Bountiful Bladed Blue Barite Bonanza!

Our August 2015 mineralogical expedition through the Rockies led us to a little gem (pun intended) just outside of Hartsel, Colorado. I had read about the famous and beautiful bladed blue barite found in the iron-rich clays of Park County, and my son Chase and I had to spend a few hours investigating.

The digging site is on private property, and one must first pay a small fee and obtain permission at the Bayou Salado Trading Post. This little shop is a rockhound's dream, with a rich collection of specimens from all over, including all of the famous local minerals (amazonite, smoky quartz, and aquamarine).

The distinct outline of Mount Antero hangs in the distance to the west as you enter the shop, where you will meet either Dave or Lark Harvey. They are wonderful folks and full of local information. After a brief meet and greet, we signed the release form, and they gave us directions to the claim.

After leaving the Bayou Salado Trading Post, we drove 1.33 miles west on Highway 24, until we arrived at a small dirt road and gate on the left (Cold Row Rd.). The collecting locale, located on the side of gentle hill, is approximately 1.4 miles down this lane (south).

There are a few gates that you must pass through, and it is important to close and latch the gate behind you at each of those important points.

A large exposed area of red clays is on your left, and the evidence of blue barite is abundant, with tiny, shiny pieces of the treasured, bladed crystal form littering the diggings.

There are a few more pits located off to the east and north, and these need to be explored as well. Bring a small shovel and a trowel and a bucket (and water).

The late summer breezes were a delight on a beautiful partly cloudy day, and we met a couple who had traveled from Washington state. They showed us their finds, which included some nice clusters with impressive color. They said that they had found them easily, without much effort, but away from the main diggings.

CLICK HERE for a link to the exact location in Google Maps

A nice golfball-sized specimen

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