San Rafael Jasper/Celestine

Utah

Find: Orange botryoidal jasper/celestine nodules, geodes

GPS: Spot #1: 38.86517, -110.43004
Spot #2: 38.84995, -110.40318

Nearest city: Moab, UT

Recommended Vehicle: 4x4 with high clearance

Summary:

The San Rafael Swell is a geologic region of central Utah with breathtaking views and rockhounding oddities to be found. If you’ve ever been to a rock shop, you may recall seeing vibrant blue geodes of celestine from Madagascar. These nodules however, have a white to pale-blue celestine center, but are wrapped in an almost candy-like shell of botryoidal (bubbly) orange jasper.

For this location, I have 2 different sets of coordinates that I listed. You will want 4x4 with some decent clearance when navigating out here. Be mindful of mineral claims while exploring this region. Both of the listed sets of coordinates are outside any current claims, but this may change over time. Luckily, these strange orange nodules can be found in a vast expanse all over the San Rafael Swell.

Video Guide

Check out the video for a better look at what can be found when exploring this spot.

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If I could only bring 3 tools…

Water Bladder

I like to bring a 3L water bladder anywhere where I expect to be hiking long distances.

Geology Pick

A heavy swing with a geology pick works well for splitting open these nodules.

5 Gallon Bucket

You’ll quickly find a bunch of nodules once you stumbles across 1 or 2.