HWY 50 Calcite
Colorado
Find: Calcite, selenite
GPS: 38.95068, -108.41221
Nearest city: Grand Junction, CO
Recommended Vehicle: Any
Summary:
The area surrounding Grand Junction, Colorado has multiple popular areas to dig for calcite. Most accessible of them is this one, tucked just off HWY 50. Pull into the parking area and explore the slopes with a hammer and chisel and you’ll have a hard time leaving without a little bit of golden yellow calcite.
The pieces here don’t have substantial value or characteristics, but it can be a great place to do some nice easy crystal digging right off the highway without intense hiking.
When facing North, I found most of the calcite deposits along the Western side of the hillside you see from the parking area.
3 Helpful Tools
Gad Bar
A gad bar is my favorite all-around tool for both prying and breaking rock.
3lb Hammer
Pair the gad bar with a 3lb hammer for the perfect lightweight combo to walk around with and
Rubber Tip Gloves
Gloves are helpful for keeping your hands in good shape while pulling and prying rock to free up the calcite.