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East side of Mulligan Peak, Clifton, Greenlee Co., Arizona Under a Claim, please do not trepass! |
| I was able to gain an opportunity to help the
claim-holders mine the agates from the famed "Starry
Night" Agate claim. That is the place they can't
bring any heavy machinery. We had to hike for 3
miles through the limestone glutch carrying supplies
(and a jackhammer to replaced a broken on), camp
there for a night or two and then hike back carrying
what we mined. It wasn't an easy trek but it has
been a delightful adventure for me. :) Fascinating
geology along the way such as jasperizede mud flows,
pyroclastic flows, weathered limestone outcrops,
lava rock beds, tuff beds and a few exposed spots
showing some agates. The agates found there are from basaltic andesite beds and they start as gray to purple sometimes with blue hue and most agates will lose their purple hues once exposed. A small percentage of agates manage to stay purple and command premium prices. The name "Starry Night" came from the fact that many agates have white spots in them. |
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Early blossoming, looking west
toward Mt.Stafford
Feb 2026
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Edward and Josh, the
claim-holders. (thank you for the jog of helping you two!) |
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| My first major agate
find==> |
and it came out
great! |
My share from Mining
Expedition Feb 2026 |
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| Obtained before Feb 2026 |
Obtained from Josh. |
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| Feb 2026 | Feb 2026 |
Intersting structure |
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| Feb 2026 | Feb 2026 | |
