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Post by fernwood on Sept 15, 2018 16:15:09 GMT -5
Does this look like Turquoise or dyed Howlite/Magnesite? I tried the hot needle test and it did nothing to the stone. Actual color is a little lighter than pictured, but not much. I can usually tell real Turquoise, but this one has me stumped. If Turquoise, any thoughts on mine? Thanks. t 1 t 2
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Post by drocknut on Sept 15, 2018 17:04:21 GMT -5
I would be stumped too so no help here, sorry.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2018 20:33:51 GMT -5
I've seen dyed howlite get that copper-greenish stuff in the veins. Also note that the color on the "floral" pattern is pale in the centers and bluer around the edges. That happens when dye saturates the outside of the cauliflower-like surface of a howlite nodule being dyed, then when sanded/polished to smooth exposes the interior that got less dye. Just my impression. I'd personally risk it and do an acetone wipe on the back to see if one of the dyes soluble in acetone was used, followed by a deep scratch somewhere on the back to see whether there is more variation deeper.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 15, 2018 20:47:18 GMT -5
I'm thinking dyed, too. It just has that look.
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Post by fernwood on Sept 15, 2018 23:26:30 GMT -5
I've seen dyed howlite get that copper-greenish stuff in the veins. Also note that the color on the "floral" pattern is pale in the centers and bluer around the edges. That happens when dye saturates the outside of the cauliflower-like surface of a howlite nodule being dyed, then when sanded/polished to smooth exposes the interior that got less dye. Just my impression. I'd personally risk it and do an acetone wipe on the back to see if one of the dyes soluble in acetone was used, followed by a deep scratch somewhere on the back to see whether there is more variation deeper. The veins are actually more gold in color than green. The larger pocket on the front sparkles. Will try the acetone test tomorrow. Also try to get a better photo in natural light. I had to use a flash for the ones above. Thanks everyone.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Sept 16, 2018 1:15:56 GMT -5
I agree with @rocks2dust. Dyed! The hot needle test isn't to detect dye, but to detect stabilazation via resin. Lynn
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Post by vegasjames on Sept 16, 2018 6:26:08 GMT -5
Looks dyed. Color is just too even. Have you tried acetone on a cotton ball to see if any of the color comes off?
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Post by fernwood on Sept 16, 2018 9:00:59 GMT -5
Negative on acetone test. The very tip of the cab was chipped off. Tried the acetone both there and on the back. Will be seeing person I got it from again today, so will bring some cotton balls and acetone along. He was curious as well if the cabs like this were dyed. He has many more that are similar.
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Post by vegasjames on Sept 16, 2018 17:12:55 GMT -5
Negative on acetone test. The very tip of the cab was chipped off. Tried the acetone both there and on the back. Will be seeing person I got it from again today, so will bring some cotton balls and acetone along. He was curious as well if the cabs like this were dyed. He has many more that are similar. One problem I see is that it also looks like it is coated with maybe a wax. That could have sealed in dye and they can even dye wax. You may want to flat lap a piece if he has more then test it so any coating is removed.
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Post by fernwood on Sept 16, 2018 17:37:06 GMT -5
Negative on acetone test. The very tip of the cab was chipped off. Tried the acetone both there and on the back. Will be seeing person I got it from again today, so will bring some cotton balls and acetone along. He was curious as well if the cabs like this were dyed. He has many more that are similar. One problem I see is that it also looks like it is coated with maybe a wax. That could have sealed in dye and they can even dye wax. You may want to flat lap a piece if he has more then test it so any coating is removed. I got another one today to experiment with. Similar look. Plan on taking the Dremel to back of that one. He has at least a dozen more.
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