Rock Collecting in Southwestern Colorado: A Treasure Hunting Puzzle Adventure (Colorado's Puzzling Treasure)

ROCKS, RELICS & GOLD:A Field Guide to Collecting in Southwest ColoradoSouthwest Colorado — where ancient seas once rippled, mountains were thrust skyward, and hidden treasures lie waiting beneath your boots. From fossil-rich shale and sandstone outcrops to glistening mineral veins and volcanic remnants, this rugged landscape is a paradise for rockhounds, mineral lovers, and amateur geologists alike.Discover how to:Identify and collect fossils that tell the story of life from deep time.Hunt for minerals and crystals — from quartz and agates to rarer specimens shaped by the region’s fiery geology.Explore forgotten mining districts and ghost towns where traces of Colorado’s storied mineral heritage still surface.Whether you’re splitting shale in search of ancient plant impressions or turning over a promising rock, this guide combines practical technique with local lore and geology to enrich every trip into the field.And for the prospectors at heart — while significant gold deposits are rare and large-scale mining remains the province of history and industrial operations in Colorado, placer gold and small quantities of gold-bearing material have been found in stream gravels and old workings here, meaning that with patience and a keen eye you might spot your own glittering flake or rock specimen worth remembering.Whether you’re a seasoned collector or picking up your first rock hammer, Rocks, Relics & Gold is your guide to the geology, the adventures, and the possible treasures of southwest Colorado.As an added bonus HCharles Beil has hidden a treasure in Southwest Colorado with clues to its location contained in the puzzles, mazes, crosswords and ciphers in this book. Read more