Crystal Mountain Pegmatites
Colorado's northernmost pegmatite area, home to chrysoberyl, beryl, topaz, and other rare minerals.
Location
Crystal Mountain is located just a short distance west of Fort Collins. Drive 20 miles west from Fort Collins along County Road 38E past Horsetooth Reservoir, then take County Road 27 (Stove Prairie Road). Crystal Mountain is actually one of the eastern ridges of 10,262' Lookout Mountain.
About the Site
This is a great place to look for books of muscovite mica containing Beryl crystals, some as long as 2 inches have been found at this location. Crystal Mountain is Colorado's best location for collecting apple green chrysoberyl.
Minerals Found Here
Chrysoberyl
Apple green variety, occurs in up to one inch wide contact twins, usually associated with small books of Muscovite mica. Colorado's best location for this mineral.
Beryl
The most common accessory mineral, occurs in light greens, blues and whites. Some miners have reported crystals one foot in diameter and six feet long!
Topaz
Colorless topaz in terminated crystals up to four inches in length.
Columbite-Tantalite
Crystals as long as two inches.
Muscovite Mica
Books of mica containing Beryl crystals, some as long as 2 inches.
Other Minerals
Albite, bismuthinite, fluorite, spessartine garnets, scheelite, spodumene, lepidolite, zircon, and uranite.
Note: Always verify current access and regulations before visiting. Some areas may require permission or permits. Practice responsible collecting and follow the Prospector's Code of Ethics.