Desert Messenger

12 www.DesertMessenger.com October 7, 2015 The desert around Quartzsite is full of gold, copper, and other miner- als. The Dome Rock Mountains to the West, the Plomosa Mountains to the East, and the Livingston Hills to the South are all full of gold and mineral claims. Situated in between these mountain ranges is the La Posa Plain crisscrossed with washes that are literally saturated with gold bearing gravel. Between the Dome Rock area and La Paz there are several working mines and numerous claims in this min- eral-rich area. Gold was first mined in the Quartzsite area, historically at least, in the La Paz valley around 1862. Both Lode and Placer de- posits are found in the Plomosa and Dome Rock Mountains sur- rounding Quartzsite. Copper was discovered in Arizona in 1854. Copper deposits, and gold/copper deposits are found in the Plomosa By Jenn Jedidiah Free for RocksInMyHead™ Seek and ye shall find Mountains. Other minerals like chrysacolla, pyrite, and galena are abundant here because of their as- sociation with these ores. Understanding geology and other scientific aspects of a min- eral bearing location gives the prospector insights into where, why, and how a mineral is found. For the most part, they accumu- late in particular areas, under specific conditions. Because of this, mineral deposits are relatively predictable. With study and practice, the pros- pector can learn how to "read" the terrain and understand where gold or other minerals deposits would likely occur within an area. While modern prospecting equipment and technology has made locating and recovering gold and other minerals easier, still the best tools to use are your eyes and brain. To be consistently successful in treasure hunting, whether for gold, fossils, minerals, or gemstones, the prospector must learn the ins, outs, wheres and whys of what he or she is seeking. The best equipment and technology is not a substitute for knowledge, skill, and practice. In addition to learning how to use one's equipment, a basic working knowledge of the area's geology is important to success. Other things prospectors must learn is charac- teristics and habits of the treasure they seek. Books, maps, videos and reference guides help to build a knowledge base and a foundation for understanding and learning while out in the field. Geologi- cal surveys provide detailed information on known mineral deposits, and topo maps show land use, boundaries, roads, trails, and loads of other useful information to help the prospector locate his treasure. History can tell us much, too. Much information can be gleaned from old books and maps. Historical ac- counts are often painstakingly accu- rate. Areas that were known to be productive in the past, typically still are to a degree. Many times, early prospectors and miners mapped or journaled about the mineral bear- ing areas they discovered. Some old maps, archives, and writings contain a wealth of information on productive deposits. Other, more experienced prospectors are valu- able sources of knowledge, as well. In addition to knowledge, it is also important to get off the beaten path. Much treasure is here to be found, but time, effort, and education are required to find it. Sometimes that means studying books and maps, and working areas that are less well known or more remote rather than the easy ones where everyone else has gone. The more preparation that is done, the more chances you have of finding what you are look- ing for. It is worth investing a little extra time and effort to make your prospecting trips more productive. Above all, have fun. Enjoy your time outdoors, regardless of wheth- er you find what you are looking for. Explore and appreciate the beauty of nature, the mystery of a ghost town, or the eeriness of an aban- doned mine. Revel in the entire experience, and every prospecting adventure will be a total success. For books, maps and other re- sources on mineral deposits in and around Quartzsite come to Rocks In My Head, Space A37, at Rice Ranch, phone: 605-376-8754. We also have a great selection of prospect- ing supplies, tools, and equipment available, as well as information on local gold and mineral deposits. We will be opening soon! But mean- while you can visit us online 24-7 at www.RocksInMyHead.com. ADVENTURES WITH ROCKS 431 E. Main Street, Quartzsite 928-927-7900 QuartzsiteChiro.com Jennifer Maltby, D.C. Open Year-Round New hours: Mon. and Thurs. 9am-2pm Chiropractic Care Now Open in Quartzsite! 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