I was intrigued by a new Yancey Co. find that two gentlemen were selling at the Grassy Creek Show in July.  The specimens were basically a crystallized "Unakite" that contained Epidote xls., Calcite xls., and several unidentified xls. in a matrix of pinkish-orange Orthoclase, Quartz, and Muscovite.  This material was collected near Micaville along the US Highway 19E widening project earlier this year, as NCDOT allowed them to collect it on weekends.

Unfortunately, the prices for these specimens were a little more than I could afford at the time.

I did manage to find a few specimens for sale at an antique store near Swannanoa last Thursday, and purchase one.  The specimen is 3.35 x 2.64 x 2.24 inches in size.

Below are 5 photos of the specimen from different angles.

Photo a:  Epidote xls. in Calcite
Photo c:  Epidote xls. w/ Calcite xls. (a small Musovite xl. is visible, too)
Photo f:  Pink Orthoclase
Closeup Photo b:  Epidote xls. in Calcite
Closeup Photo c:  Epidote and Calcite xls.

Dennis

Thanks Dennis! That material being so vuggy, I would expect there were some much larger vugs with larger crystals found.  Very neat material.  Thanks for sharing.

Dennis, thanks for sharing, beautiful, I wondered last time I visited Fritz and Eric at Rings and Things if there might be something good through there since there are so many gems in that area.  Guess you answered that.

Hmm last I heard was that you couldn't dig in the creek and small hand tools.  I don't really no how accurate that is -- but it's always wise to exercise prudence if you don't find the information.  Don't dig large holes and leave them unfilled and probably try and stay away from the creek.