We often hear the question, “How do you get your crystals so squeaky clean?” We humerously reply, “By making rock stew, of course!” That Camping Couple’s favorite method to cleaning crystals (and other gems and minerals) is by heating Oxalic Acid. This method is for outdoor use ONLY and requires the use of hand gloves.…
After two wonderous months spent in Colorado, That Camping Couple arrived in Arkansas to find the state’s famous treasure: Clear Quartz Crystals. It’s no wonder that Arkansas is known as the “Quartz Crystal Capital of the World”. The land surrounding the Ouchita National Forest is overflowing with this abundant mineral! So much so, that locals…
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…
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…
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…