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[55fossil]

    I went wandering off the beaten track two weeks ago and found some basalt with white patterns in it that resemble lightning. I have to give credit to a badger for showing me where the rock was. All the rocks you could see in the area were covered in moss and lichens. The area around the badger hole was littered with bright black basalt. I have not cut any cabochons yet. Many of the moss covered boulders were actually basanite. The basalt goes from a coarse texture all the way to a very fine grained basanite. Some has minor jasper inclusions as well as some being jet black. Hope you enjoy the pictures.  neal

The first picture is of the rock found by the badger hole. I will have to go back and do more searching. It looks as if this is a volcanic vent as there is very little basalt in the area. It is almost all ash flows from eruptions.

[55fossil]

Here are a couple more pictures....

[Enchantra]

That is pretty darned cool!  Basalt brecciated and then filled in with some other mineral.  Some of those patterns are quite nice!  You will have to post the cabs when you get a chance.

[hummingbirdstones]

I agree.  Almost reminds me of Picasso Jasper.  Very cool find!   

[Kaljaia]

Awesome material! Love those badgers for mounding up interesting stuff when they dig. Will the basalt take a shine?

[rocks2dust]

Yes, that is a very attractive contrasty pattern. I've seen similar where the white was common opal. Basalt can take a good shine (same as porphyry) and basanite an even better.

[Orrum]

Really awesome Neal!   Hey you hound a bunch and I need someone to answer a question. Is there knapping grade opalite out there? Seems like all the books talk about it but it doesn't sound like it's big enough to knapp?  Thanks, Bill

[55fossil]

Hey Orrum;   Opalite is in the same category as black jasper with me. I only know what people have told me, and there have been a lot of different and conflicting stories. Is opalite just common opal or????  Wish I could be more help, good luck.  neal

[Orrum]

Hey thanks Neal that's what I keep finding out. I think opalite is s rare hard to find rock. I only can find pieces that make very small arrowheads. Hope your retirement is letting you get out n prospect more now!