LSUROCKS
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 137
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Post by LSUROCKS on Apr 7, 2011 9:19:33 GMT -5
I have a camp off of Toledo Bend Lake in Louisiana I know they have opal mines there and they are a rare and valuable opal. I think I am going to go out there this weekend and do some hunting. How would I know if its opal when its in raw form? Is it best to look for them high up on the hills or down in the valleys, in creeks or along the lake shore? What do opals usually look like when they are out in the WILD? Any info would be helpful.
Preston
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Post by frane on Apr 7, 2011 19:10:12 GMT -5
I wish I could help but I have no clue. Maybe one of our experts will chime in and help out.
Fran
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 7, 2011 19:23:25 GMT -5
Rough opal has a waxy appearance on freshly chipped edges.
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rockncajun
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 344
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Post by rockncajun on Apr 7, 2011 19:33:11 GMT -5
The Louisiana that was found in that area was mined a location about 4 miles to the east of the south end of Toledo Bend lake. At least that is the best info I could get. The land is owned by a lumber company that covered the mine up and will not allow any digging. It looks like a sandstone with flashes in it, especially when wet. I doubt that you will find any just laying around but one never knows. A book written by Ben Stevens (one of the original miners), is available and he gives directions and helpful ways to identify the opals. I have been fortunate enough to get a few very nice pieces of rough and it is indeed one of my favorite specimens.
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LSUROCKS
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 137
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Post by LSUROCKS on Apr 7, 2011 21:51:01 GMT -5
Thanks guys I know my chances are slim to find anything like that but hell if it was easy everyone would be doing it...:-)
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 8, 2011 10:22:05 GMT -5
Too True. If your going after Float (stuff that has been moved from the original source) look to the valleys. Search streambeds and backwater areas. If your looking for the source- then head to the hills! Lake shores can be productive especially at low water times. Biggest problem I have with shore huntings is the staining of the materials. All the rock looks the same color. Searching right after a good rain can help too as the rain will wash away loose dirt and such.
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LSUROCKS
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 137
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Post by LSUROCKS on Apr 8, 2011 12:39:55 GMT -5
Well our camp is in a cove the water is the lowest its ever been my son already found some pet wood and what looks like some type of agate with tons of different colors and has some really white streaks though it once I get it cleaned up I will post it to see if anyone knows what it is.
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LSUROCKS
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 137
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Post by LSUROCKS on Apr 8, 2011 12:58:30 GMT -5
Well I plan on going do some rock hunting this weekend around toledo bend. Anyone have a list of the basics that you need. I know I will need a small pick, rock hammer and shovel and of course WATER!!! lol any other items or tricks to make it easier to find stuff?
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Apr 8, 2011 13:03:55 GMT -5
Some opal rough for you to compare to what you find: Bottom left, that's black opal, if you find that you'll be able to retire...lol...
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LSUROCKS
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 137
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Post by LSUROCKS on Apr 8, 2011 13:41:20 GMT -5
I will I am going to find a 30 lb boulder of precious black opal and sell it for a million dollars...LMFAO
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Apr 8, 2011 15:19:35 GMT -5
Well, if you take a look at this piece, it might give you an idea of the value of black opal: Now, I won this in a grab bag contest from the Lightening Ridge Mine in Australia, along with the other opal rough above. It's a disgusting 44ct rough black opal. So far I've been offered $10k for it twice, but not selling. Then when we moved houses last year, it went missing. I'm sure my wife thought it was a worthless rock and it's in the bottom of a still to be unpacked box somewhere. Least I hope it is.....
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LSUROCKS
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 137
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Post by LSUROCKS on Apr 8, 2011 22:58:00 GMT -5
Yikes I sure hope so. thats one nice opal :-) If im not mistaken the louisiana opal is worth even more due to it being very rare.
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nuevomundo
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2010
Posts: 222
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Post by nuevomundo on Apr 8, 2011 23:15:10 GMT -5
Wow... 10K. i'd take that in a heartbeat. I sure hope it shows up again. I guess that's what we get for being too lazy/disorganized to do our own packing (been there...)
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 9, 2011 8:14:59 GMT -5
Typically, any rough opal (common or precious) will have a wet/glassy look on fresh breaks. Wetter looking than agate.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Apr 10, 2011 10:05:56 GMT -5
LSUROCKS, hows the bugs in your area this time of year? Bug repellent would not be amiss.
Tough gloves!
And a spray bottle with an adjustable tip for either stream or mist is helpful, along with a stiff brush, chipping hammer and shovel (army surplus entrenching tool is great for this as it packs well and some even have pick built in).
I carry a walking stick to keep my balance and to poke suspect areas for snakes and varmints before putting my fingers at risk.
And a partner will help keep you sane.
Dr Joe
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Apr 10, 2011 11:12:07 GMT -5
LSUROCKS, hows the bugs in your area this time of year? Bug repellent would not be amiss. Tough gloves! And a spray bottle with an adjustable tip for either stream or mist is helpful, along with a stiff brush, chipping hammer and shovel (army surplus entrenching tool is great for this as it packs well and some even have pick built in). I carry a walking stick to keep my balance and to poke suspect areas for snakes and varmints before putting my fingers at risk. And a partner will help keep you sane. Dr Joe . Sounds like the perfect packing list. I also add to this one item I find really helpful, I bought an oversized fishing vest with lots and lots of pockets, and I always carry a bottle of water too. For my collecting I have a really big pull behind ice chest that is now my rock chest. That way I keep heavy tools, like my rock chisels, in it while searching an area. I don't pull it everywhere, just sort of keep it nearby. The walking stick is a great idea. I need to find my fishing rod tube, it's got a beautiful ash stick I made in it, have to keep that with me. Great idea.
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