Rockhounding for Turquoise, Azurite, Malachite, and Chrysocolla on GRANITE MOUNTAIN

Join my journey as I rockhound for turquoise, chrysocolla, malachite, azurite, epidote, and copper gemstones in Southern Arizona Granite Mountain.
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I have acquired a Polaris RZR XP 1000 that has taken my adventures to a whole new level. I am able to go to so many more places into the backcountry and share my epic adventures with you!
I give you tips and advice on how to rockhound for gemstones in the Wild West, and wilderness backcountry survival tips.
#rockhounding #turquoise #azurite #malachite #chrysocolla #desertadventure #arizonadesert #wildernessexperience #sidebyside #polarisrzr #mining #oldmines #crystaldigging #gemstones #roughgemstones

[@RusticSkills]

Join my newsletter for TWO free Arizona rockhounding maps! 🗺 rusticskills.com/newsletter/ Show me some love and buy me a coffee! ☕ www.buymeacoffee.com/rusticskills Join my KZbin Membership to help fuel my next adventure! ⛽ Thank you for your support, I really appreciate you! 🤠❤🌵

[@outwest100az]

Enjoying your video's. My wife and I spent years off road in southern AZ exploring old mines and towns and have the stories and specimens to show. Granite mtn near Prescott? We used to work from the border to SanManuel as far as hunting for copper stone. How much fun is getting out and doing the most awesome state in the union. All the best thanks

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

WE BEEN AWAITING YOUR AWESOME VIDEOS!!! ROSIE REALLY LIKES YOU!!! AND SO DO I!!!

[@RusticSkills]

Yes, I took a hiatus there for a little while, had to straighten out some life stuff...... But I am baaaaaack 😎

[@SissyMchill1]

I was so happy to see your new video in my notifications. Yay, I’m so excited for you, for your new buggy (side by side) my husband and I have 2 buggies. We have a Rhino and a Odes. We had the Rhino 1st, then my husband got us the Odes. I absolutely can NOT stand the Odes. Which look like a small Humvee. I was so excited when he bought it. It’s completely enclosed, has AC & a heater. I have never been so disappointed. He was lead to believe it was made in America. It is not. It’s horrible in the sand, I call it a loaded down sled. Even completely locked in it gets stuck in place where my old pickup could go in 2 wheel drive. We have less than 150 miles on it, and the rear end (belt driven transmission but it’s not called a transmission. I’m completely drawing a blank on what it’s called. And I’m not mechanically ignorant) anyways, it locked up busting gears and forks in it. He rebuilt it (there’s nothing he can’t fix, he’s a master mechanic) idk the parts must be just as junk as the buggy cause he test drove it and it busted again. I’m so over it. $24k POS sled that is only good on field roads. I much prefer the rhino. That was free, well not free he worked on one of my brother in laws trucks and his brother gave it to him. So if you over see an odes run away don’t buy. There’s many many more issues with the odes. The AC is horrible the back 3 seats get so hot it unbearably hot to sit back there. Our hopes when buying it was cause it was big and we could take 4 of our grandbabies with us and they’d be comfortable. But it’s miserably hot for them. It has a great big bed on it great suspension so collecting rocks would’ve be awesome in it. But it’s worthless being as it can’t get anywhere close to where our free rhino gets to. Oof Beautiful finds you have there. I am a fan of Chrysocolla but it drives me mad trying to polish it. I get extremely OCD on trying to get the perfect shine. Unfortunately I did not know how to stabilize it to get the perfect shine and I don’t even know that you can get the shine that I’m looking for? But every one of their mocks were beautiful. And I am so glad to watch you drive that side-by-side because it used to petrify me to just ride up Mountain‘s. There is absolutely no way I could navigate up a mountain like you did that’s pretty awesome. I’m fine with my husband driving. But I am not gonna lie a lot of times I get out and walk the mountain. When I was a kid I was in an accident on the side of a mountain in a Jeep so I have that PTSD I guess. Anyways thank you for sharing this video and reading my book that I just typed out. And I cannot wait for the next video since now you can go many many more places.

[@RusticSkills]

Hiiiiiii! Yeah I had to take a little hiatus from filming, had some personal life stuff to work out. Never heard of the Odes, oofta sounds like a very expensive headache! I got a smokin deal on this RZR, did my own tuneup and belt changes on it, got all the tools onboard if I blow a tire or belt. Still learning how to handle it but I think I do pretty good! Loved the minerals I found, some will require stabilizing. For now, I am just going to slab the stuff, I don't have cabbing equipment yet, over time I want to become a lapidary artist but the equipment is far out in price! I also used to have the SXS fear, but as I learn how capable it is, I am getting more confident. I have been in one many times which has helped. I already have two more videos filmed, just need to edit! Epic adventures await!

[@SissyMchill1]

@ I’m so excited for the new videos. I do enjoy following my fellow Arizonian. I hope your account grows & grows. You deserve it. You put out a lot of great information. Especially great information for people moving to Arizona. That don’t realize how deadly our summers and winters can be! Oh yes lapidary equipment is EXTREMELY expensive. Heck even the off brands have went up substantially. Off brands such as Vevor, which I had told you about awhile ago. My husband paid $700 for my cabbing machine, & last I checked they are now over a $1000. Honestly it’s ridiculous how expensive the equipment is. Heck even the grit for a tumbler is expensive. You’ll get the tools and equipment a little at a time. I’m certain of that. It is so rewarding when you finish a stone. Very addictive as well. I wish I could help you more. Unfortunately we are struggling in this economy. Oof Yes that was an expensive POS sooooo disappointed and a little pissed off that he went and bought it. An unknown UTV is proving why it’s unknown of. My son has a side by side similar to yours. Honestly wish I had one just for when I go rockhounding by myself cause they can go anywhere. That was a good choice on your part. And I’m so excited for you to have gotten a good deal. Here’s a high five ✋🏻 on your deal. Good to hear your getting over the fear and you did amazing on this trip. Honestly I would’ve found another way on that spot. 😂 I talk to my phone and I was saying to you ohhh no find another way. 😂 but you did it! Yay! Yes absolutely stunning finds. I am missing going and looking. Can’t wait till we can get our Rhino tires so I can go again. Piss on that Odes. Again can’t wait for future videos. You help me a lot with rock identification and I so appreciate it. Especially being as it’s all Arizona rocks and minerals. And you go to places in Arizona. I can’t thank you enough. Be safe and have fun 🤩

[@Apocaloptimisto]

Granite Mountain looks so much like my land/gold mine south of Prescott. Loved the video! You picked awesome lines on those trails. I drive my house down that kind of stuff, when it runs, and I've pulled so many folks in utvs off of way less gnarly stuff. Those little squeaks you made going through that washout were absolutely adorable. Someday maybe I'll remember what the names of all the pretty rocks are. Hoping to take the monster bus to Quartzsite next month and get another lesson but I have to finish building it first! If you ever catch me out on the trails, don't hesitate to say HI. I promise I'm not as scary as I, and my rig, and my dog, look..lol!

[@RusticSkills]

Thank yoouuuuuu yeah some of that was pretty rough passing, but I am getting better at navigating my rig through it! I am very far southeast in AZ, Cochise County. This place is only 7 miles as the crow flies from my land. Monster bus sounds awesome! Message me thru my website rusticskills.com/contact and maybe we can hit up Quartzite together!

[@German_Rock_Tumbler]

Realy nice Rockhound Trip! You do so well and your findes are so awesome. Thanks for share

[@RusticSkills]

I am so glad you enjoyed my video! More to come!!! ❤️

[@German_Rock_Tumbler]

@@RusticSkills Oh yes it was realy awesome with that nice location. And the rocks was realy beautiful.

[@outdoorwally8430]

Some really nice pieces

[@RusticSkills]

Yeah I think so too, very different!

[@annetteessman8827]

Thank You for sharing 😊

[@RusticSkills]

You are very welcome!

[@jillcherrick3113]

Awsome video. A hard place to leave i bet. Cool ATV Have a safe day. Keep on hounding❤🎉 Jill C. Contention Az😂

[@RusticSkills]

Thanks! And yes, it was hard to leave. Luckily its only about 7 miles from me as the crow flies!

[@lorieadcock9507]

We subscribed today and found tons of dessert roses today! Thank you!!!

[@RusticSkills]

Awesome, glad you got a good haul! Thanks for the sub!

[@Engage314314]

Thanks for the vid! Your content turned has turned a curiosity into a handful of hikes and crazy discoveries in the SV area over the past months. Keep up the great work!

[@RusticSkills]

Awesome, glad you are getting out there. And yeah we have a seriously awesome area to explore where we live!

[@Bigheartrolling]

Thank you for this video!

[@RusticSkills]

You are so welcome!

[@Drew.Joseph]

Epic video! That machine is next level.

[@RusticSkills]

The SXS is a GAME CHANGER

[@pamelawooten3251]

Great video!! I just subbed on your channel. I grew up near Oracle, AZ and we would go out everywhere looking for gems/minerals and other great things. My brother and I both love rockhounding. He has an amazing collection. I put my pretties in my rock garden around my small pond. The really nice stuff, I put on my show shelves. I don't have near what I used to have. This spring, I plan to take my new hubby out to those areas and do some detecting too. We live in the White Mountains and I am still learning the slightly different types of minerals and terrain. Thank you so much for this video and helpful advice. Beautiful malachite....my favorite!!

[@RusticSkills]

Oracle is an amazing place to find gems, minerals, relics, and artifacts. I don't know as much about the White Mountains, make sure to check out old abandoned mine dumps in the area. Thanks for subbing, I am glad you are enjoying my videos! ❤️💎🌵

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

Varieties. We do have but always looking to purchase- especially Christmas approaching very soon.

[@RusticSkills]

Yup varieties are good! You are looking to purchase rough minerals?

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

@@RusticSkills yes.

[@markkilley2683]

It's just sitting there. Nice.

[@RusticSkills]

I love it when it is just sitting there for the taking!

[@RudyZaragozaMusic]

Nice video, the red stains are hematite I believe 😊

[@RusticSkills]

Hematite is a good one, I think you could be right!

[@garybryant7924]

Just a tip for ya on your RZR get some beadlock wheels and air your tires down to about 6-8psi the ride is way better and also traction is awesome also! We take Jeeps where SXS'S fear to go! Lol....

[@RusticSkills]

Yessss, I need to upgrade to beadlock for sure! Lol hmmm I suppose a Jeep might have a higher lift kit on it making it more passable in some places, but my little beast can take me just about anywhere!

[@stompmaster]

LOL! You sound like me... "Just one more rock!" I got a hernia from carrying 2 loaded buckets, and all pockets full of rocks. 😜

[@RusticSkills]

Yup sometimes I do two trips to breakup the weight from a rock hunt . . . Luckily the RZR is getting me a whole lot closer these days!

[@jameswelch1054]

It would be great to see the results after you cab that material. Do you stabilize the turquoise yourself? If so how? Or is there a place that stabilizes it for you?

[@RusticSkills]

I cannot wait to start slicing and cabbing these minerals! I have a hardening recipe but I haven't tried it out yet. The slabbing and cabbing is a new journey for me 💎❤️

[@jameswelch1054]

@@RusticSkills I would love to see a video of you cabbing, and experimenting with your hardening recipe.

[@jamesriggsdds2337]

Come visit us at Tecopa Mines. You can find plenty of galena (lead-silver) and we have found a place to get what looks like gold bearing ore. Haven’t fire assayed yet but has passed the scratch test and nitric acid test for gold. Nice looking samples ! Dan R., Deputy Chief Tecopa Mines

[@RusticSkills]

Very cool, send me a message thru rusticskills.com/contact and we can chat!

[@outdoorwally8430]

Rusty red could be limonite from iron sulfides

[@RusticSkills]

I was thinking iron sulfides too.... Limonite is also a good idea!

[@in2itiveart]

good to see you! You look like you are doing well! Blessings! unfortunately I see we are sharing some chemtrails!

[@RusticSkills]

Hey Joanne! It's good to hear from you! I am doing well, I hope you are too. Yuck there were three days of chems, but now its back to bluebird skies!

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

HELLO THERE YOUNG LADY!!! I believe we informed you who and what we are and we've been married for 50yrs. Have 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great Bambinos-hehehehe. We were Blessed wit over 30lbs of hg grade, Kingman gold and silver ore- I believe it also has some variscite- it has a mixture of colors from light to dark and starts to shine at the 600wheel. This was mined decades ago(info 1930-40) by a gentleman who passed on about 2yrs ago in his mid to late 90's. It is Rock solid. give you more info later. going to eat with Rosie and thenn to go byy some 1/4" hose for the Cabking Machine- maintenance.

[@RusticSkills]

Wowee that is a whole lot of Kingman material! I would love to have a cabbing machine one day. Glad to hear from you! ❤️

[@darrelllne2136]

Gold occurs in All of the Copper Minerals and others, Old Time Prospectors for Gold (and some people like me) know this and would hunt for the copper for Gold. Epidote is another Mineral that is closely associated since all of the copper, epidote and many others are from Hydrothermal Veins in Crustal Rock Formations like Granite, Basalt and others. Many Rockhounders need to pay attention to the Geologies, cause it Educates. Darrell

[@RusticSkills]

I agree, geology knowledge is critical to success! I am still learning so much. How would one extract gold from copper minerals?

[@GlennosMetals]

Rusty red is basail iron ore from the flow

[@RusticSkills]

Ah, thanks for sharing that! I think you meant basalt which would make sense!

[@randi3031]

Fantastic ! Your driving skills are impressive and I love your courageousness ! Thank you for taking us on your journey! Can’t wait to see what you find next ! ❤️🐾❤️

[@RusticSkills]

Thank you! I am getting better at navigating in the RZR and finding awesome stuff in the mountains!

[@TreasureGeo]

Her driving skills are reckless and dangerous she will end up getting hurt.

[@TimT-um6rt]

Sorry ,it all looks like livitright to me! Not worth the trouble! To each its own! Maybe landscape material at best! Keep looking for higher grade material! Stain and paint samples bearly make good contact! I do compliment you on your mineral I.D!

[@TreasureGeo]

Side by sides are not a cure all for traveling. Taking some of those roads out there alone is foolish. YOU WILL end up getting yourself in a bind if not injured or dead.

[@RusticSkills]

I don't believe that I WILL end up as anything.