Garnet, the birthstone for January, is mined at sites in many countries around the world. Ant Hill Garnets are rare and unique in the manner in which they are collected. The garnets are found only in the Four Corners area of the Southwestern United States, south of Monument Valley and near the small towns of Kayenta and Garnet Ridge. A Native Treasure Ant Hill Garnet has … [Read more...] about Where To Find Ant Hill Garnets In Arizona
Where To Find Gold in Arizona (5 Best Places To Look)
Gold has played a significant part in the development of Arizona since it became a state in 1912. Since the early 20th century, much of the gold produced in the state has been a by-product of huge metal ore mining operations. The state remains in the top ten gold producing states, and rockhounds continue to uncover both lode and placer gold in areas mined for the valuable … [Read more...] about Where To Find Gold in Arizona (5 Best Places To Look)
Where To Find Dinosaur Fossils and Footprints in Arizona
Before mentioning places to find fossils in Arizona or any other state, it's important to point out certain legal limitations. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has very detailed rules about what may or may not be collected. Rockhounds may no longer simply walk out into the desert and take home any fossil bone or artifact they may discover there, especially vertebrate fossils … [Read more...] about Where To Find Dinosaur Fossils and Footprints in Arizona
Where To Find Peridot in Arizona (4 Must Visit Sites)
Over the last century, Arizona has risen as a world leader for gem-quality peridot. The bulk of this exquisite green gemstone is sourced from Peridot Mesa, aptly named, located a little over 100 miles east of Phoenix. Peridot, the official birthstone for August, is the purest form of the mineral olivine. The gem can vary in color from a bright yellow-green to dark green or … [Read more...] about Where To Find Peridot in Arizona (4 Must Visit Sites)
How To Polish Obsidian By Hand
Because of its glass-like, cryptocrystalline structure, obsidian can be a challenge to polish. Attempting to polish the stone in a tumbler can easily result in seriously fractured pieces, no matter what precautions you may take. As a result, many collectors opt to polish obsidian pieces by hand to ensure they remain whole and undamaged. Read More Articles About … [Read more...] about How To Polish Obsidian By Hand