jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 4, 2016 17:57:07 GMT -5
My family is new to tumbling and identifying rocks. We have no idea where to go nearby to find stones here in topeka ks so until we can get in with the local gem and mineral club we are searching in our rock driveway! My daughter and I are trying to identify a few rocks she and I picked up. Any help is appreciated, we are complete newbs and although im doing lots of reading, im still a little lost. The first batch scratches a penny, can be scratched by a nail, And cant scratch glass. Im not sure if its sedimentary or metamorphic, but The shavings do fizz when vinager is added so calcite is present. Not sure if its a limestone/granite metamorph or what. Really kind of lost, but i am trying to learn before bugging you guys! Since it has a low mohrs number im assuming i should stay away from it for a while before I try tumbling... This next batch laughs at the nail and scratches glass easily. Im thinking it might be flint? Any tips is much appreciated while we learn!
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Post by spiceman on Jul 4, 2016 22:58:22 GMT -5
Being a Ohioian and flint is our gemstone( and that means nothing) but ... Flint is Waxy, has sharp edges, a file slides right off. I do see some flint (dark, light brown) but some of the rocks are rough looking that's definitely is not flint. That's my best guess with the pics available.
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Post by Peruano on Jul 5, 2016 7:29:52 GMT -5
Congratulations on trying and yes you are learning already. Looking at scratch tests and streaks provide important clues. I too would guess that your second photo includes some flints and the first one is most likely limestone (careful examination of it might show some fossils).Gravel pits and river bars are good spots for focused searches. Things that feel smooth to the touch, and which lack apparent crystals make good tumble rocks. Enjoy.
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jdubs
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 54
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Post by jdubs on Jul 5, 2016 13:24:20 GMT -5
Hey thanks for all the input guys! We are definitely having fun learning all this stuff! Im going to grab a few books soon. we are in the process of joining our local gem and mineral club as well. the field trips and free classes they offer will help a lot! I have done a lot of reading and it looks like some areas of northeast kansas have some lake superior agates from the ages of glacial movement. Im hoping the club can point us in the right direction, those seem amazing!
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