itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Jul 17, 2012 12:11:21 GMT -5
I've got this material I find locally that i'd like to get an idea of what it might be called if anyone would like to take a shot. It runs 5 -6mohs; and is solid and takes a great shine easily. The rocks I find are from fist size to large 600lb boulders It is still a little more vibrant than what this shot shows. Thanks for any help Lloyd Attachments:
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Jul 17, 2012 12:30:35 GMT -5
Thats a cool rock, it would make a neat stone for reptile carvings
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2012 12:49:52 GMT -5
With the hardness and look of it I would say serpentine. If you could do a specific gravity test on it you would know for sure. Wyoming nephrite looks similar but is just a wee bit harder and the SG of nephrite is heavier. Nephrite SG is around 2.92 to 3.4 and serpentine is 2.5 to 2.6. Serpentine hardness is 3 to 5 and nephrite is 5 to 6.
Duh, I just reread your post and the hardness falls into the nephrite range. A SG test would tell for sure. It is more layered than what I have but that doesn't mean much when it comes to rocks because they form differently from place to place.
Like frog said it would be some great carving stone both in color and hardness. Jim
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itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Jul 17, 2012 13:11:39 GMT -5
I'm thinking serpentine too but it is totally opaque and I was under the impression serpentine was translucent? Definately not nephrite because of the strength, allthough it is strong, it's not tough. It falls in the 2.5 area for SG. Your right about the carving now that you mention it if you oriented the stone properly the features could be used a lot of different ways for effects like foilage and water also.
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Post by Pat on Jul 17, 2012 14:11:46 GMT -5
Serpentine is mostly opaque. It's also the state rock of California. Comes in many different styles. Go here for an explanation and photos of the different types: www.minerals.net/mineral/serpentine.aspx
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itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Jul 17, 2012 20:45:11 GMT -5
Serpentine is mostly opaque. It's also the state rock of California. Comes in many different styles. Thanks Pat I've netted serpentine a lot and can't find anything that looks like this but it may be the only deposite with this particular configuration and mineralization, but I'm glad it isn't the fibrous type anyway. Lloyd
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Post by helens on Jul 17, 2012 20:53:59 GMT -5
Not sure what it is, but it sure is gorgeous stuff, AND... is that a cab with a groove down it? That's a really unique look!!!
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Post by Pat on Jul 18, 2012 0:12:15 GMT -5
Lloyd, I haven't seen that style either, and I collect serpentine. It's very attractive!
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itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Jul 18, 2012 1:43:02 GMT -5
I'd be happy to trade some if anyones interested; just have to go drag it out of the bush. It's not all as striped as this cab but the colour runs true through the whole formation. Well, it's actually glacial scree so they're all rounded but that colour. I really like it too. The thing I didn't mention is that they have inclusions of gold or pyrite. This one has a 3mm one in the other side. Actually Helen, that is my version of the different angles you use on a cab when you're working them but all on the wrong sides kind of like my version of a cab study that I did 3 months ago.
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itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Jul 18, 2012 1:47:18 GMT -5
this is the back side and you can see the big crystal in it towards the rounded end Attachments:
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Post by Tony W on Jul 18, 2012 13:59:01 GMT -5
Nice material! Lucky you.... to be able to go out and rustle some up in the bushes I'll have to go see what I have to trade. T
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Post by Pat on Jul 18, 2012 14:31:37 GMT -5
What are you interested in trading for?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2012 14:35:34 GMT -5
As far as carving that stone goes there could be asbestos so use caution. Jim
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itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Jul 18, 2012 15:01:50 GMT -5
As far as carving that stone goes there could be asbestos so use caution. Jim I was worried about the asbestos myself Jim because serpentine can have it and this stuff is not fibrous at all. The asbestos is north of here a few hundred kilometers where the big deposite of nephrite is; they used to throw the nephrite out in the slag heap at the Cassier asbestos mine Right now I'm thinking of doing a small candle lamp project where I am going to see if I can aquire a bunch; 6, different agate panels about 3 3/8 x 1 7/8 x 1/8-3-16 thick to use around it to replace the glass there now. I was going to post the picture of it and ask for volunteers and info on whether it was feasable because of the heat so here it is Attachments:
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