draeb
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2008
Posts: 3
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Post by draeb on Nov 12, 2008 19:40:12 GMT -5
Was told this is Gem Silica. Curious, would like to please know if it is & if it has any value. Thanks for any input. [/img]
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MidNight~Rocksi3
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2008
Posts: 1,716
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Post by MidNight~Rocksi3 on Nov 12, 2008 19:52:10 GMT -5
not a pro here.. but I'd have to say.. it doesn't look like the Gem Silica I've seen... I could be wrong too or, maybe there might e some parts in there that might be.. But there's a few Pro's on here that will let you know for sure.. So don't worry..
beautiful tho!
*smiles*
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Post by sbreed on Nov 12, 2008 22:29:04 GMT -5
Is the picture showing wet or dry? Gem silica is gemmy while chrys is more of a matte color until polished. Gem silica is more agatey.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2008 23:02:02 GMT -5
The high quality "true" gem silica that I have seen looks like a greenish blue translucent agate with little to no inclusions. It is generally fairly expensive. Yours looks like a copper mix.....like chrysocolla which although beautiful when cabbed, is fairly common. Hard to tell from the photo but yours may have some "gemmy" areas. Unfortunately, most material that is advertised as gem silica really isnt. Here is a website that shows what I have mentioned: www.neatstuff.net/avalon/a-to-f/Silica-Chrysocolla-Cabs.htmlShannon
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Post by stonesthatrock on Nov 12, 2008 23:55:53 GMT -5
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Post by bobby1 on Nov 13, 2008 0:14:35 GMT -5
Gem Silica. Bob
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desertdweller
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2006
Posts: 1,803
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Post by desertdweller on Nov 13, 2008 19:40:36 GMT -5
Can you see through it? If you can I'd say it is gem silica. Is the white I can see on the outside of the rock quartz? How big is the piece? That is also a good indicator, chances of getting a hold of a fist sized piece of gem silica these days is slim to none.....Not that it couldn't happen but............
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draeb
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2008
Posts: 3
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Post by draeb on Nov 17, 2008 21:18:08 GMT -5
Thank you to those who replied! The pic. is showing dry. It is bigger than a fist. This piece comes from the Ray Mine area. You can that closer to the black there are translucent pieces. I was told that is where I should cut &make some cabs.
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Post by Michael John on Nov 21, 2008 15:52:58 GMT -5
Like the term "Chrysocolla", the term "gem silica" is also a term which is used broadly and can be somewhat misleading. Using the term broadly, "gem silica" comes in a wide spectrum of quality, with value generally being dependent on the clarity and purity (inclusions). IF there are sections of that piece which can broadly be considered gem silica, they are of low quality.
As far as coming from "the Ray Mine area", that could apply to dozens of mines, and is irrelevant. That phrase is commonly used as a sales tool to boost price. The bottom line is the quality of the piece at hand, and that piece happens to be a nice piece of Chrysocolla. Calling it gem silica would be a real stretch.
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