likewhoa
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2024
Posts: 2
|
Post by likewhoa on Mar 23, 2024 20:48:26 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Son Of Beach on Mar 23, 2024 21:18:17 GMT -5
We've owned this piece for decades with no clue what the rock is. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Also, can it be safely cleaned? If so, can someone kindly tell me with what and/or how? Thanks so much! That is an awesome piece, I wouldn't even know where to start. To me, the weathered look matches the face. Either way, thanks for showing if off.
Do you have any history on it? Maybe those details will help ID.
|
|
|
Post by vegasjames on Mar 23, 2024 21:20:36 GMT -5
Looks like soapstone, which is commonly used for carving since it is soft.
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Mar 23, 2024 21:28:22 GMT -5
What’s the story behind this? It’s a keeper for sure. Thanks!
|
|
likewhoa
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2024
Posts: 2
|
Post by likewhoa on Mar 23, 2024 21:30:23 GMT -5
I believe it to have been purchased somewhere in New Mexico, my grandparents had it in their cabin in Rudioso, NM for quite some time.
|
|
wpotterw
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2016
Posts: 422
|
Post by wpotterw on Mar 24, 2024 6:32:00 GMT -5
We've owned this piece for decades with no clue what the rock is. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Also, can it be safely cleaned? If so, can someone kindly tell me with what and/or how? Thanks so muc Looks like soapstone. How easy is it to scratch?
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 24, 2024 12:22:45 GMT -5
I am so amazed how nature could weather a rock like this...in such a way it resembles an indigenous person's face!
|
|
|
Post by rmf on Mar 24, 2024 13:27:53 GMT -5
Possible stones: it is semi translucent so it it could be calcite, fluorite, talc/soapstone, alabaster though it is usually more orange to white. If it is talc or soapstone the mohs hardness should be 1 for talc and maybe a little harder for soapstone but both should be less than 2. that means if you can find a place that does not show much then you should be able to scratch it with your fingernail. Your fingernail has a mohs hardness of about 2.5. If it is calcite which has a hardness of 3 you should be able to scratch it with a copper penny that is pre 1982. If the copper penny leaves a copper streak on the carving it is fluorite which has a mohs hardness of 4. That should be sufficient diagnostics to determine the mineral. Also, talc and soapstone should feel slick on you fingers like soap after rubbing with your fingers. That is why it is called soapstone. Let us know what you learn. enquiring minds want to know
|
|
|
Post by MsAli on Mar 24, 2024 18:37:56 GMT -5
I was gonna say soapstone as well. Is it marked anywhere? Also, did they spend any time in Montana? It looks like a Crow on the head?
|
|
ThomasT
spending too much on rocks
Trying to keep the dust down.
Member since June 2022
Posts: 256
|
Post by ThomasT on Mar 24, 2024 19:04:29 GMT -5
That is a super cool bust.
I'd have to see it to give any good opinion on the material.
It looks to be a soft material.
It appears there are some scratched patterns on the headband and accoutrements that almost look like the piece wasn't yet finished or somebody scribbled those on later.
You have a very nice piece.
Edit: I would not clean it other than dusting. The patina is great.
|
|
|
Post by realrockhound on Mar 25, 2024 13:14:09 GMT -5
I am so amazed how nature could weather a rock like this...in such a way it resembles an indigenous person's face! That’s just a limbcast 😂
|
|