This was our mentor Jim Geriks favorite rock saying.  I can't tell you how many times we heard him say it.  

In the case of Magnetite in Jade it is very true.  

This material comes from the Stoddard Wells area north of Victorville Ca.  It is considered a premium off road area for dirt bikers and the like.  Being a big bowl, it is surrounded by mountains on all sides.  

On top of the tallest mountain exists two mines.  On the front side is Verde Antique marble, a pretty green,.  Up over the top of the mountain is theMagnetite in Jade.

The climb is rigorous.  The road has long ago been washed out to the verde antique.  Beyond it, the climb is straight up.

We have only gone there once.  It was a sight to see.  The actual mine goes into the earth at 45 degrees down and then takes a turn to the left.  There was a groups of men working the mine.  This consisted of lots standing around leaning on shovels except 1.  This guy was suspended into the hole with ropes around his ankles.  You could only see the tops of his boots as his body was around the bend in the mine shaft.

When asked why the ropes, the response we got was "So we can pull him out if the mountain collapses."   Ha!  OSHA would have had a field day with that one.  You might get his boots back.  

Yesterday I hand ground a Magnetite in Jade sphere.  This will a household battle.  Alan wants to electroplate in gold (the Magnetite).  I prefer it natural.  We will see who wins out on this one. I currently have one more smaller cube cut and 2 more boulders pulled out of their barrel.  This is all I currently have with no prospects of purchasing more.  

We will have to see who wins this one.  Thanks for reading.......