As previously discussed, a largepercentage of specimens come out witha dull black coating over the larger crocrocoitecrystals. These are bathed in severaldifferent chemicals to remove theferro manganese oxides, gibbsite, anddundasite coatings from the crystals.

 

　　This process reveals the bright color andshiny luster which was hidden underneath.

 

 

　　The 2010 Pocket was similar in sizeto the 1970’s pocket and thus not thelargest, but many of the specimens fromthis latest find rival those of the two earlierfinds in terms of their quality. Mostprobably, the large crystal size and colorintensity of the 2010 material has onlyever been matched by a very small numberof the 1970’s specimens. The moretypical and well known material from the1970’s is the radiating sprays of gemmyred, sharply terminated crystals, howeverit seems that there was also a smallamount of material recovered back thenwhich was very similar to the new 2010Pocket specimens. There were apparentlyso few pieces of this style and qualityin the 1970’s material that they areseldom seen or even heard of.

 

　　CONCLUSIONThe 2010 crocoite pocket is one ofthe best, or perhaps simply “the best”pocket in Adelaide mine history. Lookingto the cyclical 20 year interval betweenfinds, we will probably have to wait until2030 to see another great find! Let ushope this is not the case and that moregreat material is found a lot sooner! Tothis end, we wish Adelaide Mine crewGluck Auf!