Softly cloudy and 70
So tacky it’s cool!
Morenci Az quality Chrysocolla.
We returned to the Miner’s Coop today. This is the farthest north show in the book. It was worthwhile and enjoyable to talk to some of the dealers there. The Miner’s Coop is the closest you get to a real rock hound show in Tucson, with lots of rough rock as well as cabochons, slabs, and small mineral boxes. Sometimes the dealers close up their booth so they can go to another show, so if you don’t go a couple of times, you will most likely miss some of them. The dealers are appreciative of your business, and may have some good offers.
HoneyBee Jasper
Honeybee Jasper consists of primarily Quartz with Amphibole minerals. There is also a presence of Iron and Manganese causing the yellow tinge.
I am always looking for something new for jewelry and Bonnie found a dealer selling a yellow jasper he named Honeybee, from his claim in western Colorado. We have customers who seek out yellow stone, so this was something new along that line. He told us that it comes from the edge of a cliff, not real hospitable access. Larry Wright from Aspen Rock and Gem also features Utah Lace Opal and a sage rock which he said he has to climb up and down rough terrain to get to. Bonnie commented that it was good he didn’t have bad legs. (Wonder where she go that thought?) He agreed that he had good legs and back that are an essential for miners.
Bodie and a great Amazonite/Smokey Quartz specimen from his claim.
I talked with Bodie Packham who proudly showed his prize amazonite/smokey quartz crystal, which was appraised for $250,000. Similar specimens have sold for much more. He works a claim near the Dorren family you may have seen on the Prospectors TV show. He took time to explain the difference between gem amazonite and the more common amazonite.
Peter still had some very fine Smithsonite
We bought some slabs from Peter Bruno last time we were there and he still has some nice smithsonite available.
This was a leisurely social day, learning from and teaching miners at a show we like. It grew quite a bit this year, and should grow again next year. We hope it will continue to emphasize rock!