved from the backside (CP),
and have polished it up a bit. Im going to set in gold he has found into the letters.
Think he will like it? I'll post a picture of it when Im done.
There sure are some amazing crystals in Colorado.
happy.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 2 2007, 02:28 PM

and a pic not so close up. biggrin.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Oct 10 2007, 07:55 AM

Some amazing things being pulled after the tractor work! Huge combos of all kinds.
happy.gif

 

Posted by: jim Nov 9 2007, 10:21 AM

man what an adventure. i would have loved to been there.
.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 12 2008, 10:27 AM

Looks like you'll be getting that chance Jim. wink.gif
Its going to be a blast! You are going to love this place!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 12 2008, 10:49 AM

Here are a few pics of more things found in the Teller area.

Purple Fluorites on Microcline. This piece is bigger than my hand. happy.gif

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 12 2008, 10:51 AM

For those of you who like a little blue in your specimen world! wink.gif

Specimens of Amazonite. Some great twins!
Not all the Amazonite found is specimen quality like these....But definately makes great material for making into jewelry. I find small pieces all over the ground.

 

Posted by: jim Mar 12 2008, 12:07 PM

This is gonna be the first real dig that I've ever been on. Man am I ready!!!!!!
It will also be the first time that I ever went gold prospecting. It's gonna be sooo much fun.

Posted by: Coalbunny Mar 14 2008, 06:16 AM

Got a date set up for that, Denise? Or is it by invite only?

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 15 2008, 02:27 PM

Date will be Monday May 26th. We have more info about it in the Spring Fling thread if your interested Carl.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 7 2008, 06:04 AM

More pieces to add to my Microcline collection. happy.gif
They should clean up nicely.

 

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 7 2008, 06:06 AM

Here is a nice smokey quartz. I put my fingers in the picture so you can see the size of the crystal. Still pretty dirty now, but will clean up well. smile.gif

 

Posted by: jim Jul 7 2008, 12:42 PM

Very cool indeed. I ended up getting a number of plates like that Denise. I also came home with a good double hand full of smokies.Some of the smokies are facetable. The trip was something that will always stand out in my mind. It was a blast. Jim

Posted by: mystic mining Jul 14 2008, 05:25 PM

Very cool Denise, really like the Amazonite. wub.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 16 2008, 09:57 AM

Very cool Jim... We are very glad you had a good time while here in Colorado! I would love to see some pics of your finds since I wasnt there that day!! smile.gif

So you like the Amazonite eh Sean?
There are some amazing specimens coming out of that area.

Here is one thats larger than a softball. Lets see who knows their stuff...hehe
Can anyone tell me what the white stuff is on the Amazonite?
I know the answer, I just want to see who paying attention, and would love to see more feedback in the CP forums. biggrin.gif

You never know, the first correct answer could win someone a piece of Amazonite. ph34r.gif

 

Posted by: ruby Jul 23 2008, 03:01 PM

biggrin.gif The answer is Clevelandite...on the Amonzonite

From Ruby
Colorado

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 24 2008, 04:50 AM

Fantastic Ruby, thats correct! Looks like you just won yourself some Amazonite.
I'll be contacting you for mailing info soon.

btw.......Welcome to the CP forums.
smile.gif

Posted by: nm jack Jul 24 2008, 07:37 PM

biggrin.gif Timmy is a miner if I ever saw one!!hehe

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 7 2008, 02:07 PM

hehe Yes he is Jack! happy.gif

Here is what we will be sending you Ruby......Its not softball sized,
but it will fill the palm of your hand. You will enjoy it im sure.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic, it sure doesnt do this specimen justice.

 

Posted by: amethystguy Nov 27 2008, 04:48 PM

Sorry about bumping this one back up but great thread! This is the place Jim had told me he went to. Does somebody own this claim and let other dig on it for a fee? I saw the first pics and was wondering where the backhoe was as digging down 10 feet is mighty tough work but then I saw later in the thread the backhoe I guess the owner uses.. The piece the guy is holding to the camera with the single smokey attached to the amazonite is an awesome spec.

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Dec 3 2008, 01:57 PM

Sorry? What fer'! This is one of our favorite threads. biggrin.gif No problem at all.

Yes that is a claim that one of our friends owns called the Dreamtime mine. Many world class pieces have been mined there.
The combo piece Jesse is holding is a killer one which is from a different claim nearby called the Blue on Black.....also well known for many fine pieces. happy088.gif

We did have the privilage of digging there last year for the spring outing when Jim visited but that was a specially arranged dig and at this time we don't have another in the planning............yet. music037.gif

Just amazing how many different things can be found around that area.
Dang it! Everytime I read this thread I just wanna' head off diggin'! But can't!! bash.gif bash.gif bash.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: amethystguy Dec 3 2008, 03:31 PM

I don't know how many good places you guys have to dig out there but I must say I am blessed by living where I do in ATL because I have access to all these awesome places to dig within 3 hours of me at bthe most. That includes North carolina too. I am sure CO has more places than you can count, though

Posted by: jim Dec 3 2008, 07:40 PM

lol dan. yep the day at dreamtime will be a day remembered for a long time. maybe at the spring fling rolleyes.gif next year we can go again.

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 8 2011, 07:17 AM

QUOTE (amethystguy @ Nov 27 2008, 04:48 PM) *
Sorry about bumping this one back up but great thread! This is the place Jim had told me he went to. Does somebody own this claim and let other dig on it for a fee? I saw the first pics and was wondering where the backhoe was as digging down 10 feet is mighty tough work but then I saw later in the thread the backhoe I guess the owner uses.. The piece the guy is holding to the camera with the single smokey attached to the amazonite is an awesome spec.




This is a great thread, and you have a very good eye for sweet specimens Jason! That piece is definately amazing, I was lucky enough to be right there when he (Jason) pulled it out. One could almost smell the adrenaline flowing from the dig that day! thumbsupsmileyanim.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 8 2011, 08:27 AM

QUOTE (jim @ Dec 3 2008, 07:40 PM) *
lol dan. yep the day at dreamtime will be a day remembered for a long time. maybe at the spring fling rolleyes.gif next year we can go again.


Here is a link to the thread Jim posted with pictures at the Dreamtime....
http://www.coloradoprospector.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2895

All the pictures in that thread (excluding the first) was taken at the Dreamtime.
smiley-cool14.gif

Posted by: russau May 10 2011, 06:03 AM

it makes me happy to see that the Dream Time mine is doing so well after the "rocky" start he had with the gubermint awhile back in getting him up-n-running! SALUTE!

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 10 2011, 07:12 AM

The Dreamtime has always been just that, a dream of Quentins. If one doesn't give up on their dreams, anything is possible.
Keep shooting for the stars Quentin, your almost there! smiley-clapping.gif

Here is a pic of a few more goodies mined in the past from the Dreamtime. happy112.gif

Picture with my hand to show size comparison.....


What a SWEET sight! excited.gif thumbsupsmileyanim.gif



Posted by: Mrs.CP May 15 2011, 07:24 AM

unsure.gif I thought someone would say something about those amazing Smokey Quartz crystals. spock.gif
Maybe a huge Goethite will get a reply. chin.gif This has got to be the largest Goethite I have ever seen! Another sweet find from Quentin.



I bet your thinking the same thing I am right now.........."Wow, I want to go there and dig!"
If your a CP club member, you will soon get the chance to go. sweet.gif
Look for details posted in the club members protected section of the forum soon.
CP_Member.gif


sweet.gif excited.gif extra_happy.gif

Posted by: Woody May 15 2011, 08:01 AM

Jealousy often inspires a tight lip and I am certianly jealous. (I want some), Woody

Posted by: Mrs.CP May 20 2011, 07:01 AM

It is a great claim, Quentin is a very lucky man! thumbsupsmileyanim.gif

Here is a picture of me digging after he loosened the dirt a bit for me with the tractor. music037.gif
Dan pointed out to me that it looks like I have a big vug under my butt..... slaphead.gif giggle.gif




Posted by: Coalbunny May 25 2011, 02:34 AM

Are they gonna do that again this summer?

Posted by: ColoradoProspector May 25 2011, 08:46 AM

The Colorado Prospector club members do have an invite to this claim this year yep and the details on that will be posted soon. We'll all have to pin down a date for that as well. Check the protected club members forum section for those updates soon.
The Dreamtime mine has produced some sweet specimens and continues to give up some world class mind boggling pieces too. Everyone will have a great time! emoticon-misc-004.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 23 2011, 07:39 AM

I wonder if he ever dug that vug out that I was sitting on. confused0082[1].gif
Its an amazing claim, and so far several people are planning on attending. It's going to be a great time exposing those specimens to light for the first time. Its like watching a baby being born excited.gif , screaming included. laugh.gif extra_happy.gif biggrin.gif


Posted by: ColoradoProspector Jun 30 2011, 02:18 PM

For those club members who do wish to attend this year........check the protected forum section thread for details, it's time to make/finalize your reservations, or contact me directly to set up your reservation if you wish.

CP

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Jul 23 2011, 07:32 AM

Updates have been posted for this gathering, check the protected forum section for details.

This is a Colorado Prospector club members invite.....DON'T MISS OUT! happy088.gif

CP

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 3 2011, 12:06 PM

smile.gif

Posted by: The_Ideanator Apr 9 2012, 09:35 PM

Maaaaaan I am seriously jealous of those smokies, I really oughtta find a site where I could hounding for those in.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 10 2012, 10:04 AM

This thread sure gets the blood pumping! excited.gif Colorado has some amazing things to dig! Those huge smokeys pictured in this thread are from a friends claim. He definately has some sweet smokeys!!

Posted by: swizz Apr 11 2012, 07:05 PM

I like this thread too. Some HUGE smokies and killer combos!
Any chance of another CP crystal dig outing again this year? I would do a pay-to-dig or maybe a good NFS or BLM researched area? I had a great time, met fun people, and learned a lot last year for sure.
Also got some nice specimens! thumbsupsmileyanim.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 14 2012, 11:31 AM

I don't know of a crystal pay-to-dig in that area. Getting together for a crystal dig day would be great! With the proper research, one would be surprised what's open still to prospecting. research.gif info_grin.gif Just having another opportunity to show some of the members what to look for when prospecting for crystals, how the crystal are dug and the tools used would be great.

Transportation.gif

Posted by: Crusty Jun 13 2013, 03:32 AM

Very cool thread! I'd love to find a sweet combo like some of those! I've found smoky and I've found Amazonite, but never the two together. But then I've only been looking for a year or two, so hopefully the smarter I get, the better chance I'll have!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 16 2013, 07:20 AM

Keep digging Crusty and you will find that combo soon. thumbsupsmileyanim.gif
They sometimes hide in all that dirt coating so be careful when cleaning them up.

This thread always makes me want to dig bad!!
emoticon-misc-004.gif

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jan 29 2014, 10:03 AM

Here are two cool pieces found in the same area, Microcline and Amazonite (a variety of Microcline). Amazing what a variation in the mix will do! happy088.gif

These are keepers!
happy112.gif


 

Posted by: NewRockHounder Aug 21 2014, 11:54 AM

Yes, I've looked at this several times already, Mrs. CP.

Wish I was there for that, I'm free labor emoticon-misc-004.gif - just want to learn.

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