$\"Two$

Two beautiful smoky quartz crystals the author found in the Hudson Valley. The author used
the techniques and tools in this article to find and collect these beautiful quartzes<\/p><\/div>\n

Most of the quartz deposits in NY differ considerably from the deposits in the Herkimer area, which are
\nthe most well known. While the Herkimer “Diamond” deposits focus on a sea of isolated pockets that occupy layers in the host dolostone,
\nmost of the other localities in New York work vein deposits. These veins often appear as white quartz
\nthat shoots through the rock, twisting and turning in various lengths, rather different than the deposits the Herkimer Quartz is found.
\nOften there is a higher probability of finding crystals where you see these
\nveins intersecting because more space is available for growth at the meeting point. It is important to
\ntake note of the geology in the area where you are to search. Often if you see faulting or contacting,
\nthere can be movement of fluid that can produce crystals. As for contacting, notice that the richest
\nquartz deposits often form where two different rock types touch, for example sedimentary and igneous
\nor sedimentary and metamorphic. There is chemical exchange between the rocks which promotes
\ncrystal growth. Getting familiar with some basic geology really does help. Here is a photo below of a
\ntextbook example of a contact in NY of sedimetary rock with the metamorphic basement. If you see
\nveins originating at this junction of rock, there is a higher chance they will have interesting minerals or
\nnice pockets.<\/p>\n

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A contact between sedimentary and metamorphic rock in New York<\/p><\/div>
\nOriginal Image Source: By Michael C. Rygel – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
\nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=29021804<\/p>\n

Lets say you have found an interesting vein and are looking to assess it and its potential for specimens.
\nIf you see a hole in the rock, it is in your best interest just to take a look.
\nIt is important to look for pockets containing crystals, or loose material that may have fallen out of a pocket into the talus below.
\nIf you see any mud coming from the veins, especially if it is a reddish or orange color, check it out it as that may
\ncontain crystals! Sometimes pockets can be just filled with dirt or totally clean too. <\/p>\n

There is a bit of a list of what tools you will need to prospect and dig quartz in NY. Preparation is
\ncritical. Keep in mind that you will often be looking in rural areas where there will be little or no
\nservice, and having a GPS is often essential. I personally use a Garmin GPSMap 64st which is great,
\nbut if you wish to have birdseye satellite imagery available to you, the Garmin GPSMap 66 series will
\nmake all your wildest GPS dreams come true.
\nAs for the tools you need, I notice that I pack very differently when I am going to prospect versus when
\nI am going to dig somewhere I already know about. Talking to my good NY prospector friend Dustin
\nBartlett (@themodernnaturalist on instagram) we have made some lists of supplies you can buy easily
\nto get started.
\nProspecting Pack:
\nThe goal of the prospecting pack is mobility and sample collection. Use a small backpack you don't
\nmind getting dirty for this. Remember to pack ample water and supplies as you may be in the woods for
\nhours looking. The focus of your tooling should be light and versatile. Choose tools that are good for a
\nvariety of environments. Here are the tools I would choose for this-<\/p>\n