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Post by deb193redux on Nov 6, 2011 14:32:08 GMT -5
I got 3 large pieces (about 70lbs total) of high grade Rocky Butte from the mine owners during a 2008 field trip the Salem Club sponsored. (Also got some large and small tallings, about another 120lbs.) A while back I posted pics of blocking some of this rough for slabbing. Last week I took about 8 slabs with great scenes. Here are 4 that have a kind of volcano: There are some gritty/soft spots in the lower green area. But the ridgeline and sky is solid jasper. Below are some rough photos I 1st posted in 2008: Here are some shots of my efforts to block this rock using an angle grinder and chisel: So, its been a couple of year project, and it is far from done. More rough to block, more slabs to cut, and I need to work some of the slabs into boxtops, bolos, or display pieces. Fortunately I am not in any hurry. p.s. - Donnie, one of these slabs has your name on it.
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 6, 2011 15:02:32 GMT -5
Thanks, Daniel. You are right, it does look like a volcano with lava flowing!
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Post by tandl on Nov 7, 2011 9:09:10 GMT -5
Nice volcano , and other rough
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Nov 7, 2011 9:22:53 GMT -5
thats way cool! hope you plan to polish up one slab as a display piece
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Post by stonesthatrock on Nov 7, 2011 9:43:43 GMT -5
those are very cool..... mary ann
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greaser
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2010
Posts: 201
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Post by greaser on Nov 8, 2011 18:37:50 GMT -5
nice. any intrest in getting rid of some rough?
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 8, 2011 21:48:01 GMT -5
every now and then I trade or give something to the local club. I never have been much for selling. Maybe later this winter I will offer some surplus material.
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Nov 9, 2011 8:20:50 GMT -5
Daniel - Selling surplus = money for more rock! ;D ;D ;D Sorry, I know you just love the little icons!
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Post by stonesthatrock on Nov 9, 2011 9:17:27 GMT -5
hehehehe donnie........
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Post by Toad on Nov 9, 2011 11:45:48 GMT -5
Those are fantastic.
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Post by frane on Nov 9, 2011 12:52:20 GMT -5
Love the volcano and it looks like you will have some other great ones there out of those rocks! Fran
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Post by Tonyterner on Nov 10, 2011 15:39:49 GMT -5
That is a cool slab. Looks like you have a great variety of color in the other rough. That is one of my favorite rocks.
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greaser
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2010
Posts: 201
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Post by greaser on Nov 15, 2011 0:10:00 GMT -5
if you decide to get rid of some let me know. thanks
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Post by Roller on Nov 15, 2011 0:19:56 GMT -5
I imagine this is pretty rare stuff from rocky butte ? I noticed there claim is up for sale in rock n gem along with snake river .. maybe we all rthers could chip in and buy it .. its only 20 k !! I would trade for a slab for sure !
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 15, 2011 0:52:11 GMT -5
We were told that the summer we went was the last year of mining. They were going to restore the site, and stop leasing the heavy equipment. Get their bond back.
I am surprised the claim is available, because the miners will have built up an inventory that will keep its value best if they hold the claim and don't work it. A common practice. Anyway a buyer would need to invest a lot more than 20K to reopen the pit, and get equipment in there, and I think a reclamation bond has to be posted. It might take a 100K startup.
Robertson's Rock Werks has a few tons. Catmandew had several tons of older rocky butte, which did change a bit form mining year to mining year. Rough should be available for $5 to $6 a pound. This never commanded the price of Oywhee picture jasper.
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