Ray Mine 2011 Part II

[Ezdiggin]

Next trip came in March, with another cold foggy day. Lungs burned the last 3/4 of the climb b/c I wouldn't stop to rest. Anticipation I guess. This time I constantly reminded myself NOT to role up my sleeves even if I got hot. I didn't want a repeat of poison ivy everywhere. Although I didn't role them up I still got two perfect rings of poison ivy around my wrists between my gloves and sleeves. Oh well.



Picture of the fog on the way up. Looks the same as last trip.


First spot I checked of the morning had this beauty laying there. Must have fallen out of the back over night, or maybe someone just wanted me to have it!! ;D


After some time digging I spotted a hex shape in the dirt. Can you spot it?


Here it is after a dip in the bucket


Here is a neat piece. This beryl is right in the middle of the contact between pegmatite and schist. I couldn't resist popping it out to expose the termination. Sorry don't have that pic yet.


Found this apatite while cobbing down the above piece. Notice it also lies in the contact zone.


Here is the above apatite after I carefully trimmed it out. Six perfect faces, but the termination is odd. My guess is that it was formed with that stair step pattern solely from the quartz as it cooled. Color is a mix of pink and gray


Side view


Tiny Colombite crystal

[writerman2255]

Nice finds! The Ray has lots more of that I am certain! Thanks for posting. T.

[arappaho]

Thanks for Part II.
Very nice finds! That one chunk with the Apatite in it just kept on
giving, but I really like the pic of the green beryl with the hillside
in the background. It's saying, "I found it right here."
Good job,
Joe

[Doug]

Looks ike a VERY productive trip to the Ray! I have not been in a long time and need ot head back up there. Maybe next week?

[Ryan]

Another great post from one of my favorite mines! I like what Joe said. Big old beryl with its home in the background. Nice work! Ill be waiting for installment 3. :-)