Rock Talk Library
Read about iridescent Fire Agates, Dinosaurs, the Dugway Geode Beds, Petrified Wood, Devil's Slide and much more! You may want to bookmark the Rock Talk Library to come back again and again!
A Mineral Poem
A Mineral A mineral is a wondrous thing, At least it is to me, For in its ordered structure, Lies a world of mystery. The secrets that it has withheld, For countless ages past, And clung to most tenaciously, Are being learned at last. Each year using new techniques, Or with a new device, We
Apache Tears
By: Shirley Greenberg If you have a specimen in your collection labeled “Apache Tear” and want information about it, you could have a problem. Not all rock and mineral books have a listing for “Apache Tears.” This is because “Apache Tear” is not a valid mineral name but is a well-known nickname for some obsidian nodules. Obsidian is
Birdseye Marble
in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Utah County Geologic Information: Approximately 58 to 66 million years ago (Paleocene epoch), a large body of water known as Lake Flagstaff covered parts of northeastern and central Utah. This lake deposited a sequence of sediments that formed rocks known as the Flagstaff Formation. Although these rocks are technically a
Bixbyite, Rutile, & Amethyst Crystals
Near Marysvale, Piute County Geologic information: The Marysvale area is dominated by Tertiary igneous rocks ranging from intermediate to silicic compositions with both volcanic and plutonic representatives. The especially thick volcanic section is thought to be the result of a large stratovolcano complex and associated calderas that existed during mid-Tertiary time. One of the common units
Calculating the Value of Scrap Gold
by Tony Orzano I have been asked many times how do you calculate the value of scrap gold? The spot price for gold (price traded on the stock market) is a poor indicator of the real value of your scrap gold (the price quoted is for pure gold – 24 Karat). What is scrap gold?
Cutting Oils for Rock Saws
I am writing this article as a response to some concerns that I have regarding information mentioned in articles in the magazines that tell about different ways to save on some of the money you use for your rock equipment and materials. One such article was about using saws with water or oil that will
Directions for Cutting Fire Agate
Inspect the rough stone by wetting with water under a bright light. Direct light is ideal. (The stone is fragile so hold it over a padded surface). Observe the depth and location of color layers. The gem material (fire layer) is usually covered by chalcedony. Trim away excess chalcedony by sawing, grinding, or sanding. Sawing
Dugway Geode Beds
Geologic information: Approximately 6 to 8 million years ago (Miocene epoch), volcanic activity occurred in western Utah and deposited an extrusive igneous rock called rhyolite. Trapped gasses formed cavities within the rhyolite, and millions of years of ground-water circulation allowed minerals to precipitate into the cavities. The result is geodes with spherical shapes and crystal-lined cavities.
Fire Agate
Agate with Geothite and Limonite inclusions that cause the stone to be iridescent. This iridescent agate is found in California, Arizona, and Mexico. A magnificent gem, it shows vivid opal-like colors when worked by a skilled lapidarist. The agate has many layers of clear agate interspersed with layers of fire which are orderly platelets of
First Aid: Family Kit (Tummy Troubles Kit)
Anti-diarrhea (Immodium A-D) Oral rehydration packets Water purification tablets Hand sanitizer Waterless toothbrush Heartburn/upset stomach remedy (Pepto Bismol) Antacid tablets Antibiotics Frequent Fliers Kits Saline nasal spray or gel Oral rehydration packets Pain relievers Sleep medication Nasal decongestant spray Anti-diarrhea (Immodium A-D) Waterless toothbrush Melatonin drops Face mask Compression stockings Antacid tablets Earplugs Sunglasses Childrens