This mine back in the day produced some very beautiful water clear crystals. In 2019/2020 they were still commercially mining and there were good tailings to be found. My son even found and opened a small pocket ( on the side top part of the pit with some very iron cover small palm sized gem quality beauties. I had to soak them in acid for days but guess the iron gave them that extra protection. You really needed a good eye to find the tailings due to the grey clay and slate on the ground. I am surprised you found 2 pieces. That said they have not been mining for several years . Meaning no more real tailings, very slippery walking on the slate in that pit. I went back I believe around 2 years ago and was very upset as he was staying open to collect fees for nothing. More upsetting it is far drive unless one is staying in mount Ida, then still half hour drive. Coming from Canada every day is precious. We ended up getting in a few hours at Wegners mine but would have used the full day to go to twin creek or Avant instead. I posting this for your viewers that want to make the trip to hot springs to let them know there are many day mines (also some new ones opening) and to warn them of this reality of this mine not worth the precious day.
Good video, Joe! I hadn’t seen any vids on this mine. So it was nice to get to see what the surroundings there are like. Sorry you didn’t come home with what you were hoping for
We got a decent amount, just no where near the usual abundant amount. Mainly smaller pieces, but what I do love about this mine is how unique the rocks can be here, with all of the iridescence and iron staining, to the matrix that a lot of these crystals form in.
I love your finds. Those are awesome. 😊 the erodesienc is very, cool has a lot of bright little sparkly points.❤ I love it. Go get some other 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
We also had disappointing results at this mine. There was no traffic, but that may be due to no quartz crystals. The backhoe is in the same position as it was last year when we went. The black staining is manganese. IMHO It was a waste of our $50.
I usually keep a couple then sell off some to help get back my gas money and dig fees. That helps relieve some of the financial stress when rockhounding.
I also waste my money for the fee. Did not find anything at all, that was many years ago. But the owner was very friendly and nice. Be careful is a lot of spiders on the opposite side of the pit mine!
amazing colors--beautiful!
This was very relaxing and nice to watch!
Thanks so much!
Have a wonderful day today!! 😊
This mine back in the day produced some very beautiful water clear crystals. In 2019/2020 they were still commercially mining and there were good tailings to be found. My son even found and opened a small pocket ( on the side top part of the pit with some very iron cover small palm sized gem quality beauties. I had to soak them in acid for days but guess the iron gave them that extra protection. You really needed a good eye to find the tailings due to the grey clay and slate on the ground.
I am surprised you found 2 pieces.
That said they have not been mining for several years . Meaning no more real tailings, very slippery walking on the slate in that pit. I went back I believe around 2 years ago and was very upset as he was staying open to collect fees for nothing. More upsetting it is far drive unless one is staying in mount Ida, then still half hour drive. Coming from Canada every day is precious. We ended up getting in a few hours at Wegners mine but would have used the full day to go to twin creek or Avant instead.
I posting this for your viewers that want to make the trip to hot springs to let them know there are many day mines (also some new ones opening) and to warn them of this reality of this mine not worth the precious day.
been catching up really cool videos
Proposed to my wife here believe it or not! Back in 07
That’s wonderful!!
And they lived Happily Ever After…
Amazing video!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Looks GREAT to me. Thanks for sharing.
Good video, Joe! I hadn’t seen any vids on this mine. So it was nice to get to see what the surroundings there are like. Sorry you didn’t come home with what you were hoping for
We got a decent amount, just no where near the usual abundant amount. Mainly smaller pieces, but what I do love about this mine is how unique the rocks can be here, with all of the iridescence and iron staining, to the matrix that a lot of these crystals form in.
I love your finds. Those are awesome. 😊 the erodesienc is very, cool has a lot of bright little sparkly points.❤ I love it. Go get some other 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
Thank you! I actually like the mine quite a bit and have gotten some really nice pieces from there.
Was wondering if there's gold to be found.
I honestly have no idea...I haven't heard of any being found there before, but who knows?
No. Tourists are the only gold in the area.
We also had disappointing results at this mine. There was no traffic, but that may be due to no quartz crystals. The backhoe is in the same position as it was last year when we went. The black staining is manganese. IMHO It was a waste of our $50.
what do you do with all the crystals you find? do you sell them or make jewelry?
I usually keep a couple then sell off some to help get back my gas money and dig fees. That helps relieve some of the financial stress when rockhounding.
I also waste my money for the fee. Did not find anything at all, that was many years ago. But the owner was very friendly and nice. Be careful is a lot of spiders on the opposite side of the pit mine!