ashtonian
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2015
Posts: 4
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Post by ashtonian on Jun 14, 2015 22:45:47 GMT -5
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2015 7:20:44 GMT -5
I have not seen botroidal(sp) opal like is in the lower right of the first photo but some of the other photos sure look like opal. I have heard that they happen together so my guess is a combination of both. FACT: I am def not an expert so looking forward to other opinions. Jim
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 15, 2015 10:57:12 GMT -5
Jim,hit it right on the head! It's agatized and opalized....If it breaks off easily,it's more opalized,if it's solid but fractured,it's agatized.. Nice piece-I would leave as it is...Thumbs up and SCORE!!!
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Jun 15, 2015 12:34:15 GMT -5
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ashtonian
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2015
Posts: 4
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Post by ashtonian on Jun 15, 2015 18:33:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the input, everyone! I found all of it in an old lava flow in Wyoming. A geology buddy of mine told me it is micro crystalline quartz, which I guess is what opalized wood will turn into after 10-40 million years, but when I google images of that I can't find anything comparable to what I have. I haven't taken a rock hammer to any of them to see how they break, they're just too cool!! But, I just might...
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 15, 2015 19:00:00 GMT -5
A hammer will destroy the pieces!!!!
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ashtonian
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2015
Posts: 4
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Post by ashtonian on Jun 15, 2015 20:10:24 GMT -5
baaah! What would be the safest way to see how they break? Or, like you said, just leave them alone!!
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 15, 2015 20:25:42 GMT -5
Common opal, (Opalized wood) will have a waxy look on fresh surfaces. Agatized wood will have a more glassy look. Your pieces appear to be a combination of both types, which isn't uncommon. If you want to preserve them as specimen pieces, don't hit them with a hammer. The opalized portion will break into hundreds of tiny pieces.
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Post by broseph82 on Jun 28, 2015 19:18:47 GMT -5
baaah! What would be the safest way to see how they break? Or, like you said, just leave them alone!! Slab or trim saw. No breaky of rocks!!! Always cut
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 29, 2015 0:43:19 GMT -5
Cut the end where the penny is...
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