About The Author - Muddy Ruttzz
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A Overlander And A Rock Hounder Meet In The Desert: Lets Find Some Gemstones!
I was exploring the Bradshaw Trail in the Chuckwalla Wilderness, South Eastern California, on a Overlanding trip. I camped at Wiley Wells Campground. My buddy is a Rock Hounder and his friend drove in from Blythe California the next morning. We left Wiley Wells Camp and headed south to the famed Hauser Geode Beds to dig up some "desert diamonds."
What Are Geodes - Why Are Folks Fascinated By Them?
Geodes are round rocks that start out as bubbles in volcanic material, more on how Geodes are formed here. According to my friend Ed who is a experienced Rock Hound; "People are fascinated with Geodes because they have semi precious stones inside. Sometimes with beautiful, interesting colors, sometimes with interesting crystals inside." Geodes have to be split open (processed) to determine the quality of gemstone inside.
Off-Road Adventures Are A Perfect Opportunity To Find Geodes and Other Awesome Gemstones
Off-roading and Rockhounding naturally complement each other. In California the best Geodes or "Thunder Eggs" and other gemstones are found in remote desert areas. Fall, winter, and spring are best times. Summers can be brutal and dangerous with high heat. 4WD is helpful but not absolutely needed.
Very Little Equipment Needed To Find Geodes
A shovel, gloves, bucket and maybe some knee pads are all you need to find geodes while off-road. A guidebook to find known Geode Beds would be helpful. Rockhounding often takes place on BLM Land (Bureau Of Land Management.) Power tools are not allowed, hand digging only. Holes are supposed to be filled in when done. Some private land owners allow Rockhounding and charge a fee to search for Gemstones. They will have their own set of rules.
You Found Them - Now Process Them To Discover The Treasure Locked Inside
This is where it gets exciting! Splitting Geodes to see if nature created a work of art! Its called processing and to do it right you need a Lapidary Saw. My friend Ed has all the equipment to cut, polish and present Geodes and other semi-precious gemstones. Saw cuts slowly through the Geode using mineral oil as a lubricant and coolant. Set the Geode in, lower the cover, turn saw on, have a coffee. With a little luck you will be pleasantly surprised a short time later. More information on cutting Geodes open here.
Geodes From The Hauser Beds Yield Treasures
Rockhounds have been scouring the Hauser beds for over a century. In the past they could be picked up off the ground. Now you have to dig but there are still beautiful Geodes to be found here. Here are some Ed found and Processed.
Are You Ready To Go Find Your Own Desert Diamonds? Heres A Few Things To Think About Before You Go
Get A Good Guide Book - Many Available
Use a guide bood to help you find locations where Geodes and gemstones can be found.
Geodes Are Found In Remote Locations - Go With A Friend Or Be Prepared
Water Especially In The Warmer Months
Tools You Will Need
GPS Satellite Device To Find Your Way And Communicate
What If I Don't Find Geodes?
A Good Guide For Rockhounding On Public Lands Here.
Want To Purchase Some Beautiful Geodes and Gemstones Already Found And Processed? Contact Ed email: trains_9@yahoo.com
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