#Mahogany obsidian raw free

However, there are a number of lakes and a creek in the area that are popular for their trout, and fishermen have commented that storms frequently wash small nuggets of obsidian, known as “Apache Tears” onto the banks for willing collectors. Chochetopa is a Ute word meaning “pass of the buffalo,” and Native American tribes often used the obsidian found there to make arrows and spear points while on their annual hunts.Īt present, much of the area is inaccessible to the public, being recently sold to private owners. The Cochetopa Dome is the only definitive location of obsidian in the state of Colorado.Ĭochetopa Dome is located about 20 miles south of Gunnison. Always verify BLM restrictions before collecting on public lands. There are many obsidian deposits across the southern part of Idaho, such as Jordan Creek, Kelly Canyon, and American Falls. There are numerous federal lands in the area, making collecting limited. The area was used by Native Americans for centuries as a source of obsidian for arrowheads and other tools. Big Southern Butte, Idahoīig Southern Butte is located a little over 52 miles east of the Craters of the Moon National Monument in central Idaho. Read More: Where To Find Obsidian In California 5. There are a lot of obsidian deposits in California, but the four mines around the Warner Mountains are some of the most popular spots for rockhounds to get their fix.

#Mahogany obsidian raw free

Once a permit is obtained, however, you’re free to begin collecting some amazing specimens. You’ll want to check with the individual mines regarding hours of operation as well.

There are four mines in the area, as well as Modoc National Forest in the northeastern corner of the state, where limited collecting is permitted. The Warner Mountains are popular destinations for deposits of rainbow and pink obsidian. Obsidian Cliff is one of the better-known parts of the park, so give it a shot if you happen to be in Wyoming. Online resources will help you determine the most favorable locations. Wyoming’s mountainous regions contain other obsidian deposits, such as around Jackson Hole along the Teton Pass or the Green River area further south. Visitors to the park may drive to Obsidian Cliff and observe the formations, but not remove any pieces from the park. The area’s volcanic history is well documented and continues to be a literal hot spot for volcanologists around the world. Quick cooling magma creates the black glass we all love, and there’s plenty of surface activity in the park. With all of the volcanic activity in Yellowstone, it’s easy to see why obsidian deposits could form in this area. Obsidian Cliff, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming A lot of rockhounding is learning who owns what bits of land, but BLM land is usually a good bet for collectors. The Bureau of Land Management allows rock hunters access to much of their land, it’s just a matter of making sure you’re in the right area. Rockhounds who are looking for specimens to add to their collection will need to research national parks and privately-owned land before deciding where in this vast area to hunt. The San Francisco Volcanic Fields cover over 3,000 square miles, where around 600 volcanic vents form one of North America’s most distinguishing geological features. Read More: GLASS BUTTE: The Best Place To Find OBSIDIAN in Oregon! 2. It’s a must-visit for anyone who has a taste for obsidian.

With the high limit, the Glass Buttes are one of the best collecting areas in the US. The area is located in the Northeast of Lake County, and it’s easy to reach. Even a lapidarist can get a lot of material for their work at that size. They estimate that to be around 250lbs per person per year, more than enough to keep most collectors occupied.

Most of the land is BLM land, and they allow a “reasonable” collection amount for private citizens. The most famous for collectors is undoubtedly Glass Butte, where several small hills are covered in the stuff.įortunately, the collection is open here. There are so many deposits of obsidian in Oregon that it would not be possible to cover them all here.