We've NEVER explored a mine of this color - Velur Mine

There are conflicting reports, and it is difficult to say from the remains what was actually being mined here, but whatever the case may have been, one very purple mineral is now the primary attraction at this abandoned mine. This experience definitely expanded our mineral knowledge by causing us to dig deep into identification guides. After some reading, we think this stuff would be best described as "fluorspar", but leave us a comment if you think it might be something different.

[@ActionAdventureTwins]

So crazy! Thats a really good find you guys

[@dealindavid1075]

GO CLIMBER GIRL, GO. Love seeing you out and underground !!!!!

[@youruptownlowdown7745]

That girl is Tuff! Keep on with the keeping on!👍

[@fredfarquar8301]

I think your best guess is probably right, this mine’s main product was probably fluorine in the form of fluorspar or fluorite of some kind. Might be worth going back and checking it out with a black light, could be spectacular. When I saw the ‘rust and dust’ name on the video, I knew it was you guys, and hoped, for a second…. But very glad to see her still going for it with her usual gusto and smile despite the injury! Kudos to you both, and MAZELTOV!!

[@RustandDustExploration]

One of our friends who didn't show up in this video was there with his UV light, so we did try it out. I am so puzzled though, because I think you're right that it's a type of fluorite, but despite the namesake, this compound did not seem to fluoresce under the UV light in any significant way. Hopefully someone who knows more about geology can tell us what could keep that from happening. Perhaps its just the type of compound at this site.

[@fredfarquar8301]

@@RustandDustExploration There are two types of black lights, rated for UV-A and UV-B, and I know some fluorides only fluoresce in the ‘B’ range, so that might be it.🤷🏼‍♂️👍❤️

[@jamesriggsdds2337]

very true about the different UV lights! Just to confuse things….not all fluoride is fluorescent.

[@RustandDustExploration]

@@jamesriggsdds2337 Haha, that definitely adds to my confusion, but that's good to know.

[@kadoj]

Holy guacamole. That is one badass woman. I’m thoroughly impressed. From one mine explorer to another(s), I’m not sure how y’all got into this hobby, but it’s WILD that she’s both willing to do the thing, and capable of it as well despite the disability. That’s f-ing incredible. Most females just make disgusted, unsure, and usually fearful expressions when you invite them underground. This kind of tenacity makes me smile.

[@anntomecklebarger3599]

Love it ! Keep on doing what you enjoy with the person you care for the most. I admire her strength of will and yours also.

[@scotts3938]

The Velur mine had a neat layout and interesting levels. Really enjoyed this mine explore. Thanks!

[@richardwarnas4293]

Mine exploration in a wheelchair could be an Olympic event in 2030, so keep practicing! Lol, respect, stay safe…

[@MarkBrockman1956]

You’re back!!! I’m so happy!!! 😁❤️

[@earljohnson2676]

Could be quartz aka amethyst

[@np939427a]

Go back at night with a UV torch and watch the place light up

[@keithrimmer3]

That's a cool mine the purple is Flourite

[@caseyhazlett7546]

Love it ....great video as always....to bad there's not more rail in these mines....you could put some rail wheels on her chair and she could ride the rails 😂

[@TerryPress]

the purple rock is possibly one on the following: 1: Sugilite, an extremely rare silicate mineral that’s found in only a couple of places in the world 2: Charoite 3: Amethyst -however, it didn't look verry much like Gemstone, did it? it that case this is still a mystery 💜💜

[@RustandDustExploration]

I don't believe we came across any specimens that were gem-like in quality. It wasn't quite as soft as sandstone, but it was prone to abrasion. In any case, you're probably right that amethyst is safe to rule out.

[@OutdoorAdventureTV]

I carry a black light just for situations like this. If it's fluorite, it should fluoresce. Plus they are great fun underground when you get into fluorescent minerals. Glad to see you out and about! 🤗

[@RustandDustExploration]

Thanks Joanne! We did try an off the shelf UV flashlight and were very surprised when these specimens didn't fluoresce, at least not to our eyes. I'm going to try a narrow-band UV lamp soon, but I'm still pretty sure that they are in fact some composite of fluorite.

[@michaelkhair5846]

Wow!! I hope you gave her that beautiful amethyst

[@RustandDustExploration]

We brought home a specimen from that really vibrant pile shown at the end. She loved the color 😁

[@Alayna-lk7cy]

I luv all the adventures we have had together and I'm happy we r tons have so many more thank u and god bless!

[@Off_Course_Explorations]

Glad to see you guys still out exploring. Is there any progress on regaining use of her legs?

[@RustandDustExploration]

News has been pretty slow on that front. She has been feeling some shocks that the therapist thinks is more than just ghost pains, but we'll have to wait and see. Still doing all we can to keep her body healthy and moving in hopes that things can still change. Thanks for watching and thanks for the question!

[@ghs82]

Great explore! So good seeing our favorite explorer girl her strength and determination is so inspiring.

[@deepwoodguy2]

good explore ........great determination wheelchairing thru the mine...you all stay safe toollll⛏⛏

[@mikewinings4120]

I believe those were tarantula hawk wasps,or a form of them,check them out,scary species of bug!they leave a maggot on the tranquilized body of its bug victims, and the newly hatched wasp eats it alive,so fun!great explore my friends!

[@exploreinfinity5681]

The purple looks like flourite. Beautiful mine. Thanks.

[@RustandDustExploration]

After what I was able to read about it, I think you've got it right.

[@brucebisbey9554]

Awesome as always. From a bunch of Hawkeyes all the best. My lady sends a hug. 🙂

[@daveffs1935]

What was it that hotwheels almost ran over? My guess for the mineral, suglite, fluorite, purporite... maybe. It's hard to tell from the video and there are a few that look very similar.

[@RustandDustExploration]

Sorry I didn't show it a little better, but it was a deceased bird. Probably got lost in there. Poor guy. I should have done a better job of showing a good specimen to the camera too. I guess I was just overwhelmed by all the purple as a whole.

[@daveffs1935]

@@RustandDustExploration Nooo, not the bird, not uber interested in looking at dead birds tbh haha, what was the thing running across the road? It was a gorgeous mine, I'd be the same

[@RustandDustExploration]

@@daveffs1935 Oh, haha. I think it was a black ground beetle, but my entomology is worse than my geology 😅

[@roperdon5939]

Glad I found y’all again! Keep ‘em coming!

[@davidwhiteman5451]

Great explore, love the purple in that mine. Keep on Exploring.

[@gregerisman211]

New Mexico?

[@RustandDustExploration]

We typically don't post any kind of location information, so I'll just say we have explored in NM before.

[@gregherman4691]

Love all the colors, great video. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Glad the red hair lady is helping Smilliey, (sorry I do not know your names ) I watch hundreds of mine videos, always like seeing the different naritives each group has. I DO hope smilley has washed her hands after going through the big pile of **** and looking at small pieces of newspaper. 🤢 ya that was a while ago. Enjoy life, don't risk it.

[@RustandDustExploration]

Haha, you have a good memory. She does bring extra hand sanitizer now for just such occasions, but we're also wiser now not to make those mistakes again 😅

[@TheDisabledGamersChannel]

13:14 Looks like Purple Credite to me, but hard to tell, was it chaulky or crystal like ?

[@RustandDustExploration]

It was a little of both. In a lot of places it seemed to almost mimic a sulfide and crumble from the walls into dust, but it also appeared to form small but very brittle crystals between some cracks in the hard rock. Some surveyors in the area seem to believe it may be fluorspar, but I'm surely no expert. It was our first time seeing anything like it.