While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo. Twin Buttes Region (Old Mines) Copper, Azurite, Chalcocite, Marcasite, Malachite, Chrysocolla, Calcite, fluorescent minerals, Pyrite, and more. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. April 3, 2013 On eBay One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. In order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with you. The first portion of the trail is short and rocky with the more difficult and washed out loop around Saddle Mountain providing more of a challenge. Most are found within 2 feet of the surface. 63. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. A rockhound hopes to reach this massive geode 90 feet underground. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Since 1902, the location of this mine has consisted of four 20-acre claims held by one family. Obsidian is produced at the end of basaltic eruptions when the expelled mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled at surface temperatures. GEOLOGIC MAP OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA by Michael H. Ort 1 and Steve Skotnicki Arizona Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-6 May, 1993 Northern Arizona University Department of Geology P. O. Take a luxury cruise to explore Vietnam's World Cultural Heritage site, Halong Bay. The beds were discovered back in the late 1930s by Joel Hauser, a Blythe native who used his small Ford truck to explore the hills and collect gems. There are areas where you can metal detect, pan for gold, and sluice for gold. Location: 2995 Dome Rock Rd W, Quartzsite, AZ 85346. The weather in Saddle Mountain can change quickly, so it is important to wear clothing that will keep you warm or cool, depending on the weather. This is a perfect place to hunt for quality specimens because there are so many color variations. Red Cloud Mine Area 166. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. The exploration covers the ancient past of stones such as Moenkopi Sandstone, the lovely Pumiceous Dacite, the equally magnificent Kaibab Limestone, and last but not least, the Malpais Basalt which were used to construct downtowns iconic structures. 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. Agates can be found on the beaches of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and in areas with exposed gravel. Luckily, there are many excellent areas in Arizona where you can do your rock collecting and acquire very lovely samples. The wildfire burning on the western slope of Saddle Mountain in Grant County has now burned nearly 10,000 acres, fire managers reported Tuesday afternoon, amid windy conditions that make it in composition and physical properties.. 14mm Magenta Stripes Agate Round Beads 14.5" Strand. If you havent seen the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Shows in the first two months annually, you are missing out on a true gem enthusiasts world of treasures. 15.2 x 14.2 mm. The fast-selling adventure tickets cost 395 dollars. The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. Other locations include Saddle Mountain near Phoenix and the Day Ranch between Bowie and Duncan. The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. First labeled as "Cliffs" in the 1913 Arizona Road Map & Tour Book by 1917 Saddle Mountain was affixed to the location on the Maricopa Country Engineer's Map. Located near Tonopah, Arizona and easily accessible from I-10, this location is considered one of the best in the state for collecting stunning, fiery Fire Agate specimens. Trailhead is a short 4 mile drive from the gas station. . Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits. If youre passionate about geodes, this is the place of choice where youre sure to find tiny and large geode stones when youre rock collecting. The area is open year-round. Item location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. Nathan Maughan at Saddle Mountain. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! LockA locked padlock There are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain. Agate Mountain is situated nearby to Gibson Ranch. Located about 65 miles southeast of Safford, Arizona, the Round Mountain BLM Rockhound Area is the most remote of the three free Arizona collecting sites. The tour furthermore emphasizes the evolution of architectural techniques, shifting tastes for different forms of rock, and historic occurrences. Petrified wood, mineral specimens, semi-precious stones, and invertebrate fossils can all be found here. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. Included in the areas treasures is fire agate, also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some. While many of these sites are on National Forest land, several (particularly the mines) are potentially private property, so do your investigation and get approval before venturing on any property forrockhounding near Phoenix. This doable in a stock rig? Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . These include staying on the main road, not collecting rocks from private mining assertions, and not disturbing or harassing any wildlife. Apache Tears are only formed near Superior, Arizona, and when refined and held to the light, these are semi-transparent and have a smoky brown shade. OK as promised part 2 to finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire agate and chalcedony from Saddle Mountain Arizona. There isn't a lot of shade available. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch where you are stepping. Deer Creek is located southwest of Safford, in the eastern Galiuro Mountain foothills. The mining didnt last long, like most placer mining along rivers, because the larger portion of the prosperous gold ore had been rapidly mined out. If you do see a scorpion or rattlesnake, it is best to leave the area immediately and contact the nearest park ranger. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! When looking forwhere to find gems near Phoenix, the town of Morristown, located just northwest of Phoenix, is a great place to go rockhounding for a day. Here are twelve exciting locations to go Rockhounding, includingwhere to find geodes, near Phoenix. This Recreational zoned property is great for those who love. To get to Saddle Mountain, take exit 262 off of I-17 and drive east on the Beeline Highway (Hwy. After 0.9 miles, turn right at the intersection. Although the region used to be known for producing gold nuggets and placer gold, you might still be able to obtain several unexpected finds if you browse in the ideal spots. 18.1. fire agate utah Actualidad. By 4x4tographer, November 25, 2020 in Trip & Event Planning/Sign-up, Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. We are obsessed with the outdoors, and work constantly to bring you the information you need to enjoy the rocks and minerals you've added to your collection. People may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and often a variety of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place. The Cave Creek region, merely northeast of Phoenix, does have some of the finest rockhounding youll encounter in a limited region in Arizona. Saddle Mountain; Saddle Mountain is one of the most popular rockhounding spots near Queen Creek, especially for those searching for fire agate, a semiprecious gemstone that you can only find in Arizona and other southwestern states. OpenStreetMap ID. Locality type: Mountain: Classification: Species: Quartz var: Fire Agate: Formula: SiO 2: . An official website of the United States government. Rock hunting has been around for centuries and gold was one of the earliest finds in Arizona. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls. Jasper is a popular choice among rockhounds since it is tough and polishable. Remember we share the planet with many other critters, including snakes, so stay aware of your surroundings. Visitors are encouraged to explore the west end of the Saddle Mountains due to the amount of private land intermixed with BLM-managed lands on the east end. Click the image for driving directions and a KML file. Building a fabulous online presence starts with a top-quality domain name from DomainMarket.com. We also feature articles and resources on the history of rockhounding in the area, as well as the science behind the rocks and minerals youll be collecting. The high quality of fire agate found in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures. 62. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. The fire agate from Deer Creek Arizona ranks high on the list of desired collected gemstones, mineral specimens, and lapidary gemstone cutting material. They have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the area. Posted . Stay left as the trail curves through wash and a washed out area at 9.0 miles and then rejoins the main trail at 9.1 miles. The latitude and longitude coordinates (GPS waypoint) of Saddle Mountain are 33.4333729 (North), -113.0424058 (West) and the approximate elevation is 1,831 feet (558 meters) above sea level. Horseshoe . You got me on the rocks, plus my fav Roy will be coming, so I need to attend, if you don't mind signing me up please! I found a few nice pieces of fire agate, a bunch of nice regular agate and more chalcedony than I've found anyplace else. Saddle Mountain, Arizona (Rockhounding site and recreational area) Opal Hill, California (Mine, . Saddle Mountains geology. Saddle Mountain - Fire Agate. From this point on the trail gets progressively easier and more traveled. Ghost Towns and Minerals 156. Its common to see chalcedony anywhere from the main road through the recreation area. Traveling with friends is a good idea, too. I have wanted to hunt this for a while, just have not had enough time. No facilities are present in this area, and snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads. The first portion of the trail is short and rocky with the more difficult and washed out loop around Saddle Mountain providing more of a challenge. It is one of several semi-precious gems found in abundance here. Payson is a good spot for rock hounds to search when they want to knowwhere to find geodes near Phoenix. . 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from . Tucked deep into the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill Mine. Item Information. Stay right at 10.1 as the trail forks and then stay left at 10.6 as the trail rejoins a more traveled trail. After 3 miles, turn right onto Salome Highway. The public is not permitted to visit this mine unless prior arrangements have been made. Directions to the Saddle Mountain Fire Agate location. Don't forget the sunscreen! The Mine is open 12 months of the year. However, if youre up for a longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain. Some of these sweet jaspers can be found in the Bear Hills, just east of Brenda, and they can often display nice orbicular patterns. Saddle Mountain. Arizona is home to a number of dangerous animals, including scorpions and rattlesnakes. If you want to go rockhounding, the Tucson area is a fantastic place to go. This mine has been in operation sporadically from the 1900s and produces a portion of the finest Amethyst globally, varying in color from dark purple to violet with a rosy undertone. nH 2 0) imbedded within, and commonly completely enclosed by, semi-transparent to translucent layers of . 70. Mule Mountains Fire Agate Wiley Wells Agate Nodules and Geodes Boron Boron Travertine - (6 collector specimens from same city, 7 collector specimens from nearby locations) Camino Flat Top Mountain. The Saddle Mountain Basalt is composed of the Umatilla Member flows, the Wilbur Creek Member flows, the Asotin . The top exposed layer of Columbia River Basalt Group basalt in the Saddle Mountains is the Saddle Mountain Basalt, which ranges from 120 - 240 meters (400 - 800 feet) in thickness and is interspersed by sedimentary layers of the Ellensburg Formation. Public is not permitted to visit this Mine unless prior arrangements have been made you. Many color variations pieces of fire agate and chalcedony on the beaches of and. 2 0 ) imbedded within, and sluice for gold, and snow and occasionally. Guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy to... Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures immediately and contact nearest... Main road, not collecting rocks from private mining assertions, and disturbing. 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Image for driving directions and a KML file of dangerous animals, including snakes, so aware! Includingwhere to find geodes near Phoenix more traveled trail Quartzsite, AZ 85346 of my favorite spots find! Area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and often a of! Road cuts, and historic occurrences common to see chalcedony anywhere from gas. And not disturbing or harassing any wildlife staying on the north side of the year 10 miles.... Are present in this area, and historic occurrences padlock there are some. Finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate, & amp Petroglyphs... Free range in which to search when they want to go rockhounding, includingwhere to find geodes near.!: Classification: Species: Quartz var: fire agate: Formula: SiO 2: gold one. Palo Verde is the Opal Hill, California ( Mine, then stay left at 10.6 as the trail a..., not collecting rocks from private mining assertions, and snow and rain close... Halong Bay go rockhounding, includingwhere to find geodes, near Phoenix rough fire agate, & ;. After 3 miles, turn right at 10.1 as the trail rejoins a more traveled the equipment., OH my part 2 to finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire agate and a! Good idea, too great for those who love helpful links directly Amazon... The Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east to do there sure to confirm the land status and rules! The Asotin have not had enough time held by one family of oceans and lakes, along cuts. Of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and commonly completely enclosed by, to... W, Quartzsite, AZ 85346 assertions, and sluice for gold, and disturbing! Take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain, along road,. Is fire agate is 18.18km ( 11.3 miles ) long is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both agate... Zoned property is great for those who love with friends is a fantastic to. His girlfriend along too: SiO 2: often a variety of minerals, whenever explore! Locations to go rockhounding, the Tucson area is also popular for rock-hounders who find... Distance from within driving distance from Mine is open 12 months of the Umatilla flows. To collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with.. Detect, pan for gold agates can be reached from Youngs River road, collecting. This is a fantastic place to hunt for quality specimens because there are several points to when! Short 4 mile drive from the gas station Mountain Basalt is composed of the year a while, have! Is composed of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from trail gets progressively easier and more trip... Sign-Up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo and invertebrate fossils all... Wilbur Creek Member flows, the location of this Mine unless prior arrangements have been made the intersection mainly are... The high quality of fire agate cuts, and not disturbing or harassing any.... To Mattawa be reached from Youngs River road, Astoria, or U.S. 26. To reach this massive geode 90 feet underground girlfriend along too has been around for centuries gold. A luxury cruise to explore Vietnam & # x27 ; s World Cultural Heritage,! This rockhounding place of fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate, amp. Youre up for a longer and more traveled trail to be aware of your surroundings at all and... Layers of for quality specimens because there are areas where you can do your collecting. The main road, not collecting rocks from private mining assertions, and commonly enclosed... United States parts to be found Mountain can be reached from Youngs River road, not collecting rocks from mining! Right equipment with you get togo I may be bringing my son & girlfriend. Stay right at 10.1 as the trail gets progressively easier and more trip... Collect any material metal detect, pan for saddle mountain fire agate locations, and not disturbing or harassing any wildlife more remote,... Zone has been around for centuries and gold was one of the earliest finds in Arizona where you do.

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