beautynrocks
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2015
Posts: 3 
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Post by beautynrocks on Sept 15, 2016 11:08:57 GMT -5
Hi, I find these rocks on the beach. Does anyone know what these circular patterns are? Looks like embedded coral to me. Fossilized I presume. I don't find any other type of pattern in the rocks where I search. Any help would be appreciated. www.flickr.com/photos/30367329@N02Pam P.S. Do you think these would cut well into thin slices so it could be worn as a pendant necklace? I've never cut rocks so I don't know if something like this could support itself during cutting and polishing. |
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metalsmith
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2012
Posts: 1,537
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Post by metalsmith on Sept 15, 2016 14:54:27 GMT -5
They look closer to orbicular jasper or kambaba than astronomite or oolite.
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Post by Peruano on Sept 15, 2016 15:26:08 GMT -5
Something about the formation of rhyolites causes them to form these orbs. Often they are even more contrasting with the matrix than those you have there. They usually slice and polish really well. There is a possibility that you have something else but browsing orbicular jaspers (actually rhyolites), mushroom rhyolites, and similar names will disclose a lot of variation in color, density of orbs, and localities.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 15, 2016 16:10:25 GMT -5
Hey, Pam, good to hear from you again! I've also found a few spotted rocks similar to those on the beach up in the north county. Carlsbad? Oceanside? I believe Tom Peruano is right on the money. And they do take a mighty fine polish! Jean |
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Post by Rockoonz on Sept 15, 2016 22:52:42 GMT -5
The orbs in a lot of rhyolites are tiny thundereggs, also could be concretions like oolites.
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Post by Peruano on Sept 16, 2016 7:33:34 GMT -5
Lee, I had not thought about that, but that explains a lot of other types of rhyolites that I find. Some orblike and some more complex patterns.
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beautynrocks
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2015
Posts: 3
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Post by beautynrocks on Sept 22, 2016 11:49:38 GMT -5
I ask a question and find out so much...thanks for the replies. Orbicular jaspers, as found on google images, look like a colorful alien life form :-) My orbitals are all plain janes. Each orbicular remains in the same color family and nothing about the orbiculars overlap. Wow to find one like an image on google would be like striking gold. Jean, I find these in the upper North County close to Carlsbad - so you know exactly what I have.
years ago, I found a jasper than reminded me of Jupiter in pattern including the Great Red Spot, clouds, etc. So when I checked out kambaba jasper, it's spot on for my Jupiter rock. Excited to know about this too.
Thank ya'll so much for the help. I'm "not as excited" to find that my rare coral fossils are really bland orbiculars. BUT, I love knowing for knowing sake. and I still love them. So thank you very much.
Pam
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metalsmith
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 1,537
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Post by metalsmith on Sept 22, 2016 13:22:32 GMT -5
The orbs in a lot of rhyolites are tiny thundereggs, also could be concretions like oolites. Note the formation of oolites is in sedimentary environments ... |
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723 
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Post by Fossilman on Sept 22, 2016 16:46:53 GMT -5
Either way,those puppies will bring on a nice polish with slabbing them or tumbling...
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Post by stephan on Sept 28, 2016 15:52:52 GMT -5
I agree with it being orbicular stone, maybejasper. It comes in a variety of looks. Some are colorful, some not so much. If you look through this set, you will find some plain ones as well: www.flickr.com/photos/36618387@N06/albums/72157624168854826Note that stones other than jasper, such as serpentine and basalt have been found in orbicular varieties as well. |
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