GOLD & GEMS MAPS

All of the information included in the Gold & Gem map packages for the western states has been researched from numerous authentic archival sources such as the National Archives, individual state libraries and other state and federal agencies. A numbered guide, printed in red, shows many deposits on a U.S.G.S. map for the convenience of the reader. Great care has been exercised to accurately transfer all information from authentic documents to the featured maps in this collection. The reader should be reminded that maps have been used in some cases as an information source. The older the document, the less accurate the information. Inasmuch as this is an endeavor to display mining activity locations for a century, old documents had to be utilized.

All of the western state map packages contain maps with the same format displaying the locations for gold and gem deposits. With the current increased price of gold, renewed interest in mining gold is evident by the mining industry as well as the weekend prospector. Research by the beginner is advisable regarding state and federal mining laws, required permits (if necessary), procedures and proper equipment.

All maps in the series are in packages measuring 6.5″ x 9.5″. The very readable maps measure 17.5 x 23 when unfolded and should prove valuable as field guides for all enthusiasts of early mining activities, rockhounds, history buffs or amateur treasure hunters!
The compiler extends a warm gratitude to the staff members of the state and federal agencies who were so willing to assist with the research of this information.

Placer gold mining was conducted in the Ortiz Mountains, south of Santa Fe in 1828.  Lode gold was mined in that area in 1833 — 13 years prior to New Mexico being incorporated as a territory of the United States.  Development of these newly found deposits was impaired due to the isolated locations, hostile Indians and the lack of knowledge of the area.  New discoveries in the 1860′s and 1870′s rekindled the interest in mining in New Mexico.  New Mexico was the 12th largest gold producing state from 1848 through 1963 reporting an output of 2,251,014 ounces for that period.  Placer deposits were found in the Sierra Blanca Mountains in Lincoln County, the Hillsboro area and the Mogollon area in Catron County was the chief contributor to a high output of gold in the 1890′s.

Product Description
New Mexico Gold & Gems Maps: Then and Now is a package, measuring 6.5″ x 9.5″, containing five maps printed on both sides . The very readable maps measure 17.5″ x 23″ when unfolded.   This package includes:
Map #1 , side 1 is of the NW section. Side 2 are placer deposits and epithermal vein deposits
Map #2, side 1 is of the NE section. Side 2 are Great Plains margin deposits
Map #3, side 1 is of the SW section. Side 2 is text
Map #4, side 1 is of the SE section. Side 2 are placer deposits
Map #5, has a post route map of 1902 with mining districts on side 1 and SW mineral deposits of 1866 on side 2

Placer gold was discovered in Washington in the 1850′s. However, placer mining did not become particularly active until discoveries were made in the 1860′s on Peshastin Creek in Chelan County and on Swauk Creek in Kittitas County.  During those early years and into the 1900′s, prospecting was general and it is possible that many streams were overlooked in the search for more worthwhile placer locations.   It is impossible at this time to determine the total amount of placer gold produced in the state of Washington.  The records for the period prior to 1900 are fragmentary at best and were not broken down to a county basis.  The many localities reporting locations of placer gold may indicate the parts of the state where prospecting may be advantageous today.  In June, 1975 the 44th Legislature of the State of Washington designated petrified wood as the state gem because of its beauty and abundance.  Petrified wood is found throughout the state and is symbolic of early forests.  It also represents a period of geological time when extensive volcanism buried great forests with volcanic ash and basaltic lava. According to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington State is within the top ten producers of gemstones in the nation.  Petrified wood, agates, crystals and fossils are eagerly sought be many rockhounds.  Rockhounding — often defined as the collecting of rocks, minerals and fossils – along with jewelry making are important economic activities of the state.  In recent years, professional collectors have recovered crystals from Washington locales which are now housed in many museums including the Smithsonian.  The most notable and some of the finest gems in the world are bright red realgar crystals from Green River. Spectacular crystals of amethyst scepter (Denny Mountain), autunite (Mt. Spokane), grossular garnet (Vesper Peak) and pyrite (Spruce Peak) are by far considered the best in the nation.
The discovery of precious fire opal in a well seven miles northeast of Pullman in 1890 led to the first significant recovery of gem materials in Washington. Mine buildings were erected, and operations began in July of 1891 in what became known as Gem City. According to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington State is within the top 10 producers of gemstones in the nation. Petrified wood, agates, crystals, and fossils are eagerly sought by many rockhounds of the state.

Product Description
Washington Gold & Gems Maps: Then and Now is a package, measuring 6.5″ x 9.5″, containing five maps printed on both sides . The very readable maps measure 17.5″ x 23″ when unfolded.   This package includes:
Map #1, side 1 is of the NW Section.  Side 2 is a map of early mining districts in the Central/Western region
Map #2, side 1 is of the NE Section. Side 2 is a map of early mining districts in the NE region
Map #3, side 1 is of the SW Section.  Side 2 is a map of early mining districts in the Central region
Map #4, side 1 is of the SE section. Side 2 is a map of early mining districts in the NE region
Map #5 , side 1 is Washington 1865.  Side 2 is a map of Washington 1896