revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
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Post by revco on Apr 9, 2010 14:20:08 GMT -5
OK, so I was getting frustrated with the time consuming effort of hardness testing with known materials. It was always a guess whether it was a true scratch or just a persistent streak. So I broke down and got the Deluxe Hardness Picks from Mineralab. They're absolutely awesome!
I want to make sure that I'm using them right. Basically, I've noticed that I'll get a gray streak if the rock is harder than the pick. I'll get a whiteish streak, with a definitely feel of scatching, if the pick is harder than the rock. Sometimes I've noticed it's hard to see a scratch, even with a 10x loupe under good lighting. I can really dig in and make a serious scratch, but I don't want to wear down the picks more than necessary.
Seems pretty easy, but just want to double check with the masters! Thanks again!
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Apr 9, 2010 14:25:45 GMT -5
It sounds to me like you are doing the test correctly. Is that the set at: mineralab.com/Hardness.htm ? Definitely a cool set. I'm going to put it on my Christmas list this year... |
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revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
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Post by revco on Apr 9, 2010 14:44:40 GMT -5
Yep, that's the set. It's well worth the price, from what I can tell all ready. I went back and tested a few that I'd checked with glass/quartz/etc and found some that definitely tested incorrectly. (Particularly on lighter colored rocks where it's hard to see a scatch) I've been having intermittent troubles with the polish stage for certain rocks and I'd pretty much narrowed it down to hardness. I'm hoping this set will help my testing be more accurate. Edit: P.S. The set can also be found at Amateur Geologist dot com. ( www.amateurgeologist.com/deluxe-mohs-hardness-pick-set.html) Cheapest I found it, including shipping. I was very pleased with the transaction. |
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Post by Toad on Apr 9, 2010 15:02:25 GMT -5
Looks like a great kit for all the hounds out there.
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revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
|
Post by revco on Apr 10, 2010 16:40:22 GMT -5
Quick update -
I just spent the last couple hours or so using these and I can't recommend them enough! I'd say, conservatively, that I'm able to classify more than 40lbs an hour, even with small rocks throughout. I went through a couple pre-classified bags that I'd measured with quartz/glass/etc and caught dozens of mistaken hardness readings. They're definitely built to last, too...it can be hard to find good value these days.
For anyone who collects their own rough, these hardness picks are the way to go! I think the #6/7 pick will become standard equipment in my hounding pack!
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