Giant Quartz Crystals California

In the California mother lode, an Irish mining camp that had been inactive for over 150 years was discovered.  It was once hidden in the woods and covered by undergrowth until 1999, when John, Cathy, and Ken began cleaning and restoring this historical site.  Over time, geologists suggested that we participate in Citizen Science programs.  As amateur scientists, we work with professionals from different fields of expertise to identify research questions, collect, analyze, and interpret data, make discoveries, develop applications and technologies, and solve intricate problems.  Hands-on learning helps teachers and students grasp scientific concepts and hone critical thinking skills.

Catherine and John French          

       Local Outdoor Discovery School

Below are photos from one of our interactive outreach programs.

  A group of students is exploring and learning at a STEM Educational Science Camp. Many earth scientists have eagerly shared the big rock, which has been recognized as a "Friendship Rock." To analyze the geological occurrence within the fault line, we have decided to use a cost-effective USB microscope provided by "Plugable".  This explorer even used their camera as a microscope to thoroughly examine the area.

Magnification is between 2x and about 60x with the field of view less than 1 inch. The hydro-thermal environment allowed for the deposition (and or alteration) of almost any mineral to be captured in quartz (Silicon dioxide-SiO₂).

Cobalt fluoride (CoF2), Manganese(Mn)

         Tourmaline (B), Chromium (Cr)

Lead(Pb),Vanadium(V)

Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe)

                 Pyrite (FeS₂) alteration in fault zone.