Kootenay quartz discovered near Kimberley

Next time you are hiking the mountains pay special attention to the rocks and what may lie just under the surface

Ken Skibsted holding a Kootenay quartz. — Photo Courtesy of Ken Skibsted.

From digging dinosaur bones in the Alberta Badlands to discovering Kootenay quartz, Ken Skibsted and Thunder Creek Rock Shop are making their mark in the world of crystals, rocks and gemstones. Skibsted's father was into lapidary around Rosebud, Alberta. Father and son spent many hours trekking through the Badlands looking for dinosaur bones and special rocks. Skibsted turned to that youthful passion when he decided to start his own business.

After decades as a golf pro and general manager at a golf course, Skibsted decided to pursue his dream. Thunder Creek Rock Shop began in Mortlach, Saskatchewan, and became a very successful wholesaler of rock, crystals and gemstones. Skibsted sources material from mining companies and attends several mining shows every year.

Once he has the stones, they are shaped and polished in India, China or Brazil.

In April 2013, Skibsted and family moved to Kimberley because of the ski hill and the six championship golf courses nearby. “Kimberley is a tourist town waiting to happen,”  Skibsted said, and he's proud to call it home and be part of its future.

Thunder Creek Rock Shop works in conjunction with Handz on Evolution in Kimberley's Platzl, where many of Skibsted's rocks and crystals are on display.

Last summer, Skibsted discovered what he calls Kootenay quartz in the mountains around Kimberley. He staked a 60-hectare claim and has dug out dozens of quartz crystals that are very close in structure to lemurian crystals. To avoid damaging the crystals, they are hand dug from the ground using antlers. The largest crystal he's found so far is almost 2.7 kilograms.

Lemurian crystals are imbued with spiritual qualities and are much sought after by shamans and spiritual practitioners. It is thought that these crystals contain knowledge from ancient civilizations. “In the spiritual realm, Kootenay quartz is getting popular,” said Skibsted.

Nine Kootenay quartz crystals have been buried by Mexican shamans in their local Mayan temple.

“I've never seen Canadian quartz crystals at trade shows,” said Skibsted. “Nobody has one on their table. I'm the only one who has them as far as I know.” Kootenay quartz is a typical six-sided crystal. Skibstead has found pieces that have six or seven clusters of crystals. One crystal is in the shape of a perfect X. In many of the crystals there are inclusions that contain other types of minerals. Skibstead even has a Kootenay quartz that has five-sided stars etched, by nature, on the outside of the crystal.

Kootenay quartz shaped like an X. — Photo Courtesy of Ken Skibsted.

Coming up this year, Skibsted will assist local prospectors who have discovered aquamarine and emerald gemstones in the area. He's excited about this natural extension of his passion for prospecting rock and crystals.

Next time you are hiking the mountains pay special attention to the rocks and what may lie just under the surface.