- Rock Chasing
- Posts
- 8/21/24
8/21/24
Hello rockhound,
We’ve got some incredible photos and great info for you this week. Come hang out with your fellow rockhounds!
This week we cover
Amethyst just sitting on the ground ready to be taken home
A garden you can relate to
A "Shocking" mineral
The REAL uses of turquoise
Much more!
Happy rockhounding!
Keith
A little sparkle to start
This is a rare example of Vanadinite, a striking and unique mineral known for its vibrant red, orange, and brownish crystal formations. It is a member of the apatite group of phosphates and is composed primarily of lead chlorovanadate.
What makes vanadinite particularly fascinating is its distinct hexagonal crystal structure, often forming in clusters or as individual prismatic crystals.
This mineral is primarily found in arid regions, with major deposits in Morocco, Namibia, and the southwestern United States.
Don’t handle it with your hands though! It has a high amount of lead in it and is toxic!
Other people won’t understand….
Find of the week
This week we’re sharing a collection from fellow rockhound Carol. This is a collection from many years of her collecting with my most recent finds coming from a 1/2 month cross-country camping trip up to Canada and back to South Carolina. She estimates they brought back over 200 lbs of rocks and minerals!
I bet some of you can relate!
Great collection Carol and thanks for sharing!
Send me photos of your rocks and minerals!
I want to see what you’re finding and adding to your collection! Send me photos of the rocks and minerals that you’re discovering in your rockhounding journey or bought and added to your collection so I can share it with the community.
Send your best photos and descriptions to [email protected] or just reply to this email!
Geology Highlights
The REAL Uses of Turquoise, It’s Not Just A Pretty Face (Or Is It?)
From the deserts of the Southwest to bustling markets in Turkey and Egypt, turquoise has been revered as a stone of protection, status, and elegance. Its vibrant blue-green color tells a story of ancient cultures and far-off lands.
You might be wondering, what is turquoise used for? Find out here!
Earth Enigmas
Each week we ask a fun trivia question here. We’ll share the answers and the community responses for everyone to read next week. Show off your rockhounding chops!
Last week we asked “Which mineral has the ability to float in water?” and most of you nailed it!
Great job!
This week’s question is a little more “stimulating”:
Which rock or mineral produces electrical energy when rubbed, squeezed, or heated (pyroelectric)? |
Geology highlights
Roxborough State Park in Colorado is known for its dramatic red sandstone formations that tilt sharply at a 60-degree angle. These formations make the park a geological marvel 🌄.
The park is a designated National Natural Landmark and offers a glimpse into the earth's ancient history with its exposed rock formations from the Permian, Pennsylvanian, and Cretaceous periods. Carpenter Peak, in particular, boasts exposed Precambrian monzonite.
Rockhounding
A beautiful amethyst find just sitting on the ground in South Carolina
Geology Highlights
Finding a thunderegg is one of the most fun things you can do as a rockhound. They are pretty boring on the surface but once you cut them open they will take your breath away!
These are the big mistakes most people make and how to avoid them!
Geology highlights
Photo Credits: Marcin Zajac
Monument Valley, located on the Colorado Plateau, is home to some of the most iconic sandstone pillars in the world 🏜️. These towering buttes, some reaching up to 1,000 feet, are a testament to the incredible natural forces that have shaped this landscape.
The vivid red color of the valley comes from iron oxide in the weathered siltstone, while the darker blue-gray hues are due to manganese oxide. The buttes themselves are layered with different types of rock, including the Organ Rock Shale and de Chelly Sandstone.
Geology highlights
There is a LOT of fake turquoise out there. It’s one of the most commonly faked rock or mineral you will see.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure you spot the fakes every time.