tourmaline color variety
Tourmaline refers to a large group of minerals with similar crystal structures and varying chemical compositions. They occur in every color. Very few tourmalines are suitable as gemstones, thus making gemstone tourmalines a valuable find. To find this bright and beautiful gemstone, you must have an idea of what rocks and minerals it is found with. The next steps involve scouting mines that allow the public to hunt for tourmaline.
Instructions
The Process
1. Research rocks and minerals that commonly occur with tourmaline. For example, tourmaline can be found in pegmatites, which are metamorphic rocks. The original, parent rock was cooked, baked and pressured into its metamorphic counterpart. Pegmatities often result from low temperature and moderate pressure metamorphism. Pegmatities are known for their huge crystals---like massive quartz, feldspar and micas, and unique minerals, like tourmaline.
2. Look for tourmaline hotspots. An online search can provide a list of locales with tourmaline mines. Tourmaline is found in countries across the globe, each with unique mineral characteristics and accessibility. Several tourmaline mines are found near San Diego, California, and in Maine.
3. Contact the mine and inquire about their policy on public access. Many mines have side projects that permit the public to visit and dig for their own gems. In many cases, you will search through mine tailings, which is the rock "waste" that remains after minerals have been extracted from an ore. While the most valuable minerals were removed, there are plenty of smaller pieces remaining that are worth the hunt for a hobby rock hound.
4. When you find a mine that allows for public treasure hunting, get all the information and specifics you are able to. Be familiar with the the logistics. Some mines are well-known and may be crowded with the public, whereas others receive few visits. Will you need to pack a lunch, or are there restaurants nearby? Is camping available on site? Understand the costs involved. Expect to pay $60-75 per person per day to simply access the mine for tourmaline hunting. In some cases, you can purchase a bag of "rich" tailings (more likely to contain gemstones) and have it mailed home for sorting. These can run up to $100 per bag of mud.
5. Because tourmaline has so many color varieties, know what you are looking for. What sort of tourmaline is the mine known for? Are you expecting pink, green, and a watermelon variety (pink core, green skin)? Because you will most likely be searching through tailings, don't expect gigantic finds. It will be more common to find pencil lead-sized pieces.
6. Some mines will provide tools for gem hunting, while others expect you to bring your own. If you need to bring tools, pack buckets, shovels and screens. You will also need to bring a hat, gloves, shoes fit for muddy conditions, a bag for tourmaline finds, an old toothbrush to scrub your finds, and water to drink. Consider a 'platypus pack' for constant, easy access to water.
7. When you are on site, fill your bucket with tailings. Pour some in a screen, shake out the dirt, and rinse. Look for tourmaline pieces, and pick them out when you're lucky. Dump the rest out, rinse, and repeat.
Tags: Look tourmaline, need bring, rocks minerals, Some mines, tourmaline mines, with tourmaline