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Let's Rock => Identifications of Materials => Topic started by: Scalebar on May 22, 2019, 10:38:29 PM

Title: Mystery in the bottom of a box
Post by: Scalebar on May 22, 2019, 10:38:29 PM

This was in the packing material of some rough I just received. Any guesses? The crystals are reddish in sunlight, yellow material on the side is soft like ochre.

Title: Re: Mystery in the bottom of a box
Post by: Scalebar on May 23, 2019, 05:24:51 AM

I'm wondering if it's vanadinite

Title: Re: Mystery in the bottom of a box
Post by: rocks2dust on May 23, 2019, 10:09:38 AM

Another possibility is andradite garnet. I've seen some from Arizona in matrix that looks very similar to that. The yellow could be orpiment, though it is difficult to tell for coatings that don't show crystals.

Title: Re: Mystery in the bottom of a box
Post by: VegasJames on May 23, 2019, 03:45:13 PM

The red looks like garnets to me. The yellow could be an arsenic so make sure to wash your hands after handling.

Title: Re: Mystery in the bottom of a box
Post by: Scalebar on May 23, 2019, 11:08:06 PM

The yellow stuff comes off on your fingers at the slightest touch, I do wash my hands thankfully. Think I'll drop the trader a note and ask wtf? I did order garnet but almadine and that's accounted for
Cheers