Aruba or Bust

[jasita]

I''m off to Aruba for xmas this year and was wondering if their crystals are really worth looking at?
Theres a mountain area there that I can climb to , to gather some up. What do you think...am I mad?

 

[valeria101]

Last Saturday it was no else but myseld scrambling on some rather ungodly old mine dumps for Dioptase ! Lots of fun, dirt and a few unremarkable green crystals

I can't believe I've been researching the Carribean economy and never cared for their rocks! You certainly made me curious...

From what I grasp, the place is flat (less than 700m at the highest above sea level), with the best known geological features in the form of bazalt batholits and associated features. A colleague came with pictures of very round tonalite boulders but the discussion did not go as fas as what could be collectable among them

What will you be looking for ?

 

[jasita]

At this time I can only refer to "looking" for crystals (clear). I have a guide lined up already, infact he is sending me one to add to my collection. He says there aren't really any other gems on the island. The island mass is 70 sq. miles .
Its really more of a suivenour seach and not an actual dig. The crystals are still attached to the rock formations and can be picked without breaking any laws. Many cyrtals are also just laying on the rock formations already detached. I've done quite a bit of research on different crystals and the ones from Aruba are really very nice specimens.

 

[jasita]

Also I would like to add, I find it rather relaxing to go out on digs. Its adventurous and if I find something....great, if I don't I only spent my time doing it. My fav. stone is still the Emerald and not the one from africa, theres are to wishy washy green for my taste. And the only emeralds I do own are those in rough rocks, I also have rough rocks in Rubies also. And soon I shall have a rather nice investment in cut/polished diamonds. Not some pitiful insult I already carry in rough rocks and crystals but something I can sink my real energies into. I'd love to find a really great cutter to cut my 84cts down. But alas, that would cost me more than the rock I purchased. I am trying to arrange a trip to the NWT in northern Canada. To see a full operation from mine to polishing. Its something near and dear to my heart.

 

[valeria101]

Oh M'am... do I understand that!

It is highly addictive to only once get something gleaming from otherwise uninspiring dirt

Be it fools gold or quartz or whatever.

Have you ever considered taking up cutting as a hobby yourself?