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
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?
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
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
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.
MEXICO CITY (AP) – A miner in the state of Chiapas found a tiny tree frog that has been preserved in amber for 25 million years, a researcher said. If authenticated, the preserved frog would be the first of its kind found in Mexico, according to David Grimaldi, a biologist and curator at the American Museum
This is an interesting metal. It is found worldwide and has many different uses; it acts as a catalysis (which is a substance that speeds a chemical reaction without itself being affected) there is minute traces of it in practically all the soils, which makes all the plants and vegetables grow better. Yes, these particles
Gold is one of the most recycled substances of all. It’s quite possible that the gold contained in the first nuggets found over 6,000 years ago still exist today, melted and recast into a contemporary piece of jewelry or as the filling in your teeth. Worldwide, wedding rings are probably the single biggest gold jewelry item. One
The hardness of rocks is a fascinating and puzzling study for the beginning rockhound. The durability of gemstones is of great importance to anyone setting up a tumbler or starting to make cabochons. The rock’s resistance to wear (abrasion or “scratching”) is indicated by its hardness, or as sometimes defined by mineralogists, its “scratchability”. The hardness of any material depends
Safety First Metal Smithing – Is it Dangerous?? Written by: Don Monroe Students in my beginning silver classes often ask if the class is dangerous. The answer to that question can be both yes and no. If you listen to the instructions given by the instructor, it is very unlikely that any sort of