|
Post by Janis on Mar 27, 2008 15:55:19 GMT -5
I went rockhounding in Russian River, and (like always) pulled stunning treasures out of the river water. 1''x1''x1/2''. Amorphous, smooth surfaced, strong red-orange, and (semi?)translucent. I'd say it is a 5 or 6 on the hardness scale. It has conchoidial fractures (like thick glass would). Its got a matte shine, slightly waxy appearance- like resin- and there is another type of organic rock structure inside of it. I looked at the qualities of AMBER. The characteristics match all but TWO things. This hand specimen is MUCH harder than 2.5 (gypsum). Amber is also "Pulverulent - Forms a loose, poorly-coherent powdery mass [webmineral.com]". This piece is a bit difficult to chip, but breaks along faults with resistance. Chips can be ground into a sand....quartz? fiery red-orange quartz with a pinkish/white, black veined rock inside? Remember...this specimen is AMORPHOUS. It confuses me...
Thanks for reading thus far- I shall take a photo of it today and try show you all. Janis
|
|
|
Post by beale on Mar 28, 2008 5:00:23 GMT -5
Rockhound is the rock specialist. You may have to wait. It takes him a while to post sometimes. Where exactly is the Russian River--------California I suppose? I have never been versed to well in geology. But, I am sure someone out there should be able to answer your question.
|
|