Diamonds in Colorado!

Many are familiar with the popular diamond-bearing grounds in Murpheesboro, Arkansas, but there is a rather unmentioned location that is even more plentiful with diamonds: The Stateline Kimberlite District. This region spans across the Colorado and Wyoming border and has only been prospecting since the 1970s. Since then, it has been referred to as the…

Mining Black Tourmaline for FREE – Hagerman Pass, CO

Hagerman Pass in Colorado boasts amazing, scenic views from atop and the opportunity to find a rare mineral: Black Tourmaline. This pass is located near Leadville, CO and peaks at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet. That Camping Couple enjoyed the beautiful views overlooking Turquoise Lake and the snow-melt waterfalls along the route. However, we…

Popcorn…Delicious Snack or Rare Mineral?

We can probably all agree that popcorn is a delicious snack, but did you know there is a rare mineral nicknamed popcorn? Black botryoidal chalcedony is commonly called “popcorn” due to its similar appearance in shape. The mineral chalcedony is a variety of quartz that sports microscopic crystals. Its popcorn shape is scientifically referred to…

Quartz, Calcite, and Caves…Oh My! | Crystal Hill Mine, CO

What if I told you there is a free digging site located in Southwest Colorado that features quartz crystals, calcite crystals, AND caves? Well, you’re in luck, because that is exactly what Crystal Hill Mine has to offer! This amazing site is located near La Garita, CO and resides in the Rio Grand National Forest.…