Quartzsite, An Oasis For Some Matthew Paneno Anthropology 102 Dr. Leanna Wolf 11/20/10

A stones throw east of the California border along the ten freeway oasis of sorts can be found. For a few months every year, Quartzite, a makeshift town in the middle of the desert, is booming with activity. I chose this place for my photo observation because few people aside from its dedicated participants have had the chance to experience this place.

A stones throw east of the California border along the ten freeway oasis of sorts can be found. For a few months every year, Quartzite, a makeshift town in the middle of the desert, is booming with activity. I chose this place for my photo observation because few people aside from its dedicated participants have had the chance to experience this place.

Appropriately named for its natural abundance of rare minerals, Quartzsite attracts thousands of people for an annual gathering. “Rock Hounds”, bargain hunters, and “Snow Birds” flock to this place for a few short months of the year. This is an outdoor store where anything from a vintage hubcap, or a blender, to a turquoise necklace can be discovered and purchased.

Appropriately named for its natural abundance of rare minerals, Quartzsite attracts thousands of people for an annual gathering. “Rock Hounds”, bargain hunters, and “Snow Birds” flock to this place for a few short months of the year. This is an outdoor store where anything from a vintage hubcap, or a blender, to a turquoise necklace can be discovered and purchased.

A “Snow Bird” is someone who leaves their usual residence, usually from colder climates, in exchange for better weather during the colder months of the year. This couple is ironically having ice-cream and enjoying the sunshine. Swap meet style businesses like this one pop up all over Quartzsite as people begin to pour in to town.

A “Snow Bird” is someone who leaves their usual residence, usually from colder climates, in exchange for better weather during the colder months of the year. This couple is ironically having ice-cream and enjoying the sunshine. Swap meet style businesses like this one pop up all over Quartzsite as people begin to pour in to town.

Basic necessities are available at small grocery stores. Places like this gear up for a serious influx of “Rockhounds” arriving daily. A “Rockhound” is is a term used to describe rock and mineral enthusiasts as well as amateur geologists.

Basic necessities are available at small grocery stores. Places like this gear up for a serious influx of “Rockhounds” arriving daily. A “Rockhound” is is a term used to describe rock and mineral enthusiasts as well as amateur geologists.

Quartzsite attracts many economic levels as well. In this photo some drifters just rolled into town. Businesses like this offer a seasonal job for passers through. Scouring the desert for rare rocks in addition to bartering may also yield a source of income.

Quartzsite attracts many economic levels as well. In this photo some drifters just rolled into town. Businesses like this offer a seasonal job for passers through. Scouring the desert for rare rocks in addition to bartering may also yield a source of income.

In addition to basic creature comforts and plentiful shopping opportunities, Quartzsite is also prepared to handle various governmental responsibilities too.

In addition to basic creature comforts and plentiful shopping opportunities, Quartzsite is also prepared to handle various governmental responsibilities too.

This lady is taking a brake from bargain hunting. This building is an example of only a handful of indoor shops. The preferred method is the flee market/ tent style experience. In addition tents are far cheaper and make much more sense considering the bulk of economic activity takes place in only two months, January and February.

This lady is taking a brake from bargain hunting. This building is an example of only a handful of indoor shops. The preferred method is the flee market/ tent style experience. In addition tents are far cheaper and make much more sense considering the bulk of economic activity takes place in only two months, January and February.

RV parks like this are scattered throughout the town. As compared to tent style camping, these RVs offer deluxe accommodations, some include showers, bathrooms, and sinks. As the rock season nears, prime space in Quartzsite becomes scarce. From the main road you can see dirt lots already marked and divided into individual camp sites. As December nears the space available moves ever outward into the desert.

RV parks like this are scattered throughout the town. As compared to tent style camping, these RVs offer deluxe accommodations, some include showers, bathrooms, and sinks. As the rock season nears, prime space in Quartzsite becomes scarce. From the main road you can see dirt lots already marked and divided into individual camp sites. As December nears the space available moves ever outward into the desert.

This is by far the most organized market I experienced. Hundreds of small bowls with every type of polished rock and beads are available for purchase. In the corner of the building was section dedicate to Japanese antiques. Various artworks and fossils were also on display. In this picture there are a few shoppers getting a head start, hoping to score a deal.

This is by far the most organized market I experienced. Hundreds of small bowls with every type of polished rock and beads are available for purchase. In the corner of the building was section dedicate to Japanese antiques. Various artworks and fossils were also on display. In this picture there are a few shoppers getting a head start, hoping to score a deal.

Year-round life in Quartzsite must be difficult. Specializing in handful of skills is wise because it provides some level of economic stability.

Year-round life in Quartzsite must be difficult. Specializing in handful of skills is wise because it provides some level of economic stability.