This marks one of many exploratory prospecting trips to investigate the contact theory of pocketing pegmatite genesis. The idea is that, as an evolving magma chamber solidifies, gasses and volatiles fractionate from the parent granite. In the context of Pikes Peak batholith, the successive emplacement of plutons enabled some regions to become more concentrated with pocketing pegmatites than others. The basic parameters that influence the spatial distribution of gases and volatiles are discussed in the Fluorite Part 2 video (link below). In field practice, this means investigating the outer rim of the igneous body because of the increased likelihood of encountering pockets.

Right here in Jefferson County Colorado, we trek into virgin ground of Pike National Forest to see how prevalent these pocketing veins really are along this geologic margin.

I encourage everyone to venture into the forest to see what curiosities lie dormant within the earth. Knowledge of the regulations in your area will permit you the freedom to explore. Always reclaim your dig sites to keep the future of prospecting bright and beautiful.

Video Chapters:
0:00 First Signs of Promising Float
0:28 Tracking the Origin
1:24 Arriving at the Source
8:05 Observing Vein Trends
8:31 Geologic Modeling to Visualize Trends
10:36 One More Crystal…
11:15 PostCleanup Review


Referenced video: “Prospecting a Pastel Fluorite Pegmatite, South Platte Area (Part 2) Comprehensive”
Link:    • Prospecting a Pastel Fluorite Pegmati...  
Note: Begin video at 22min for the explanation of pockets forming along contacts using a geologic map of the Bailey quadrangle.