In the late 80's, just after highschool, I moved to New Mexico. I met a gem cutter and learned how to cut cabs etc. We used to go camp for 2 weeks and just rockhound. He had a friend that had a gravel pit lease on the back side of Cerillos. We got a 110 lb CHUNK of the greenest cerillos turquoise out of his slag pile waiting to be crushed. I don't know how much of this precious turquoise ended up in New Mexico pavement, but it had to be an amazing amount. It's too bad I didn't realize the opportunity. Both of them passed away in the early 90's, there was so much I should have paid attention to and learned from them.
Oh Barney, you're the best!
Barney?
You definitely have some very amazing pieces
are you talking about my rockshop?
Dangit! we were just checking out the Pillars of Rome yesterday and had no idea about the opal. So close!
Ahhhh yeah, many people miss this. Very few make it to this site
All that time invested in his hair!!😂🤣
yup. its a look you cant buy. you have to earn it with time.
In the late 80's, just after highschool, I moved to New Mexico. I met a gem cutter and learned how to cut cabs etc. We used to go camp for 2 weeks and just rockhound. He had a friend that had a gravel pit lease on the back side of Cerillos. We got a 110 lb CHUNK of the greenest cerillos turquoise out of his slag pile waiting to be crushed. I don't know how much of this precious turquoise ended up in New Mexico pavement, but it had to be an amazing amount. It's too bad I didn't realize the opportunity. Both of them passed away in the early 90's, there was so much I should have paid attention to and learned from them.
its amazing how much rock is out there you can just pick up and it has value :)