Collecting Obsidian in Utah

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  • Опубліковано 18 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 137

  • @brucerivers6627
    @brucerivers6627 2 роки тому +1

    Utah is a BEAUTIFUL state and great rockhounding . I’m from Texas and it’s a long drive but it is worth it . The mountains and country is unbelievably Beautiful .

  • @TJackSurvival
    @TJackSurvival 8 років тому +9

    Oh man you need to send me the grid coordinates for that. I'll make a trip!

  • @feralwoodcraft
    @feralwoodcraft 8 років тому +1

    Absolutely stunning country! thanks for bringing us along. That was a good haul and looked like a great daddy/daughter outing.

  • @CorpseBride64
    @CorpseBride64 7 років тому +7

    Oh my gosh, it's Obsidian heaven!

  • @jburr36
    @jburr36 6 років тому +6

    That granite ridge is actually the magma chamber for a volcano.

  • @Pygar2
    @Pygar2 8 років тому +5

    Consider yourself fortunate- here in KY we have nothing but solid limestone about 6-8 inches down, mostly. Some areas it is several feet down... geologists and others call these rare spots "cemeteries"!
    Hoping for a metal Sprongs update soon! Also hope you wear eye protection when you knap that obsidian! Did you know that the very finest surgical scalpels are made of it?

    • @Caintuckee64
      @Caintuckee64 6 років тому

      Cave Run Lake is a great place to find flint and chert, intersections around 801 have even been graveled with chunks of flint!

    • @cliffowens3629
      @cliffowens3629 5 років тому

      Nothing in Florida either. Except the rare CRT TV set, glass table top and jaloosy window inserts.

  • @MeNotBrainWashed
    @MeNotBrainWashed 6 років тому +6

    "The enemy is at the gate!" LMAO

  • @heidijones580
    @heidijones580 4 роки тому

    Obsidian is amazingly beautiful! I found a bunch of gorgeous pieces yesterday at a quarry where you were at, they are so colorful! I'm so excited to make things with them but idk what yet :-)

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  4 роки тому +1

      very cool. I wish I had the equipment to polish a piece into a ball.

    • @heidijones580
      @heidijones580 4 роки тому

      @@MerkWares I've been looking up ways to polish them in my tumbler because my son wants to make them into beads, I think they could be shaped into balls with a tile saw if you just run it over the blade to shape it, I'm going to try that first and see what comes of it

  • @jonbriggs2653
    @jonbriggs2653 5 років тому

    Been out that way twice but only find small stuff. Last time I went I got 3 flat tires!! I see tons of asks for coordinates of the spot with larger pieces. If you’ve shared before I’m sorry. I can’t find it

  • @davedunlap3026
    @davedunlap3026 Рік тому

    Hi Mark, I'm new to knapping and looking to collect so.e obsidian. Would you be able to direct me to the spot at the end of your video. I just want to get a few pieces to work on? Thanks for the videos.

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  Рік тому

      Look me up on facebook and I'll give you coordinate. I also have a bunch of it you can have.

    • @lindafer5310
      @lindafer5310 4 місяці тому

      I tried to look you up on facebook, but i can't find you. I would love coordinates to.​@MerkWares

  • @larrymays5413
    @larrymays5413 3 роки тому

    we are planning a trip to Arizona and will be passing through Utah, could you tall me the GPS location or directions would love to stop by there on the way down. Thank you for your time Larry

  • @PaulStClair-nv8rp
    @PaulStClair-nv8rp 6 років тому +1

    I saw your video and am also a beginner knapper. Ob gone out there a couple times but can't find the bigger nodules. Found little snowflake, mahogany and black but nothing big enough for me to practice with. The agate/chert here in Moab is too fractured and or tough for me to work. Can you help me with directions?

  • @camalo171
    @camalo171 7 років тому

    Thank you so much! I just took my scouts there and collected my a fair amount. that place is awesome. ive got enough to knapp for quite some time now

    • @sdrowley2222
      @sdrowley2222 5 років тому

      camalo171 could you give grid coordinates of this place?

  • @denterrio3426
    @denterrio3426 8 років тому +1

    I got some good stuff out that way too this summer. Happy knapping

  • @prophotos365
    @prophotos365 8 років тому

    My father spent the last years of his life in Beaver Utah and we used to visit and go to Milford for chinese food at the old train depot many years ago nice country until it rains!

  • @dreamlookautodetailingauto3353

    Do they have any mahogany or snowflake obsidian there? Those are really pretty?

  • @Nature_Wild_And_Free
    @Nature_Wild_And_Free 3 роки тому

    My wife and I are planning our first trip to Utah this fall. Definitely goi g to try to find this place yo take a couple buckets home for Knapping. If you dont mind sharing some information or tips on locating this area?

  • @niallwildwoode7373
    @niallwildwoode7373 7 років тому

    We dig our land for clay to build with, and pull out a piece of obsidian with every spadeful. Our 'geologist' friend insists that it can't be, despite there being no other alternatives (other than neolithic smelting slag) and there's the cores of three extinct volcanoes just down the valley. Your vid has pretty-much made our minds up. Thanks!

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому

      Do you live near this area? I'm always searching for new deposits of obsidian.. I've also been collecting clay here and there for primitive pottery.

    • @niallwildwoode7373
      @niallwildwoode7373 7 років тому

      MerkWares Lol....not quite. Cumbria, England to be precise.

  • @GoodandBasic
    @GoodandBasic 4 роки тому

    Is this the site at black spring just north of Milford? JB

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  4 роки тому

      South of there. Just south of the Blundel Geothermal Plant. There is obsidian around black rock springs. I've been looking at satellite photos of the area and there are several quarries it seems that need exploring.

  • @fusiongxge5105
    @fusiongxge5105 Рік тому

    Is there dacite there?

  • @camalo171
    @camalo171 7 років тому +2

    I'm just getting in to flint knapping, but I'm sick of using window glass for my points. I'm here in utah, and would love to go collect some of this obsidian. Could I possibly get the coordinates for the locations?

    • @drakedorosh9332
      @drakedorosh9332 7 років тому

      Me too. I've been guessing based on clues in the video like near the geothermal plant.
      There are only two geothermal plants in Utah one is near Milford.
      Here is the Blundell Geothermal coordinates 38°29'11"N 112°51'9"W
      Fair bit of info here on the plant. Note that Rhyolite and Obsidian are related minerals. en.openei.org/wiki/Roosevelt_Hot_Springs_Geothermal_Area#Geology_of_the_Area
      We still have other options:
      www.sourcecatalog.com/image_maps/map_obsidian_utah.jpg

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому +2

      Yup it is right past the Blundell geothermoal plant. Just follow the road past the plant down into the canyon where it crosses a cattle guard and forks. The cliffs to the south are full of obsidian.

    • @drakedorosh9332
      @drakedorosh9332 7 років тому

      There isn't many cattle grates around so I think it is this exact spot. 38°29'28.01"N 112°48'56.10"W

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому +4

      38°29'32.1"N 112°48'53.7"W

    • @Legitomous
      @Legitomous 7 років тому

      MerkWares so this is east of the geothermal plant?

  • @mariogutierrez3432
    @mariogutierrez3432 4 роки тому

    This looks like a fun adventure ,Is this anywhere near the beehive kilns at Frisco Utah ? Or Indian grave peak?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  4 роки тому +1

      it's up near the Blundel Geothermal Plant outside of Milford.

    • @mariogutierrez3432
      @mariogutierrez3432 4 роки тому

      @@MerkWares Thank you sir , I'm planning an adventure soon and I just may head up there to look for obsidian .👊👍

  • @PaleHorseLithics
    @PaleHorseLithics 4 роки тому

    Is the second canyon wildhorse ? Im planning to make a trip down that way soon.

  • @survivewithout
    @survivewithout 8 років тому +1

    WOW. Wish I had a resource like that near me

  • @guymontana5338
    @guymontana5338 4 роки тому

    Where is a good spot to go for obsidian of various colors? I live in Ogden and we are planning a trip next week to go all around Utah getting stones of all types. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!!

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  4 роки тому

      The best place I would guess for some colors is Black Springs or possibly around Topaz Mountain.

  • @acehavin7756
    @acehavin7756 6 років тому

    when i found one i thought it was just glass til i examined it good & realized it's obsidian there was a dirt area full of rocks on the way to my school me & my friend john were always digging & searching for rocks here it was honestly an unexpected place to find such stones

  • @jstarr7506
    @jstarr7506 6 років тому

    crazy that stuff is just lying around like that

  • @CynicalScorpio
    @CynicalScorpio 6 років тому

    There is a stone path in my front yard, I've found pieces of obsidion there a few times

  • @GoogleAccount-de2rx
    @GoogleAccount-de2rx 6 років тому +1

    Wish I could get some. Only option I have physically is to buy some from metaphysical shops and it's outrageous here.

    • @Scaryandknowledge
      @Scaryandknowledge 2 роки тому

      I have a lot of obsidian. In case you wanna buy some

  • @joshuathomsen
    @joshuathomsen 8 років тому

    Hey, I live in Provo and have been wanting to get more into direct knapping/abo techniques (I'm currently using pressure flaking and FOG). I'd love to get together and drive out there and collect some of this with you one weekend.

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому

      You'd be more than welcome.

  • @evanmabry895
    @evanmabry895 7 років тому

    Hey Merc, i believe i met you last month at Wintercount? I am headed to this site tomorrow in hopes of harvesting some good pieces. thanks for the video! i now know (think?) i will be headed one canyon south of the geothermal plant for the more sizable pieces :) I'm stoked to bang some rocks together!

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому +1

      check your msg requests on facebook.

    • @evanmabry895
      @evanmabry895 7 років тому

      Update: area inaccessible due to deep snow. Will visit again May/June... :/

  • @bigal9340
    @bigal9340 7 років тому

    my friend is the judge in Milford and my wife and I went to the first spot in your video two weeks ago. picked up some good pieces. what's the chance of getting the GPS coordinates​ to the second spot where you were off the beaten path? by the way, the " enemy at the gates" thing had me rolling!!

  • @k1j2f30
    @k1j2f30 7 років тому

    MerkWares, love to see people getting into flintknapping. I grew up in WY at the base of the Bighorn Mts, & have been knapping the waxy red chert that comes from the phosphoria formation (still have a stash in my garage) for almost 40 years now. I now live in N. E. Montana. I go to N. D. to get Knife River Flint but around here besides the occasional river cobble the only knappable material is porcellanite. Lately I have had a notion to make some very large blades (10-12") but have no material to do so.Would love to have directions to your obsidian quarry. Could workout an exchange for information or material if interested.
    I know I could buy obsidian but don't like to pay for rocks and I love the hunt for material. Been hauling cherts out of mountains for many, many years with duffel bags and back packs but, i'm getting a bit long in the tooth for that anymore. Love to explore and hike the mountains still but now have to drive up close to get much material.
    Also as I'm sure you know obsidian is some nasty stuff in many ways. Its good to practice and learn with but when you move up to chert or flint its kinda hard to go back to obsidian because you will over pressure it and tear it up. Also it is none forgiving and will cut you to the bone in the wink of an eye, just as it will slice a tire sidewall as fast. Don't ask me how I know. Also never percussion obsidian in your house as the micro particles it produces will become airborne and travel through out your house and get in the lungs of everyone in there. Bad, very bad! Once it gets in your lungs it cuts and embeds in the lining and all, never comes out! Even when knapping this stuff outside be sure to wear a dust mask. This dust in your lungs is called Silicosis and it is a terrible way to die. I don't want to scare you just keep you healthy and make you aware of the danger if you knapp a lot of this stuff please wear a mask. Sorry for the ramble, I do this a lot since I got older.
    Happy knapping!

    • @sunnyhawkadventures864
      @sunnyhawkadventures864 7 років тому

      I've got some mahogany piece's that big if you are interested

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  6 років тому

      I just saw this msg... I'd absolutely love to work out some trade with you for stone. We just went back to the obsidian beds this last weekend.

  • @shawnmcginty2846
    @shawnmcginty2846 6 років тому

    Hey I was wondering if you could give me a little better directions I go out by hiway 257 out by Delta could you help me out

  • @slave_to_cinema
    @slave_to_cinema 4 роки тому

    Would love to find some obsidian out here in CA. Are there laws against taking it? I assume no but i just dont want to get in trouble.

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  4 роки тому +1

      On public land it should be ok. they just limit how much you can take as long as it is non commercial.

    • @Scaryandknowledge
      @Scaryandknowledge 2 роки тому

      I Got a bunch! In case you wanna buy some

  • @yuk747
    @yuk747 6 років тому +3

    Foraging a really rough rugged terrain for obsidian in dollar shower flip flops. Yikes..!

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  6 років тому

      It really wasn't very smart. I do run around the desert in minimalist sandals most of the year but the obsidian is another matter.

  • @secretsquirrell13
    @secretsquirrell13 8 років тому

    lol! I too use that enders game quote.....more than I should.....hey man you ever thought about making a titanium stove for a hot tent?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  8 років тому

      I have a bit, but I don't have much experience camping in a tent let alone a stove. I'm usually in a hammock under a tarp. But it has crossed my mind a bit. Perhaps I'll sew up that Tipi I've wanted this winter and make a stove for it.

  • @ThugHunterfromIsrael
    @ThugHunterfromIsrael 5 років тому

    That is hella obsidian, I usually mine in Arizona with a hammer and get like tiny pieces, the stuff you called tiny at the start is big for me lol

  • @TracyMillett
    @TracyMillett 6 років тому

    Hey Merk, can you message me the coordinates to where you picked up the big stuff, please?

    • @claybench
      @claybench 6 років тому

      Tracy Millett also interested in the exact coordinates. Someone please send them to me...pretty pretty please :)

  • @jangjimi5428
    @jangjimi5428 6 років тому

    I found a place in my county with a lot of obsidian and im wondering if its worth anything or what can I do with it?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  6 років тому

      I'm using it to learn how to make stone arrowheads and knives. It is sometimes used to make jewlery. Sometimes I've seen it for sale at rock shops and on ebay.

    • @ThugHunterfromIsrael
      @ThugHunterfromIsrael 5 років тому

      Usually one relatively small chunk will go for 5 dollars (the one he called tiny at the start is probably 5 or 6 dollars)

  • @sdrowley2222
    @sdrowley2222 5 років тому

    Could you give a GPS of these locations I’ve been out to these areas and haven’t found any big enough to try to flintknap.

    • @MrTechmoore
      @MrTechmoore 5 років тому

      You have to dig it out.

    • @sdrowley2222
      @sdrowley2222 5 років тому

      Treadhead how was that helpful? You could give a location so that digging might be more effective.

  • @chrispoteet1
    @chrispoteet1 8 років тому

    was you at fishlakes national forest?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  8 років тому

      west of there a bit in the mineral mountains.

    • @chrispoteet1
      @chrispoteet1 8 років тому

      MerkWares I'm was planning a trip out there from Georgia in June of 2017 . Then I came across your video and it made my mind up I'm definitely going to make the drive with my son . Can't wait now!!we been contemplating on Oregon or Utah so we are coming to Utah. Thanks.

  • @dougwylde
    @dougwylde 6 років тому

    GPS coord?

  • @mark5698
    @mark5698 4 роки тому

    I seen no pics of the area dubbed as "THE SOURCE", you was close but missed the best of the best. and the granite , "Rock Corral" is way fun area, trails under the rocks to the top.

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  4 роки тому

      I'm sure there is better stuff farther back in there. Just where we were it would vary from snowflake obsidian to some pretty prime stuff all within a few feet.

  • @Gdddguhjkbfs
    @Gdddguhjkbfs 6 років тому

    I live in Utah! plz plz plz send me map coordinates! Im just starting flint knapping and would love to try my hand working with obsidian.

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  6 років тому

      Look for Emberlit Stoves on Facebook and send me a msg.

    • @Gdddguhjkbfs
      @Gdddguhjkbfs 4 роки тому

      I sent you a DM just waiting for a reply thank you for your time

  • @PrimitiveLifeways
    @PrimitiveLifeways 8 років тому +1

    Ahh looks like the obsidian here. Very rare to find big core pieces. Good video though

  • @ValCronin
    @ValCronin 8 років тому

    Ive been looking for good videos of central utah, and this is perfect! I own land in millard county but cannot move out there until more funds. So this is as close as I can get for now :D

    • @ValCronin
      @ValCronin 8 років тому

      And Rock hunting is certainly why I chose that area!

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  8 років тому +2

      If you'd like I can give you directions to the obsidian. That whole area
      is a rock hounds paradise I'm told. I'm just getting started into it.

    • @ValCronin
      @ValCronin 8 років тому

      Oh man, a general vicinity would be more than what anyone could ask for. I am quite thankful the spot ISN'T well known, as it is such a rich resource! Any hints towards the vicinity would be well appreciated, though. (does YT even have a DM feature? ha) Have you been to the topaz areas where you can find topaz just sitting in the dirt when you shine your flashlight?! :D

    • @brycewilkin1095
      @brycewilkin1095 4 роки тому

      @@MerkWares could you get in touch with me.

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  4 роки тому

      @@brycewilkin1095 how can I help?

  • @pwestanoggg2413
    @pwestanoggg2413 5 років тому +1

    It costs 30 dollars for a small piece of obsidian where I’m at

    • @crimsonavenger_
      @crimsonavenger_ 5 років тому +1

      Just got large pieco of obsidian for 15€

    • @sdrowley2222
      @sdrowley2222 5 років тому

      What area do you live in? If you are in Utah or near about, I’ll give you a location where you could fill a large bucket with pieces of almost any size in twenty minutes. Black, snowflake and mahogany it’s in nearly the same area.

    • @guymontana5338
      @guymontana5338 4 роки тому

      shawn rowley
      I would love to know where to go! I wanna go on a rockhounding trip in about a week. I live in Ogden and gonna take my wife on a surprise trip getting different stones of Utah. I got her a tumbler too. I have an AWD Honda Element. So I can’t go everywhere, but I should be able to handle a bit of road issues. Any location for obsidian or other stones you are willing to share would be much appreciated!!! Thank you in advance!

    • @harrisastro
      @harrisastro 3 роки тому

      @@sdrowley2222 If you are willing to send me the location I would love to know? Very amateur but also very interested.

    • @sdrowley2222
      @sdrowley2222 3 роки тому

      @@guymontana5338 im so sorry I just saw this i think this will help you. Don't just stay in the quarry walk a radius of 100 to 300 yards around it as well there are good peices on top of the hill above the quarry. This is all public land.

  • @slowtaknow
    @slowtaknow 8 років тому

    will obsidian work like flint for flint and steel

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  8 років тому

      I have thrown sparks with obsidian with a very obtuse edge. It is glass and very brittle. It is certainly hard and sharp enough to scrape the steel but it tends to crumble with each hit.

    • @slowtaknow
      @slowtaknow 8 років тому

      +MerkWares thank you

  • @lemancitriton260
    @lemancitriton260 7 років тому

    What ever happened to pegmatite gems?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому

      Those are definitely something I want to get into. Topaz mountain is actually quite near the obsidian location.

  • @randallbarton7975
    @randallbarton7975 3 роки тому

    Out there in flip flops puts you in a category...... Starts with an M....

  • @mohawksniper79
    @mohawksniper79 8 років тому

    can't wait to go there I'm gonna get all that stuff no one wants much less work more efficient for making things.

  • @Why1236
    @Why1236 7 років тому

    are you an antler or a copper person?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому

      I'd like to think that I'm an antler and stone person. Though I need a ton more practice.

    • @ThugHunterfromIsrael
      @ThugHunterfromIsrael 5 років тому

      Oh yeah yeah

  • @mohawksniper79
    @mohawksniper79 8 років тому

    I only make knives and arrow points.

  • @mohawksniper79
    @mohawksniper79 8 років тому

    that was perfect size why you need such big peaces.

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  8 років тому

      They are easier to collect and I don't have the skill yet to knap such smaller pieces into usable points. The larger pieces give me more material to work with. They also let me practice spalling from a larger core and making larger tools. The small pieces only really allow for some percussion and pressure flaking.

  • @marthamcfaul1865
    @marthamcfaul1865 8 років тому

    could I buy some off you?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  7 років тому +1

      find the emberlit site on facebook and send me a msg. I'll get you some.

    • @Scaryandknowledge
      @Scaryandknowledge 2 роки тому

      I have a bunch. Just in case you wanna buy some

  • @jerranpitcher6702
    @jerranpitcher6702 6 років тому

    Hey man I know you've heard it before but I'm trying to get into flint knaping and I would really appreciate it if you could send me the cordanates you dont have to worry about me telling everyone or me cleaning out you spot so if you could get back to me that would be great

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  6 років тому +1

      Just drive into the canyon behind the Blundel Geothermal plant, about 8 miles north of milford, until you reach the cattle gate at the bottom. The entire clif to your right is obsidian.

  • @marthamcfaul1865
    @marthamcfaul1865 8 років тому

    /for making knives?

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  8 років тому

      Yes, at least in theory. I have a lot to learn and practice before I can make anything resembling a stone knife.

  • @johnschade90
    @johnschade90 Рік тому

    Lol your hat is 6 times to small

    • @MerkWares
      @MerkWares  Рік тому

      Yes, sadly, had to retire that hat. It just kept getting smaller.

  • @7p598
    @7p598 4 роки тому +2

    The bible says you will not steal. Perhaps it is not your land, perhaps you did not have permission, you must not extract stones, you must return them or pay for them to the owner of the land. Repent and belive in the gospel.

    • @jesc6802
      @jesc6802 4 роки тому +4

      That bible must not have existed when this land was stolen, without permission......repent and believe in take backs lol

    • @7p598
      @7p598 4 роки тому +1

      @@jesc6802 #1 The bible already existed from before 1776 or 1492, but even every human being "has written in his heart that stealing is bad."
      # 2 Therefore, theft is a bad deed from before the Bible, from before Christopher Columbus, during this UA-cam video and in the future.
      # 3 Whether you are a Christian or not, stealing is bad, it was bad, and it will always be bad.
      # 4 Your land was not stolen in 1500 because you were not even born yet, which shows that you are spiteful.
      # 5 I did not steal your land, nor did the Bible steal your land, nor did the English Puritans steal your land from you.
      # 6 But what I do in the present, this warning that no one steals in the present, puts me on the right side of the story. And what you do here today, that of justifying the robbery for revenge, puts you on the wrong side of history.
      # 7 I was investigating, and there are some demarcated areas in Utah where there is a permit to collect stones. Therefore I did not accuse the author of the robbery video because I do not know if he had permission or not, but I did want to publicly state that no one should even steal stones.
      # 8 If you have evidence that land was stolen in the past, I suggest you file a lawsuit with a judge. If that robbery no longer has a solution because it was long ago or the thieves and victims are dead, then I suggest you visit a psychologist because your hatred and resentment seems like a chronic mental illness..

    • @soylentg6270
      @soylentg6270 3 роки тому

      @@7p598 Much of Utah is BLM land. (Public land.) A permit is needed for materials deemed for commercial use.

  • @johnschade90
    @johnschade90 4 місяці тому

    Is this in the west desert