Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: Bass on 13/10/2007 04:04:09

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 13/10/2007 04:04:09
I'm starting this thread with a hard mineral to identify-
any guesees (green mineral)?
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Feel free to ask questions
Collected this in the Laramie Range, Wyoming.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: jysk on 13/10/2007 05:33:07
Hi Bass,

Sort of a layered and somewhat metamorphosed sample. Nickel can stain green when oxidized.

Is this from a familiar deposit model?

Mike
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 13/10/2007 06:29:31
Highly metamorphosed, and layered.  Outcrop was about 60 meters long and 30-50 cm wide- the green color stuck out like a sore thumb.  No nickel.  Though rare, this mineral is mined in some areas- but I have never seen a deposit model for it.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Karen W. on 13/10/2007 07:03:14
Is it copper or maybe THE MINERAL CUPRITE???
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 13/10/2007 16:36:32
Many copper minerals are green, but this has no copper in it.  Cuprite is typically red.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bored chemist on 13/10/2007 17:10:11
Well, no Ni, No Cu, I'll try chromium.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 13/10/2007 22:13:40
Now you're on the right track
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 14/10/2007 04:03:37
My first thought was - Serpentine, gotta be a serpentine. So I started looking. I do not have the hardness, streak or any of those NORMAL things that are given on geology quizzes by the teachers who really care (flat earther indeed!) but I am a hardy old fart and kept pushing on deeper into the molded bush that is my geologic library. Couldn't find my Dana's - lost in a box somewhere in the outer reaches of the nevermore, but found first my Berry & Mason. Fairly helpful, that. Deer, Howie and Zusman (single volume, not 5 volume set) No help at all. One thing I did find though was that chromite is usually found with serpintines and ultra mafic metamorphic complexes. Mutters To Himself - dang thought I had forgotten all of this stuff because I have been a sedimentologist-subsurface stragtigrapher most of my carrier.)

So, This green schist (that was a geologic pun) is a former-pyroxene or amphibole rich in chrome ore serpintine just like the one mined in New South Wales, Australia.

From abstract - http://www.minsocam.org/ammin/AM53/AM53_162.pdf

"Altered chrome ores from the Coolac Serpentine Belt, New South wales, include chioritic
and nonchloritic assemblages. In the chloritic ores the primary chromite is usually an
aluminum-rich variety which is partly replaced by secondary chromite, or by a chemically
equivalent oxide mixture; and by chlorite. Chemical analyses of chromite concentrates and
electron probe scans across chromite variants show the secondary chromites to contain more
chromium, more total iron, more ferric but less ferrous iron, less aluminum and less magnesium
than the primary chromites. Much of the chlorite developed from serpentine and
pyroxene; when aluminum, released from chromite during oxidation, became avaiiable.
Some chlorite which originated in other ways, however, occurs in the same ores."

This of course, I did not find in a book on my shelf, but in a copy of the American Mineralogist on the web.

SO what we have here is Chromite, probably as (Mg,Fe)OCr203 - derived from pyroxenes and amphiboles and in a serpintine matrix. The green minerals can include chromite and the serpintine phylosilicates - chrysotile, a type of asbestos, antigorite and lizardite.

( This was refreshing - even if I am wrong - I have been thinking about manganese-rich cherts this whole week.)

Do I get a prize or am I just too old to understand? I would prefer boobies as the prize. And NO - NOT DEAD BIRDS, DUMB ARSE!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 14/10/2007 04:27:06
Silver star, but not quite the gold star.  Really close, but there is no serpentine in this specimen.  Hardness= 2 to 3   Streak= colorless  Cleavage= perfect 1 direction Crystal system= monoclinic

We have a problem if it's my boobies you want as a prize.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 14/10/2007 04:29:28
OK, I saw that in the article of the abstract - back in a sec.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 14/10/2007 05:49:40
Before my eyes close in slumber - and without really doing all of my homework I will offer up for examination the mineral Chlorite - monoclinic, 2-3 hardness colorless streak and a precursor of chromite before metasomaitc activity.

If I do win the boobie prize, it will be one of you stunningly sumptuous 18-year old FEMALE students who just loves older men. Whatever gave you the impression you were that hot? Huh? Huh? Huh?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 14/10/2007 17:24:23
Chlorite- no.  Don't know that I've ever seen chlorite quite as bright green.

Me, hot? Definitely not! The only heat I generate these days is rubbing Ben-Gay on sore muscles.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 14/10/2007 18:07:25
Glauconite?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 14/10/2007 18:26:33
Good guess, but no.  It does contain chromium and JimBob was close on the mineral species when he postulated chlorite.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 14/10/2007 21:58:08
Covering all bases

Sheridinite, also known as Grochauite, a dark green clinochlore that is sometimes chrome-bearing. It is mined for chrome in Switzerland.

Chrome-Pyrophyllite and/or Vauquelinite is/are a green phylosilicate mineral that fits the bill as well.

pyrophyllite has a hardness less than you gave but I think the chrome in the crystal structure could harden it a little.

I have also seen talc this color and structure and talc is very closely related to pyrophyllite.

Vauquelinite is a green phylosilicate mineral that fits the bill as well

Mariposite is Green and a chrome mineral that fits the bill but ...... just don't seem right, Bubba

Knorringite is a green chrome mineral but is a tracer mineral for finding kimberlite pipes

Uvarovite is a green garnet group mineral high in chrome but hard as garnet

(Sheridinite is named for Sheridan County, Wy but isn't in the Laramide Range.)
I am going to watch Dallas and New England.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 15/10/2007 00:02:05
The mineral is fuchsite (pronounced with long u), the emerald green variety of muscovite (mica).  Chromium in the crystal lattice gives it the distinctive green color.  In places, it is rich enough in Cr to be mined.  Also commonly found with embedded rubies.  Fuchsite is rare, but has been found in locals around the world.

JimBob was close enough with Mariposite to get credit for this one!  Way to go JB!

Next specimen will be more common mineral/rock.

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 15/10/2007 02:26:41
NOT IF I GET ONE UP FIRST!


(When will your "Student Assistant" arrive?)


(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi38.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe111%2Fgeezer69%2FIMG_0004-1a.jpg&hash=caa67df2888d42fe37af0cb73b74e893)




(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi38.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe111%2Fgeezer69%2FIMG_0004-1b.jpg&hash=1e22a62d562df105518a0b55be9a019b)



Color: yellow brown- brown - Habit: Commonly rhombohedral, also quite variable - Streak: white - Hardness: 3.5-4

common mineral, found in sediments, metamorphic terrains and in hydrothermal veins (The sting is for delicate handling.)


Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 15/10/2007 17:32:04
You dog!!

Assistant will arrive on Tuesday- I assume you can pick her up at the bus station?  Potwani doesn't speak much English, but she works for cigarettes, which is why I keep her around...

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I'm guessing your mineral is showing it's side rite well.  This is one of the indicator minerals in the Coeur d'Alene mining district, famous for it's huge lead-zinc-silver mines.  I've never seen it in such beautiful plates like that, though.  Where did you collect the specimen?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 15/10/2007 18:16:55
I bought the Siderite (FeCO3) at a rock shop. Never did get that lucky in the field - although I did find a 2 karat diamond at Herkimer, Arkansas during a drilling break in a well I was sitting - extended fishing job. Drill collars twisted off.  (Attemting to rest my eyes, I realized that there is no Herkimer AK. Herkiker "Diamonds" are doubly terminate quarts crystals. - DOH!)

Since the rock shop was in New Mexico, I think it was a secondary deposit in a sand dune. There are no detachment breaks where it came off of a larger piece or from a growth platform. There are also no sand grains included so that is a little strange.

Potwani - This could work. She can sleep in the shed and grind my corn. That is a really tiering job for an old man like me. But I believe I specified "sumptuous." Either you cannot tell the difference between "sumptuous" and "something" OR, more likely, desperation has driven you to this low level. I am really sorry about it, in either case. I extend my sympathies.

Now your turn:

Post something - I am going to run out of specimens quickly as I have most in storage.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 15/10/2007 18:30:32
The mineral is fuchsite (pronounced with long u), the emerald green variety of muscovite (mica).  Chromium in the crystal lattice gives it the distinctive green color.  In places, it is rich enough in Cr to be mined.  Also commonly found with embedded rubies.  Fuchsite is rare, but has been found in locals around the world.

JimBob was close enough with Mariposite to get credit for this one!  Way to go JB!

Next specimen will be more common mineral/rock.



Thanks for the credit - Since the Mariposite wasn't emerald green, and the only picture I could find was in a metamorphic carbonate I didn't feel comfortable with it. It is good of you to be so generous.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 16/10/2007 02:17:16
A friend of mine was recently diving in Flathead Lake and found this interesting rock. 

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This rock may have been in Flathead Lake for thousands of years.  It is obviously well-rounded, which means it had to be quite solid while it was tumbled about in streams/rivers before coming to rest in the lake.  The hard ribs are either siltite or argillite (metamorphosed silt or mud) and can barely be scratched with a knife.  The material in the cracks is very soft- can be scratched with a fingernail.

My best guess is that the material in the cracks contain carbonate (limestone), which could weather out chemically while underwater- possibly deposited as a limey mud back in Ye Olde Precambrian Days.  Have not tried acid to see if it effervesces yet.

Any other ideas?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 16/10/2007 03:07:55
How close is the lake to a quarry?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 16/10/2007 04:32:54
No quarries nearby- the grooves are definitely some sort of layer in the rock, not drill holes.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 16/10/2007 04:54:44
As promised, here is a much more common mineral.  Hardness=7  Cleavage=none

Collected in pegmatites in the Black Hills.
(we've had a warm October, as you can tell by my green grass- still mowing in Montana, GRRRR!)

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Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 17/10/2007 00:43:28
Now that is a bit too easy.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 18/10/2007 01:53:20
No quarries nearby- the grooves are definitely some sort of layer in the rock, not drill holes.

Then I suggests the theory you proposed is most likely correct. It looks highly folded piece of metamorphic rock. That is, if the stuff that holds it together is the material that didn't weather  away.

Can rosey get a quart of milk, please?
 
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Karen W. on 18/10/2007 03:26:57
It looks like my pink quartz!!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 18/10/2007 04:24:41
Pink quartz it is- also known as rose quartz.  Karen gets a notch on her rock hammer!  (this was way too easy for JB).
Next question, why is rose quartz pink?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 18/10/2007 12:48:50
Iron and titanium inclusions (rutile needles) if I remember correctly.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 18/10/2007 23:04:47
You nailed it, fretback.  Iron and titanium, often mixed with manganese, in the SiO2 matrix gives rose quartz its pink color.

Here's another.  Identify both the brown and green minerals (brown form well defined crystals, slightly harder than quartz).  Also ideas on how they formed.
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Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 18/10/2007 23:53:34
Are those barnacles or rugosa (or any type of) coral on the back in the shadows of the bottom picture?
 
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 19/10/2007 00:40:48
no, they're crystals.  Here's a close-up of the rock.
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Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 20/10/2007 04:29:17
The garnets I go, OK. The green mineral looks like malachite - which means water, hot or otherwise.

But genesis - that didn't dawn on me until I realized how well defined they garnet crystals are. They have been etched out of their matrix. Then the malachite makes more sense and the substrate is metamorphic. The water did all the work.

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 20/10/2007 19:09:00
Garnet is correct for the reddish-brown mineral.  The green mineral contains copper, but is not malachite (even though the original rock was carbonate).
What do you mean by "metamorphic"?  Hot water, as you point out, is critical.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 23/10/2007 03:38:49
I am still thinking about it.

HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM >>>
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 23/10/2007 08:20:01
How about Chrysocolla or a very pale Azurite for the green mineral.  As far as genesis, the contact metamorphism of a carbonate rock might explain the garnets, substrate, hot water, and the copper needed for the green mineral.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 23/10/2007 17:49:48
Contact metamorphic (or skarn) it is!  Frethack is referring to specific type of metamorphism where a hot intrusive (like molten granite) comes into contact with cold sedimentary rocks.  The heat and hot waters from the granite change the rocks surrounding and in contact with the granite.  Carbonate rocks (like limestone) are particularly prone to be changed because they are chemically receptive- the hot fluids break down the carbonate, releasing CO2 and allow the replacement by other minerals- in this case garnet.
Skarns form some of the earth's great ore deposits, and can contain copper, bismuth, molybdenum, gold, silver and a host of other minerals.  Most of the worlds tungsten supply comes from skarns.
This specimen is from a copper skarn from southern Nevada that was partially mined during World War 2.  While investigating this deposit for copper, we checked the surrounding area for tungsten and found a very large, buried tungsten skarn less than 300 meters away.  The company I worked for drilled over 100 holes and was ready to start mining for tungsten when the price dropped dramatically in the early 1980's- the deposit hasn't been touched since.
The green mineral is brochantite- a copper sulfate which is very similar to malachite (copper carbonate).
Kudos to frethack!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 12/11/2007 05:18:48
soft metallic mineral mainly used in alloys.

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Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Karen W. on 12/11/2007 08:36:31
It looks like it has some kind of quartz in it.. maybe.. Looks kind of familiar.. something I might find around about here! some similarities!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 12/11/2007 18:43:40
Hurrah for Karen, it does have quartz in it.  Metallic mineral will leave a stain on your fingers.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bored chemist on 12/11/2007 19:26:07
Is it noticeably dense?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 12/11/2007 20:29:59
How about graphite
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Alandriel on 12/11/2007 20:39:24

I'm guessing..... Glaucophane ?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 12/11/2007 23:11:38
Is it noticeably dense?
Close to, but a bit more dense than hematite (iron oxide) Fe2O3
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 12/11/2007 23:12:40
How about graphite
No, but graphite is soft and will leave a mark on your finger if rubbed.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 12/11/2007 23:17:41

I'm guessing..... Glaucophane ?

Glaucophane (Sodium, magnesium, aluminum silicate), a mineral common in blue schists (word of the day) has the same fibrous appearance, but is too hard and not metallic.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Alandriel on 13/11/2007 15:03:09

Apatite - that's the only other blue, metallic mineral I can find in my clever book

(second time lucky guess perhaps?)
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 13/11/2007 16:19:31
You might question your clever book then, Apatite (calcium phosphate) is non-metallic (I've never seen apatite that appears metallic). 
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 13/11/2007 16:50:16
Alright...another stab at it.

Tennantite

My little clever book says that its occasionally a raw material for arsenic

MmmmmMMmmMMMMMmMMmmmm...sounds like breakfast!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 13/11/2007 17:34:26
Good thought, Molly would be proud of you.  Tennantite is a copper-iron-arsenic sulfide, a bit too hard and leaves a reddish streak (due to the iron).  This mineral is very soft and has a blue-gray streak.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Alandriel on 13/11/2007 20:53:24


(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.erstenware.com%2Fsmiling_writing%2Flibrary%2Funsorted%2Fsmiley_211.gif&hash=77e14746ae8063ddb3a0af9940b027a8)

Quote from: Bass
You might question your clever book then, Apatite (calcium phosphate) is non-metallic

**throws book away **

I give up

...this round that is

***goes looking on amazon for another rock book***

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Karen W. on 13/11/2007 21:01:49
Is it noticeably dense?
Close to, but a bit more dense than hematite (iron oxide) Fe2O3

I was right I thought it looked like iron oxide but I thought I was wrong with the quartz so I kept my mouth shut! LOL Dang... I should have said it! LOL!LOL! I actually collected rocks for years, but my son got into 5th grade and I donated my collection to the school as they had nothing to teach the kids as they had very few rocks and I had tons! LOL... I wish I still had them...... They were cool... Is it possible to miss your rock collection??? LOL My old friends! LOL... Better go before I dig myself a hole and fossilize!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 14/11/2007 02:42:53
Quote
Good thought, Molly would be proud of you.


Hehehe...a very subtle hint.  I didnt get it until I looked up the streak and hardness.

Molybdenite...MoS2

Hardness of 1 to 1 1/2
Specific Gravity 4.7 to 4.8
Perfect cleavage, inelastically flexible, with a hexagonal crystal system
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 14/11/2007 02:46:18
btw Alandriel...you might try the Handbook of Rocks Minerals & Gemstones by Walter Schumann.  I like it quite a bit.  Not the best, but very well organized and cheap.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 14/11/2007 05:40:38
Frethack pulls the rabbit out of the hat!  Twice!  In a row! 

Careful, or we might force you out of the closet for your geological leanings.  I thought surely someone would guess argentite.  I'll have to save that one for another day.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Alandriel on 15/11/2007 11:31:39
Argentite. Right - lol - did the naming of that have anything to do with Argentina by any chance?

Thanks Frethack I'll definitely chase up that book recommendation.


Now.......................


may I ??

What is *this* (from my collection)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi231.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee205%2Falandriel00%2Fstuff%2F711--005.jpg&hash=3c778e1a46507222753f8cb91c13abd8)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi231.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee205%2Falandriel00%2Fstuff%2F711--006.jpg&hash=7cfeb2b435dd2cd7a582fbc357d249c7)


100 points to the one that can name the rock and place where I've found it (or rather haggled it from some native kids).
And a box of choccies to the one that names me the fishies (been dying to know for years!)
 [;D]
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 16/11/2007 00:08:27
Cool fish!  They don't look deformed, so my guess for rock type is shale or siltite (not metamorphosed).  Old lake beds? 
Paleontology is not my area- so can't help with the fishies.  JimBob is better at this soft rock stuff, maybe he can help?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 16/11/2007 01:00:38
The best I can do is to say the fish are Teleost - bony ray finned fish. I never was any good at Vertebrate Paleontolgy.

In the NEW order of life - as opposed to the one I learned in the dark ages just after Linnaeus started work, these are classified as --

Kingdom:    Animalia
Phylum:    Chordata
Class:     Actinopterygii
Infraclass:    Teleostei

As for the rock; without doubt sedimentary and it looks like there may be some evaporate deposits (alabaster??) in it. Does the white stuff seem fairly soft - i.e., is it readily scratchable  Knowing the location of your book, Red Sea Sebkah deposits, Egypt to Horn of Africa  - with carbonates and silt - alternately out of water part of the year or longer and then brief periods of holding water that connected to a larger source of water, probably salty, the obvious Red Sea.

Then again, You could have gotten it from the Gobi Desert. What do I know?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Alandriel on 16/11/2007 13:49:14

Gobi desert!?!   *******sighhhh *****   I wish

But yeah, it seems you know 'my book' too well and have a good fix on location LOL.
I got it from Syria - not exactly Red Sea but close enough.

Teleost - bony raw fish is a good enough fix for me and enough to go reference hunting. Cheerio!

PM me your addy and I shall keep my promise; name your fav choc poison or be surprised.
 [;D]
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 16/11/2007 17:12:02
BUT what about the rock - is it even close? - limestone, shale & possible anhydrite?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Alandriel on 19/11/2007 16:43:19
I have NO idea - *YOU* are the expert!  [;D]
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 20/11/2007 01:13:49
Then I am right

(I'll look at it next summer on my trip to London.)
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 20/03/2008 00:55:08
Identify the blue-black mineral in the schist matrix.

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hint: hardness varies depending on direction
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 20/03/2008 18:56:12
Tourmaline
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 20/03/2008 22:06:40
not!

see hint
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Exodus on 22/03/2008 19:09:02
Argentite. Right - lol - did the naming of that have anything to do with Argentina by any chance?

Thanks Frethack I'll definitely chase up that book recommendation.


Now.......................


may I ??

What is *this* (from my collection)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi231.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee205%2Falandriel00%2Fstuff%2F711--005.jpg&hash=3c778e1a46507222753f8cb91c13abd8)

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi231.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee205%2Falandriel00%2Fstuff%2F711--006.jpg&hash=7cfeb2b435dd2cd7a582fbc357d249c7)


100 points to the one that can name the rock and place where I've found it (or rather haggled it from some native kids).
And a box of choccies to the one that names me the fishies (been dying to know for years!)
 [;D]


hmmm yes, i've seen one of those before, its a fossilised fish tank.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 22/03/2008 20:39:05
Smart Ar.....
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 26/03/2008 15:19:47
How about Kyanite?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 26/03/2008 17:15:44
I knew I could count on frethack! 
Kyanite's hardness varies from 5 to 7 depending on the crystal direction.  The mineral is an aluminum silicate Al2SiO5, and is a polymorph of two other minerals- sillimanite and andalusite (that is, they have the same chemical composition, but form different crystals).

Metamorphic mineral that typically forms in high aluminum sedimentary rocks (shales) that undergo changes due to high temperatures/pressures.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 26/03/2008 22:52:02
Never thought Id hear myself say this, but I cant wait for mineralogy :)

Theres a good chance Ill be moving to JimBobs neck of the woods soon.  Barring some funkiness with my credits, I should be UT bound.

Ill have to find a few mineral pics to post!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 27/03/2008 00:05:52
Good luck at UT!

Keep in mind that all the really interesting minerals are hard-rock (metamorphic-igneous).  Don't be swayed by those lazy soft-rockers.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 27/03/2008 01:25:00
Hook 'em Horns!!!! They are on to the next round of March Madness.

I haven't been able to do much of anything for the past two weeks. My father became rater ill at the nursing home and died last Friday as a result. His funeral is tomorrow. He was almost 91. After I finish the Eulogy I am giving I will post it, probably Saturday or Sunday, depending on family obligations. It is something I want to do.

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 27/03/2008 02:44:53
My condolences.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 27/03/2008 02:59:10
Thank you.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 27/03/2008 20:12:14
Sillimanite and Kyanite are idex minerals to determine metamorphic grade, but is a(n?)dalusite also?  (I suppose I could look it up, but that would be less fun  [:)] )
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 27/03/2008 20:21:45
The short answer- yes.

The presence of andalusite indicates certain temperature/pressure conditions- different from sillmanite and kyanite.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 21/06/2008 17:43:35
Two minerals, one orangish red, the other yellow (ignore black matrix rock)

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Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 22/06/2008 16:38:02
realgar and orpiment

if substrait isn't important, then the minerals are probably hydrothermal in origin.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bored chemist on 22/06/2008 19:42:51
Nice colour. Planning to poison anyone?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 22/06/2008 21:24:20
i read a lot of Agatha Christi.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 23/06/2008 00:56:53
From one of the sed-hosted epithermal gold deposits in northern Nevada.  Orpiment and realgar (arsenic sulfides) are indicator minerals for these sorts of deposits.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Andrew K Fletcher on 23/06/2008 08:46:58
i read a lot of Agatha Christi.
Jimbob.We live near Greenway. Agatha's home. It is on the River Dart in a beautiful setting with impressive gardens. Her tennis court is behind a walled in garden. We frequently walk the dogs down there and enjoy a cup of coffee in the café.

There is a huge clock above her place and I remember seeing the same picture of the clock somewhere else, possibly on a cover of one of her books.

The courtyard is granite cobblestones (3 times above background gamma radiation levels)

I will put some pictures on photobucket for you.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Evie on 15/09/2008 21:53:17
I want a new picture!!!   Pretty please? [:X] [:X]
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 16/09/2008 00:51:31
Really don't have time for this, but since you asked so nicely....
What is the pink mineral?

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I'll be back in 2-3 days, have fun with it till then.

Not so subtle hint:  Not flourite
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Evie on 16/09/2008 16:20:25
Rhodochrosite?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 17/09/2008 06:33:39
Ahhh

Good guess, probably would have been my first guess as well.  But sorry, no Mn.
But as you have guessed, it is a secondary mineral (formed during weathering of another mineral).  When looking for deposits containing this metal, this mineral is the blooming key.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Evie on 17/09/2008 15:44:10
Jeez...your hints have got my head going in a few different directions, but I guess I'll throw out another idea and see if it sticks...


Apatite?  [???]
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 18/09/2008 03:27:22
I happen to poke my nose up from my books (4 tests in three days...just finished my sed rocks exam today) and - lo and behold - another mineral!  Ill take a stab in the dark at it.

How about Erythrite (the pink) and Cobaltkoritnigite (the purple).

Both secondary minerals in cobalt bearing deposits (Cobalt blooms).

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Evie on 18/09/2008 16:12:32
I happen to poke my nose up from my books (4 tests in three days...just finished my sed rocks exam today) and - lo and behold - another mineral!  Ill take a stab in the dark at it.

How about Erythrite (the pink) and Cobaltkoritnigite (the purple).

Both secondary minerals in cobalt bearing deposits (Cobalt blooms).



Ah, that sounds good!

My minerology is so rusty (no pun intended), but that's why I love this thread. It makes me exercise my flaccid brain muscles!
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 20/09/2008 19:30:19
I see that frethack can concentrate on his mineralogy while the old curmudgeon is drinking mint juleps in Kentucky.  Nice going!

Erythrite, or "cobalt bloom" is the main indicator for cobalt deposits.  Just so happens that two days after I posted this, I ran across erythrite in a place that shouldn't have any cobalt:

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(my digital camera seems to have a problem distinguishing blue from purple- the dark blue is actually purple erythrite) [???]
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 20/09/2008 19:45:48
An easy one.

This mineral's crystal form is hexagonal (six sided) prisms:

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image from mindat.org

impurities make valuable gemstones.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 21/09/2008 22:28:34
Im guessing its something like this...

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi481.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Frr176%2Ffrethack%2Fcorundum.jpg&hash=06393c2e7e73b8dcc3defc54da06f225)


I need to take a photography course...no matter what camera I use, my closeups are always blurry...grrr.  As soon as I can learn to take a photograph, Ill post a couple of minerals.

Anyway...Corundum :)

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 23/09/2008 22:51:14
I see that frethack can concentrate on his mineralogy while the old curmudgeon is drinking mint juleps in Kentucky.  Nice going!

At least he posted this answer from his own computer, not my computer workstation on which he WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN WORKING!!!!! He has committed this sin and then, when caught, blatantly said the time WILL appear on his next time sheet. Uppity young brat. Working with ArcGIS stuff is what he was to have been doing  - no. digitizing gravity data, that's it.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 24/09/2008 00:39:53
Hehehe...not just the time JimBob, but the burger as well...double meat, double cheese.  Youre lucky I didnt get any grease on my shirt...I just might have included the dry cleaning!  [;D]
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Pyroxene88 on 14/11/2008 02:27:57
Here's a rock for you guys to ID! I'm not positive on what it is exactly, and any information it would be great!

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpics.livejournal.com%2Fspoinger%2Fpic%2F0001zatt%2F&hash=de99201ec38ee85e443661b76a0af605)

Yes, the slab is wet because it still has saw marks that makes it hard to see what it is.

http://pics.livejournal.com/spoinger/pic/0001zatt/
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 14/11/2008 03:05:36
The substrait is carpet. I know that. Geeze!

The other thing looks like part of a very spoiled and moldy specked trout.

Oh, by the way, I HATED mineralogy so I became a sedimentologist by default. And don't blame me for not knowing. Without me, all you hard rock guys would be freezing in the dark and riding horses - no heating oil, no coal, no natural gas = no heaters, energy or internal combustion engines. 

In fact I deserve a vote of thanks!

By the way did your wife give you any grief for getting the diamond saw oil on the carpet?????

Oh, By the way

WELCOME TO TNS !!!!! Hope you enjoy, join the fray, and add another rock nut to the mix!

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: frethack on 14/11/2008 05:05:18
Without any information on hardness and using the carpet fibers for scale, Im going to venture a guess of Aventurine, though the possible presence of cleavage might suggest otherwise.

Any chance for a closeup pic of the dried sample?  Hard to tell if the dark and purple patches are crystals or inclusions.  Maybe even pics of the uncut side?

Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: RD on 14/11/2008 05:22:28
Pyroxene88's sample...

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Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 14/11/2008 16:27:06
Purple-brown mineral appears to be harder and better crystallized than green-- probably garnet family.

My initial quick impression is eclogite.

But with no strongly developed planar mineral orientation, possibly skarn?  Where did you collect this specimen?
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: JimBob on 15/11/2008 16:06:16
He found it in California or the Grenville province.

I suspect this is probably the sorosilicate idocrase, otherwise known as vesuvianite (also called Calforniaite) Since the associated minerals of green idocrase are garnets, calcite, wollastonite (one of these white minerals filling some of the fractures,) diopsid (dark linear non-garnet-lookng mineral) and serpentine. The cutting oil changes the actual colors. There is a ghost of hexagonal garnet crystal form on the left of the specimine just beyond the end of the white-filled vein.

From the carpet, I would guess that it is from the Grenville Province - unless it is from Italy.


See - I'm not as dumb as I look. I can be reasonably conversant in mineralogy (I can use a search engine) - and I keep you sissies warm.
Title: Identify this rock/mineral?
Post by: Bass on 18/11/2008 18:39:27
Now that I can see this on a decent monitor...

The green mineralis probably not idocrase (californite- or american jade), the color and hardness don't seem quite right.

My guess is still eclogite- an intensely metamorphosed rock containing pyrope, which is a distinctive red garnet, and omphacite- a unique green pyroxene.  Darker green probably another pyroxene- likely the clinopyroxene augite.  Eclogites form at very high heat and pressures (lower crust or upper mantle).

Less likely, but still possible, this may be contact metasomatic rock, or skarn.  Skarns form where carbonate rocks, such as limestones, come into contact with hot granitic rock.  The heat and fluids from the granite change the carbonates into new minerals- often garnets, pyroxenes and amphiboles.  If this is skarn, the red garnet is either grossular or andradite (though andradite is less commonly red).  Green is probably the clinopyroxene diopside.  Fracture fillings are likely calcite- wollastonite is more commonly zoned further out than diopside-garnet.