So, the Army sent me to Arizona (Fort Huachuca) for two weeks of training, and let me say I have been having a blast!! After getting off of work I have been traveling all over and buying so much turquoise and hunting for treasures all over. I was even lucky enough to go explore a few privately owned mines!! I thought I would share some pics with everyone.
First, I met with a lapidarist who works out of his kitchen. He had loads of inventory that he let me paw through. Originally, I was just looking to purchase some Bisbee, but ended up buying stones from China, Mexico, some variscite, and more to add to my collection. I bought so much that he even threw in some freebies.
I was also fortunate enough to be put in contact with a gentleman who owns property out here in AZ, on which at least three mines are located. The mines were originally for extracting copper and silver ore, and turquoise was the byproduct. I was allowed to take whatever I could carry in my Army issued backpack. I wish I could have grabbed more, but the hike up to the mine was INTENSE. The high elevation out here really kicked my ass, lol. Here’s some of the material I found:
A few pics of me in the mines:
I learned so much from being able to gather my own material. I always though turquoise was found in huge chunks, but this mine produced lots of thin veins. I am having someone cab up my finds, so it’s Impossible to know just by looking if the turquoise is just a thin layer, or runs deep throughout the host rock. The lapidarist was able to give me a few cabs from one of the rocks I found. I’m not particularly a fan of ribbon turquoise, but I’m really fond of these because I can say that I found them myself:
I also got the chance to visit Bisbee, where I was able to pick up some more fantastic material:
The Lavender Pit:
I am also really excited about this little piece of Bisbee, that has a small Druzy pocket. I’ve never seen anything like this before:
Sorry for the long post y’all. I’m just having so much fun out here, and I love sharing my passion with others who enjoy it as well💕
