karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 12, 2008 23:25:42 GMT -5
I know, I should have posted this elsewhere. But I need an ID as quickly as possible. I have tested the Mohs, as far as I was able. I used hubby's pocket knife, which he says is steel. I do not have a steel file. The steel pocketknife did scratch the surface, but barely. So what, Moh's 5.5 +? Here are the pix: And this rock is heavy! I compared it to a large chunk of turitella. The turitella is actually larger, and really does weigh more, but for some reason, when you hold them both, the turitella feels lighter. The unidentified rock weighs 4 lbs, 1.3 oz. The turitella weighs 6 lbs., 3.5 oz. Go figure. So, any takers on the ID would be super! This rock is going to Tony (Catmandew) for slabbing, but I do need to give the gal I got it from some kind of an ID. Any help would be wonderful!
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Post by Cher on Jan 13, 2008 0:00:05 GMT -5
According to the info I have, a pocket knife or nail will scratch at MOHS 5.
PS ... it also says glass will scratch 5.5
PSS ... DOH!! Sorry you weren't looking for that, can't help with the ID though ...
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 13, 2008 0:20:39 GMT -5
Cher, I thought I had no glass to scratch with. After your post, I wondered....have a glass candle holder with a point on the bottom. I love the candle holder, did not want to scratch it up. But, I did it! I scratched the rock, the glass holder is fine. Actually, the glass scratched better than the knife. A "new" copper penny left copper on the rock. So now we have a really heavy Mos 4-5 rock.
Thanks, all, for your help!
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 13, 2008 0:23:16 GMT -5
I really thought it was harder, LOL! I feels harder and heavier, if that makes any sense.
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geogoddess
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 287
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Post by geogoddess on Jan 13, 2008 2:28:13 GMT -5
Do you have a streak plate/unglazed ceramic tile? Have any acids (vinegar? HCl?)
I'm searching though my mental database....
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Post by invisibleuser on Jan 14, 2008 14:57:54 GMT -5
It sure looks like some type of rhyolite that I've seen in the past. That's not to say that's what it is but it sure looks like it.
Steve
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 14, 2008 22:11:23 GMT -5
Geo, I have vinegar. Invisible, looking up rhyolite. THanks!
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 14, 2008 23:39:36 GMT -5
And thanks, Geo, I now know what a streak plate is. Am also reassessing the hardness. I washed the rock again, and the glass scratches went away.
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 14, 2008 23:50:40 GMT -5
Can I get a streak plate from the local ceramics shop? Probably not, as ceramic is not porcelain? Just wondering.
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geogoddess
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 287
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Post by geogoddess on Jan 14, 2008 23:51:08 GMT -5
You can warm the vinegar up a little bit... drop it on the rock and see it if starts to bubble.
The rocks that came to mind like Dolostone and wollastonite would both react (although it might be a weak reaction. I haven't had much luck personally with vinegar... but the warmer the better)...
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Post by invisibleuser on Jan 15, 2008 8:19:52 GMT -5
Can I get a streak plate from the local ceramics shop? Probably not, as ceramic is not porcelain? Just wondering. As a temporary measure, you can use the underside of the lid on your toilet as a streak plate. Most of those are made of porcelain. I've done this many times instead of looking for a streak plate. ;D Steve
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huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Jan 15, 2008 11:54:19 GMT -5
Steve means the underside of the tank lid, for all of you who are wondering about your toilet (seat) lid.... I had to think for a moment, myself... ;D Amy (great idea, btw, Steve)
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Post by invisibleuser on Jan 15, 2008 13:50:52 GMT -5
They don't call me a genius for nothing. ;D ;D ;D
Steve
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AgateHeaven
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2007
Posts: 197
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Post by AgateHeaven on Jan 15, 2008 23:58:49 GMT -5
<giggles> dont drop the rock!
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 16, 2008 3:10:42 GMT -5
Hey, I knew what he was talkin about! OK, I am going INTO the BR, pulling off the cover, and then what? Do I drag the rock across the underside of the lid? Why not, I can do that. We do strange thangs, here at RTH. Now, where's the freakin' rock? LOL. (Seriously, I am streaking my toilet.)
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 16, 2008 3:50:51 GMT -5
OK, I have streaked my commode. What, you thought I was kidding?? Now the streaks. I dragged the big rock across my new streak plate. Nothing happened. Even when I pushed really hard. So I wondered.... Does this REALLY work? So I tried some other rocks. Yes, it DOES work. How fun! Way cool, thanks for the idea! And here is the unidentified rock, after streaking across the commode: Well, I had fun. Thank Gosh and Golly my toilet lid was clean!!
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huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Jan 16, 2008 11:43:30 GMT -5
Karen, you crack me up! Are you going to keep your toilet lid upside-down now, for easy access to your new streak plate? ;D
If my husband catches me doing this, he's going to lock me up in an assylum!
Amy
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geogoddess
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 287
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Post by geogoddess on Jan 16, 2008 12:00:53 GMT -5
Well.... I double checked... and found somewhere that most ceramic plates are about a 7 in hardness... and if the rock left material on the lid, then its under 7-ish.... although if that material is white, its not particularly distinctive.
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Post by larrywyland3 on Jan 16, 2008 13:58:43 GMT -5
I'm gonna guess serpintine.
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Jan 18, 2008 0:21:08 GMT -5
Thanks for the IDa; serpentine is a contender! And that makes sense. And also gives me a name to actually look up!
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