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Don Nelson
Don has been running the mine since the 1970"s when he took it over from his grandmother, Alma Snyder. Where he still lives in the original House built around 1902.
When you arrive at his home, Don gives you a little tour of his collection of Fire Agate and Druse Crystal Clusters Found on different areas of the claim. The Claim consists of 4 - 20 acre Claims aligned side by side with Old Route 66 passing through the center of the Claims. He gives a good description of how Fire Agate was originally formed through Volcanic action many years ago. If interested he will explain how to work Fire Agate to bring the Brilliant Colors and formations hidden in the Fire Agate Rough. |
Mine History and Area History
Between Kingman and Fort Mohave the Mine has been in operation since the early 1900's. Today it is one of the very few open Fee Dig Mines in existence today as there are few locations in the world you can find Fire Agate. Some other locations offer a day at their Mine, but you get to sift through a conveyer that they place on the belt. Cuesta Fire Agate mine is a Desert Dig. when you come out to the Mine, you go to the claims and you can dig to your hearts content. without restrictions to what or where you can Dig.
Located in Arizona, about 45 minute drive from the California/ Arizona border. Near the Historic Mining Town of Oatman. A great place to visit, hosting Shoot outs on main street and wild Burros wondering the street, looking to be feed by the many daily visitors. Cuesta Fire Agate Mine is located about 4 miles north of Oatman on Oatman rd. North of Oatman, heading to Kingman,Arizona.
AREA HISTORY
In the 1800's when Mr Beale created the Famous Beale Trail between Arkansas and California. Traversing Sitgreaves Pass some 17 Blacksmith Shops were set up in the area over Sitgreaves Pass, some of which the original foundations still exist. The Blacksmith Shops popped up to accommodate the number of Wagon Trains passing through the area using the cable winches created to help the Wagon Trains up and over the Pass
The original Mine owner, Martin Cuesta first claimed the area in 1902. In the 50's and 60's Bus trips from Los Angeles would arrive with 40 - 50 people who would scour the area and dig Fire Agate for the day at a cost of $3.00 a day per person.
Alma Snyder owned the claims for a number of years till her passing in the 70's, when her Grandson Don Nelson took over the claims from his grandmother until today. Learning about Fire Agate from his grandmother he has gained a vast knowledge of Fire Agate over the years and is willing to past his knowledge on to those who visit his Claims. Don still lives in the original house today, which was build and registered in 1902.
Don is a Barranca Diamond Dealer. Who have an assortment of Lapidary Equipment like Grinding, Cutting Machines . If interested I purchasing Don will demonstrate equipment for you
Located in Arizona, about 45 minute drive from the California/ Arizona border. Near the Historic Mining Town of Oatman. A great place to visit, hosting Shoot outs on main street and wild Burros wondering the street, looking to be feed by the many daily visitors. Cuesta Fire Agate Mine is located about 4 miles north of Oatman on Oatman rd. North of Oatman, heading to Kingman,Arizona.
AREA HISTORY
In the 1800's when Mr Beale created the Famous Beale Trail between Arkansas and California. Traversing Sitgreaves Pass some 17 Blacksmith Shops were set up in the area over Sitgreaves Pass, some of which the original foundations still exist. The Blacksmith Shops popped up to accommodate the number of Wagon Trains passing through the area using the cable winches created to help the Wagon Trains up and over the Pass
The original Mine owner, Martin Cuesta first claimed the area in 1902. In the 50's and 60's Bus trips from Los Angeles would arrive with 40 - 50 people who would scour the area and dig Fire Agate for the day at a cost of $3.00 a day per person.
Alma Snyder owned the claims for a number of years till her passing in the 70's, when her Grandson Don Nelson took over the claims from his grandmother until today. Learning about Fire Agate from his grandmother he has gained a vast knowledge of Fire Agate over the years and is willing to past his knowledge on to those who visit his Claims. Don still lives in the original house today, which was build and registered in 1902.
Don is a Barranca Diamond Dealer. Who have an assortment of Lapidary Equipment like Grinding, Cutting Machines . If interested I purchasing Don will demonstrate equipment for you
Fire Agate for Sale
Lots of Fire Agate Rough for Sale. During the years Don as collected a great selection of Fire Agate Rough, collected from different areas of his Claims. You can purchase one piece or many pieces from him.
He has select pieces that have been worked showing lots of color.
And numerous smaller pieces that have been tumbled/polished. Ready for the Jeweler to set in Earing's, Ring's or what have you.
check out this link to Fire Agate Rough
Don is also a Barranca Diamond Dealer who have a selection of Lapidary and Rock Tools.
Lots of Fire Agate Rough for Sale. During the years Don as collected a great selection of Fire Agate Rough, collected from different areas of his Claims. You can purchase one piece or many pieces from him.
He has select pieces that have been worked showing lots of color.
And numerous smaller pieces that have been tumbled/polished. Ready for the Jeweler to set in Earing's, Ring's or what have you.
check out this link to Fire Agate Rough
Don is also a Barranca Diamond Dealer who have a selection of Lapidary and Rock Tools.
Rock Collection
Fire Agate Formation
Fire Agate was formed millions of years ago, during a Volcanic time on earth, when the whole South Western United States was Volcanic reqion of earth. There were a couple Guysers in the region, one which was close to the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. When the water was spewing out and landing back on land it created small water flows that seeped back into the cracks and crevices in the Bedrock (Ryolite). When the water stopped flowing temporarily the water would harden leaving the minerals to harden along with the water. Many water flows created what we call Fire Lines in the Agate which hold the minerals deposited in the hardened water.
Over time, these pockets built up, creating what we call now Fire Agate nodules. That are attached t the Bedrock. Depending on the temperature of the water that was flowing, you can find Hollow Point Crystal Clusters.
After the volcanic age the South Western United States, was under water, red clay seeped into the cracks of the Bedrock creating Clay pockets where the Fire Agate was formed, dislodging some of the Fire Agate from the Bedrock, where you find some Fire Agate Nodules and Crystal Clusters floating in the Clay, and overburden of the bedrock.
Fire Agate Meanings and Uses
Fire Agate is a mystical Gem, Learn about the Healing Energy and Metaphysical Properties of this great Gem. The Crystal Vault has a good description of this Nice Gemstone. Here's a link to a the Crystal Vault Site.
Fire Agate was formed millions of years ago, during a Volcanic time on earth, when the whole South Western United States was Volcanic reqion of earth. There were a couple Guysers in the region, one which was close to the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. When the water was spewing out and landing back on land it created small water flows that seeped back into the cracks and crevices in the Bedrock (Ryolite). When the water stopped flowing temporarily the water would harden leaving the minerals to harden along with the water. Many water flows created what we call Fire Lines in the Agate which hold the minerals deposited in the hardened water.
Over time, these pockets built up, creating what we call now Fire Agate nodules. That are attached t the Bedrock. Depending on the temperature of the water that was flowing, you can find Hollow Point Crystal Clusters.
After the volcanic age the South Western United States, was under water, red clay seeped into the cracks of the Bedrock creating Clay pockets where the Fire Agate was formed, dislodging some of the Fire Agate from the Bedrock, where you find some Fire Agate Nodules and Crystal Clusters floating in the Clay, and overburden of the bedrock.
Fire Agate Meanings and Uses
Fire Agate is a mystical Gem, Learn about the Healing Energy and Metaphysical Properties of this great Gem. The Crystal Vault has a good description of this Nice Gemstone. Here's a link to a the Crystal Vault Site.
Fee Dig and Working Fire Agate
Spending time at the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine can be a lot of fun for young and old. Bring your camera, as the claims are set in a Valley with Sand Stone Cliffs Bordering the west side of the claims heading down the valley towards Golden Valley. Don't forget about taking pictures of your time at the Mine during your dig or walking the claims. Exploring the area can also be dangerous as the heat increases in the summer, plus the uneven ground can be hard to manipulate due to loose rocks hills and Banks. Proper foot wear and clothing should always be at the top of your list before going anywhere out in the desert. FEE DIG PAGE
Working Fire Agate can be a challenge, But at the same time very rewarding. You may even find some pieces with character in the rough you may just want to keep as a specimen. I have some that I won't ever touch as they are fantastic specimens on their own. If you are into working Fire Agate have a look at the working Fire Agate Page. If you are looking for more info feel free to contact me anytime. If you are looking for Lapidary Tools go to Johnson Bros Lapidary at www.johnsonbrotherslapidary.com for all your Lapidary needs.
If you have an interest in learning how to work Fire Agate we are looking at setting up a Day at the mine where you can Dig your own Fire Agate in the morning and learn how to work your digging in the afternoon. If interested contact us to set up a date.
Working Fire Agate can be a challenge, But at the same time very rewarding. You may even find some pieces with character in the rough you may just want to keep as a specimen. I have some that I won't ever touch as they are fantastic specimens on their own. If you are into working Fire Agate have a look at the working Fire Agate Page. If you are looking for more info feel free to contact me anytime. If you are looking for Lapidary Tools go to Johnson Bros Lapidary at www.johnsonbrotherslapidary.com for all your Lapidary needs.
If you have an interest in learning how to work Fire Agate we are looking at setting up a Day at the mine where you can Dig your own Fire Agate in the morning and learn how to work your digging in the afternoon. If interested contact us to set up a date.
CONTACT INFO
We would like to hear about your time at the Mine. please add comments below.
If you would like to know anything about the Mine, learn more about Fire Agate.
Book Time at the Mine, Please send comment at Bottom of the page or,
Call Don Nelson, Mine Owner at 928-565-4145
For Our Canadian Friends
Call Allan Pryor, at 250-715-7559
Allan is familiar with all aspects of the Mine, When in the area he assists diggers, to find and dig their own Fire Agate. He has been working Fire Agate for about 7 years, and is welling to help people with working Fire Agate.
Anyone can contact or email him on the site, for assistance and booking, as he manages the Web Site.
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Don Nelson 9049 (old Route 66) Oatman HWY Golden Valley 86413 1-928-565-4145 IN CANADA Contact Allan Pryor PO BOX 1933 Malahat, BC V0R2L0 250-715-7559 |
