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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 26, 2008 15:55:50 GMT -5
Yes, Florida does have interesting rocks, you just have to be at the right place. In this case, we picked these up at the Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World) outside the Big Thunder Mountain Ride where they were used as ground cover. I believe they were all over in Adventureland, as well; at least I noticed them near Pirates of the Caribbean. Okay, so they may not be native to Florida, but I doubt they would have shipped them in from far away. The reason I'm posting is they've got me stumped because they have characteristics of both agate (banding) and quartzite (a rough, sandy surface). Here's what I know: 1. Hardness is about 7. About a tie with a quartz point. The point scratches but is also scratched. 2. Not reactive to acid, although it did seem to deepen the color. 3. White streak. 4. Very compact, fine grained sandy surface. Grains do not come apart easily. 5. Biggest size is about 1" long; probably a result of being crushed by the aggregate company. There's a range of minerals in clusters and there are some large quartz crystals. It seems like a seam agate and some of it is tubey. Some pieces are orbicular. Quartz druzes are common, both botryoidal and reniform. If I ever get a grinder, I'll try to face polish some of these. I may try to tumble some. Well, enough yammering. On with the pics. I tried to post a bunch so you would get an idea of the variety. I'd appreciate help in solving the riddle. Chuck reminds me of a fish other side end of tube side of tube banding orbicular reminds me of a butterfly big quartz crystals druzes a pocket of druze
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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 Oct 26, 2008 19:54:42 GMT -5
Howdy Chuck, Looks like they hauled in their gravel from one of the creek bed pits south of Summerville, GA as those look like the classic druzy quartz and banded agate from that location. It's of course, called Summerville Agate......Mel
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 27, 2008 8:16:05 GMT -5
Thanks Mel! I was hoping you would be able to help!
Does it polish even though it's kind of sandy?
Chuck
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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 Oct 27, 2008 8:27:15 GMT -5
Chuck: It should polish very well as it's a typical hard, banded agate. Don't have any experience polishing it myself though as, it's very uncommon to see any out west and I only have a single slab in my type collection. Haven't wanted to chop it up for cabs....Mel
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 27, 2008 11:25:42 GMT -5
Thanks Mel! I'll let you know how it goes.
Chuck
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Oct 30, 2008 11:25:53 GMT -5
ACK! I thought I was thru going there when the kids grew up! Now see what you've done!!!! But I think I could buy alot of rocks for the $100.+ it will cost for the day...maybe I'll just guilt trip my daughter and bribe the grandson ;D... Yah, that's the ticket! (plus he has a reat eye for rocks). Florida has limestone, doesn't polish well , in Tampa bay there is supposed to be some agatized coral and small thunder eggs... I've never found them! Fossils too. Sure would like to see them at least rubbed (hint hint) Just goes ta show ya...rocks are where you find 'em! Dr Joe .
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 30, 2008 12:00:17 GMT -5
I just got a Highland Park grinder yesterday. It's been in storage a long time, so it needs a little TLC before I can use it. I'll post pics once I get some polished.
I didn't post any pics of the variety of minerals in this agate, although you can see some hints. I haven't been able to name them all, but there's calcite (no real surprise on the druzes), iron/hematite (I think), and others that I'll have to learn to identify. Most agate I'm familiar with just has quartz, quartz, and more quartz (cryptocrystalline or large crystal).
I think Mel nailed it as Summerville Agate. It looks like the quarry is still open, so maybe you could go there instead of Disney?
Chuck
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Oct 30, 2008 12:34:18 GMT -5
Wahoo!
Pix, which model?
Dr Joe
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spicer m
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 337
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Post by spicer m on Nov 1, 2008 23:44:41 GMT -5
I wondered why there was a NO ROCK HOUNDING ALLOWED sign at the front gate when I was there the other day, Just kidding my pockets would have been full if I had been there. Mike
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 3, 2008 13:19:46 GMT -5
Dr. Joe---I haven't had a chance to photograph it yet; my wife is still recovering. It's an A-50 if that tells you much. It's got four 8 inch wheels and since it's been in storage a long time, it's still old school. It has 2 silicon wheels, 2 Scott-Murray expanding drums, and a leather covered polishing disk. The drums and the leather cover look like they'll have to be replaced before long. There are water lines for each of the 4 wheels and it looks like I could add another wheel between the silicon wheels, but I'd have to add water somehow. I would guess 4 wheels and the polisher are enough, especially since I can swap belts on the expanding drums. My current plan is to rough grind and shape cabs on the machine and finish them in the vibe. I'd use the full set of wheels only for face polishing. But what do I know? I've never used a grinder... Those 8 inch drums are kind of expensive at $85 and I suppose I'll have to start saving my money to buy diamond wheels...I'm glad the purchase price on the grinder was low! Mike: I'm not telling how much rock I brought home... ;D Chuck
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