johnnymac1969
starting to spend too much on rocks
I Like A Rolling Stone
Member since January 2016
Posts: 139
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Post by johnnymac1969 on Apr 14, 2016 21:58:01 GMT -5
Just bought this amazing Dendritic Agate! It's about 5½" long and 2½" thick, so it's too big for my small (7") saw. I don't want to take a sledge hammer to it because I don't want to ruin (break up) certain parts of it. I think I'm going to take it to my local rock shop and ask them to saw it in half (lengthwise, separating the front from the back). Then it will be about 1¼" thick and I will be able to cut it up with my saw. I have no idea what they'll charge me for that, but I think it will be worth the cost. Front  Back  Side  |
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rastageezer
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 169 
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Post by rastageezer on Apr 14, 2016 22:09:36 GMT -5
Leave that puppy alone! Put it on a shelf and forget about it for a time.
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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 Apr 14, 2016 22:33:24 GMT -5
OK to slice off that dendritic surface to minimize bulk. But, based on the photos, I wouldn't count on dendrites throughout.
Lynn
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johnnymac1969
starting to spend too much on rocks
I Like A Rolling Stone
Member since January 2016
Posts: 139
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Post by johnnymac1969 on Apr 14, 2016 22:40:07 GMT -5
OK to slice off that dendritic surface to minimize bulk. But, based on the photos, I wouldn't count on dendrites throughout. Lynn I agree, I'm guessing only the face has the best dendrite markings. Hoping I'm wrong and find more after it's cut in half! |
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geezer
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2016
Posts: 338
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Post by geezer on Apr 14, 2016 23:16:26 GMT -5
Tough call! When looking at the back picture it looks like I can see some dendrites where it is chipped on the right side. This shows potential, but won't know for sure unless it is cut. Let us know how this plays out  . |
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 16, 2016 12:27:39 GMT -5
I have one,I just left it the way I found it...Sometimes the saw will ruin what you have or think you will get....
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,612
Member is Online
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Post by jamesp on Apr 16, 2016 12:39:18 GMT -5
Seriously long dendrites, fine stone.
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johnnymac1969
starting to spend too much on rocks
I Like A Rolling Stone
Member since January 2016
Posts: 139
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Post by johnnymac1969 on Apr 16, 2016 15:40:57 GMT -5
I have one,I just left it the way I found it...Sometimes the saw will ruin what you have or think you will get.... Just found out that it will cost $2 per inch to cut it lengthwise, about $10-$12. I'm hoping the "saw expert" at the shop will let me know his thoughts/opinions on whether to cut it or not. He's an old-timer (2nd generation family owner) and I respect his opinion. Will let you know what I decide to do. |
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johnnymac1969
starting to spend too much on rocks
I Like A Rolling Stone
Member since January 2016
Posts: 139
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Post by johnnymac1969 on Jun 1, 2016 20:16:37 GMT -5
Update… I should have left it as is. The cutting went fine, but the tumbling took away almost ALL of the dendrites. Now I have a bunch of plain, white, shiny rocks. Very bummed. Live and learn.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 1, 2016 20:25:29 GMT -5
Nope,can't tumble that stuff!!
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Post by Starguy on Jun 1, 2016 21:00:06 GMT -5
johnnymac1969 Those dendrites are called "wad". It's manganese oxide. Surface only or may be found between open layers of rock. We have lots of that in north Idaho. Not much good for lapidary uses.
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