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Let's Rock => Rough and Slabs => Topic started by: WingnutAndAPrayer on October 02, 2024, 03:35:10 PM

Title: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: WingnutAndAPrayer on October 02, 2024, 03:35:10 PM
I am thankful I only cut half this cobblette up 'cause they seem relatively rare. It's sliced at a little of an angle to keep it kinda parallaxy and fun at different angles. The colors are so saturated I have a hard time keeping the sensor from blowing out taking photos of it.

When in doubt, buy the dirty bucket of old stock. But you guys already know that.  :drool:



Title: Re: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: lithicbeads on October 04, 2024, 12:59:30 PM
Nice .
Title: Re: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: R.U. Sirius on October 05, 2024, 06:44:06 AM
Those are very interesting! I cut one that by sheer luck showed chatoyance of the kind you see in some fancy woodwork. I am convinced that Montana Moss Agates are actually limb casts after partly burned trees, so sometimes we see remnants of grain structure. "The River Runs North" by Harman is a good read on this topic.
Title: Re: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: WingnutAndAPrayer on October 05, 2024, 09:33:59 AM
Thanks!

I 100% stand behind that theory. A small percentage of the bucket (under 2%) showed clear evidence of being wood at one point. Surface texture, partial replacement with clear chalcedony, evident grain, etc. Apparently, word is that the longer potatoes are sections of giant limbs and I believe it. There's enough variety for it to be enigmatic, yet, those of us who know what we like see hallmarks when they present themselves.

Chatoyance is always a nice surprise. I've yet to cut any of the woody ones but a few have a noticeable curly grain that may have affected the replacing chalcedony in the half and halves.
Will dutifully report any discoveries!
Title: Re: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: WingnutAndAPrayer on October 05, 2024, 06:26:58 PM
Here's that halfy.

Title: Re: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: Enchantra on October 06, 2024, 01:25:05 AM
 :WHOAL: :WHOAR:
Title: Re: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: R.U. Sirius on October 06, 2024, 11:14:39 AM
That is a really good example. I would keep it as-is, it is a conversation piece for sure!
Title: Re: Waterline Red Montana Moss
Post by: WingnutAndAPrayer on October 07, 2024, 06:05:34 AM
YES! There are other, larger, less perfect guys in the bucket. This one is too exemplary to touch.