I think I'm on to something in my peg!

[IAMZIM]

So, I had to go out of town this last weekend, took off Friday, but I had to wait for my sister to get off work at 4pm. So I ran up to my peg to dig, and popped of a cap rock to uncover a small pocket. I knew something was going to be under the cap rock simply because it sounded hollow underneath it as I would tap on it. As soon as I popped it up and got it out of the hole, I encountered the really sticky clay I talk about, it's hard to tell from the pics, (I tried my best! ) I found a nice floater crystal right away, and then uncovered the pocket as you can see in the pics! I got some ugly crystals, but some of them are really unusual, as you can see, I found a weird large flat one.Also one that was damaged long ago, and some feldspar grew in the damaged hole on the tip of it, kinda cool. These are ugly, but really interesting imo, and every once in awhile I have been finding pleasing stuff. I ran out of time, which kinda freaked me out, because I know I won't be able to get back to it until this coming weekend. The reason I am so concerned, is I think there is another pocket behind it.....so I buried the crap out of it, praying no one comes to dig it out while I am gone! I have not yet tried to put in a mining claim on the spot, because I haven't found anything of significant value yet, and I worry about doing that as well, because there's a lot of people around here who completely disregard mining claims anyhow. My sisters bosses' son found the Renea star out here, and has kept his claim secret for a good reason. I know of others, who as soon as they filed a claim were robbed, because unscrupulous peeps find the claims online and shamelessly rob the owners of those claims! It's a worry, but I'm hoping for the opposite lol! Anyway, I will give you all an update next week!

 

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[Aurora]

How exciting! Too bad you have to be so concerned about staking a claim, but it is what it is. If I were you, I would just continue as you have been and keep it as secret as possible. Can't wait for your next update.

 

[old digger]

Those are pretty nice!

 

[Moesia]

You should try to cover as much ground as possible and do little digging. Do not tie yourself to one spot long. You will see more patterns emerging and be able to estimate where to dig at one point. Keep a record of what you found and where you found it. Use a geological map if you can acquire one and plot what you found on it. It will reveal some pattern you otherwise would not be able to deduce. You don't have have to be a geologist to do this. This is the most prolific approach.
Good luck.

 

[Eu_citzen]

I wonder if there might be geological maps in the right scales to map single pegmatite bodies. There are none in my region, at least.

As someone just digging, collecting & looking for crystals I wouldn't bother. You can learn the small signs without maps, given time.
And frankly, I'd be spending a lot of time there!

If you however were mining this place more or less professionally, I'd certainly map it.

 

[IAMZIM]

As far as the geology, I am digging in the Boulder batholith in Jefferson county, the reason I have been digging this particular spot, is because of two reasons, 1. It has been producing, and I have gotten some of my best crystals ever from this peg, and I think there is more to be found! As I have a full time job, this is really only a hobby, so time to plot sites is not as much of a concern for me. 2. there is too much snow in my other potential areas, which when it melts, (hopefully someday) I will indeed be heading out to! This particular peg I have been digging in is slow going, because I am trying to reclaim it behind me at the same time! It's hard work, and I am feeling age creep in on me, (I'm about to turn 44) my body doesn't like to dig anymore lol! As far as what to look for, it's pretty easy to find the pegmatites if you know what to look for,(which I do!) and as soon as enough snow melts, I'll be out looking for more of them, because I know amethyst it found out here, and I love amethyst! Also recently guys have been finding topaz and phenekites, which I would be very happy to find as well!

 

[Moesia]

This is a better map of the area.

https://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/0381/plate-1.pdf

General geology.

https://www.researchgate.net/profil...gma_Series/links/5584371608ae71f6ba8c3ba9.pdf

 

[hvacker]

How exciting! Too bad you have to be so concerned about staking a claim, but it is what it is. If I were you, I would just continue as you have been and keep it as secret as possible. Can't wait for your next update.

I guess you don't live in the West. A claim jumper can get shot here, bury the varmint in the pegmatite, and that's it.

 

[DDancer]

Unless your pulling amazonite, aquamarine, emerald, corundums or some really spectacular plates and unusual minerals I would pass on the mining claim and just stick to keeping it covered. High value stuff. Claims can be difficult to obtain and maintain, check out the posts in the Prospecting forums.
Got a good spot there.

 

[IAMZIM]

I agree with you completely DDancer, I don't have the energy to maintain a mine,and I think I would have to quit my job if I did, not ready to do that yet, hahaha!