Our Story
Finding a lost Angel – our story of the Rene’ Angel Mine
Mike is a retired geologist and has always been interested in rocks and minerals. For over 40-years he worked in mineral resources and mining.
Mike started cutting and polishing stones around 12-years old. While Mike was in the US Navy and after our marriage we both learned how to do silversmith work. Since 1974 I have accompanied him to gem and mineral shows. About 15-years ago I asked him if he knew where I could have my own agate mine. I love “Angel Wing” and beautiful agates.
Mike knew about an old location with Angel Wing Agate. Upon interviewing several of the former claim owners he became convinced there was overlooked agate from the early days of mining at the “Bull Canyon” agate mine. This location produces some of the rarest angel wing agate specimens in the world.
The site was visited countless times with many days of digging and looking at geological evidence. The area was systematically mapped, identifying the key geologic system responsible for the formation of the agate and angel wing specimens. I asked Mike to file a legal mining claim and develop a logical approach to mine the agate and Angel Wing specimens. I now have my own personal agate mine the “Rene’ Angel”.
We selectively dig the agate from our mine and we hand-pick each stone that is cut and polished. Each Angel Wing agate stone is unique and has an ethereal beauty which I integrate into my sterling silver designs. The mine provides us with times of relaxation and unbelievable views while at the same time the thrill of the next find and new jewelry designs are always on our minds.
