Lapidaryforum.net
Let's Rock => Identifications of Materials => Topic started by: Susan on May 01, 2016, 09:03:20 AM
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Hi all, good to be here from the other forum although I've not been active much. I am in need of some help identifying a few slabs, have a bunch acquired from a friend and some aren't marked or I'm not confident they're correct. Appreciate any help! Hope the photos post okay, my first time trying.
1) The first one was marked Big Mountain Tiffany Stone (IMG_1)
2) Second one is not marked and is familiar but my mind has gone blank :Bash: (IMG_2)
3) Marked Loco Jasper and I've seen it sold at shows by that name but can't find anything about it or where it comes from. (IMG_3)
4) The next one I have no idea, it was marked Kaleidoscope Jasper but I know that's a name often used for a lot of stuff. (IMG_4)
5) Finally, the last one is marked Red Mary Ellen Jasper but it doesn't look the same as some I've seen online. Definitely heavy for it's size and has a lot of hematite. I had to lighten the photo a little for some detail, it's darker in person but it wouldn't show up well here.
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The last one looks to me like tiger iron. The hematite, red jasper, and bits of bright yellow, are common in tiger iron.
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The Loco Jasper and Kaleidoscope Jasper are correct. We have both of those. Bought the Loco at Quartzsite a few years ago - it's cracky as all get out. I was very disappointed with it. The KaleidoscopeJasper is mine is run by Dale Rhode.
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Second one reminds me of Noreena Jasper around the edges, but the center doesn't look quite right.
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Thanks!
Hummingbirdstones - I've cut some of the Loco and yes, it definitely has some challenges with pits and cracks; in the solid areas I've gotten some nice cabs and it polishes really well though and I love the colors.
Wasn't sure on the Kaleidoscope. This slab is about 6" x 3 3/4" at the widest end and there are a few more in the lot so I'm looking forward to seeing how it cuts. It looks pretty solid.
Ranger Dave - I have similar slabs that are green, any ideas on this one? It's marked Green Mary Ellen from the same person. It's also very dark, had to lighten the picture to get it to show up.
To The Summit - I was thinking Noreena too, but I agree, it didn't look right. The patterns are not as bold. This slab is good sized, about 5 1/2" x 4 1/2" in case that helps any.
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The kaleidoscope is not too hard to cut, although it is prone to undercutting. Keep an eye out for that.
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Vince here (the "other" hummingbirdstones - Robin is my wonderful wife) with more Kaleidoscope notes.
Some Kaleidoscope polishes beautifully with no problem, but the color combo in your photo will probably be a little inconsistent. We started buying that material from Dale before he even started selling on eBay, and we have a lot of the earlier material.
Much of the rough from the past few years (post 2011-12?) is even more colorful and intricately patterned than the early rough - but the prices it sells for also reflect that. Our experience with that newer rough is more limited, but it also seems to be generally more solid and consistent in the way it works up.
Happy Cutting!
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Thanks for the great info! I will watch out for the undercutting and polishing issues. I think I have one tiny piece (a one-cab size) of the newer Kaleidoscope but it is so different from this that I didn't relate the two at all - I didn't know about the earlier and later stuff. I really appreciate everyone's help and I am sure I'll have more that I may need help with as I get to them if you all don't mind. Will try to contribute where I can too!