1934new
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2009
Posts: 65
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Post by 1934new on Aug 26, 2009 22:15:55 GMT -5
Does anyone know where I could find a big enough pieces of any of the following rough to make a 7 inch diameter sphere?
- Morgan Hills Poppy Jasper - Ocean Wave Agate - Fantasy Jasper (not fancy jasper) - Kaleidoscope Jasper - Tiffany Stone
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Post by Woodyrock on Aug 27, 2009 0:48:34 GMT -5
No help on the where, but when you find the piece of Morgan Hill Poppy, please post a photograph of both the rough, and the sphere.
Woody
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1934new
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2009
Posts: 65
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Post by 1934new on Aug 27, 2009 8:56:48 GMT -5
I have been looking for that one for a couple years now. You would think this hard headed old goat would realize its not out there
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Post by Bejewelme on Aug 27, 2009 19:21:29 GMT -5
1934: I hope you got some $$$$those are some might fine stones!! Dale Rhodes has the Kaleidoscope, put it in the search on here to find his website, they sure would be stunning!
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Post by rocklicker on Aug 31, 2009 16:17:17 GMT -5
OK I was at a shop with some nice pieces of Morgan Hill. These are the biggest ones I could find. Neither could make a 7 inch sphere but they are close. They have the usual fractures Morgan Hill Jasper is known for, but the patterns are outstanding. I didn;t spend too much time trying to see if it was solid enough. Looked OK to me but I've never made a sphere. Now the kicker: $18/lb. The biggie is at least 30 or 40 pounds... so you do the math! The first one (and prettiest) is about 14 inches long and 6 or seven inches across. It's a big triangle shape so getting a 7 inch cube would be tough. It's got amazing patterns. Keys are for scale. Closeup: Another view: The second is a little smaller but more solid looking. It's about 6 by 8 inches. Closeup: Hope that helps. The place is called Consolidated Rock shop out of Vacaville, CA. Steve
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Aug 31, 2009 18:41:43 GMT -5
There might be a handful of pieces of MH poppy out there that would be appropriate for such a project, but since there are almost no known accessible deposits anymore, you probably won't see them offered for any less than $18-$20/lb. Ocean Wave agate will likely be a similar scenario- somewhat rare and rather expensive, these folks seem to be offering quite a bit of rough; www.threeriversgemandjewelry.com/oceanwaveagaterough.html"Fantasy" and "Kaleidoscope" are names for Jasper's that might mean different things to different people; If it is the pinkish stuff from Mexico that you know as Fantasy Jasper, Stone Age Industries would be a place to check in with; www.stoneageindustries.com/rough_fantasy_jasper.htmlAnd as far as I know, the Kaleidoscope name is something Dale Rhodes came up with for the material he found in Utah; is this the same stuff you are looking for?; www.ceramtex.com/biggsjasper/THE_KALEIDOSCOPE_JASPER_MINES?cart=96d3e35e7a4If so, I think Dale is going to be pretty much the exclusive source. High quality Tiffany stone is also quite rare as the primary occurrence in Utah is a Beryllium mine that is very strictly closed to any kind of collecting. Pieces I've seen that are of lapidary grade and which might be large enough for a 7" sphere are usually priced well into the several hundred dollar range.
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1934new
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2009
Posts: 65
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Post by 1934new on Aug 31, 2009 21:46:39 GMT -5
Thank to all, I have already checked with Stoneage Industries on the Fantasy, nothing big enough. Am going to contact Consolidated rock about the Morgan Hills. Already shot an email to Three Rivers about the Ocen Wave. Does anyone have any idea how I can get in contact with Dale Rhode? I have emailed a few times and phoned numerous times.
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Post by rocklicker on Sept 2, 2009 1:21:32 GMT -5
Cool! Can't wait to see all those! I hope you know what you're getting into with Morgan Hill. It's full of fractures and surprises. The few large spheres I've seen are beautiful but usually have fractures. Steve
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Post by rhodescabbin on Sept 2, 2009 2:57:50 GMT -5
Hi Rallyrocks,
Thank you to everyone who helped this Gentleman in regards to the kaleidoscope Jasper. I do believe its a fella I have been emailing with since the 27th... I wanted to avoid any confusion, The kaleidoscope is mined here in Oregon...Its been years since I have been able to go to Utah and since the Tiffany digs are closed its isn't much fun unless someone knows of a good place to get Red Horn Corals as I do love those.... Take care and thanks again!!! -Dale Rhode
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1934new
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2009
Posts: 65
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Post by 1934new on Sept 2, 2009 3:52:22 GMT -5
I would like to say thanks to everyone also. You all have been great help. Dale and I have gotten hooked up through emails....Thanks again
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