Foreverdown
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 66
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Post by Foreverdown on Sept 13, 2004 15:45:32 GMT -5
Hello all, Sorry I took so long to post since my trip to Hot Springs for Labor day weekend. I've been real busy. We had a great time in Hot Springs. We were at the crystal mine all day Sunday and managed to get 3 1/2 five gallon buckets of crystals. Much better than the first trip. I even had a chance to do some freelance rockhounding and found some interesting rocks. I am in the process of cleaning all the crystals, hopefully by this weekend I will have them all nice and shiny. It amazing to me to reach into a pile of Arkansas red clay and pull out a clump that has these beautiful crystals in it. This trip they had many fresh tailing piles to search in. As soon as I can I will post some pictures of them. Right now I am being barraged by reports of IVAN. I am in south Mississippi about an hour from the coast and everyone is starting to get the storm bug. New Orleans and surrounding areas are beginning to evacuate and shut down. My mom lives right outside of NO and has been on the phone all day trying to get a hotel room. She finally found one in Memphis. My family and I are just going to batten down the hatches and ride it out, if it comes this way. After reading Doc's post about the happenings during and after the storm, I can relate. The Home Depots are packed as well as the gas stations. I am glad I don't live in NO anymore. Even here around Poplarville, MS, people are starting to get anxious. Not quite to the 'panic' point yet, but that will come soon. I sure hope this storm stays more to the east, no offense to Florida, but we don't need it here. I guess my tumbling will have to take a backseat for a couple of days while I do what I got to do to secure my house and land. I was planning to move from the 60/90 stage to the 120/220 stage tonight, but I will have to see if I have time. I have been tumbling green and blue adventurine, dalmation stone, tiger eye, bloodstone, leopard stone, sodalite, and assorted agates. They were looking good Sat night when I checked them. I know....typical beginner mix. But you gotta start somewhere. I bought alot of rocks in Arkansas... the blue adventurine, leopardstone and some pet wood and misc agates. I am also a fan of blue stones, so in the future you will probably be seeing some blue stones from me. I bought a chunk of Azurite, because of the color, and tossed a chuck in my tumbler. Well, I didn't check the hardness until the next day and low and behold..... it was just about gone. The slurry had a nice blue tint to it though. Need to find out what else I can do with it. Still saving for more tumblers, rocks, and saws, and grinders........on and on..... If nothing else, I hope to learn patience from all of this. Once I get my first polished batch completely done, I think I will be able to relax more. LOL Well, I'll keep yall posted on IVAN from here and I will make sure my tumbler is the first thing plugged into my generator... ;D
Talk to yall soon.....
[glow=blue,2,300]Brett[/glow]
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Emerald
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 417
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Post by Emerald on Sept 13, 2004 15:51:43 GMT -5
Bret, Stay safe from Ivan. Glad Doc finally is going to get a break from hurricanes this time around.
Once things settle down for you...you must tell more of your Arkansas crystal trip and show us some pictures!
Do you use oxalic acid to clean your crystals? *inquiring minds want to know*
Regards, Emerald aka: Helen
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Foreverdown
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 66
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Post by Foreverdown on Sept 13, 2004 16:12:04 GMT -5
Hi Helen, I use muriatic acid due to the fact that oxalic acid is not available in this area. It can be some nasty stuff so I have to be very careful. The first time I cleaned crystals with it I had it mixed very strong and it worked really fast. I did them all in one day. This time I diluted it more and it seems to be taking several days. But they are still coming out nice. Just slower. I promise to post some pics asap. Also, I am jealous of your mining excursion. Those amethyst crystals are amazing!!!
[glow=blue,2,300]Brett[/glow]
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Emerald
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 417
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Post by Emerald on Sept 13, 2004 16:36:55 GMT -5
Is your profile pic some of the crystal you're finding? I'll trade ya! :-)
Mine is pure newbie grade amethyst...alot of broken stuff too...but ohh the colors are so pretty.
Looking forward to your pics!
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Post by Cher on Sept 13, 2004 18:17:05 GMT -5
Hi Brett, Sounds like you had a terrific time on your trip, glad you found lots of nice crystals. I have to ask my "newbie" question now. What do you use this acid stuff for? I've seen it mentioned in a few posts but never paid a lot of attention. I know it's something to do with cleaning but not exactly sure. Hope you and your family don't have any problems from Ivan. Will keep good thoughts running your way, stay safe. [glow=red,2,300] ~ Cher ~[/glow] pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/signs/RockOn.gif [/img]
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Post by krazydiamond on Sept 13, 2004 18:51:17 GMT -5
yo, Foreverdown, can't wait to see the pics......glad you seem to have your priorities in order (tumbler plugged into the Genny)....
keep us up to date on how your part of the planet fares the storm, i got a friend in Pensacola who is scared but determined to sit it out with grim determination.
looking forward to seeing your first born batch, especially the blue adventurine!
KD
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Post by docone31 on Sept 13, 2004 19:19:29 GMT -5
Brett. If Ivan hits you, you will need water, food, and some dry clothes and sheets. It will do what these things do and power lines will be everywhere, water mains might be broken, people might be unpredictable. Do not panic. Keep things you need close at hand. Get some candles. I am sure you are not like people we have been hearing about down here. Apparently they need written instructions to not use a generator in an enclosed room.. Hoh boy. Oh, yeah. The toilet contains at least 1.5 liters of good water. Not the bowl, I am saying that for any visitors who might be inclined to use charcoal stoves, generators, magnesium flares, or other equipment grown ups might possess, the tank. I was also taught in my military days, in case of a major structure fire and the water is out, to escape, if a blanket, or towels, or other linen is available, it can be soaked in the toilet tank and wrapped around the body if no other means of escape is available and it is iminent danger. Toilets can be more than just a depository of lofty thoughts. Why use muriatic acid on the stones? I would wonder about sulpher soaking, and possible platine if iron is in the mix. I never would have thought of that. Cleaning beautiful crystals has always plagued me. Tumbling them ruins their pristine shape if they are worthy. Hmmm.
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Emerald
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 417
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Post by Emerald on Sept 13, 2004 20:58:58 GMT -5
Oxalic acid is a much milder solution to use for cleaning crystals coated with iron deposits. Muratic acid is far more dangerous to work with....but cleans faster. (one day vs. several days)
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Post by Cher on Sept 13, 2004 21:10:04 GMT -5
Hmmm maybe I should check into getting some of that. I have lots of rocks that have iron deposits on them. I spend lots of time with a scrub brush but it doesn't get much off. Can that stuff be ordered online? If not, where do you get it? [glow=red,2,300] ~ Cher ~[/glow] pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/signs/RockOn.gif [/img]
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Emerald
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 417
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Post by Emerald on Sept 13, 2004 21:14:58 GMT -5
Rosebud...you can get it from The Rock Shed. Just email Shawn and he'll get it for you. Think it was $3 a pound.
I'd suggest staying away from the muratic acid. You can really get injured with that....
The oxalic acid is mild and still does the job. Give me a day or so and I'll post a how-to use the stuff safely on my website for you. You'll know it's still acid if you have a cut on your hand. *chuckles*
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Post by connrock on Sept 13, 2004 21:49:05 GMT -5
Yopu can usually get oxalic acid at a paint/hardware store. Oxalic acid is what is used for cleaning/bleaching wood (decks). If you read the lable on the deck cleaner you will see that the main cleaner is oxalic acid. Another good choice for cleaning iron from specimens is Super Iron Out. Of course using any acid ,even oxalic you should wear the proper safety equipment.A full face shield,good rubber gloves and either a rubber apron or some old clothes you don't care about. Tom K
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deepsouth
fully equipped rock polisher
He who rocks last rocks best
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,256
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Post by deepsouth on Sept 13, 2004 22:17:24 GMT -5
I'm happy for you , you had a great time in the mine. and so many buckets filled, Wow.
Get out of the way of Ivan if you live in Louisiana, I think it is heading for that direction. I am keeping a close watch on it too even though I am so very far away. My thoughts are with you.
Looking forward to your fotos in due course.
Jack
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Sept 13, 2004 23:51:43 GMT -5
Hello Brett,
Keep safe and we'll say a prayer for you and your family.
I am looking forward to the photo's.
Have a great day!
John
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Foreverdown
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 66
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Post by Foreverdown on Sept 14, 2004 11:38:02 GMT -5
Hi all!!! Thanks for all of your thoughts during this storm. It looks like we will get the west side of it, but it won't be nice. Emerald, My profile pic is one off the internet. I haven't been able to take any pics yet. I plan on taking some pics soon and getting them put on a cd so I can post and share with yall. I have a couple of small clusters that look really good, but the majority are, as you say, newbie grade. This last trip we did find alot of points from 1/4" in diameter up to a little over 1". Fortunatley, not all of them are broken. I can't wait to get them cleaned up. And yes, muriatic acid is some bad stuff. I dilute it quite a bit but the hazard is still there. My son says I look like an alien when I put on all the safety garb...gloves full face shield with safety glasses, apron, etc. LOL Doc, I live in a very rural area. We are about 20 miles from the nearest town which is very small. They actually roll up the sidewalks at 5pm. LOL I have a 60 acre spread with a 10 acre pond in the middle of the woods. I expect the first thing to go is the electricity, then the phone. I have my own well for water and propane for all else. I have 2 generators; a 5000 watt and 35,000 watt. Unfortunately, the larger on is having engine troubles, but we should do ok with the 5000 watt. We are stocked up on food and water and a bunch of MRE's. I was born and raised in New Orleans and know all about hurricane preparedness. The first time we evacuated was for George because they were expecting a 12 foot tidal surge south of the city. I think the most I have to worry about for Ivan will be the winds and tornados. This evening when I get home, I will be in Hurricane mode. Need to pull out all the 3/4" plywood and board up the house. Get more gas, can never have enough, and just honker down. I am taking the next few days off of work so I can tend to the homestead. I may have phones up until late Wed, so I will try to keep yall updated. After this storm blows over, I promise I will take some pics of the crystals and post for yall. Also, as soon as my first batch is out of the tumbler I will post some pics of them also. Thanks again for all of your prayers and thoughts. Hope to talk to yall soon.....
[glow=blue,2,300]Brett[/glow]
Just keep on keeping on.....
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Post by docone31 on Sept 14, 2004 12:30:40 GMT -5
Brett, way cool 'stead. Good for you. It must be georgeous at sunset, and early in the morning when the mist is still ther and the deer are feeding just out of range. I was in Big Pine Key when George went through. I watched the 2" storm surge flow over the yard and disappear into the canal. It might have been otherwise however. Our next door neighbor absolutely went into condition white and evacuated, leaving the doors and windows open. The night of the hurricane, a carload of "gangbangers" essentially a beat up chevy that had been lowered, cruised the neighborhood. They were driving slowly with headlights off and rap music telegraphing a 1/4 mile away. It was hysterical. Everybody on the street was watching. They tried to break into an home. The woman in the home scared them out. She was an old time Keys resident and tough as nails. They ran into their "lowrider" and promptly got some debris stuck under the front end. It looked like their front end was off the ground and they hurried directly into the canal on the other side of the road. The tow truck that much later pulled the car out of the road got the liscense plate and they were nabbed later. It sounds like you in good shape. Great luck. I hope at the most, you get more wood for your smokehouse. My wife is from Los Angeles and she is afraid if the outer band of the storm touches her she will transform into something unrecogniseable. I am walking her through this. I try real hard not to laugh sometimes. Look forward to seeing your crystals.
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Post by BIRDSEED on Sept 14, 2004 12:40:54 GMT -5
What do you have for the "looters"--a 30/30 loaded i hope--They come through the front door after the power goes. As a surviver of Charley and Frances-I know it's not the storm but the criminals taking advantage of weaknesses..Good luck Bret
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Foreverdown
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 66
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Post by Foreverdown on Sept 14, 2004 13:57:44 GMT -5
Hey Doc, When my son turned 4 we still lived in the New Orleans area. My wife and I sat down and discussed what are we going to do..... the crime rate in NO was skyrocketing and the ground was sinking. Needless to say we got the hell outa there. We wanted a good wholesome environment to raise our son. Thats when we move to Poplarville, MS. I wouldn't move back to any city after living here in the woods. Our nearest neighbor is about a mile down the road. We have whitetail deer, wild turkey, wild hog, quail, bobcat, geese, an occasional alligator in the pond and anything else you could imagine just running around wild. Just this morning, I went outside to let our dog do his thing and there was a big doe about 50 feet from my front door. It gives me such a feeling of peacefulness to see the wild life everyday. Yes, it was a trade off from the 24 convenience of the big city to out here in the middle of nowhere, but well worth it. My son can grow up with out having to worry about drive-by shootings and the escalating murder rate. We can fish whenever we want, hunt, trap, hike or camp all right here on our land. This is God's country my friend! I love the freedom of being able to target practice without worry, play my stereo as loud as I want, or just scream. The best part is when we don't feel like company, I can lock my gate. Its about a quarter mile walk from the gate to my front door. At night, on a clear night, we can see the milky way. My son never new there were so many stars because he was used to being in or near big cities. At night we are serenaded by frogs and crickets. Actually they are so loud, the first time my dad spent the night, he kept asking if I had a generator or something running. Nope, just mother nature playing a tune for us! To answer Birdseed's question about looters..... We don't lock doors around here and leave the keys in our vehicles. Lived here since Dec. 1999 and have yet to lock up the house. But, in case someone wants to pay us an un-athorized visit, I have them covered. Yes, my 30/30 is loaded and sitting in the safe next to my 12 Ga with 00 buckshot, my 38 for in the house and my 22 for all else. I pity the fool that trys to invade my land and steal from me. They would be alligator bait!!! ;D Well, the latest on the storm is bringing it more and more to the west. Not Good.... This am the projected path was bringing it up Mobile Bay, now the path is west of the Miss - Al state line. Just have to wait and see..... Will keep yall posted....
[glow=blue,2,300]Brett[/glow]
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Post by docone31 on Sept 14, 2004 14:38:38 GMT -5
Brett. I like your choices. A child should be raised with nature close at hand. That at least is my opinion. Cities are ok, I guess, although I would rather plan and make a trip for something than get an impulse and walk to the corner store. My favourite rifles were a Ruger #1 in 470 Nitro Express, 1874 Hartford Sharps in 45/120 X 3 1/4. That one had an 1 1/4 octagonal bbl., diopter sights with a spirit level front globe. I got my phd., couldn't take people anymore and lived in the bush of Alaska for four years. Made my clothes, panned my gold, made my knives, fire starter, and lived in my company untill my ears stopped ringing. When I came back I found I did not know society anymore. My wife brought me to LA., and I did not go outside. I will never reccomend anyone taking a stand that doesn't add up. I just read about people evacuating the path of Ivan. They are hiring moving companies to ship the contents of their homes to inland storage. I am trying to stop figuiring all this out. I do not think I can. My previous associates would laugh at me for looking into seemingly innocous stones and losing myself from the material bustle. I guess I took a long time to say, I think your son is getting a good chance at a solid beginning and he will have a lot of choices. I bet he is learing independance and tasting natural beauty. It would seem that looking at rocks, crystals, and spending time making them shine and putting shapes to them and making others smile is trite. I believe it all adds up, small and large. I also bet you would not run a generator in an enclosed room just to play a TV and VCR. My fifth ex wife did that one.
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Post by Cher on Sept 14, 2004 14:52:05 GMT -5
Hey Brett, I have to tell you. I live in a small town, very quiet area. Many of the folks around here are the same way you guys are, never lock doors, keys in cars, never worry. My girlfriend who lives about 8 miles out of town, it was the same with her and her family, never ever locked their door. Last weekend, she woke up in the middle of the night to hear the cupboard doors/refridgerator door slamming. She thought her husband was having a mid-night fridge raid but it was kind of loud. She hollered out to him, "Is everything ok hon?" ... no answer but shortly after that she heard the door close. Not thinking for a minute that anything was wrong, totally sure it was her hubby, she grabbed her bathrobe and followed. She went into the garage and there she saw her "hubby" with a large knife in his hand. She was about to grab his hand and hollered, "What are you doing?" when this person turned and she realized it was not her hubby and he had a very large machete in his hand. She screamed and ran for the house. Fortunately for my friend, the drugged up idiot who had been rampaging her house, panicked himself and ran the other direction across the 40 to the neighbors house. My friend called 911 and they caught him in the neighbors pickup, tearing it up with the machete. This was a drugged up 17 yr old kid who, for whatever reason, had started walking north from town with this machete. He stole a riding lawnmower along the way and just happen to choose their house to hit. He claimed he was looking for food and had stolen a box of crackers and her car keys. He had been in their barn and caused some damage in there as well as the garage and their pickup. I live on the edge of a very small town, have deer, bear, raccoons, all sorts of varmints in my backyard regularly. Even had a badger take up residence on my back lots one year. I don't care, I lock my doors ... my car is even locked in the garage. My friends have lived there for nearly 30 years, never locking their doors. Needless to say, they do now and will never become too complacent again. Better to be safe than sorry! [glow=red,2,300] ~ Cher ~[/glow] pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/signs/RockOn.gif [/img]
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Post by rockyraccoon on Sept 14, 2004 16:56:24 GMT -5
brett i was doing some relaxation therapy to your homestead description until you mentioned that alligator in the pond thing . i'd be looking up some recipes in one of those louisiana cookbooks for him. i know, i know, it's illegal to kill 'em in mississippi. but there's alot of good ole ms boys who don't much adhere to those rules. the ones i've seen get caught are the ones that brag about it. come to think of it that's every single one of them. got to stick to those big fish and deer stories and hush up about that 'gator stew! i'm watching the weather and got you in my thoughts re: ivan. is everyone evacuating the coastal cities? is it mandatory? kim
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