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Post by kk on Mar 10, 2012 10:57:37 GMT -5
Hi there, hope everyone has a good weekend. Had to work this morning and then nothing to do for 5 hours before having to attend an obligatory school-dinner. So I went window-shopping for something useful. Found a nice supply of chalcedony rough with lots of different shades of blue/purplish. No inclusions and reasonably translucent (uneven chunks) , but at HK$3 per gram (approx. 400 US$ per kilo) I was not sure if that price was appropriate. Then I found something that I was told is Tourmaline 35 x 55 x 7 milimeter I suppose its low quality with all those pores, but at 3$ for this (for me) new toy to play with I'm OK with even if it does not work out. But now to the main question/problem: What in the World is this? ?? It was sold to me as Sugilite, but I have never seen this kind of material before. It feels light and seems to have some chatoyance to it. Overall it looks fascinating, so whatever it is I can't wait to try it out. If it is Sugilite; is the color desirable or is it some cheap stuff too (and I got ripped off) ? Any advice on any one of the three questions is highly welcome, Greetings, Kurt
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Mar 10, 2012 14:48:24 GMT -5
Is the questionable Sujilite really Purpurite, Kurt? Does it have a metallic luster, even faintly? If so, the color can be improved by soaking in muriatic acid. I no longer remember how long as I decided I didn't want to mess with it and sold mine off years ago. Not more than overnight, I don't think, but maybe someone else knows more.
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surreality
starting to spend too much on rocks
is picking up too many rocks at the beach again
Member since January 2012
Posts: 217
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Post by surreality on Mar 10, 2012 17:46:14 GMT -5
I wish I knew what the last specimen was also. It's quite lovely, no matter what it is. The natural shape of it reminds me of flower petals, it's a very 'flowing' piece in shape and pattern. I'd love to see what happens with that one if you carve it!
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Mar 10, 2012 17:51:55 GMT -5
While the flowing specimen may be beautiful in its own right, quality Sujilite is not porous, and it is a nice "grape jelly" color. The porous stuff quickly turns black when it is handled, so it is not very useful for jewelry or pocket stones -- any applications where it is handled. The color as is wouldn't be considered desirable for Sujilite and for Purpurite it would still need to be improved.
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Post by kk on Mar 10, 2012 18:50:11 GMT -5
I'm afraid it's a bust and just confirmed yet again that it's not possible to buy something here locally. With some help and a little further research it looks like the first is Schorl and I found the second under the name SILKY-SMOOTH-STITCHTITE a soft stone that is likely absolutely useless to me. Its appearance was caused by someone soaking it in glue; I took a stab at it with a fork and broke trough the glue only to reveal something very soft inside. I suppose. Lesson learned until next time.
Thanks for the suggestions and interesting informations. With best regards, Kurt
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,687
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 11, 2012 18:09:09 GMT -5
That sucks guy!!!!!
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Post by kk on Mar 11, 2012 18:21:17 GMT -5
Not that much; the Second one turned out a really nice pendant- cab with one more possible.
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