Date Creek

MSA FIELD TRIP INFORMATION

This Sunday field trip will be back to an old classic, although it is not as productive as it was 50 years ago.  But there is still quartz in those low, rolling hills.

We will meet at 9:15 AM at a Mobil Station/Arby's about 3.5 miles northwest of the first traffic circle on U.S. 93 in Wickenburg.  We will leave for Date Creek PROMPTLY at 9:30 AM.  Be sure you are ready to go at that time with plenty of gas in your tank and all other "business" taken care of.

The road to the collecting site is a very good dirt road.  Any normal vehicle can make it, although a wash or two does cross the road, and if the road has not been graded recently, you may need to slow down a little.

Once we arrive at the spot I will provide a brief Geological introduction to the area, what can be found and how to find it.  Most people will scan the ground or dig shallow pits to find the crystals.  So, a small shovel, geo-pick, screwdriver and bucket or bag to collect crystals, are the type of tools you may need.  If you dig a hole, be sure to fill it when you leave.

This is a general GOOGLE EARTH view of Wickenburg and the meeting area northwest on US 93.

This is a closer view of the meeting area.  North is the top of the image.  Meet in the south, southwest area of the parking areal

Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite:

This first one is typical of one of the better crystals may be able to find.  (There are a lot of chips with crystal faces laying around.)

In addition to quartz there are limonite (or goethite) pseudomorphs after pyrite.

I have been visiting this locality for several years.  I have located a couple pockets and found some of the best crystals this locality has produced.  I am sure there are more to be found in the area.  One needs to be persistent and lucky.  Here are a few of my favorites from Date Creek:

This is a smoky crystal about 3 inches tall.

Here is a nice amethyst scepter from the area.  This one was collected around 1990.  It is about 1.2 inches tall.

And finally, my favorite.  A cluster of amethyst scepters collected from the same pocket as the above crystal.  It is about 6.5 inches wide.

On last note.  I have not been able to reproduce my luck of finding these great crystals that I found over 35 years ago.  But, who knows what's lurking in those hills.