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This spring over twenty people from the JGMS participated in a four-day field trip to Graves Mountain, Diamond Hill, and Jackson Crossroads. Thursday and Friday were spent collecting and trading at Graves Mountain. Saturday and Sunday we went to Diamond Hill, and Jackson Crossroads respectively. |
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At Graves Mountain, most collectors were working in the first pit looking for rutile and lazulite. Several large samples of rutile in a quartz-kyanite matrix were found, as well as many smaller crystals lying loose in the clay. The large samples of rutile all came form one boulder and were found by an independent collector from Mississippi. He then generously donated some of his samples to one of our members (mainly, me). |
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Besides collecting rutile, many JGMS members recovered several large quartz rocks sprinkled with pyrite and lazulite crystals. These rocks are great for slabbing and cabbing. Excellent specimens of iridescent globular hematite, pyrite in matrix, blue quartz, kyanite on quartz, and pyrophyllite were also found. |
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In addition to the dig, many of us spent time (and money) trading and “wheeling and dealing” at the rock swap. Two of our junior members, Melissa Siver and Koty Laux, purchased specimens of fluorite, sapphire, and fossils. They also purchased and were gifted with slabs and cabs (Thanks, Jason!). |
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In conclusion, there are some fabulous mineral samples to be found, fun to be had, and new friends to make, at the Graves Mountain “Rock Swap and Dig”. Thank you Mickey for arranging such a successful field trip. |
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| JGMS |