reynedrop
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 204
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Post by reynedrop on Mar 18, 2020 18:38:52 GMT -5
I ordered some more rough online as I wanted some different kinds. I ordered both serpentine as well as something billed to me as “Chinese yellow turquoise,” which I knew was probably NOT turquoise but was expecting a jasper. This is what I got. I haven’t unpacked my actual serpentine yet (the ones billed to me as serpentine), so no photos of that to compare. Again, I was expecting some form of jasper. However, this stuff is pretty soft. Scratched by amethyst first and then was scratched by obsidian. Did not try any other softer stones. No idea on specific gravity/density. I just don’t have that stuff out yet. It doesn’t feel particularly light or heavy. I am thinking serpentine. Does anybody agree or have other ideas? If it is serpentine, do you know why the same rock shop would sell them separately? Also, if this is serpentine, what do you guys know about it’s asbestos? I’ve read that asbestos in serpentine isn’t in the right form to be carcinogenic... but I never know what to believe these days.
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Mar 18, 2020 19:10:12 GMT -5
I ordered some more rough online as I wanted some different kinds. I ordered both serpentine as well as something billed to me as “Chinese yellow turquoise,” which I knew was probably NOT turquoise but was expecting a jasper. This is what I got. I haven’t unpacked my actual serpentine yet (the ones billed to me as serpentine), so no photos of that to compare. Again, I was expecting some form of jasper. However, this stuff is pretty soft. Scratched by amethyst first and then was scratched by obsidian. Did not try any other softer stones. No idea on specific gravity/density. I just don’t have that stuff out yet. It doesn’t feel particularly light or heavy. I am thinking serpentine. Does anybody agree or have other ideas? If it is serpentine, do you know why the same rock shop would sell them separately? Also, if this is serpentine, what do you guys know about it’s asbestos? I’ve read that asbestos in serpentine isn’t in the right form to be carcinogenic... but I never know what to believe these days. Usually fake turquoise is dyed Howlite. Could be serpentine or jasper though. Check with your vendor.
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reynedrop
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 204
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Post by reynedrop on Mar 18, 2020 19:28:07 GMT -5
I ordered some more rough online as I wanted some different kinds. I ordered both serpentine as well as something billed to me as “Chinese yellow turquoise,” which I knew was probably NOT turquoise but was expecting a jasper. This is what I got. I haven’t unpacked my actual serpentine yet (the ones billed to me as serpentine), so no photos of that to compare. Again, I was expecting some form of jasper. However, this stuff is pretty soft. Scratched by amethyst first and then was scratched by obsidian. Did not try any other softer stones. No idea on specific gravity/density. I just don’t have that stuff out yet. It doesn’t feel particularly light or heavy. I am thinking serpentine. Does anybody agree or have other ideas? If it is serpentine, do you know why the same rock shop would sell them separately? Also, if this is serpentine, what do you guys know about it’s asbestos? I’ve read that asbestos in serpentine isn’t in the right form to be carcinogenic... but I never know what to believe these days. Usually that stuff is dyed Howlite One piece in those photographed does not look at all like howlite, dyed or otherwise. That particular piece has some translucence and no veining. It reminds me of the fake “jade” substitutes I’ve seen before. I can totally see that for the veined pieces though. But I don’t know why they would put two totally different rocks or minerals in the same bin?
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Post by fernwood on Mar 19, 2020 4:40:02 GMT -5
Yellow Turquoise is mostly a jasper or serpentine stone that is yellow with brown, green or red within. The black webbing that appears throughout this stone is hematite.
It is often found in the same mines as the blue/green turquoise.
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Post by Pat on Mar 19, 2020 9:34:45 GMT -5
The plain sample in second photo looks like some serpentine from Washington. All good!
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Post by Peruano on Mar 20, 2020 10:11:27 GMT -5
In my eye, its pretty even if it is serpentine (which I suspect it is). It works up really nice, takes a shine, and seems to be accepted readily by the folks I have offered pieces to.
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Post by catmandewe on Mar 20, 2020 19:34:47 GMT -5
This was being sold in Tuscon this year as Chinese Lemon Turquoise, I have also seen it sold as Tiggerite. I picked up a few pounds of it this year, it cuts easily on a tile saw, polishes up nice. Not sure how it compares to serpentine, most of the serpentine I have will not cut easily on a tile saw. (Some of the Noble Serpentine I have cut will easily cut on a tile saw though)
I will be following this thread, pretty interesting.
Tony
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herb
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 444
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Post by herb on Mar 21, 2020 10:45:37 GMT -5
Not sure if that is what you have, but a year or so ago I saw that Fire Mountain was selling 1 lbs bags of "Chinese yellow turquoise" cabs that they said were dyed serpentine. Bought a bag for the heck of it. Material looks nice. It is soft and the "cabs" looked like what you'd expect when you buy cabs by the pound:-) reground some to clean them up. The color sometimes faded if I ground too deeply guess the dye didnt always penetrate too far. They took an ok polish.
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reynedrop
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 204
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Post by reynedrop on Mar 26, 2020 18:24:36 GMT -5
I haven't contacted the vendor yet- frankly I just don't like the awkwardness and am not sure how to go about asking in a tactful, non-accusatory way (the serpentine was less expensive). After playing around with it, I do think it's serpentine. I haven't yet made plans for a tumble.
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Post by toiv0 on Mar 13, 2021 8:56:38 GMT -5
I haven't contacted the vendor yet- frankly I just don't like the awkwardness and am not sure how to go about asking in a tactful, non-accusatory way (the serpentine was less expensive). After playing around with it, I do think it's serpentine. I haven't yet made plans for a tumble. Did you ever rumble this?
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