karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Apr 23, 2007 23:47:01 GMT -5
I posted a pix of this rock earlier, in 'gorgeous rock, what is it?' Here are better pix of this mystery rock. Even with the stuck-on newspaper and the shiny clear-coat stuff on the rough side, this is a really neat rock. So, any clues as to what it is? Any clues how I can get all the old clear-coat stuff off? Can I use paint thinner or other harsh chemicals? I did go thru the whole Cochise Library, no ID.
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Post by cina on Apr 24, 2007 8:46:18 GMT -5
I am not to good with iDing but could it be Jade? Do you know if it is from Wyoming to? whatever it is it is a winner love the deep color Steph
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 24, 2007 9:06:46 GMT -5
Looks a bit like Ruby in ziosite
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Apr 24, 2007 12:55:02 GMT -5
Yep, from the look of those pics I'd go with Stefan's ID. African ruby in zoisite....mel
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Apr 24, 2007 19:30:55 GMT -5
A third here saying: Ruby in zoisite.
Beware that it doesn't like tumbling very much as zoisite is a couple of points softer than ruby and undercuts really bad.
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Apr 24, 2007 21:53:28 GMT -5
Wow! That is so cool! Does this mean I'm rich now? LOL. Know that I know what to look for, I found lots of websites with this stuff. It is beautiful! Thanks for the ID and the advice. I would like to try to cut and polish a cab, but first I have to get all the clear coat stuff off. Can I polish or grind it off with my dremmel, do you think?
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rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
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Post by rollingstone on Apr 25, 2007 4:28:35 GMT -5
I think it might end up clogging your dremel tip with gooey melted clearcoat, so I'd be tempted first to try removing it with a rag wet with acetone. It's a much better solvent than something like rubbing alcohol, so just might do the trick. You can pick acetone up in half-litre bottles for a few bucks at somewhere like Home Depot. It's a very volatile organic liquid though, so best to clean it outide, and don't smoke while you're doing it. -Don
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wades
starting to spend too much on rocks
Gottfried Reiche (1667-1734)
Member since February 2006
Posts: 202
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Post by wades on Apr 25, 2007 16:36:44 GMT -5
If acetone doesn't do the trick for removing the clear coat, try some kind of toluene- or xylene-based solvent. Go with the acetone first, it's less toxic.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2007 3:58:53 GMT -5
The slab looks to me like nephrite jade. Nice stuff.
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cleo12797
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2007
Posts: 279
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Post by cleo12797 on Apr 27, 2007 13:05:58 GMT -5
Here's another vote for ruby zoisite. It looks a lot like the stuff we have here at the shop.
Cleo
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Apr 27, 2007 13:19:25 GMT -5
The slab looks to me like nephrite jade. Nice stuff. The zoisite is often similar to jade in overall color, but usually more mottled with dark spots and the deep red/purple ruby is a striking contrast that you don't usually find in your nephrite jades.
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