Geological Explorations; Rockhounding in the Durango Area
Money is tight so this year you are looking for a different type of adventure. One you can do at or near your home. One that doesn’t require a big investment. One that you can share with your family and friends. Have you considered rock hounding? The Durango area is filled with geological wonders to explore and has a history of mining for just a few of its precious metals. But rock hounding involves more than the search for gold and silver. Gems and minerals are in plentiful supply in Colorado for those willing to look.
Equipment
Rockhounding doesn’t require a lot of equipment. It can be done with no equipment but most serious searchers will also bring along gloves, a pick, shovel, and chisel. And some who make a business out of it will file claims and bring in the big rig equipment to search for treasures. But for those just getting into it, good shoes, water to drink, gloves, and a collection bag will get you started.
What Are You Looking For?
Depending on where you look, you can find smoky quartz crystals, agate, amethyst, barite, garnet, jasper, sapphire, tourmaline, and turquoise, among others. You could also find gold nuggets or flakes, silver, and pyrite (fools gold). Fossils and petrified wood are also present and you may be lucky enough to stumble across some. But mostly, just be on the lookout for something that appeals to you. Just remember that stones found in the great outdoors are not going to be all polished and pretty as those in the rock and jewelry stores. You may also come across some nice chucker rocks. Those are pretty rocks that are worth nothing so you can keep them or chuck them back.
You can buy books on rocks and minerals to get you started with learning how to identify the various specimens you find. Another option is to find a local rock club. Most have field trips they schedule with a guide who will take you to different areas and teach you how to identify the treasures that area is known for. The Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club is a great place for Durango residents to network with others interested in rockhounding.
What Do I Do with All These Rocks?
So now you have been out rock hunting a few times and you’ve gathered quite the collection. What do you want to do with them? Some can be turned into jewelry. If you are a member of the rock club, you can take classes on cutting, polishing, grinding, metal smithing, faceting, and more to turn your rocks into beautiful treasures. You can also get a tumbler to make beautiful smoothed and polished rocks.
Other options include a simple rock garden where finds are displayed. For those very special finds, you could display them in a cabinet. Other creative ideas include turning your rocks and minerals into art. I’ve seen rocks epoxied together to create a lamp that looked like a rock fireplace complete with a mantle. It was quite beautiful and unique. I’ve also seen cement border walls with the rocks embedded in the surface. Each section included a different type of rock. The possibilities are endless.
Cautions
Be aware that rockhounding can become an addiction, just like gold fever. Once you start, you may never want to stop. You may find yourself wanting to stop at every interesting rock formation you see to see what treasures you can find. Moving a collection of rocks could be hazardous to your back, especially if you’ve embedded them in a retaining wall. And if you make jewelry out of it, you may have a hard time parting with your beautiful creations, except maybe to the family at Christmas and birthdays. Chances are you are likely to see family members again so your treasures will still be visitable.
Some caveats, make sure you are not on private property when rock hunting or get permission from the owners first. Be aware of areas that have claims on them and avoid them. Watch for wild animals while you are out searching including bears and snakes. Use caution along rivers and streams, especially in high water or flash flood areas. And use caution in steeper areas with dangerous terrain. You don’t want to start a rock slide or go down with one.
Rock hounding can be an inexpensive pastime that brings you great joy. It can also become an expensive hobby depending on how involved you get. The great thing about it is that it is a treasure hunt where the treasure is whatever rock, mineral, crystal, or fossil you want to search for. You don’t need a pirate map but you may find treasures buried or laying on the ground. And the Durango area is a great place to get started on your new pastime. If you need a place to rent in Durango, check out The Property Manager. They will help you find the perfect spot to begin your new adventure.
https://www.gemsociety.org/article/colorado-gemstones-guide/
