The Miner’s Delight Rock Shop & Collectibles opened recently in Kremmling and showcases a life-time hobby for Ed and Jackie Brickey.
“Our first love is rockhounding, and we love being in the field,” said Ed and Jackie who also enjoy trade shows.
They have self-collected many of the specimens in their store but also purchase quality pieces from lapidaries. Items in the shop begin in pricing at $3 and feature one-of-kind gifts from Colorado, across the nation and far away as Brazil, Morocco and Pakinstan.
Jackie assures, “There is something here for all ages and tastes.”
The shop has petrified wood, classically-shaped rock vases, soap dishes, quality coasters, salt lamps, and colorful rocks shaped as skulls, wolves, spheres, dolphins and more. The wide array of gift possibilities appeal to the serious collector, as well as the shopper looking for unique gifts and showpieces for their homes.
Those looking for an educational experience will appreciate the ammonites and fossils available to purchase and the opportunity to choose a geode and have it cut in half. And for those who are interested in polishing and grinding their own rocks, the Brickeys are authorized dealers of the Easy Cab Machine.
As a miner for the last 40 years, Ed admits his love for rocks developed when he was underground – and saw the crystals. “The bug bit me,” he says seriously.
Sharing the love of rockhounding with others, Jackie and Ed have created a network of friends and suppliers. “A lot of the merchandise we have comes from people we have met who were also rockhounding and digging,” said Ed.
Among Jackie’s favorites are crystals and amethysts while Ed prefers sodalite and has found a new fondness for stromatolite. The couple’s passion for their wares is contagious as they share stories of the rocks, their natural beauty, and the skills of those who shape them.
“Even if you don’t like rocks, you still like something pretty,” says Jackie of their selection.
The couple promises the inventory will be updated regularly as they bring in more pieces from their own collection and attend more trade shows.
They feel blessed to have the opportunity to share their passion with their new community and hope to become the locals’ favorite for gifts and home décor.
Ed and Jackie most recently lived in Montana, but after Ed made the decision to stop mining to pursue other interests, the couple decided to settle in Kremmling. One of their children, Ashley Typhair and her family live in town, and Jackie’s sister also lives in Kremmling.
The Miner’s Delight Rock Shop & Collectibles is located at 110 West Park Avenue #26 and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information call 406-780-1263 or email jackiebrickey@hotmail.com.
For more photos of the inside of the Miners Delight
Rock Shop visit www.grandgazette.net
