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Post by NatureNut on Jul 4, 2009 20:15:50 GMT -5
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karock
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 667
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Post by karock on Jul 4, 2009 21:49:11 GMT -5
I see why you love this stuff. What are the characteristics of moonstone and where do you find it? I have a fair amount of rough that me be just like this.
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Post by stonesthatrock on Jul 4, 2009 22:37:54 GMT -5
wow that is some pretty cool looking rock.
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Post by NatureNut on Jul 4, 2009 22:43:29 GMT -5
Hi Karok,
Well, I'll do my best to describe moonstone for ya. It's an orthoclase or oligoclase, sometimes blocky with inclusions which may or may not show a sheen on one or two sides. Ortho/oligo- clases are white clear (sometimes being adularia) to opaque and can be colored by microcline (green, yellow, pink, red in color) and sometimes has quartz running through or connected with.
From my rockhound experience, look for blocky shapes (although not always blocky) with a side or portions being very flat. Then turn it in the light and look for the sheen (called chatoyancy).
Oh yeah, there are also conglomerates. They looks like balls of quartzy looking stuff with garnet/quartz crystals interspersed. The chatoyant direction faces every which way and can make you dizzy figuring out the cut. Pic 4 from the bottom is one of those.
Hope this helps. Jo
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Post by sitnwrap on Jul 5, 2009 9:11:19 GMT -5
Jo, those look great. I love the feel of the moonstone you sent me. After cutting it, the cut side feels kind of silky or soft if that makes any sense. lol.
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Post by frane on Jul 5, 2009 9:13:36 GMT -5
Nice color variety in all of these! Fran
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Post by NatureNut on Jul 5, 2009 9:35:19 GMT -5
Thanks Mary Ann. Thanks Fran, I was tickled with the color. Lori, doesn't sound wierd to me. I know exactly what you mean. That is also how I can tell how to orient the cut. The shiniest side is the smoothest side. You are astute lady.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jul 6, 2009 20:57:42 GMT -5
I missed this thread, nice colors! I still have a crapload from my visit up there that has yet to be cut. I love cabbing it, every piece is different.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jul 6, 2009 21:18:38 GMT -5
Nice colors, nice rocks. Thanks for sharing.
snuffy
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Post by Bejewelme on Jul 8, 2009 5:06:25 GMT -5
Jo: You are the moonstone queen! It is very pretty stuff, and you have a lot of varying colors there.
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