Rockhounding

Just a few words about our rockhounding expeditions



The beach at Auchmithie - Jasper heaven !

Our favourite area by far for collecting cutting material is the east coast of Scotland around Montrose. Auchmithie is a small village near Arbroath and the beach is mainly Jasper! Graded for
size and showing all colours - red, brown, yellow, green and all combinations it is wonderful. The road down to the beach is a bit hairy so if in doubt have a recce' first, my VW camper makes it
but it won't be everybodys cup of tea.



Auchmithie Jaspers - bottom left is the classic red containing clear areas.

By far the prettiest spot we have found is Elephant Rock - the outcrop is agate bearing and the enclosed beach seems to trap the agates so that they tumble to perfect tiny spheres. Many a happy
hour has been spent lying on the shingle and sifting through it for these little gems, haven't found a use for them yet but they are just beautiful.



Can you see the elephant? (When the tide comes in it is standing in the water).

Dulcote Agate from Somerset, I believe the source is now lost to collecting but I have about 100 kilos of this beautiful material - should last me a while!