Treasures of Pikes Peak Backcountry
The geology of Pikes Peak backcountry yields four unique mineral and Paleontological treasures:
1. Lake George amazonite with smoky quartz
2. Cripple Creek gold
3. Florissant fossils
4. Tarryall topaz with beryllium ore
The first, amazonite, was initially discovered by Utes and used in their religious ceremonies. At least three of these treasures were recognized by the late 1800s, and investigated in varying detail through field studies, geophysical measurements, drilling, and/or mining. These geologic treasures are characterized by considerable diversity. One occurs in unusual igneous-extrusive rocks (volcanic phonolites), one in sedimentary lake beds, and two in zoned igneous-intrusive rocks (granites). Ages of occurrence vary greatly, from over 1 billion years ago to approximately 28 million years.
To date, the location of these treasures in Pikes Peak backcountry was assumed to have no connection. Now, however, some scientists challenge this view. They suggest that there is a unifying, previously unrecognized geologic element that has influenced their creation over a very long time. This is the lineament (manifesting as a fluorine anomaly) that connects the four “pearls on a string” over a distance of 35 miles in approximately a straight line. Scientists named this rupture of the earth’s surface the “Florissant Lineament” because this anomaly extends through the town of Florissant and the Florissant Valley.
This exhibit focuses on the northern portion of the lineament, where outstanding specimens of amazonite, smoky quartz, and topaz have been found. These treasures share a common genesis because they were once part of a volcanic chain, active about one billion years ago, extending from near Florissant- Lake George to the Lost Creek Wilderness region of the Tarryall Mountains.
The Museum's collection of minerals and gems is one of the most comprehensive in Colorado outside of Denver.
On March 26, 2006, the museum received a major new addition: the largest smoky quartz crystal (by weight and volume) ever discovered in the United States! The 4 feet long behemoth, weighing 439 pounds, is doubly-terminated, having points on both ends. The superb specimen is on loan from Rich Fretterd, a local miner and surveyor. It comes from the Holy Moses Pocket of the Godsend Claim, Teller County, about six miles north of Florissant. The pocket was discovered on Groundhog Day, February 2, 2002. Mr. Fretterd also donated another large smoky quartz crystal, which has its own display case.