Dorris Family - Colorado Field Trip for Amazonite and Topaz

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2021 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 23, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.

One day collecting for you and your family (up to 4 people) with the Dorris Family at their famous mining claim, during their summer or fall digs. These are the famous localities you've seen over many seasons on the Prospectors TV show! This experience will take you to either/both localities for Amazonite, Smoky Quartz, and Topaz, based on current mining conditions where they think you’ll have the most action! The Dorris family has arguably produced the finest amazonites in history, and are the world experts in mining and preparing specimens of this material. NOBODY goes home disappointed. (As a guide, at our past live events, this trip has fetched $5000-plus and reliably made for happy bidders.)

Joe and his son Tim Dorris were invited Symposium speakers in 2016: Mining Colorado Amazonite and Filming Prospectors.

Since the late 1870s, the Crystal Peak District in Colorado has produced the world’s finest amazonite and smoky quartz specimens. Recent mining has seen some remarkable new finds from the District that many had deemed nearly exhausted. This presentation focused on Joe’s efforts since the early 90s to use mechanized equipment and new techniques to mine the deeper pegmatite structures which had never been tapped.

Keep up to $2500 in found specimens, with the opportunity to purchase additional found specimens at fair prices. Note: Pockets often have to be reassembled, so some pieces might be unavailable to take home. Travel costs are not included. This trip is good for 2 to 4 people, during 2021-22

Donated by Pinnacle 5 Minerals / The Dorris Family