pinhole
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2009
Posts: 3
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Post by pinhole on Apr 6, 2009 12:31:41 GMT -5
My youngest son is autistic and has recently started cabochon polishing using some of my father's old equipment. His intense concentration really pays off. His work is far better than anything my dad or I have ever managed. He also likes 'collecting' interesting samples he's found.
My wife and I would love to help him out and we'd like to go crystal hunting this summer. From lots of Googling we see loads of good places to go that are very far away. We're envious of the wealth of sites on the west coast but 3 days drive each way will use up the vacation time rather quickly. This summer vacation we thought of driving to someplace closer, such as Arkansas (Mount Ida Area) and then eastward before circling back home. Can any of you experienced folks advise us on good and productive places to search. We're looking for sites where he can be successful in his search for new rocks?
I posted this question on "Lapidary/Gemstone Community Forum" and the folks there advised me to repost it here because you folks do more hunting and therefore would be a better resource.
Thanks in advance, Bruce
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Post by Michael John on Apr 6, 2009 13:53:02 GMT -5
Bruce, what city/town do you live in? My friend Steve (northshorerocks) and I have been studying northeastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and northern Michigan for new possible hounding locations for him. That entire geographical area is phenomenal for a huge variety of gemstones. Tell us where you're at and we can help you spend most of your vacation collecting instead of driving.
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Post by texaswoodie on Apr 6, 2009 14:08:14 GMT -5
There are several quartz mines in Mt Ida. Do a Google for AR quartz mines. Ron Coleman's is one of the most popular. The Arrowhead mine is another good one, but you have to call in advance because Matt is not always there. Another place in AR is The Crater of Diamonds. A nice place to visit and has lots of amenities. Go there to have a good time and if you happen to find a diamond, it's a big bonus.
Curt
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Apr 7, 2009 17:48:32 GMT -5
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NorthShore-Rocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,004
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Post by NorthShore-Rocks on Apr 7, 2009 18:12:38 GMT -5
Bruce... I just sent you a PM with some info. Michael John is right, you don't have to travel too far for great rockhounding.
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pinhole
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2009
Posts: 3
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Post by pinhole on Apr 7, 2009 20:28:29 GMT -5
Thank you all for your advice - I think we'll be able to avoid several days in the car! I'll be calling the mines near Thunder Bay and with the help of Steve I have also ordered a book from Amazon, "Rock Picker's Guide to Lake Superior's North Shore" (a North Woods Naturalist Guides). For those of you unfamiliar with this area, it is one of the most lovely parts of our little planet - I never thought of this area for rock hounding. I'm sure he'll have fun and he is already excited and talking about the trip (talking is a big deal for him).
Once again, thank you all for the help. Bruce in St Cloud, MN
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Apr 9, 2009 2:18:58 GMT -5
Of the thunder bay mines the one I went to was the Blue Points. Just be ready for hard rock mining to get the really nice crystals. Plenty of cabbing material laying around on the ground though.
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flatlander
starting to shine!
Member since May 2007
Posts: 27
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Post by flatlander on May 9, 2009 21:39:35 GMT -5
Send me your address (personal message via this forum) and I'll send you some slabs from around here. No charge, (my youngest son Garett is autistic) the most teachable moments come when we integrate something he is passionate about. Regards, Doug
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Post by 150FromFundy on May 11, 2009 11:21:05 GMT -5
If you're considering going to Ontario, look into Bancroft. Bancroft was the "crown jewel" at one time famous for it's sodalite and amethyst, as well as many other minerals and gems. There are "pay to dig" type sites there.
150FromFundy
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on May 12, 2009 13:49:12 GMT -5
Pinhole: The Shore itself gets pretty picked over for agates. You can still find them after a storm if you're the first one out. The gravel pits around Moose Lake also produce them, but again they get picked over.
Steve (northshorerocks) might have some pointers for you. You might also check the Keweenaw Peninsula in the UP; there are many locations there.
Another book to check out, although it's getting a little dated, is Midwest Gem Fossil and Mineral Trails : Prairie States.
Finally, the Badlands is a great place to get Prairie Agates, Bubblegum Agates, and if you're extremely lucky Fairburn Agates, in addition to petrified wood, jaspers, and numerous other types of nice rock. Just stay out of the gumbo when it gets wet. You can't collect in the Badlands NP, but you can collect all around it in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Call the park office and they'll send you a map with good hunting locations.
WALL RANGER DISTRICT &
National Grasslands Visitor Center
Buffalo Gap National Grasslands - East
District Ranger: Kevin Atchley
PO Box 425, 708 Main Street
Wall, SD 57790
605-279-2125
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30 MT
One of my sons is also on the spectrum. PM your address to me and I'll send you some South Dakota rock.
Chuck
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