Tonopah Field Trip to dig for Variscite
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Published 2019-10-26
Video tour and narrative for the day trip spent driving through the Nevada desert from Las Vegas to Tonopah, to participate in a paid dig for Variscite rock.
I try to capture some of the character of towns and scenery along the road which some have called the most boring stretch of road in America. Then I head out with the rock and gem club to a paid dig site, which is hosted by the Otteson family at one of their claims.
The purpose is to try to find some Variscite and possibly even some Turquoise.
I finish up by discussing my finds, as well as display some of the rough which I have started to finish on the grinder. Should make for some interesting jewelry when I'm finished.
Thank you for stopping by!
[Edit]
After cutting about half of the material on a saw, I have determined that this was a very successful mining visit. The rock is in most cases, better than the material which I rendered using the grinder in this video. Perhaps I will post my finds here later at some point.
But I would encourage anyone who lives near central Nevada, to contact the Otteson family and sign up for one of their mining tours. Prices vary, depending on what type of rock you are after (they have White Buffalo as well as Turquoise and Varascite), on their vast claims, and they are very generous in allowing people to dig through the tailings of their many mine sites. Simply Google search and you can find their website.
Thank you again for stopping by!
All Comments (8)
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Note: Thank you for the comments regarding the trip. I've decided to post a couple of follow up videos today, because I mentioned that I would (here), but forgot to do so after a couple of years. Thanks for stopping by!
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Wow! Really beautiful pieces. You could definitely make some fabulous jewelry out of these. Thank you for sharing your experience ♡
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I align with you. The cost of going and paying to dig, tuff to feel great about. Being out in the open well that part is priceless.
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@ 37.44 it's a 10 stamp Stamp Mill. Used to crush ore for refining.
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I really empathize. It can be disappointing for sure. Hopefully with some more work on the stones, you got some real nice cabs.
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9:10 is a (tiny) stamp mill for crushing ore
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Looks like you do not post anymore but great video.
