Granite Mountains
- Uranium Country
As a child, I spent countless hours near Jeffrey City, a place immersed in the uranium craze during the intense Cold War era. The quest for uranium, fueled by government incentives, transformed this area into a hotbed of prospecting and dreams of fortune.
Geiger counters became commonplace, and everyone sought to capitalize on the uranium boom. For many, it was an obsession; for my dad, it was a weekend diversion.
For a child, uranium prospecting meant enduring the monotony of a hot, dusty, and unattractive land. Yet, amidst this, my family discovered the joy of hunting for agates, jade, and petrified wood along the Sweetwater River while my dad scoured for uranium grunge.
- Remembering That Day Like Yesterday
I vividly recall splashing in the Sweetwater River, searching for treasures. Buckets of agates, odd pieces of jade, limbs of petrified wood, Indian artifacts, and other mineral wonders became our cherished possessions.
Although my dad joined the prospecting game too late to strike it rich, he and his partner opened an assay office using their college chemistry expertise. This was my first encounter with glowing rocks, illuminated by a large shortwave ultraviolet lamp used for detecting uranium.
Angel Agates Then
Among the treasures were angel agates—translucent greenish-gray chalcedony with a white rind. Initially plain to me, they revealed their brilliance under the UV lamp. We traded these gems like city kids swapped baseball cards.
Angel Agates Now
- Sweetwater Country
Now, I find myself in the heart of Sweetwater Country, memories flooding back. The search for angel agates leads me to a familiar hill, reminiscent of bygone days. However, the landscape has changed, and an eerie absence of fellow adventurers raises questions.
The angel agate seam, once a focal point of activity, has been depleted, covered by debris from years of digging. Despite challenging conditions—scorching heat, dry air, and acrid dust—I decide to unearth some agates. The payoff comes in the form of brilliantly fluorescent angel agates, a vivid reminder of the past.
- Angel Agates
I collect a handful of small, lower-quality angel agates. But what have I got to lose? Time to grab the pick and shovel. Maybe some mining will yield something better:
- It’s hot, in the upper 90s
- It’s dry, with humidity around 1%
- It’s dusty from digging
- That dust is acrid, metallic, and nasty
- Brilliantly Fluorescent Angel Agates
Cool water, a washed face, and shade away from the scorching sun are worth much more than the agates. I fill the hole and head back to the truck.
It didn’t take long to explore the angel agate deposit. This time of year, the days are long, and the afternoon is still young. While in the area, I’ll venture farther west to some old stomping grounds.
Sweetwater Agates Then
Venturing west to Agate Flats, a 100-square-mile expanse, I explore the remnants of a bygone era. Pioneers once marveled at the abundance of agates here, with the Oregon and Mormon trails crossing its vastness.
- An Image Of Distant Agate Flats From My Flying Days
Jade, rubies, petrified wood, and various agates were once plentiful. However, the uranium rush centered in Jeffrey City overshadowed all. The demand collapsed with the end of the Cold War, leaving behind an abandoned ghost town. Today, remnants include a church, a few houses, and an empty school—a stark reminder of shifting fortunes.
Agate Flat Now
Returning to Agate Flats after decades, I find the land even more parched than before. The once-thriving resource of agates seems to have vanished. The geology reveals that the primary source lies farther north, in a conglomerate formed from volcanic ash.
While the landscape has changed, and the agates have become elusive, the experience of exploring these terrains remains priceless. As I reflect on the past and present, I’m reminded of the transient nature of resources and the impact of human activities on the environment. One final look—I walk the shallow draws, hoping erosion has uncovered a rock or two that I can whack.
- Sweetwater Agates
After an hour of walking, I’ve found two rough agates above. Someone busted one in half and threw it away—it’s a poor specimen. The other is a small but adequate agate. The polished ones are treasures I kept from my youth.
- Sweetwater Agates Fluorescing
Fortunately, even the most unpromising Sweetwater agate still fluoresces. They may not rival those I picked up decades ago, but they are a nice reminder of this dry, dusty, and enjoyable adventure.
Looking Back
- An Aerial View Of My Decades-Old Dirty Uranium Mining Deeds
Back in Wyoming, my home contains treasures from the Granite Mountains—Sweetwater agates, chalcedony, and jasper. While these stones were once the joy of a previous owner, their value was lost on subsequent owners.
Occasionally, I take a new lamp down the pathway, picking up an agate or two. Mining them all would diminish the fun; they’re treasures to be discovered when the emotional need arises. It’s not just the agates; it’s the experience and memories that hold true value.
As I savor the memories of this dry and dusty adventure, ✨
Cheers,
D 🪨🔥
7-6-05
