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Let's Rock => Identifications of Materials => Topic started by: Sifu on May 12, 2016, 02:46:07 PM

Title: Blue mineral, or just quartz?
Post by: Sifu on May 12, 2016, 02:46:07 PM

So, found some of this in some washes in the Succor Creek area. Just botryoidal crypto quartz? Or???

Title: Re: Blue mineral, or just quartz?
Post by: Orrum on May 12, 2016, 06:07:01 PM

Don't know but waiting to see, welcome to the forum!

Title: Re: Blue mineral, or just quartz?
Post by: Ranger_Dave on May 12, 2016, 06:29:20 PM

How hard/soft is it. Looks like calcite to me.

Title: Re: Blue mineral, or just quartz?
Post by: peruano on May 19, 2016, 08:24:34 AM

It may be a cryptocrystalline quartz/chalcedony product, and is likely to be if you can sand the white color off and find a darker color beneath.  If its equally white and same texture inside as it appears outside, its likely a calcium material subject to acid.  Just guessing.  Tom 

Title: Re: Blue mineral, or just quartz?
Post by: jakesrocks on May 19, 2016, 08:37:29 AM

Put a couple drops of white vinegar on a spot & see if it bubbles. If yes it's calcite. If no, it's probably quartz.

Title: Re: Blue mineral, or just quartz?
Post by: Redwilder on May 19, 2016, 08:31:29 PM

Ive come across quite a bit of this in the Succor Creek area. What you have here is a botryoidal agate with a thin calcium based mineral coating. The white coating will come off in acid leaving the agate exposed. Fun stuff to see!
 

Title: Re: Blue mineral, or just quartz?
Post by: Ranger_Dave on May 19, 2016, 08:56:26 PM

Ah, so I was kind of, almost, close to getting it right.  :grin:  That should look awesome when cabbed. I'll have to get some and try it.