Amarillo Rockhound acquires an abundance of new specimens

Sept. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- One of our areas favorite rockhounds, Dee Hawkins, of Rockhound Supply in Amarillo, has again added some very rare finds to his collection.  In wikipedia he is already a noted collector for his 250,000lb "rock garden" and for having one of the largest sapphires in the world.  Recently Mr. Hawkins acquired an assortment of minerals and gemstones from Pakistan, a very large Emerald specimen from North Carolina, and a couple of rare dinosaur footprints from New Mexico.

The two dinosaur footprints were found in New Mexico.  When you look at them from a collectors stand point these are rare and unique because what he has are not dinosaur bones nor man made casts of footprints.  These dinosaur footprints were filled in with clay and mud from a rain, then solidified to make a mold.  Thousands of years later you can see the details of the bottom part of two different dinosaurs feet.

Additionally he has a few boxes of gemstones and findings acquired from Pakistan.  Inside there were two handmade Chakka scepters made out of brass adorned with chalcedony, optic quartz, and garnets.  Mr. Hawkins also pulled out rough Emeralds, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Spinel and some doubly terminated anhydrous Quartz crystals.  The Quartz specimens have three phase inclusions that have water you can see moving as you turn them.  It would be interesting to have someone test the water in them to see how much water has changed over the past few thousands of years.

Finally there is a gorgeous Emerald specimen that was found in North Carolina.  The green color is a prize in itself but it's size it what makes it truly rare.  This Emerald piece weighs in at a whopping 32 pounds and is truly one of a kind.  FYI who ever comes up with the best name for it will win a nice prize!

As the treasurer for the Golden Spread Gem and Mineral Society, Mr. Hawkins will have a few tables at their annual Gem Show that is held at the Amarillo Civic Center.  If you are interested in learning more stop by his booth this November.  Be sure you try winning that prize while you're there by suggesting a name for his Emerald specimen.

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Rockhound Supply is the leading rockhound supplier in the Texas Panhandle. Boasting a 250,000 pound rock garden for people to find their own rocks (and buy by the pound) as well as some of the rarest collectibles in the area. Dee Hawkins (owner) has one rule to collecting, "It's all for sale."