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A THE rkenstone www.iRocks.com Showcasing selections from the ROSS LILLIE COLLECTION of Illinois Minerals TOM WOLFE Calcite Collection DR. ART SOREGAROLI Collecion Mindat Madagascar Symposium Trip Report Page 5 By Ida Chau Mindat.org Page 7 By Prof. Jens Göetze TU Bergakademie Freiberg Page 19 25 Page Page 33 Page 35 Find your OwnAgate Collecting around Kremmling Colorado Morocco - The Country, The People and...Agates By Holger Quellmalz Crystal Days in Lwówek Śląski By Jolyon Ralph Mindat.org Agates and Associated Minerals of Creede Colorado By Philip Persson PerssonRareMinerals.com Mindat was founded almost exactly 20 years ago by Jolyon Ralph. In the growth years, which still include today, every aspect of Mindat’s interest areas have grown. Recently, Gemdat has appeared to satisfy the specialized need of widely available and valid information specifically suited for the gem industry and practitioner. There are many plans to further expand the scope of the spectrum of related programs and services and a major funding program has been established to be able to allow Mindat services to increase. Please visit us at www.mindat.org. The “.org” indicates we are a service organization and not a “.com”, a general or commercial website. Mindat Show Special V.1 #2 2014 Cover Image: “Saturn’s Rings” Inclusions in Agate Photo and Collection of Tom Shearer 3 Agates and Associated Minerals Mindat is a free worldwide technical resource that has been created by worldwide amateur and professional mineralogists who range from first-day collectors through voting members of the International Mineralogical Association. The board of Mindat managers edit and verify in-coming data contributed by a vast array of individuals. Mindat, as one of the world’s most frequented websites in the top half percent of websites visited, provides information ranging from listing mineral localities, facts about mineral species, photographs of worldwide minerals (ranging from many of the world’s best specimens to typical reference specimens), photographs of mineral localities (both modern and historical), publication references, maps (many with locality markers), specialized social media messageboards (where worldwide members discuss topics of interest, including related news and historical information on mineralogical topics), hosts members’ photo galleries and vlogs, and a great many more features. Mindat Show Special Denver 2014 Published & Created by FortySevenPress [email protected] Editor in Chief: Jolyon Ralph Assistant Editors: Christian Mavris Alfredo Petrov Justin Zzyzx Thank You to the Mindat Managers that keep Mindat.org updated and running. All Articles and Photographs - Copyrights Reserved 2014 - Printed in Denver, Colorado IDA CHAU’S JOURNAL FROM THE 3RD MINDAT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Mindat 3rd International Conference May 28th to June 13th, 2014 started at Madagascar capital city Antananarivo. The First Day we drove to the town Antsirabe and visted the Tritiva Lake and the local mineral market. The second day we drove to the Mahaiza Village to visit the local market. We bought some minerals and then went to the Tsaramanga Pegmatite for blue beryl, big columbite crystals and rose quartz. Day 3 we visited pegmatites in Sahatany Valley, a famous area for multi-color tourmaline, beryl and spodumene. The next two days, we went to Ambatonapetraka pegmatite collecting the tourmalines and then drove to Ihasofotsy village to see lots of wonderful quartz crystals. June 3rd & 4th, we drove to nearby Ivato, a gold locality. In the evening we visited the famous Ranomafana National Park We drove to Anja Park and saw lemurs and wonderful landscapes. June 5th, this day included a long hard walk to the Amboarohy corundum quarry. Amboarohy is the famous locality for sapphire and ruby. The next two days we stayed at some local luxury hotels, visited the Isalo Park and also at night time we have Frederico Pezzota give us an expert talk for this conference. June 7th, we went to Ilakaka sapphire deposit and visiting the working and lapidary shops. The next two days we in Ambolimalika enjoying the swimming and watching the fishermen. We continue our journey, drive to Tulear and took the flight to Morondava and keep going a long days on lots of bad roads and two ferrys. We stopped at Avenue de Baobab and took lots of pictures. The last two days of conference we visited to the big and small Tsingy in Tsingy de Bemaraha which was the highlight of my trip. What a wonderful experience of my lifetime! Special thank you to Tom Praszkier, Giorgio, Sergico Malala, Tony and Noro for all their hard work, and thank you to Mindat members who attended our mindat 3rd conference. Minerals in volcanic agates Minerals in agates Prof. Jens Göetze, Mineralogist TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany Introduction Agates are some of the most fascinating mineral objects in nature because of their wide spectrum of colors, hardness, and spectacular forms. Therefore, they play a dominant role as gemstones and cut stones since the ancient world, and still popular stones for collectors worldwide, today. Although agates use for amulets and jewelry has been in fashion since ancient times, the question concerning the genesis of agate is still in discussion today. Both in historic and recent time many speculations have been made about this topic. Several monographs and a lot of data about certain agate occurrences or specific aspects of agate formation have been published during the last 20-30 years (e.g., Landmesser, 1984; Godovikov et al., 1987; Blankenburg, 1988; Moxon, 1996, 2009; Pabian and Zarins, 1994; Zenz, 2005, 2009, 2011; Colburn, 2008, Clark, 2009; Götze, 2011), which significantly increased our knowledge about the mineralogy and genesis of agates. 7 The results document that agate formation is a very complex and often a multi-step process, which can vary for agates in volcanic rocks, hydrothermal vein agate or sedimentary agates (Götze, 2011). Many field observations and analytical results document that besides the different silica minerals, numerous other mineral phases are formed pre-, syn- and post-genetically with the agates. Depending on the type of host rocks and the time of formation these minerals can occur as mineral inclusions in quartz, paragenetic minerals intergrown with SiO2, or pseudomorphs. An excellent compilation of inclusions in agates is given by McMahan (2009) in “Agates II”. The following explanations provide an overview about minerals in agates, their formation and the genetic importance for the process of agate genesis. Table 1 Compilation of minerals in volcanic agates (data according to Godovikov et al., 1987; Blankenburg, 1988; Holzhey, 1993; Pabian and Zarins, 1994; Cross, 1996; Moxon, 1996; Götze et al., 2001; Möckel and Götze, 2007) Agate formation in volcanic rocks is the most abundant process of agate genesis. It is assumed that the silica necessary for the formation of agates originates from alteration processes of the volcanic host rocks. Therefore, many of the minerals present in or together with agates can also be related to these alteration processes (Table 1). Blankenburg (1988) reported a significant difference in the frequency of associated minerals in basic or acidic volcanic rocks. The mineral spectrum in agates of basic volcanic rocks is much wider. It is obvious that minerals of more or less all mineral classes are present: elements, sulfides,oxides/hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, halides and of course silicates. The observed mineral associations (and their stability fields) in volcanic agates indicate a preferred formation under hydrothermal and low temperature conditions. Most of the minerals can be related to the alteration processes of the volcanic host rocks. Especially the most frequent mineral phases such as clay minerals, zeolites, iron oxides/hydroxides and carbonates represent products of these decomposition reactions and emphasize that besides enormous amounts of SiO2 also Al, Fe, Ca, Na and K are released during these processes. The presence of water- and OH-bearing minerals, carbonates and fluorite in volcanic agates emphasizes the role of H2O, CO2 and F-complexes as main volatile compounds for the transport of substances (Götze et al. 2012). Mineral Group Minerals Elements Sulfides Oxides/Hydroxides copper, lead, graphite pyrite, marcasite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena hematite, goethite, todorokite, ramsdellite, birnessite, pyrolusite, rancieite, hollandite, cryptomelane psilomelane calcite, dolomite, siderite, aragonite, rhodochrosite, strontianite, magnesite, malachite barite, celestite, anhydrite, gypsum apatite (variety dahllite), monazite fluorite clay minerals, zeolites, glauconite - celadonite series, chlorite, serpentine, talc, prehnite, datolite, epidote, apophyllite, chrysocolla Carbonates Sulfates Phosphates Halides Silicates Carbonates, especially calcite (CaCO3), are some of the most frequent minerals found in volcanic agates. In many cases, coarse-grained calcite has been formed as overgrowths on quartz or chalcedony in the central part of the agate geodes (Fig. 1a), but calcite layers intergrown with chalcedony are also possible (Fig. 1b). A special case is the so called “calcite agate” (Walger, 1961; Landmesser 1996), an “agate” completely consisting of calcite (Fig. 1c). Geochemical investigations on calcite in agates showed sometimes several carbonate generations and proved a temperature of crystallization in the range between ca. 20 and 230°C (e.g., Blankenburg, 1988; Schmitt-Riegraf, 1996; Götze et al. 2001), which confirms the estimated temperatures of agate formation. A remarkable feature in worldwide agate occurrences is the appearance of iron-bearing phases in agates, indicating high concentrations of iron in the mineralizing fluids. Different types of iron oxides and hydroxides in the marginal parts of the agates as well as within the chalcedony matrix cause the typical colorations in red, brown and yellow. In addition, enrichment of iron compounds in form of crusts or earthy masses in the central parts of agates can be observed. At least three different types of iron oxides (hydroxides) can be distinguished, which are closely connected with the agate formation. Iron oxides (e.g. hematite) of probably preor syngenetic formation often appear at the interface between host rock and agate or in the outermost chalcedony layer (Fig. 2a/b). The crystals show spherulitic as well as acicular or dentaloid forms, the latter probably originating from the replacement of former existing carbonates (pseudomorphs). Fig. 2 Iron-bearing mineral phases in agate: Fig. 1 Occurrence of different forms of carbonate in agates: 9 a – euhedral calcite crystals in the central void of an agate geode from St. Egidien, Germany. b – intergrowth of speherulitic carbonate with chalcedony in an agate from Ojo Laguna, Chihuahua (Mexico). c – geode completely filled with calcite (so called “calcite agate”) from Duchroth-Talböckelheim, Germany (after Landmesser, 1996). a – spherulitic iron oxides at the interface between host rock and an agate from Rancho Coyamito, Chihuahua (Mexico) b – needle-like iron-bearing minerals in the outer part of a “Lava Cap” agate from Deming, New Mexico (USA) c – globular aggregate of iron oxide within the chalcedony matrix of an agate from St. Egidien, Germany. 10 Two further types of iron oxide inclusions have been observed within the agate matrix. One type is laminated and lenticular agglomerates of very small hematite particles (<10 µm) occur, whereas the other type is represented by larger, sometimes globular or irregular aggregates of up to several 100 µm in size (Fig 2c). The fine-grained particles were probably released from the silica matrix during crystallization, moved together with the growth front and accumulated along the banding. In contrast, larger iron oxide inclusions show interesting structures consisting of several rounded disks. These structures indicate that the iron oxides neither existed before the crystallization of the chalcedony, nor have been incorporated later. Most likely, iron oxides and silica precipitated simultaneously from a precursor gel. Besides carbonates and iron oxides, a number of other mineral phases crystallized in agates (Table 1). It is noteworthy, that certain chemical elements may be present in different chemical compounds in the same agate. For instance, native copper can occur together with copper oxide and copper sulfide, or pyrite/ marcasite in association with iron oxides/hydroxides in agate geodes (Fig. 3). This is an evidence for strongly varying physicchemical conditions (especially redox conditions) during mineral formation. The different successions and stability fields of minerals result in a wide variety of inclusions and replacements of earlier existing phases in agates (e.g., pseudomorphism and perimorphism). Pseudomorphism (Greek “pseudo” = false) occurs when a mineral is transformed to or replaced by another mineral by perpetuation of its original crystallographic shape (Fig. 4a). Perimorphism (envelope pseudomorphism) is formed by overgrowth of a mineral with a secondary one, followed by the dissolution of the original mineral (Fig. 4b). Pseudomorphism of quartz was mostly detected after carbonates (calcite, aragonite) and sulfates (barite, anhydrite/ gypsum), but also after zeolites and pyrite (e.g., Godovikiov et al., 1987, Blankenburg, 1988; Cross, 1996). The earlier existing minerals have been replaced by SiO2-rich fluids (Fig. 5). In most cases the original minerals are completely removed and the former mineral is determined on basis of its preserved crystal shape. One of the best known examples of pseudomorphism is the occurrence of the well known Paraiba agates in Brazil, which crystallized in almost perfect shapes in interstices of formerly existing calcite. In general, pseudomorphism occurs not only in volcanic agates but is also common in hydrothermal vein agates and sedimentary agates. Fig. 3 Agate from Steinbach, Saarland (Germany) with marcasite (arrows) in the marginal part and iron oxides in the red central parts of the agate. Fig. 4 Schematic sketch showing the processes of (a) pseudomorphism by replacement of mineral A by mineral B with perpetuation of its original crystallographic shape, and (b) perimorphism by overgrowth of a mineral with a secondary one, followed by the dissolution of the original mineral. 12 Minerals in hydrothermal vein agates Fig. 5 Pseudomorphs in agates from Liebgensmühle (Saxony, Germany) showing different appearance. Only in some cases relics of the primary minerals are detectable using highly advanced analytical methods. Figure 6 shows a sample of agate pseudomorphs from Liebgensmühle near Leisnig (Saxony, Germany) with inclusions of elongated shape. Microscopic investigations with cathodoluminescence revealed relics of primary dolomite and inclusions of kaolinite probably from alteration processes (Fig. 6c). However, most of the agate consists of quartz and chalcedony. Fig. 6 (a) - Pseudomorphic mineral formation in an agate from Liebgensmühle (Saxony, Germany); detailed investigations with polarizing microscopy (b) and cathodoluminescence (c) revealed relics of dolomite in the core of the lath-shaped crystals as well as fine kaolinite from alteration processes. The genesis of vein agates represents a completely separate form of agates. Hydrothermal vein agates can be formed in non-volcanic rocks directly within veins and fissures of the crystalline host rocks from circulating hydrothermal solutions. In contrast to the agates from volcanic rocks, the genesis of vein agates is associated with hydrothermal processes (i.e. with hot aqueous solutions/fluids) by filling of fissures and cavities, which were present or have been formed by tectonic processes during magmatic activities. In these fissures and joints, SiO2 minerals can precipitate and crystallize together with a number of other hydrothermal minerals. These are in particular carbonate and sulphate minerals such as calcite (CaCO3) or barite (BaSO4), but also fluorite (CaF2) or certain ore minerals (oxides, sulphides of lead, zinc, copper, uranium, etc.). Due to their high solubility, calcite and barite can be dissolved and/or replaced by quartz resulting in typical replicas or pseudomorphs. Such secondary formation is frequent in vein agates and exhibits different morphological forms. The wellknown Crazy Lace agates from Chihuahua, Mexico often show spectacular pseudomorphic forms after calcite. Because of their characteristic shapes, which resemble teeth, Cross (1996) called them pseudomorphs after “dogtooth calcite“ (Fig. 7a). Platy forms (so called lattice bladed) can trace the original flaky crystal shapes of carbonates or sulphates (Fig. 7b). Fig. 7 (a) - Crazy Lace agate from Durango, Mexico with typical dogtooth texture, i.e. pseudomorphism of quartz after calcite; (b) – hydrothermal vein agate from Cerny Halze (Czech Republic) showing pseudomorphs (carbonate/sulphate) with lattice bladed texture. 14 Summary Minerals in sedimentary agates In many sedimentary rocks of the Earth crust agates are formed by filling of cavities and empty pore space with SiO2 or the silicification of concretions and pseudomorphism (Petranek, 2009). It is assumed that these processes take place during sedimentation or early diagenesis, when enough moisture is within the sediment. Pseudomorphism occurs by stepwise replacement of soluble mineral species such as sulphates (e.g. anhydrite) or carbonates (calcite, dolomite) by SiO2 (compare Fig. 4). These processes can be detected by relic structures and/or residues of calcite or anhydrite in the center of the geodes. A couple of characteristic mineral associations can be found in sedimentary agates. Large crystals of quartz, calcite, celestine or barite can form in the centre of the geodes. Within the agates, carbonates (calcite, dolomite, ankerite, aragonite, smithsonite), sulphates (barite, gypsum), sulfides (pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite), native sulfur, FeMn-oxides/hydroxides (goethite, hematite, limonite, pyrolusite), and malachite were detected (e.g., Tripp, 1959; Hayes, 1964; Petranek, 2009). Clay minerals such as kaolinite, illite, chlorite, palygorskite or montmorillonite are common. Götze et al. (2009) found fluorite and rare-earthelement carbonates in geodes of the famous Dryhead agates from Montana (Fig. 8). References Blankenburg, H.-J. (1988) Achat. VEB Deutscher Verlag für Grundstoffindustrie, Leipzig. Clark, R. (2009) South Dakota’s State Gemstone – Fairburn Agate. Silverwind Agates, Appleton. Colburn, R.P. (2008) The formation of thundereggs. CD, Geode Kid Productions, Deming. Fig. 8 Sedimentary Dryhead agate from Montana (USA); the close up shows a violet fluorite cube, which belongs to a late mineralization sequence. 15 During agate formation, numerous other mineral phases are formed pre-, syn- and post-genetically with the silica phases. Depending on the type of host rocks and the time of formation, these minerals can occur as mineral inclusions in quartz, paragenetic minerals intergrown with SiO2, or pseudomorphs. Their size can range from microscopic inclusions up to several cm in size. Because of the common occurrence of certain minerals in agates, they can significantly influence their color, appearance and properties. Cross, B.L. (1996) The agates of Northern Mexico. Burgess Publishing Division, Edina, Minnesota. Godovikov, A. A., Ripinen, O. I., Motorin, S. G. (1987) Agaty. Moskva, Nedra. Götze, J. (2011) Agate – fascination between legend and science. In: Zenz, J. (ed.) Agates III. Bode-Verlag, 19133. Götze, J., Tichomirowa, M., Fuchs, H., Pilot, J., and Sharp, Z. (2001) Geochemistry of agates: a trace element and stable isotope study. Chemical Geology, 175, 523–541. Götze, J., Möckel, R., Kempe, U., Kapitonov, I., Vennemann, T. (2009) Origin and characteristics of agates in sedimentary rocks from the Dryhead area, Montana/USA. Mineralogical Magazine, 73, 673-690. Götze, J., Schrön, W., Möckel, R., Heide, K. (2012) The role of fluids in the formation of agate. Geochemistry, 72, 283-286. Hayes, J.B. (1964) Geodes and concretions from the Mississippian Warsaw Formation. Keokuk region, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri. Sedimentary Petrology, 34, 123-133. Holzhey, G. (1993) Vorkommen und Genese der Achate und Paragensemineralien in Rhyolithkugeln aus Rotliegendvulkaniten des Thüringer Waldes. Unpuplished PhD thesis, TU Bergakademie Freiberg. The spectrum of associated minerals can significantly vary in dependence on the genetic type of agate. These differences can be related to the different geological background and differences in the conditions of mineralization (e.g. type of fluids). Carbonates (especially calcite) and iron oxides/hydroxides are present in more or less all types of agates, whereas clay minerals and minerals of the zeolite group are typical phases in volcanic agates. Landmesser, M. (1984) Das Problem der Achatgenese. Mitteilungen Pollichia, 72 (5), 5-137. Landmesser, M. (1996) Calcitachat: Zur Deutung eines verblüffenden mineralogischen Phänomens. Mainzer Naturwissenschaftliches Archiv, 34, 9-43. McMahan, P. (2009) Inclusions in agate. In: Zenz, J., Agates II. Bode-Verlag, Haltern, 516-637. Möckel and Götze (2007) Achate aus sächsischen Vulkaniten des Erzgebirgischen Beckens. Veröffentlichung Museum für Naturkunde Chemnitz, 30, 25-60. Moxon, T. (1996) Agate: Microstructure and possible origin. Doncaster: Terra Publications. Moxon, T. (2009) Studies on agate – microscopy, spectroscopy, growth, high temperature and possible origin. Terra publications, Auckley, Doncaster, S. Yorks. Pabian and Zarins (1994) Banded agates – Origins and inclusions. Educational Circular No. 12, University of Bebraska, Lincoln. Petranek, J. (2009) Sedimentäre Achate. Der Aufschluss, 60, 291-302. Schmitt-Riegraf, C. (1996) Magmenentwicklung und spät- bis post-magmatische Alterationsprozesse permischer Vulkanite im Nordwesten der Nahe-Mulde. Münstersche Forschungen zur Geologie und Paläontologie, 80, 1-251. Tripp, R.B. ((1959) The mineralogy of Warsaw Formation geodes. Iowa Academic Science Proceedings, 66, 350-356. Walger, E. (1961) Zur Entstehung Fortschritte Mineralogie, 39, 360. des Calcitachates. Zenz, J. (2005) Agates. Bode-Verlag, Haltern. 16 19 Morocco, the places, the people and...agates Holger Quellmalz, Rochlitz, Germany The colors and structures of agates from North Africa are unique and easily recognized. So my friend Christian and I made a deal with Joachim Pfeiffer to take us on a two week tour of Morocco. Joachim recommended that we fly to Marrakech but fly home from Fez. We landed in Marrakech, which was cloudy and a pleasantly warm 25 °C. Ilyass Pfeiffer, whom we already knew from shows in Germany, was waiting for us. Joachim Pfeiffer himself was unable to accompany us, but he left us in the competent hands of his son Ilyass. First we had an opportunity to test moroccan food. In our hotel restaurant we ordered our first tagine, an ubiquitous dish with meat and lots of vegetables, prepared in clay pots. Discussing details for the upcoming days, we spontaneously decided to visit Ait Ourir, a locality only a couple kilometers away. We had come for collecting afterall, and certainly wanted to take a few kilograms of rough material home with us! One immediately feels comfortable here in Africa, the collector in his element and the stresses of the distant homeland quickly forgotten. As at most of the later localities, here too weathered basalt was the host rock for the desirable stones we sought; one hunts in dried out watercourses for stream tumbled samples and then pokes around upstream to find the primary outcrops. 25 Right from the start a giant nodule went into my bag, although later after being sawn, it did not fulfill my equally gigantic expectations. Many small amygdules were added too. With misty weather and comfortable temperatures, we were well able to fill our bags and go back happy after three hours. There was no warm water in the hotel that evening, but the cold water was good enough for washing the little rocks! As on subsequent days, the evening brought a respectable downpour of rain, which luckily helps expose fresh agates. The first supper was quite european. We enjoyed a small beer with our couscous and later shared a bottle of quite acceptable moroccan red wine. We were almost the only guests in the hotel, which cost about $30 including two meals. Ait Ourir, like Sidi Rahal, lies in the Marrakech district, north of the High Atlas. Several of the locality names were already familiar to us. In the end we did not visit the well known Asni, but we found similar material elsewhere. Although every collector natually wants the beautiful colorful pieces from Aouli and Kerrouchen, the white banded types have their charm too and come in amazing variety. From the beginning we constantly badgered Ilyass to take us to Al Hama too. He was very polite about it and never told us a definitive “No“, although an attentive observer would have quickly understood that this would remain a secret spot for the Pfeiffers. That locality is very small and the wonderfully colored agates there provide a not insignificant portion of the family’s bread and butter. A visit to the local market the next day was naturally another high point for us. Diving into the commercial culture of a country where the clocks tick at a different pace. On the one hand lots of dirt and an unfamilar simplistic infrastructure, on the other hand the colors on the vegetable stands and the relaxed ambiance of the Moroccans. We used our communal funds for a pile of basic foods for the trip, including fruit, vegetables, pita bread, canned tuna, and of course lots of water. Along the way we collected a host of impressions: the butcher slaughtering the chicken in front of the customer; a half sheep, with head, hanging from a hook. Countless stork nests on towers and poles. And everywhere donkeys as the main form of transport. Whoever has something to sell, just offers it on the sidewalk. Tagine is prepared everywhere and there are heaps of pita bread. Sidi Rahal was our next goal after shopping, the first more extensive collecting trip. It is a rather large region, and hilly, so the hunt for our little stones was difficult. The characteristic red crusts were laying around all over, but not a decent geode among them. But I stumbled across my first tortoise, which saved the day for me! Later the bag filled up more and more, first in a dried up streambed, then from old dump material. Farmers dug adits here for crystal-lined geodes, and the solid agates used to end up on the dumps, until it was realized that these had monetary value too. Now the agates are sorted by size and packed in sacks. Here in Sidi Rahal we quickly noticed that however one tries to lose oneself in the landscape, one is never alone. When you think no one is watching you, a Moroccan is guaranteed to pop up behind the next bush! Everyone is doing something outside. Families are working together in their fields, shepherds are watching the sheep, children are playing outdoors - luckily still growing up without TV. Opposite Page: TopAgate from Bou Lili - 11cm wide BelowAgate from Sidi Rahal - 5.4 cm Photos by D. Mayer Current Page: AboveAgate from Sidi Rahal - 8 cm wide Photo by J. Zenz Later we visited the landowner and made our acquaintance with moroccan hospitality. With tea, flat bread and olive oil, we squatted in the twilight and used a weak LED pocket lamp to look over the geodes he offered us for sale. There were some neat specimens with beautiful pseudomorphs, but one can’t collect everything. Nevertheless, partly out of gratitude for having let us collect on his land, I bought one. A friend of mine bought a whole sack of agates. Later I kicked myself for not having done that too. Our self collected finds were less impressive, and after sawing them open there wasn’t a lot worth adding to the collection. Characteristic for this locality are the thick red or greenish white crusts, interesting structures with spherulites and liesegang rings, as well as occasional deep violet chalcedony. On the third day of our trip we headed out for the High Atlas. We had planned to camp in a tent, but that was not to be, which was a good thing as it later turned out. I had to make use of my entire arsenal of clothes: In the evening we were sitting at about 1,700 meters elevation in the half open lobby (there were no doors) and my body’s internal heater was not capable of keeping up. All my sweaters were put on at the same time! The journey went over the Tizi’n’Tichka pass (2,260 meters high), past the first mineral shops, to Agouim. Four distinct localities are known there, with the fourth (the so-called “photo locality“) having yielded beautiful colored agates, although it was only a temporary construction-related outcrop. We visited Agouim I right after 27 our arrival. On climbing on the hill we stumbled over countless brown and red jasper shards, and later amygdular geodes of mixed composition (lots of chalcedony and moss agate), mainly before the peak, after which the basalt is overlain by buntsandstein. My personal highlight was a roughly 1 hectare patch strewn with well colored “jasp-agates“ eroded out of veins. I could not pass this material by, and by the end of the day I was overloaded for the first time. Luckily two of Ilyass’ friends helped me carry it - 40 kilograms is no trivial weight! A real highlight was our visit to the socalled “Finger agate locality“, Agouim II. After several kilometers uphill in wide hilly terrain, a dry watercourse yielded giant quartz and agate geodes. It was a very windy day and it turned out to be quite strenuous. At some points up in the hills, one could get scared of being blown off. As compensation, one could find after a little hunting some relatively large geodes still in situ and work them out, with broken fragments scattered all about and of course also some complete specimens of elongated agates, and I quickly had my first bag filled. I left the bag out in the field and forgot to record the position by GPS. Thanks to my bad sense of orientation, I had great difficulty finding it again! But that wouldn’t have been much of a problem anyway, as vast quantities of agate were laying all around. One had to do a strict selection on the spot, as it would be impossible to carry everything back. White and grey bands dominate, including some with fine contrast, eyes, and a great Wegeler effect. Pseudomorphs were heaped up in some spots. We were treated to beautiful views, with periodic sleet showers whipping over the crest of the High Atlas, sucking all the warmth out of one’s body. But our finds produced some adrenalin, and in the evening we returned to the hotel completely satisfied. On the third day in the High Atlas we could feel the changes that are starting to come to this agate collectors’ mecca: We found hardly any amygdules at Agouim III, but instead found the land owner, who was not at all happy that the “rich“ foreigners (and anyone who can afford a foreign vacation must be rich!) were carting off valuables from his land - Those stones must be worth something! Luckily Ilyass took care of it. After some discussion it was agreed that we would visit the owner’s shop and buy some there. For very little money everyone got a couple of mineral specimens, and then we were allowed to do a bit more collecting in the field. This worked out well because on a small plateau we found larger quantities of amygdules of the Asni type, often highly flattened and exhibiting a complex inner pattern. By evening one thing was clear: The era when one could go around the country picking up stones anywhere at will seems to be finally over, and it won’t get any better. Departure point for our tour in the Middle Atlas would be the Pfeiffer’s country home near Aguelmous, which meant we’d have to cross the Tizi’n’Tichka again. We got there in the evening after a long drive, and the next day got a tour of the lovely property and were allowed to view part of the Pfeiffer’s collection. After exactly a week already in Morocco, we started off on the long awaited several day trip towards Aouli. In the back of our minds was always that image of beautifully colorful red and yellow specimens, and we all had high hopes for the region, although of course we realized that everyone dreams of that and there was no way we could expect the same density of finds as at Agouim. We visited Kerrouchen first. At 1,800 meters elevation, the fields were half covered with snow which did not promise the best conditions for making good finds. Nevertheless a collector friend quickly found an amygdular geode on the flanks of a creek and that inspired a collective hope. Some material was found on the fields, apparently overlooked or abandoned by previous hunters, and in my case two larger pieces with typical colors were obtained for the collection. Agates from Toubkal, Photos by D. Mayer The actual better-known Kerrouchen locality (which is also a field) is still open for collecting after paying a fee to the farmer, although it has been worked already for years by “professionals“ with heavy equipment, aided by workers from the local population. We even heard about a mobile saw that had been set up there, and about the destruction - smashing of all the material of little commercial value. We gave that particular field a wide berth and searched rather in a neighboring area that had not been worked by owners. The so-called warm water was mislabelled, but after that things started looking up. And in cases of need, Moroccan tea was our saviour. Unbelievable, the first time we saw how much sugar goes into that tea! But one gets used to it, and anyone who thinks they would be able to make this highly aromatic drink themselves, they should try! Tea is part of life in Morocco, drank everywhere all the time, and even for tourists it quickly becomes a fixed routine. We drove further east, passing Midelt, the famous mineral dealers’ town and the almost abandoned former mining village of Aouli. At the foot of the mountains in this elongated agate district we eventually reached the hut of Sahid, a good friend of the Pfeiffers. To our astonishment, a collector friend from Germany was sitting in front of the hut. The world is truly a village! After brief greetings, we set off for Bou Lili and left many kilometers of gravel road in our dust. It is still a mystery to me how Ilyass managed to find his way there, especially the drive back in the evening twilight! But first we 29 steered towards the four distinctive hills in this mysterious agate district, in whose creek beds one finds mainly only agates of the Aouli type. We found out that the Bou Lili agates, which alongside the Al Hama ones count among the latest new discoveries, come from a limestone deposit of as yet uncertain origin. They are clearly identifiable by the distinctive crust on the outer skin of the amygdules. The primary source seems to be known only to the Berbers. Two families put up their tents in varying locations here and we hoped to be able to buy inexpensively priced rough from them. Unfortunately they had just sold their entire stocks to buyers from Midelt, so we were left relatively unsuccessfully with just the few kilograms of our self collected material. In the evening we made our camp in Sahid’s sleeping room, where a bunch of mattresses had accumulated over the years, and the family spoiled us with a delicious tagine. In their hut we got really warm for the first time in the trip, since the fire in the kitchen oven was constantly lit. The next day we visited Fullouz I, the main locality for the Aouli agates. On a plateau here one finds at best just broken fragments of the beloved redyellow specimens, but nevertheless one does not need to go home with an empty bag. On the way up I discovered a spot with innumerable geodes sticking out of the weathered basalt, although they were all rather fractured. Dark clouds threatened to ruin our afternoon and we went back early, which enabled us to meet the dealer Khalid, the son of Sahid, and his wife Giuliana. In their comparatively luxurious house, very tastefully arranged by Giuliana, who was born in Italy, we had a nice conversation with delicious espresso and baked goods and then did a bit of plundering in Khalid’s stone stock. They had only gotten electricity a few days ago and were just testing their music system. Back in the Pfeiffer’s country home we had another day of rest and enthusiastically dedicated ourselves to washing and sorting our finds and packing them up. It was a pleasant change, and because of the much milder climate there we warmed up in the midday sun and enjoyed the fresh oranges and pomegranates from the garden. We got an early start for the several hour drive westwards. Rare trees decorated the highway and the landscape offered lots to see. We found a few agates with the typical brown-green crust, eroded out in the field, but further hunting was quickly impeded by employees of the new leaseholder, anxious to protect his rights, who kept us for a long time in a sort of state of outdoor arrest. During the lunch break, a Moroccan appeared as out of nowhere with a tray of tea, bread and oil for the farm employees and we brazenly joined them. Of course we were invited to partake, and we attempted some simple communication. It took a while, but at last the landlord showed up in a black A8, with a copy of his contract for “negotiation“. Meanwhile the assembled crowd had grown to 16 men and we were made to show the boss our finds. It turned out that he himself did business with the stones collected on his land and exported rough to America. How things change! Our self-collected stones evoked merely a compassionate laugh from him and we were allowed to keep them. Okay, I had “accidentally“ let four big geodes roll out of my bag in the car - but I still haven’t sawn them and they remain as a potential surprise until I get to the end of all my moroccan rough. We would have gladly augmented our finds by purchasing some from the landlord, for his laughable kilo price, but apparently all his stock had just been shipped out. I suppose the most beautiful pieces in my collection from this last locality will still be the ones I acquired at the Munich Mineralientage in 2012 from Joachim Pfeiffer. Zaër Zaiane yielded gorgeous pseudomorphs and agates with goldcolored goethite sprays, but the quota of high quality pieces was very sparse. My thanks to the Pfeiffer family: More knowledgeable guides would be hard to imagine. The old Renault-Bus with its oft replaced motor and seven figure number on the odometer carried us unwaveringly to everywhere and back again. Addendum: Between the four of us we brought back almost a ton of raw material, which caused Joachim Pfeiffer some unforseen problems crossing the border. Naturally we brought back way too much material, but then every collector does that the first time they visit Morocco! Originally Published in Mineralien Welt issue 4/2014 - Reprinted in English for the first time here. Thank you to Alfredo Petrov for translation services. Thank you to Rainer and Kristina Bode for use of this interesting trip report. 30 Every year for the last 17 years a rather the town of Lwówek Śląski, in south western Poland, has been celebrating the region’s spectacular mineral and mining heritage with a summer festival that takes over the center of this historic town. Lwówek Śląski, in Lower Silesia, was also known by the German name of Löwenberg before the end of World War Two, but the region became part of Poland in 1945 after the borders of Germany were redrawn. Geologically the region is very famous. To the east near the regional capital of Wrocław is the famous granite quarrying region of Strzegom where dozens of quarries have provided great specimens for mineral collectors for well over 100 years. But Lower Silesia is most famous for the many agate deposits in the area, such as the world-famous Płóczki Górne deposit. The festival takes place in mid-July and takes over the whole center of the town surrounding the medieval town hall building. Inside the 12th century hall a spectacular themed mineral display is put on each year. Themes have included Agate, Copper minerals, quartz, amber and the Minerals of Poland. Outside the streets are filled with wooden tables, custom made with local birch trunks where dealers from Poland and beyond offer minerals, jewelry, agates, and all manner of other handicrafts. A seller of local agates offers a large pile of local agate nodules, and has a large rock saw set up to cut them open for you on the spot. The show opens on Friday afternoon and runs until Sunday afternoon, but that is not the only outdoor part of the festival. A massive stage is erected next to the Town Hall at one end of the main street, and throughout the day it is used for local folk music, presentations by the town and a series of competitions including strong man, and who can cut the (fake) agate boulder the fastest. On Friday a huge parade marches through the town with everyone from the local police, local brass band, hospital staff, classic motorbike enthusiasts and even, from time to time, mindat.org members represented. On Saturday and Sunday evenings the town center is packed for a music concert with local, national and international artists. Sunday evening’s event is by far the most important with the headline group(s) performing in front of tens of thousands of people. After the end of the concert the festival draws to a close with an incredible laser show (previous years had firework displays but they became concerned that the large display might potentially damage the historic buildings, so it was replaced). Since my first visit in 2010 to the festival, I have been back three more times. In 2011 we held our first mindat.org Conference in conjunction with the event. And for the last two years we have held mini mindat gatherings during the show as a chance for mindat.org members to get together and enjoy the event. There are always something exciting going on, with no end to food, drink, mineral collecting and great company. Now that this tradition has been firmly established I am delighted to say that mindat.org will be having a regular attendance at this event. If you’re interested in coming to this event in 2015 then please get in contact with us (contact information near the front of this magazine) or check details on mindat.org later this year. 34 Agate and Associated Minerals from the Creede District, Mineral County, Colorado USA Philip Persson - [email protected] A notable example of a distinctive occurrence of agate with other collectible minerals is the Creede District in Mineral County, Colorado USA. This world-class epithermal silver district has produced over 2.3 million kg. of silver (Ag), in addition to significant lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and gold (Au) (Robinson & Norman 1984). The silver deposits at Creede are a classic example of an epithermal vein system in which relatively shallow hydrothermal systems (in this case related to mid-Tertiary age volcanism and caldera collapse) circulated metalrich fluids through fault conduits, allowing the precipitation of distinctive, often banded mineral assemblages which host economic metal concentrations (Rosemeyer 2010). The silver veins of Creede were first discovered in 1889 by itinerant prospector and adventurer Nicholas Creede, making it one of Colorado’s last major mining camps to be founded (Voynick 2006). Creede’s initial discovery, which he named the Holy Moses Vein, was rich in Ag, Pb and Zn, and led to the discovery of numerous nearby 35 veins which typically ranged from 1-5 m. wide and followed steeplydipping faults cutting the thick sequence of volcanic rocks related to the collapse of the huge Creede caldera during the lower Miocene period (Wetlaufer et Al. 1979). These veins, which are related to what geologist’s call a keystone graben (imagine a ‘keystone’ block in an arch developing along a weak tension point with two parallel inward-sloping cracks), were fabulously rich in silver, with a rhythmically-banded core averaging several hundred ounces of silver per ton or ore, and a lower-grade halo of Zn-Pb-Cu mineralization extending up to 15 meters outward from the vein (Voynick 2006). The largest vein system in the district, the Amethyst vein, was first mined in 1892, and brought the nascent district’s silver production from ~380,000 ounces a year to over 2.4 million ounces! (Voynick, 2006) In addition to bringing great wealth to Creede that would last for nearly the next 100 years, the Amethyst vein system would also become the type locality of sorts for a fascinating variety of cryptocrystalline quartz known as ‘sowbelly agate.’ The Creede District is well known today for a type of agate known locally as ‘sowbelly agate’ due to its distinctive bacon-like rhythmic banding made up of alternating layers of pale gray-white chalcedony and vibrant purple amethyst. Indeed, in deposits such as the Amethyst vein system, amethystine quartz agate was the primary gangue mineral associated with the ore! In veins such as the Amethyst, the mineralogy was strongly zoned both laterally and with depth. The vein consisted of a core exhibiting a geode-like concentric structure as much as 5 meters wide. The outer part of this core consisted of dark, fine-grained chalcedony and quartz rich in Ag sulfides and sulfosalt species such as acanthite and argentiforous galena, which was followed by a layer of finely-banded ‘sowbelly’ agate (Voynick 2006). This is turn was followed by another layer of mineralized quartz, sometimes containing native silver crystals, and then a layer of violet amethyst, often showing euhedral crystal projecting into the enclosing agate; an especially aesthetic association. Associated with the amethyst and agate of the vein core were excellent crystals of gemmy honey-brown and green sphalerite along with galena, acanthite, native silver, and rarely species such as proustite and Stephanite (Eckel 1997). Sowbelly Agate slab, Creede District, Mineral County, Colorado (field of view ~9 cm. across) [Photo courtesy of the Colorado Geological Survey] 36 Crystallized sphalerite from the Commodore mine is amongst the best in the U.S, occurring as sharp, lustrous crystals from 1 to 10 cm. showing excellent color when backlit. Specimens of sphalerite, sometimes occurring with fine crystals of chalcopyrite, galena and pyrite, associated with deep purple amethyst crystals are particularly prized, and were found on multiple levels of the OH and P veins. Sowbelly agate was common in many mines along the Amethyst fault system, including the Last Chance, Amethyst, Bachelor, and Commodore mines. Thousands of slabs have been cut out of this material, which often exhibits fine repeating band structure and euhedral amethyst crystals projecting into chalcedony layers, a hallmark of many high-grade epithermal Ag-Au vein deposits. Map by Brandy Zzyzx 37 Some of these mines, such as the Commodore, were mined until relatively recently (late 1970’s), and produced literally thousands of pounds of fine agate specimens in association with wellcrystallized amethyst, barite, and sulfides. While much of the sowbelly agate in these veins was mineralized as explained above, the outer layers of agate and chalcedonic quartz were often barren of Ag mineralization, and thus ended up on the huge dumps which dot many of the canyon walls along East and West Willow Creek’s. Sowbelly agate can still be collected in the Creede District. The author recommends the Last Chance Mine, which hosts a free museum and also a fee collecting site in the summer months, where for a modest $2.00/pound, one can fill their bucket with beautiful sowbelly agate specimens. In the Amethyst and OH vein systems, mineralization is generally finer-grained and also distributed across a wider area than other Creede deposits (Robinson & Norman 1984). Normal faulting created open spaces in which circulating, boiling solutions containing abundant silica as well as metals such as Ag and Zn/Pb dissolved as chloride complex could crystallize in a sequential fashion outward from he center of the vein (Robinson & Norman 1984). Agate in these veins occurs in a variety of forms, including finely-divided ‘sowbelly’ agate, more massive crystalline amethyst alternating with white chalcedony layers, and vuggy, brecciated agate which sometimes appears to surround hollow casts of dissolved rhodochrosite, quartz, or barite. The occurrence of pale-pink rhodochrosite, which is paragentically early in these veins, with silver minerals and agate is particularly interesting (Robinson & Norman 1984). Commonly associated with the ‘sowbelly’ agate are fine-grained layers of the silver sulfide mineral acanthite, and occasionally spectacular ‘herringbone’ crystals of native silver projecting into the amethystine quartz layers. Crystals of sulfide species such as sphalerite and galena, which are paragenetically late in these assemblages, sometimes are implanted on small euhedral amethyst crystals forming the outer edge of an agate layer, making for very handsome specimens. Crystals of white barite are also associated with agate in some veins such as the Bulldog Mountain. Because the mineral-rich solutions which formed the Creede veins were circulating in a conveyor-belt like manner through high-angle fault systems, they were cooled and reheated on a relatively short time scale, as well as “recharged” by the influence of meteoric water from the surface. This allowed the ‘sowbelly’ agate to develop a fine structure indicative on many periods of crystallization, as well as the close association with orestage minerals like native silver. Probably the most spectacular specimens of native silver from Creede were found relatively late in this district’s history, during the first few years of operation of the Bulldog Mine, discovered during the mid-1960’s by Homestake Mining Corporation and mined until 1985 (Plumlee & Whitehouse-Veaux 1994). While more commonly associated with barite, some of these specimens were also found with silver inter-layered with agate and cryptocrystalline quartz, making very attractive specimens when slabbed. 38 References Native Silver in ‘Sowbelly’ agate: Creede District, Mineral County, Colorado USA (field of view ~9 cm. across) (Photo © Ron Wolf, CSM Geology M u s e u m Collection) In their 1994 study, Plumlee & Whitehouse-Veaux identified 6 periods of mineralization in the Bulldog vein system, stages A-F, with native silver occurring primarily in stages B and F. Most silver is in massive white barite, which shows strong banding due to re-circulating hydrothermal fluids traveling vertically through the fault system and depositing alternating layers of silver, barite, and acanthite. The association of crystalline barite and relatively lowtemperature silver sulfide species with agate is interesting in these assemblages in that it is indicative of the highly fluctuating temperature and fluid conditions in these veins. During the early years of the Bulldog mine, specimens of nearly pure native silver up to 50+ kg. were sometimes found, as well as beautiful specimens of delicate ‘nests’ of wire silver implanted on barite or agate. 39 While the boom days of Creede are long past and it is now a fairly quiet former mining town with a short summer tourist season where visitors flock to the historical theater, shops and restaurants of downtown and to see the mine ruins clinging to thousand foot canyon walls up Willow Creek, there is some hope that silver mining will resume. Helca Mining and its subsidiary Rio Grande Silver Inc have been actively exploring the Bulldog and Equity mines for the past ~5 years, and if silver prices and drill results are favorable, will likely resume mining in Creede in the coming years. Beautiful specimens of agate and associated minerals will almost certainly be found if mining resumes, and the little town of Creede on the edge of the mighty San Juan Mountains will once again be a silver city. 1.) Rosemeyer, Tom “Creede: The Last Wild West Silver Mining Camp in Colorado,” Rocks and Minerals 85, no. 5 (2010): 396-413. 2.) William H. Emmons and Esper S, Larsen, “Geology and Ore Deposits of the Creede District, Colorado,” U. S. Geological Survey, Bulletin 719, (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1923). 3.) Richard W. Robinson and David I. Norman Mineralogy and fluid inclusion study of the southern Amethyst vein system, Creede mining district, Colorado Economic Geology and the Bulletin of the Society of Economic Geologists(May 1984), 79(3):439-447 4.) Geoffrey S. Plumlee and Pamela Heald Whitehouse-Veaux Mineralogy, paragenesis, and mineral zoning of the Bulldog Mountain vein system, Creede District, Economic Geology and the Bulletin of the Society of Economic Geologists(December 1994), 89(8):1883-1905 5.) Voynick, Steven, “Another Chance for the Last Chance Mine”, Colorado Central Magazine, July 2006. 6.) Wetlaufer, P.H, Bethke, P.M, & Barton, P.B: “The Creede Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu-Au District, San Juan Mountains, Colorado: A Fossil Geothermal System” pp. 159-163, Papers on Mineral Deposits of Western North America: 5th IAGOD Symposium Proceedings. 7.) Eckel, E.B., Cobbin R.R, Mosburg S.K. ‘Minerals of Colorado’, 1997, Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, Colorado ANNOUNCING OUR GRAND OPENING 5TH AVENUE IN NEW YORK CITY OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Visit Astro Kids in FAO Schwarz on 5th Ave in NYC Astro Kids Coming 2015 to American Dream in New Jersey WWW .A STRO G ALLERY . COM Visit our new online store:
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