- Rock Chasing
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- 9/12/24
9/12/24
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
The world is a cruel and unjust place
Incredible finds in The Gem State
Roads are a lot more interesting than you think
Imagine driving right through the desert like this...
Some incredible onyx varieties
Much more!
Happy rockhounding!
Keith
A little sparkle to start
Photo Credits: Fossilera
This slice of larimar shows off its vibrant blue hues and banding, making it a stunning example of this rare mineral. The specimen is a replaced wood limb cast, preserving the original structure in striking detail. 🌊
Larimar is found in the Dominican Republic within ancient volcanic flows, and some pieces, like this one, have formed as replacements of petrified wood. 💎
A Quick Recommendation
When I’m tired from a long day of rockhounding I often enjoy relaxing with a little fishing. I’m not particularly good but I try!
What improvements I’ve made are mostly from things I’ve read or seen online. Early Bird Fishing (see the button below), has been pretty helpful in that regard.
They give solid tips once a week in a short email. Check it out if you’re looking to catch more and bigger fish!
Other people won’t understand….
We’ve all been there…
Find of the week
This week we have a beautiful collection found in The Gem State (Idaho) by fellow Rockhound Ted. What an incredible variety of cut stones!
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!
Make sure you mention what it is and where you found it!
Geology Highlights
A cross-section of the A303 road🛣️ reveals layers that represent thousands of years of history, showing how this route evolved over time. From ancient pathways used by early travelers to the modern highway we see today, each layer tells the story of the road’s transformation.
The A303 traces its origins to historical routes like the Harrow Way, which dates back over 5,000 years, and the Roman-built Fosse Way. Though the road fell out of use during the railway era, it was revived in the 20th century and became a major trunk road in 1958.
Today, the A303 connects London to southwestern England, passing through scenic and historic sites like Stonehenge.
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 “What is the term for a naturally formed underground cavity in a rock, especially one that has minerals lining its walls?” and you answered:
Like most weeks, you all pretty much nailed it by answering Geode!
This week’s question is a bit different:
How many active volcanoes are there in the USA? |
Geology highlights
Lake Sarapococha is situated high in the Cordillera Huayhuash🌄 at an elevation of 14,747 feet, surrounded by the stunning Andes mountains. The lake lies at the foot of Sarapo, a towering peak that adds to the dramatic backdrop of this alpine location.
The Huayhuash range is composed mainly of limestone, sandstone, and slate, materials that were once ocean deposits uplifted by tectonic forces. These sedimentary rocks have since eroded over time, developing cracks and features that make the landscape even more fascinating.
The region’s geology even contains marine fossils, such as bivalves and ammonites, offering a glimpse into the distant past of this mountainous area.
Rockhounding
Follow along with a fellow rockhound and see some beautiful finds on the Yellowstone River.
Geology Highlights
Not many people would say that gray is their favorite color but there are some truly incredible rocks and minerals of that color.
We’ll share some of the most interesting, if unloved, types out there you should know about.
Geology highlights
The Qaidam Basin spans roughly 46,000 square miles in Qinghai Province, China, with vast areas covered by saline lakes and desert. 🌄 Despite being located on a plateau at around 10,000 feet, this hyper-arid region receives very little rainfall, making it one of the driest places on Earth.
With these harsh conditions, the basin has developed extreme salinity, which has led to the formation of many salt flats.
The area, though seemingly desolate, is rich in natural resources. These include large deposits of petroleum, natural gas, and valuable minerals like lithium and magnesium.
Geology highlights
The colors of onyx are mesmerizing. Although many people picture Onyx as always black, that’s not true. Black onyx is the most famous; you might have seen it in jewelry or as cool decorations.
Check out the rainbow of colors you can find it in!
Geology highlights
The Qaidam Basin spans roughly 46,000 square miles in Qinghai Province, China, with vast areas covered by saline lakes and desert. 🌄 Despite being located on a plateau at around 10,000 feet, this hyper-arid region receives very little rainfall, making it one of the driest places on Earth.
With these harsh conditions, the basin has developed extreme salinity, which has led to the formation of many salt flats.
The area, though seemingly desolate, is rich in natural resources. These include large deposits of petroleum, natural gas, and valuable minerals like lithium and magnesium.