MSA FIELD TRIP INFORMATION

IMAGES:  Top pair: left is Azurite with Malachite, right is Cuprite with Chrysocolla in Quartz.  Middle:  Stan collecting Chrysocolla from a boulder.  Bottom:  Aerial view of the collecting area.  

MEET TIME: 9:30 AM near Hayden (exact meeting location will be sent after registration)

END TIME: The trip will end by 4 PM

LIMITED TRIP:  Limit 25 Vehicles

TRAVEL NOTE: Please allow at least 1/2 hour more time than normal to get to the meeting spot. The delays may not be noted on the state of Arizona highway condition website.

RATE PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 1 to 10. This is an abandoned open pit mine with miles of road to explore. Staying on or near the roads is easy (rated a 1) but climbing rubble slopes can be rigorous and dangerous (10 rating).

VEHICLE: The road into the mine requires high clearance.  There are many side roads to explore that will require high clearance 4WD. 

SAFETY: We will be using masks when close and practicing social distancing.
Please bring a whistle in case we need to find you or gather up the participants.

RECOMMENDED: Safety glasses, gloves, clothing, hard hat, other: Gloves, safety glasses and sturdy boots are required. There are many angular rocks along the slopes and wearing heavy, durable pants can offer some protection. 2 way radios for your group can be very helpful. Sunscreen, hat, water, lunch, bug spray, bucket, first aid kit, other: Yes, all of these as well as all-purpose-paper.  NOTE:  It is likely to be hot on the rocks.  Bring plenty of water.

TOOLS: hammers, chisels, anything else you may have: The material to be collected consists of rocks that can simply be picked up to boulders that need sledge hammers, wedges, pry bars, etc.

MATERIAL: Chrysocolla/Copper Minerals. The Chilito Mine is a copper mine with an extensive oxidized zone. Copper silicates, oxides and carbonates are found here. Some very nice mineral specimens to very colorful yard rocks can be collected. I have not explored much of the area so there may be other interesting rocks to collect.

RSVP REQUIRED: THIS MSA TRIP IS FOR MSA MEMBERS IN GOOD-STANDING - NO GUESTS. Trip Leader can Cancel Trip if Under (5) members RSVP. 

RSVP REQUIRED by Wednesday@ 12 Midnight, March 24 - MSA Members Only

TRIP LEADER: Stan Celestian  email:  stancelestian@gmail.com