nowhereman
Guest
As our work involves the use of precious and semi precious stones, we quite often make a point of wildcamping in places where it may be possible to find the odd gem in its natural enviroment.
This angle often makes for an exiting day, walking and exploring with the possibility of a find.
Just thought I'd share a couple of places for anyone who has an interest in this sort of thing
Amethyst, clear and smokey quartz. Langley Ford (Cheviot Hills near Wooler).
Park as far along the single lane road as you can get before the no vehicles sign. Follow the stream up into the hills. If you are lucky you may find Amethyst and other Quartz in the stream, especially if the sun is out.
Follow the stream further up until on the left you will find that the hillside is made of volcanic ash that has part turned into a yellowish clay. After heavy rain is the best time to look into the clay for pieces of Amethyst.
Garnet, Tongue North Scotland, before the bridge leading to the youth hostel, turn left and park up at the end of the road. Walk to the cliff tops and grassy areas of the coast. You will find areas of glinting rockface in the grass. This is a Mica rich rock called Schist. Look closlely and you will find nuggets of Garnet embedded in the rock.
Tis rare to find anything of jewellery grade, but the whole experience of trying to make a find is just as enjoyable as making a find.
Have a few more places to share but post is getting a bit long.
Does anyone else know of any other good places for this sort of thing?.
This angle often makes for an exiting day, walking and exploring with the possibility of a find.
Just thought I'd share a couple of places for anyone who has an interest in this sort of thing
Amethyst, clear and smokey quartz. Langley Ford (Cheviot Hills near Wooler).
Park as far along the single lane road as you can get before the no vehicles sign. Follow the stream up into the hills. If you are lucky you may find Amethyst and other Quartz in the stream, especially if the sun is out.
Follow the stream further up until on the left you will find that the hillside is made of volcanic ash that has part turned into a yellowish clay. After heavy rain is the best time to look into the clay for pieces of Amethyst.
Garnet, Tongue North Scotland, before the bridge leading to the youth hostel, turn left and park up at the end of the road. Walk to the cliff tops and grassy areas of the coast. You will find areas of glinting rockface in the grass. This is a Mica rich rock called Schist. Look closlely and you will find nuggets of Garnet embedded in the rock.
Tis rare to find anything of jewellery grade, but the whole experience of trying to make a find is just as enjoyable as making a find.
Have a few more places to share but post is getting a bit long.
Does anyone else know of any other good places for this sort of thing?.