North Grand Junction Barite
Colorado
Find: Calcite, barite
GPS:
Spot 1:
39.21043, -108.55827
Spot 2:
39.21121, -108.56092
Nearest city: Grand Junction, CO
Recommended Vehicle: Any
Summary:
The area surrounding Grand Junction, Colorado has multiple popular areas to dig for calcite.
This one is further off the beaten path to the North of the city. Initially, I came out here looking for barite crystals but ended up finding far better specimens of calcite with some pretty decent clarity and some rainbows within.
I listed a couple different spots I tried digging in while I was out here. It is nice and easy digging, but you’ll want to bring plenty of water and a vehicle with good clearance. 4x4 is a great advantage if it’s rained recently as well.
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
Water Bladder
A water bladder is helpful in a place like this where you’ll be walking a lot to find a dig spot. There is no shade at all here.