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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 0:05:11 GMT -5
Too much matrix to consider taking this whole: 3 visible fist-size agate nodules. The 2 on the right look like there may be another above them just beneath the surface, and there are a few spots of color and druse that suggest there may be many nodules that aren't visible. Anyone know a good trick to release these? Sledge and a chisel?
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Post by Peruano on Jun 19, 2015 7:04:00 GMT -5
No easy or sure way. First, I'd be tempted to say these are not agates, but more likely a chert or flint nodule - yes still a cryptocrystalline chalcedony product capable of being polished, but without the transparency, contrast, detail patterns and other features commonly sought in agatized material. As to removing them, I'd say the sledge and chisel is the only way to get a smaller piece, and then a saw to get to the real color you are seeking. You can see abundant fractures in the stone already, expect more. My advice wear goggles, protect your legs and swing away - or walk on downstream and find something not embedded in a boulder. Just saying. Tom
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,617
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Post by Mark K on Jun 19, 2015 7:35:35 GMT -5
I don't think I would spend the effort to try those. Unless you know that the agate or chert is something well worth the effort which from this side of the picture, it appears that they are not.
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Post by orrum on Jun 19, 2015 9:55:52 GMT -5
Yard art!!!!!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,688
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 19, 2015 10:20:11 GMT -5
Tim,I also think I would leave it alone too..........If you choose to do so,I'm watching with much interest!!
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rockroller
spending too much on rocks
Be excellent to each other.
Member since October 2013
Posts: 359
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Post by rockroller on Jun 19, 2015 11:44:34 GMT -5
Gotta agree with everyone here, prolly not worth the effort. Plus I don't think they are gonna separate from the matrix in complete nodules if that's what you are thinking might happen?!?!
Not a bad landscape conversation piece though.
~Roland
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 19, 2015 12:25:33 GMT -5
Looks like a limestone matrix. Get a rubber or plastic bucket large enough to take the rock, and a couple gallon jugs of swimming pool acid. Soak it in acid for a few days. Neutralize the acid with a box of baking soda, If the nodules are agate, chert or flint, the acid won't hurt them.
Do this in an area where kids & pets can't get to it.
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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 12:32:23 GMT -5
This for once is not in my yard but at teepee canyon. They're teepee agate which doesn't get very pretty til the center. I think I'll just forget about them, I've got lots of similar agate already, but figured i'd ask in case someone knew a magic trick Thanks all.
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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 12:36:28 GMT -5
Don you must have posted while I was typing. I'll keep that method in mind, lots of my smaller yard stuff is limestone bound as well.
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 19, 2015 13:32:22 GMT -5
Tim, if you have access to a large enough saw, you could always slab it up matrix & all. It would be easy to chip the matrix away from the good stuff when it's in 1/4" slabs.
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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 15:54:40 GMT -5
I cut the photo off but that boulder is about 3'x5' square and a foot and a half thick, so I'd have to break it down partially at least just to move it. Probably not worth the trouble.
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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 19:39:16 GMT -5
Besides, plenty of manageable stuff laying around ...
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 19, 2015 20:41:30 GMT -5
Hmmm. I see some fossil material in the upper left too.
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Post by tims on Jun 19, 2015 21:37:37 GMT -5
Yeah, the fossil pile if from out on the prairie. Just rinsed off a couple different bucketloads and layed it all out together to dry.
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 20, 2015 14:20:38 GMT -5
Tim, just a personal observation here. That rock hammer is way to new looking. Get out there and get it beat up a little. Mine all look like they came out of a civil war dig site.
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Post by tims on Jun 21, 2015 0:48:34 GMT -5
Yeah, it's my first hammer just got it this Spring. Found some of my grandparents' discarded hammers in the yard and they look like something out of Shawshank Redemption. I'll get there.
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Post by orrum on Jun 21, 2015 8:35:31 GMT -5
X2 Don!
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