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FIELD TRIP
PURPLE PASSION MINE
(FLUORESCENT MINERALS)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2026
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Fluorite, Calcite & Willemite, 8"
Purple Passion Mine, Wickenburg, Yavapai County, Arizona, USA.
Photographed using Way Too Cool 18 Watt Short Wave UV lamp.
Chris Whitney-Smith photo.
This is a Mineralogical Society of Arizona Members Only Field trip into Arizona high desert to the Purple Passion Mine: A Fluorescent Collector’s Paradise and one of world’s best fluorescent collecting locals. Don’t miss opportunity to add some fluorescents to your hidden mineral kingdom collection! * Please ensure you are an active member before registration to ensure you are eligible to attend trip. *
MATERIAL: Fluorescent Minerals: Calcite (red), Fluorite (blue), Willemite (green & phosphorescent) along with various other minerals).
TRIP LEADER: Bill Freese
LIMIT: (20) Members (Due to limited parking at mine).
FEE: $20 (Cash Only) per member for first half bucket of material. If you want more, Bill can give you a price.
TRIP TYPE:
- Night Trip.
- Surface Float Collecting.
CARPOOLS BEING ORGANIZED: No
TRIP DATE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2026 (Trip is on a FRIDAY)
MEET-UP LOCATION ADDRESS: Wickenburg, AZ area. Members must register to receive Location Address and meet-up information.
MEET-UP TIME: 4:15 PM
TRAVEL NOTE: Please allow at least 1/2 hour more time than normal to get to the meeting spot. The delays were not noted on the state of Arizona highway condition website.
MEET-UP NOTE: Do not leave your vehicle at meet-up location as it WILL be towed. There is an area for parking half-way along the trail to the mine.
DEPARTURE TIME: 4:30 PM sharp or once all members have shown up if before departure time.
SPECIAL DEPARTURE NOTES: As a courtesy for group who arrive on time, Trip Leader not waiting for stragglers past Departure Time.
TRIP DETAILS:
- We will caravan out to the mine and then wait for sunset and then collect with the aid of UV lights.
- We should be done by no later than 9:00 PM and caravan back to Wickenburg.
- Trip to the mine usually takes me about 33 minutes, but it is usually 45 minutes with a group.
- LIMITED (20) Members (Due to limited parking at mine).
- MSA MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
- COUPLE MEMBERSHIP MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBERS UNDER YOUR MEMBERSHIP.
- No Pets.
RATE PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF TRIP: Moderate Difficulty, Rocky & Sandy Wash
LIABILTY WAIVER: Sign Liability Waiver at meet-up site.
VEHICLE: High Clearance 4x4 required due to last leg of trip.
TRIP PREPAREDNESS: Arrive with full tank of gas, good tires and vehicle in good working order.
TOOLS NEEDED: Bucket(s), UV lights, small digging tool, rock hammer optional.
ANCILLARY ITEMS NEEDED: Use a Blue or Red flashlight/headlamp while collecting so as not to blind everyone else trying to see in the dark.
OPTIONAL INFO: Bill will have some UV lights available for purchase, so if you think you want one, bring some extra cash. These lights are premium lights made by Way Too Cool, LLC and range in price from $20 to $280. Bill has short-wave, mid-wave and long-wave.
IMPORTANT: Evening temperatures should be low enough in this area to deter the activities of rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes could be luring under rocks in the creek or in the brush surrounding the creek and there many other critters in the area. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout and listen for rattlesnakes.
REQUIRED SAFETY (PPE) TO BRING: Gloves, sturdy covered toe footwear.
TRIP CANCELLATION CLAUSE: Trip Leader can cancel the field trip due to low participation (under 5 members RSVP) or weather or road conditions.
ATTENDANCE COMMITMENT: Members who RSVP are expected to attend. If you cannot go, notify the Trip Leader as soon as possible, and no later than 1–2 days before the trip. Timely notice ensures the group is not delayed waiting for a no-show and allows waitlisted members the opportunity to participate.
RSVP DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 25, 2026 or until trip is full.
Fluorite, Calcite & Willemite
Purple Passion Mine, Wickenburg, Yavapai County, Arizona, USA.
Photographed using Way Too Cool 18 Watt Short Wave UV lamp.
Chris Whitney-Smith photo.
Fluorite, Calcite, Willemite, Caliche
Purple Passion Mine, Wickenburg, Yavapai County, Arizona, USA.
Photographed using Way Too Cool 18 Watt Triple Wave UV lamp.
Chris Whitney-Smith photo.