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FIELD TRIP
PRISM & SPECTRUM MINES
(FLUORITE & QUARTZ VAR. AMETHYST)
Saturday, March 14, 2026
QUARTZ var. AMETHYST SPHERE
Spectrum Mine, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA.
Chris Whitney-Smith photo and collection.
This is a joint MSA and DMRMC Club trip.
MATERIALS:
Fluorite, Quartz var. Amethyst, Barite and Wulfenite. Amethyst is mostly massive, though good cutting quality and crystal plates can also be found. Fluorite is typically green/blue and both have been found with small wulfenite crystals. While some material can be found surface collecting, the best will be found digging in the pits and breaking layers of rock to expose the vein.
TRIP DETAILS:
Trip starts in the Harquahala Mountains at the Spectrum mine where we expect to spend a couple hours before moving on to Prism mine. You will need to dig some, so bring your shovels, picks and wrecking bars, gads and roto-hammer drills okay.
There are so many places to dig & hunt that almost everyone can have their own pit to dig in but I would suggest that we work in small groups at the best spots. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks.
Don't forget to bring $20 per person for the mine owner (it's a bargain) as mine owner is looking at bringing out some heavy equipment to clean out the pits and make it easier for us to collect.
• MSA Membership is required.
• Couple Members MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY for each family member.
• Please wear MSA NAME BADGE or Club shirts if possible.
• We will hang out until everyone gets their fill, but plan to end the trip around 3:00 PM.
TRIP LEADER: Bill Freese
LEADER VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2019 Gray Toyota Tacoma
LEADER CONTACTC INFO: (602) 568-6843
CARPOOLS BEING ORGANIZED: No
TRIP DATE: Saturday, March 14, 2026
MEET-UP LOCATION ADDRESS: 1.5 HOURS West of Phoenix, AZ. Members must register to receive Location Address.
MEET-UP TIME: 10:00 AM
FEE's:
$20 Cash per person (collected by Mine Owner on site)
AGE & PETS:
• Kids 10+ okay.
• Pets must be kept nearby.
VEHICLE:
High Clearance Vehicle is REQUIRED as you will have to cross over 15+ washes on the short drive back to the mines.
HOW LONG WILL TRIP LAST (END TIME): Around 3:00PM.
RSVP DEADLINE: Thursday, March 12, 2026
RATE PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF TRIP (1-10):
• Collecting on surface dumps is rated moderate (3-6).
SPECIAL DEPARTURE & TRIP PREPAREDNESS NOTES:
1. DEPARTURE TIME: 10:10 AM sharp or once all members have shown up if before departure time.
2. As a courtesy for group who arrive on time, Trip Leader not waiting for stragglers past Departure Time.
3. Arrive with full tank of gas, good tires, and vehicle in good working order.
TRAVEL NOTE:
1. Check Arizona highway condition website: https://www.az511.gov/ to verify road conditions & closure to plan your route.
2. Please allow at least 1/2 hour more time than normal to get to the meeting spot.
3. Being late is not socially acceptable behavior. Plan ahead and be on time or early.
TOOLS NEEDED: Rock Pick Hammer, Chisels, Screw Drivers, Pry Bar, Sledgehammer, Large Shovel, Small Hand Shovel, Pick Axe, and collecting container/bucket.
ANCILLARY ITEMS NEEDED:
1. Sunscreen, camp chair, durable hat, extra water, lunch & snacks, bug spray, first aid kit as well as all-purpose paper.
2. Bring your fluorescent UV lights (the long wave lights) if you have one. Bill will have some lights for sale.
REQUIRED SAFETY (PPE) TO BRING: Safety glasses and gloves.
TRIP CANCELLATION CLAUSE: Trip Leader can cancel the field trip due to low participation (under 5 members RSVP) or weather or road conditions.
IF (RSVP) YOU WILL GO, YOU MUST SHOW UP: If unable to go, you must contact Trip Leader as soon as possible, so group not held up waiting for a no show and allow members on stand-by list to attend trip.
OPTIONAL OVERIGHT OR DAY TRIP ON SATURDAY: Day Trip Only
LIABILTY WAIVER: Sign at meet-up site.
FLUORITE & QUARTZ var. AMETHYST
Prism & Spectrum Mines, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA.
Bill Freese Photo.
FLUORITE
Prism & Spectrum Mines, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA.
Bill Freese Photo.