October 11, 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 11
That’s a Real Gem By Leigh Sharps There is no other profession where one may say, “Now that’s a real gem you have there” and mean it. Ryan Dickson, self-proclaimed rockhound, was brought into serious prospecting when a good friend picked up a rock at Ryan’s house and asked, ‘Where did you find this hunk of beryl?” “I don’t know,” Ryan told him. “I just picked it up on my travels.” Thus, Ryan became a dedicated gem seeker, now a serious hobby for him. Ryan credits his long-time friend, Nick Forge of ‘The Northeast Prospector’, who identified that beryl. “I have been a rockhound my entire life, but I have been prospecting seriously for a little over a year now,” says Ryan. “I was invited into this sport/obsession pretty easily. Nick has been doing this for 12 years. He has taken me to many spots, and we found a few new ones. Once I know a pocket area, I can search nearby. Sometimes I see a rock, or a ledge and I wonder what’s out there and then I go check it out,” he relates. (Rockhounding is a term used for recreational rock collecting). For those who may not know it, New Hampshire is rich in different minerals, gemstones and even gold. But Smoky Quartz (the state’s official gem; beryl is the official mineral) is the most popular and prolific. It is a variant of quartz. Other variants include citrine, amethyst, onyx, topaz, agate, and tiger’s eye. Smoky quartz and feldspar are the most popular minerals to be found in the state. Smoky quartz is mostly clear and can range in shades from yellowish to very dark brown, appearing nearly black. It is mainly used in jewelry making. In mineralogy feldspar is the most common mineral and moonstone is a variety. It is a cloudy stone. Quartz is found throughout the state within huge granite and pegmatite deposits.
The Baker River in Warren has produced gold and other minerals as well. Gold has also been found in the Wild Ammonoosuc River near the town of Swiftwater. There are several spots in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) for hunting both minerals, gems, and gold. One is the Moat Mountain Smoky Quartz Collecting Area in North Conway, which is in the zone of both Conway Granite and Moat volcanics. Near there, also, are spots at Lovejoy Mountain and Hurricane Mountain. There is gold panning at the Coos Canyon Rock and Gift Panning in a scenic gorge and the Swift River Gold Panning Area is on the East Branch of the Swift River. There are many areas like these which are publicized online and in hunters’ guides. (‘Rockhounding New England’ by Peter Cristofono includes 25 locations in New Hampshire). “Here is where the truth comes out,” admits Ryan. “This is actually a very secretive hobby. I have thought about taking (and asked if I would take) people out for guided mineral adventures, but here’s the thing. Spots don’t get shared much and with good reason. I love looking in my home area, which is Grafton County…sorry that’s so vague…although we have been in northern NH recently. Mostly we go to private land areas where we have permission to dig. But I volunteered with Planet Rangers out of Portsmouth with Nick this summer and we went to the Moat Mountain Mineral Site. It was a great spot. Some of the kids even found some smoky quartz crystals that were very impressive. We also go to Crystal Grove Mine in St. Johnsbury, NY to find Herkimer Diamonds.” (There is a White Diamond Mine near Center Sandwich, but the White Diamond Area is now part of the White Mountain National Forest,
Smokey quartz crystal.
so information on that site must be through that organization. Please check before going).
• Gem Continued on page 12 Curry Place, Holderness, NH | 603-968-7615 620 Tenney Mtn. Hwy, Plymouth, NH | 603-238-6990
“One Click and You’re Home!” www.peabodysmith.com
Holderness, NH - Squam Lake home situated on 4.4 acres looking out to the easterly views of Mount Chocorua and Red Hill. The original camp was rebuilt in the 1950s, Post & Beam open-concept, main floor features living room, dining, and kitchen with cozy wood stove. Full bath, washer and dryer are also located on the first floor. This property has been in the same loving family for over 100+ years and has 262 ft. of its own waterfront with a sandy beach. After a wonderful day on Squam share stories around the campfire then retreat upstairs where four bedrooms are located with an oversized bunk room and bath. Large 11 x 27 screened-in porch is where you will spend many hours watching the sunrise, playing games and making many wonderful memories. Two-car garage has plenty of room to store your boat, car or kayaks and canoes. MLS # 4884955
Offered at: $3,600,000
Experience the splendor of fall at the Castle
Photo by Terry Noack
Mansion Tours • Outdoor Dining • Programs and Events 28 Miles of Hiking Trails • Waterfalls & vistas Enjoy 20% off your next visit! Valid on Adult & Senior admission through Oct 24, 2021. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.
Don’t miss Christmas at the Castle!
Tour the Lucknow mansion, festively dressed for the holidays by creative businesses and designers to reflect their take on this year’s theme: Holiday Carols! Preview Party: Nov 19 • Main Event: Nov 20-21, 26-28 Visit us online for tickets & information
Open daily through October 24 www.CastleInTheClouds.Org
603-476-5900 Rte. 171, Moultonborough #CastleMoments