Rockhounding - Follow the Signs

In this video, Shadow and I go on a Rockhounding Adventure with no particular location in mind. Rather, we follow the signs: volcanic rock, geothermal activity, rocks with an abundance of silica, igneous granite, colorful elements, and lots of quartz. We spend the day wondering the mountains, starting below on the alluvial fan, and making our way deeper and higher into them. We discover a spring, beautiful canyons, veins of quartz, colorful green rocks of magnesium, yellow rocks of sulfur, pyrite (fools gold), milky quartz, and good examples of igneous volcanic basalt working its way through the granite to the earths surface. Finally, we begin to find chalcedony, agates, and signs that indicate jasper is present. But, it was getting late and we had to return home. Not before, however, seeing a spectacular desert sunset. Once home, we identify the green rocks as magnesium with the use of a rare earth magnet. We also discuss and demonstrate a lode stone, which is an actual magnet. A load stone is a piece of magnetite that was hit by lightening and charged. It was the first magnet used by man and in a compass to help navigate. We conclude by acknowledging that although we didn't find the jaspers and agates we were seeking, we did find some interesting rocks, learned some things, had a wonderful time, and in the end did find an area that looks promising to return to. We invite you to come along on yet another Adventure of Shadow.

Rockhounding Utah