jjolie
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2023
Posts: 1
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Post by jjolie on Mar 3, 2023 22:46:52 GMT -5
Hello all, Newbie here! Ive been a lover of rocks and gemstones since childhood. Have never rock hounded before, but its on my bucket list! Im taking a business trip to Phoenix/Prescott area in late April and taking an extra day or two to explore and adventure and would love to go hounding! Ill be flying so I won't be able to bring tools....however, any advice on best, beginner locations and how-tos would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
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dirtsifter
Cave Dweller
Co to za kamyczek?
Member since September 2022
Posts: 402
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Post by dirtsifter on Mar 3, 2023 23:02:09 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from north central New York!
Your trip sounds like fun...at least the rock hounding part. LOL. Spend a couple of bucks at Harbor Freight on a screw driver, hammer, googles (don't want to be known as dead eye), a 90 degree screwdriver or something similar(small pry bar) a shoulder bag and of coarse hat, sun screen, water (to drink and spray on innocent dry rocks) compass etc. Just a few things that came quickly to mind. You can gift the tools to a surprised somebody when you leave.
Don't forget to take some pictures and share your adventure.
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Post by vegasjames on Mar 3, 2023 23:32:54 GMT -5
Welcome from Southern Nevada.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,648
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Post by Tommy on Mar 4, 2023 8:42:24 GMT -5
Hello all, Newbie here! Ive been a lover of rocks and gemstones since childhood. Have never rock hounded before, but its on my bucket list! Im taking a business trip to Phoenix/Prescott area in late April and taking an extra day or two to explore and adventure and would love to go hounding! Ill be flying so I won't be able to bring tools....however, any advice on best, beginner locations and how-tos would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Welcome! Maybe pick up a copy of the books Rockhounding AZ and Gem Trails of AZ if you haven't already. Many of the sites in these books are hard hit or even close or inaccessible now, BUT the books are still a great place for a beginner to learn the area and will generally get you to a location that will contain interesting rocks - and let you know what type of vehicle is required, etc. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 4, 2023 9:47:59 GMT -5
Welcome from the Prescott area! Unfortunately, Prescott doesn't really have any exciting rocks to hound. The mountains are mostly granite. There is red jasper with banded iron on Mingus Mountain, which is pretty boring, but it's there. Your best bet to find any exciting rocks would be in the desert around Phoenix. We have a few folks on the forum down in the Valley, so maybe they can chime in and give you some pointers. drocknut is down around Wickenburg and she is always out hounding. Any easily accessed areas around there, Diane? Since you are a newbie to rockhounding, I hope you have someone who is going to go out with you. Hounding by yourself in areas you are not familiar with can be dangerous. Remember the desert has rattlesnakes, green mambas and lots of cactus that really like to stick you at every opportunity. You need to be aware of your surroundings and of course, bring plenty of water to keep hydrated, even in April. You will enjoy Prescott. The Courthouse Square area is lots of fun to explore and still retains its Old West aura. If you are in to hiking, there are lots of trails around to explore (with not much cactus to ambush you). A stop at the Chamber of Commerce on the corner of Goodwin and Montezuma will give you maps and information. Here's the website: www.prescott.org/visitor-information-center.html
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,759
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Post by gemfeller on Mar 4, 2023 16:18:15 GMT -5
jjolie Maye I'm jumping to conclusions but it seems to me you're not really prepared in terms of time or equipment for desert collecting. If you just want a few great specimens and to learn more about what's here and how to search for it I'd recommend getting to know Robin hummingbirdstones and husband Vince while in the Prescott area. You will never meet nicer people and they have a huge stock of rough and cut gems. They know a lot about collecting and cutting and I'm sure they'll be happy to accommodate your needs if your schedules work out.
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Post by drocknut on Mar 6, 2023 11:54:40 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from south central Arizona. Yep, I live between Aguila and Wickenburg as hummingbirdstones said. I do know of a few areas for rockhounding around here if you want to send me a private message I can give you more information or we could maybe even go hounding when you're here schedules permitting. A few areas that come to mind are 4th of July Butte near Tonopah and Saddle Mountain in that same area. Both are easy to get to with any vehicle and not a lot of digging required or tools needed.
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carolc
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2023
Posts: 3
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Post by carolc on Apr 19, 2023 15:07:42 GMT -5
My son and daughter in law are flying into Phoenix in October. They are new to rockhounding and have never been to Arizona so they are rookies. Is there anyone who has guided daily trips that you might know of?
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