fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Jan 6, 2016 14:59:20 GMT -5
I thought I would share some pictures from my fall rock hunt in western SD near Fairborn on the Cheyanne River. My Grandson and I went out to visit one of my friends and got to stay in his cabin. The cabin, outbuildings and landscaping were surrounded by a fabulous three foot border of prairie agates and jaspers. It was clearly a result of long term collecting efforts. We enthusiastically accepted his invitation to collect rock in the pasture and used his four wheeler to ride out there. In very short order we had collected about 650 lbs of rocks. I must admit we were not real selective but we had fun collecting in between chasing away some very tame and curious steers. Here is the back of the truck after we loaded the rock. It sure does not look like 650 lbs. The rock off loaded and washed down at the tool shed. One of the larger agates we found.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Jan 6, 2016 15:04:03 GMT -5
This is one of the first slabs I cut from one of these agates/jaspers. It was not what I expected. It will be hard to cut and cab because of all the fractures. In spite of that I am going to try to turn it into a piece of nice jewelry. Good memories on a cold winter day. Hope you enjoy.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Jan 6, 2016 15:29:13 GMT -5
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Post by adam on Jan 6, 2016 15:41:32 GMT -5
Some nice brecciated jasper. But I'm no expert. I'm going with my gut, since jasper is opaque and agate is translucent/transparent. A great haul, no matter what!
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Jan 6, 2016 16:23:12 GMT -5
Yes Adam, the pictures show mostly jasper. But there were some agates in there also (just trust me). I guess I don't get too wound up over what it is, if it is pretty it gets a new home.
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Post by adam on Jan 6, 2016 17:07:10 GMT -5
The haul is impressive, no doubt. Gathering that much rough is a feat.
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Post by DirtCleaner on Jan 6, 2016 17:18:51 GMT -5
Curious? When you start cutting them are they good and solid? I have been making spheres and am looking for some good rough material to start with. But stuff that chunks apart is not very conducive to making nice spheres.
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Post by vegasjames on Jan 6, 2016 17:26:13 GMT -5
Nice haul.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Jan 6, 2016 17:38:13 GMT -5
The haul is impressive, no doubt. Gathering that much rough is a feat. As I reflect on it, it probably means I am a little soft in the head. Next time I will be more selective.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Jan 6, 2016 17:41:51 GMT -5
Curious? When you start cutting them are they good and solid? I have been making spheres and am looking for some good rough material to start with. But stuff that chunks apart is not very conducive to making nice spheres. They tend to all have fractures. Pretty much what I would expect from surface finds in a northern climate.
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Post by adam on Jan 6, 2016 17:50:19 GMT -5
If time is a problem, picking up anything and everything is the best idea. No harm in hauling too much rock, but harm in over-working.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Feb 19, 2016 20:32:54 GMT -5
Here are some of the cabs I cut and polished from the rocks collected on this trip. I was not sure how the rock would look since I have not seen anyone else working on these type rocks. Very pleased with the results. Going to collect more of those prairie agates.
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Post by captbob on Feb 19, 2016 20:52:53 GMT -5
Looks like your haul is turning into some sweet cabs!
I would have had trouble leaving with that much room open in the bed of the truck, but that's still a BUNCH of rock!
Ought to keep you busy for awhile.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Feb 19, 2016 21:06:54 GMT -5
Ha ha.. I like the way you think captbob. That trip has payed for itself several times over and I have not even really started to cut those rocks. Should be able to afford another collecting trip this spring.
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Post by Pat on Feb 19, 2016 21:19:18 GMT -5
Looks like the rocks in the back of your truck are but a fraction of the bunch on your washing table. Glad you are cutting them; you are getting some nice cabs. Thanks for the show!
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Post by mohs on Feb 19, 2016 21:20:39 GMT -5
like that music stand your all set up to play rock music good collecting! -- good grinds! Ed
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Feb 19, 2016 22:02:20 GMT -5
I wondered if anyone would comment on the music stand. I try to take my fiddle or mandolin along to play when I camp. It makes an enjoyable evening.
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Post by jakesrocks on Feb 19, 2016 23:29:28 GMT -5
Nice haul, but next time take a bigger truck & leave more time for collecting. If your friends property borders on the river, try the river bank, shallow water spots & gravel bars. You may come away with a Fairburn or 2.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Feb 20, 2016 9:26:59 GMT -5
Looks like the rocks in the back of your truck are but a fraction of the bunch on your washing table. Glad you are cutting them; you are getting some nice cabs. Thanks for the show! Thanks for the comments. I collect constantly and everywhere much to the distress of my family. If someone has a rock to sell that I like, I am a buying. Internet, garage sales, driveways, and gravel pits are all fair game for this hound.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Feb 20, 2016 9:29:32 GMT -5
Nice haul, but next time take a bigger truck & leave more time for collecting. If your friends property borders on the river, try the river bank, shallow water spots & gravel bars. You may come away with a Fairburn or 2. All good advise Don. I will probably head back out there next month when the weather warms and the gumbo dries.
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