EXCITING HUNT FOR A RARE MINERAL!! | Rockhounding Wisconsin

Welcome to our incredible adventure rockhounding in Baraboo, Wisconsin, as we hunt for the rare and beautiful mineral turgite! If you’re as passionate about geology, minerals, and the natural wonders of Wisconsin as we are, then you’re in for a treat. Join us as we explore the stunning rhyolite cliffs and Baraboo Quartzite formations, uncovering hidden geological treasures and learning more about the fascinating world of rocks and minerals.
What is Turgite?
Turgite is a rare and eye-catching mineral known for its striking iridescence. It is a secondary mineral, often forming as a result of the weathering of hematite or goethite. Turgite’s unique appearance is due to its colorful, metallic sheen, which can range from deep blues and purples to brilliant reds and yellows. This mineral is not only prized by rockhounds for its beauty but also holds geological significance as an indicator of mineralogical processes.
Turgite is not a distinct mineral in its own right; instead, it’s considered a mix of hematite and goethite. Its formation often occurs in areas where iron-rich minerals have undergone oxidation, creating the stunning, iridescent layers that make it so recognizable. For collectors, finding a piece of turgite is like unearthing a true gem from nature’s treasure chest.
Why Baraboo, Wisconsin?
Baraboo, Wisconsin, is a dream destination for geology enthusiasts and rockhounds. This region is renowned for its unique geological history, offering an array of rocks and minerals that tell the story of ancient Earth. The Baraboo Range, with its quartzite cliffs, is one of the oldest rock formations in North America, dating back over 1.7 billion years. These cliffs were formed during the Precambrian era, making them a goldmine for those interested in uncovering the secrets of our planet’s early history.
The rhyolite cliffs in this area are another hotspot for rockhounding. Rhyolite is an igneous rock that often contains interesting mineral inclusions, providing ample opportunities for collectors to find rare specimens. Combined with the Baraboo Quartzite formations, these cliffs create an ideal environment for finding unique minerals like turgite.
Our Rockhounding Adventure
Our journey began with a map in hand and a sense of excitement as we set out to explore the rhyolite cliffs and Baraboo Quartzite formations. Armed with our cameras and a glimmer of hope, we were ready to uncover the hidden treasures of Wisconsin’s geology.
Exploring the Baraboo Quartzite and Rhyolite Cliffs
We carefully examined crevices and fractures in the rock, looking for the telltale metallic sheen of turgite. After hours of searching, we struck gold-or rather, iridescent blue and purple. A small, shimmering patch on the surface of the rhyolite caught our attention.
Next, we headed to the Baraboo Quartzite patches. These ancient formations are composed of highly durable quartzite, a metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transformed the sandstone into the hard, crystalline quartzite we see today.
The Baraboo Quartzite cliffs are not only visually stunning but also rich in mineral diversity. As we explored, we found veins of iron oxide staining the rock, a promising sign that turgite could be nearby. The search required patience and a keen eye, as turgite often forms in small patches or as a secondary mineral on the surface of other rocks.
After several hours of searching, our persistence paid off. We discovered a piece of quartzite with a thin, iridescent coating of turgite. The colors were breathtaking, shifting in the light from deep reds to vivid blues and greens. It was a thrilling moment to hold such a rare and beautiful specimen in our hands.
The Thrill of the Hunt
The process of finding turgite, from the thrill of the search to the joy of discovery, is an experience we’ll never forget.
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[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

WE THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR AWESOME ADVENTURE. LAST PREMIER WE WATCHED WAS OZONE ADVENTURE/KAREN. WE JUST LOVE WATCHING YOU YOUNG ONES ROCKHOUNDING. I LOVE TAKING ROSIE ROCKHOUNDING. ITS HER MOST FAVORITE THING IN OUR HOBBY. HER BLOOD PRESSURES USED TO BE PAST 220/180 AND NOW 100/60 OR JUST A LITTLE OVER. THANK GOD!!! WE LOVES WATCHING OZONE, WOR/KYLE, ALLAJUAH/TYLER/ CELESTIAL _REACH, FIRE AGATE MARK AND NUMEROUS OTHERS. JUST FOR YOUR FYI.

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

COPPER!!! WOW!!! MATERIAL FOR TURQUOISE.

[@donaquixote]

How cool to find local rock lovers like myself!! I live in SW Wisconsin and have gone to the Baraboo region during a Geology field trip in college. So much glacial history and remnants. The whole rock cliff areas are so vast. Such a beautiful area. Hope Liz is okay, I am a Liz too! Learning much, thanks!!

[@Operocks]

We love that you’re loving the videos! Cheers! Always good to meet another local geology fan 😊

[@OperocksLiz]

Hey Liz!!!!! Great name 😊 The Baraboo area is one of my favorites in Wisconsin. So beautiful.

[@firechicken455adventures]

Craig, you were like a mountain goat climbing that hill… lol. Thanks for sharing the hunt. I haven’t heard of turgite before.

[@Operocks]

Haha, I was a nervous mountain goat when I realized how loose the wall was but hey, made it to the top that’s all that matters 😁. I never heard of Turgite until we accidentally stumbled upon it a couple months ago! Not the easiest to find but definitely rewarding when you do!

[@MinimaMensa]

What a beautiful location, those steep cliffs were making me nervous for yall! Very cool finds, sorry I missed the premiere, I was trying to get ready for the work live with Karen.❤Muh

[@Operocks]

Hi Muh! All good, I enjoyed watching you in action last night 😊 yes, those cliffs were a tad nerve wracking but we made it out unscathed and with our mission accomplished ❤️

[@OperocksLiz]

Muhhhhh! Much love ❤

[@MinimaMensa]

@@OperocksLiz much love right back! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sunnycadwallader2873]

So interesting! Thank you!

[@Operocks]

Thanks for watching!

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

WATCHING AGAIN. YEAH!!!

[@Operocks]

Nice! It glitched a little during the premiere but seems to be running smooth again.

[@Rockin247-xy2mx]

Omg that stuff is so pretty! I’ve never heard of bear a boo quartzite before, great video

[@Operocks]

Thanks, I absolutely love Turgite! It’s Baraboo, a city in Wisconsin 😊😉

[@Mike-br8vb]

Cool hunt, it's warm up North as well. Cheers!

[@Operocks]

🍻

[@T-dx8dn]

Yes!! Jasper Team Six managed to achieve their goal of locating a specimen. You should name it Peacock Baraboo Quartzite! The minor casualty was unfortunate, but blood sacrifices are often effective.

[@Operocks]

This may be the best all around comment ever! 🤣🙌🙌

[@OperocksLiz]

😂

[@rachaelb9164]

That’s cool. When you said quartzite, I think of the boring yellow rocks we have in NW Oregon. This is much more interesting.

[@Operocks]

Yeah we have that iron rich quartzite, nice and red 😁

[@JensensAdventures]

Just found your channel and subscribed! Fun videos, thanks for taking us along!

[@Operocks]

Thanks for the sub, glad you’re enjoying them! 🙌

[@kirsiselei8703]

Beautiful day for rockhunting❤cool finds too sry that liz cut herself Thx for the video 💕

[@Operocks]

Thank you for watching!

[@DeepNorthAdventures]

The black stuff reminds me of rutile

[@Operocks]

Interesting, definitely see the resemblance!

[@timjozwiak2293]

You were in my area! Happy hunting

[@Operocks]

Beautiful area that’s for sure, not as flat as it is by us!

[@OperocksLiz]

We love that area so much!!

[@timjozwiak2293]

@@OperocksLiz go past those bluffs quite often

[@markkilley2683]

Reminds me of similar types of minerals etc.

[@PetraWildschütz]

Never go to such a location without a helmet. Gloves are also useful.

[@Operocks]

Yeah we know now, had no idea it would be so sketchy

[@virgo714]

is that a mineral or stains?

[@Operocks]

Its a thin layer of Turgite, not a stain

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

OH YEAH WE HAVE NOT POSTED ANYTHING ON YOU THE TUBE YET-NOT THAT TECHKY YET BIT LEARNING-HEHEHE, BUT HAVE A FACE THE BOOK PAGE. I PERSONALLY LOVES WATCHING , TOMCATJOSH, OUTDOORS WITH FAYLDE, MR CHUBBY, CAMP LAPIDARY, OH I CANNOT LEAVE OUT BLUECAPSPRODUTION. I APOLOGIZE FOR MY RAMBLINGS I JUST LOVE YOUR ADVENTURE.! THANK YOU 🙏!!!

[@OperocksLiz]

Thanks for watching with us!