Colorado MineralsColorado is the perfect place to search for precious minerals such as metals and gems. Over 774 different types of Colorado minerals can be found, some have proved to be record breaking like the diamond that came out of the Kelsey Lake mine in 1997.This pale yellow specimen now holds the title of North America’s largest faceted diamond, weighing in at 16.86 carats. It’s finds like this that get you motivated to get out and start looking for yourself.
FUN FACT: Colorado is the 10th leading gem producer in the U.S. (2005). The specific types of gems you can find is dependent upon where you’re at in Colorado, however most minerals are found along the Mineral Belt. This area stretches southwest to northeast through the Rocky Mountains from the La Plata Mountains (north of Durango) to Boulder. This rich mineral area was formed between 75 to 20 millions years ago when volcanic eruptions and igneous intrusions were deposited. Famous gold mining towns turned ski towns can be found along the mineral belt such as Breckenridge, Telluride, and Aspen. Colorado Gold Panning is a popular activity for both residents and visitors of the state. FUN FACT: Colorado is the 2nd leading gold producing state (2005). One of the most common Colorado metals is titanium. The state has the largest titanium resource in the country and the largest single source site in the world. It’s located in Gunnison County, but it is not currently being mined. Research is being done to determine if mining the area will be cost effective. Desert Rose Gypsum is abundant in southwestern Colorado in an area called Paradox Valley. The gypsum is not currently being mined there because the transportation costs would outweigh the potential profit. Colorado gypsum has been mined from Eagle Basin, outside of Gypsum, CO, for years. At Eagle basin, the low transportation costs make mining an economically feasible venture. Aquamarine, Colorado’s state gemstone, is most common in Chaffee County on Mount White and Mount Antero. Additionally, these two spots are known for producing some of the highest quality aquamarines ever found. The largest aquamarine containing rock cavity in North America was found by an amateur rock hunter on Mount Antero. Smoky Quartz and Amazonite are two Colorado minerals that are plentiful in the counties of El Paso, Teller, and Parker. These Colorado crystals are valued so much for their brilliant green-blue hues that many museums throughout the world feature specimens from the area, especially from Pikes Peak. Rhodochrosite, Colorado’s state mineral, can be found in 18 of the 64 Colorado counties. This particular rhodochrosite is famed for its extraordinary size, color, clarity, and rarity. The largest producer in the state, the Sweet Home Mine in Alma, CO has yielded $100,000 specimens. The largest and finest rhodochrosite crystal, the Alma King, was mined in Alma and is now on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Amethyst (or purple quartz) can be found in many areas of the state, but I personally know of it being plentiful in Red Feather Lakes, two hours northwest of Denver.
Pictured to the left is an unidentified mineral cluster that was found in Red Feather Lakes (4 1/2" x 3 1/2"). Other important Colorado minerals include uranium, topaz, molybdenum, tourmaline, and garnet. New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
