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Working the Mine
The mini-mother load story:
In walking the property, we had noticed a flat exposed rock with a number of small crystals (mostly Amazonite) on the surface. This led John and Gary to believe that following the exposed portion of the rock to beneath the surface and up the hill on which it was located might produce a find. As we dug more crystal coated surfaces appeared. Digging around the root system of a large pine tree led to finding the formation below. This find (nicknamed the mini-mother load) is imbedded in a very large rock formation so it cannot be removed without the use of some specialized saws. Neil cut a trail so visitors can walk to it. We will continuing digging and exploring in the summers to come.
Geologists John & his cousin, Gary remove dirt cover from the "mini-mother load".
Area around the mini-mother load.
The mini-mother load. Greenish Amazonite feldspar with smoky quartz.
Management.
Staff.
Day laborers.
You want me to move what!
OK, maybe you're
more cut out for management.
Be happy in your work.
Digging around the roots before toppling a tree.
Set up for winching down. Broke 2 come-a-longs in the process.
And she is down.
Why don't we just go for a walk.
Fortunately some of us are not color blind.
Maybe I can convince Mom to let baby brother do some hard labor.
Well, another day at the mines. Maybe this deer would like to help.
More big rocks to move. It never seems to end!
Now how do I get this out?
Did that rock move?
Sydney working with a bamboo skewer to clean a crystal.
Brendan doing the same.
Guest miner and chief track cleaner, cousin Mitchell.
Other tools:
A. Egg crate for transporting crystals
B. Bamboo shish kabob skewers
C. Knee pads
F. Whisk brush
E. Pruning shears
A. Garden trowel
B. Garden fork
C. Garden fork
D. Flat fine chisel
E. Rock chisel
F. Flat rock chisel
G. Hand mallet
H. Small pick
I. Paleo pick
A. Short handled spade
B. 10 lb sledge hammer
C. Long handled spade
D. Wide head long handled rake
E. Narrow short handled rake
F. Steel pry bar
A. Mechanic's gloves for my dainty hands
B. Small bent metal picks
C. Pepper spray for larger creatures
D. Drinking water - gets hot out there
E. Flashlight for hard to see spots
Chain saw for the occasional tree that is just in the way.
Sprayer for cleaning out difficult crystal pockets.
Neil showing he does have shirts that do not say FDNY.
Sydney and Margie cleaning a pocket on the dome rock.
Brendan digging for that allusive topaz.
Newer Photos:
Older Photos:
Homemade cleaning stand.
Crystals go in screened portion on right for spray washing. Left side is used for soaking.
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