A Days Outing...Interesting (photo-heavy)

yakker

Bronze Member
Jan 20, 2012
1,663
1,240
Down East
Detector(s) used
spec enhanced eyeballs
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
A Day's Outing...Interesting (photo-heavy)

Hi all! Still getting used to my new surroundings- still only here less than 6 months, so... Took a walk nearby at a reservoir tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills. I had been trying to do some research on what to look for and found a chunk of Virginia metabasalt epidote- and knew I'd seen some myself. Second coldest day of the year- always a good choice (not)! Wandered down to a wash area where the mountain rivers converge and flow into the res. Lots and lots of rocks. All sizes and shapes. Quartz, greenstone, and lots of other stuff I don't know yet. Next time I go, I'll be bringing a pick and knapsack. There were a couple big greenstones with very cool texture and 'grain'.

Nonetheless, I found what I believe to be (I think I have the right name) sepentinite? I know it's associated with greenstone, but I haven't seen anything on line justifying where I found it. My pics, as usual are less than great, but w/ glass and natural light- and a lamp at one point, I think I've been able to capture the color- which was a deep blue-green and very beautiful. Yes, this is all tumble, so no great crystals- although you can see some formations here and there if you squint... I want to head up-river and see where it's all coming from next time I go. We're in sub-zero wind-chill temps right now, so I'll have to wait a week before trying anything like that!- it's a wind-bowl and mostly shady on the east side of the Ridge. Anyway, here are my pics. If anyone can tell me what I've got- or what I might have, please- I could use the help.

First the epidote:

0215151142a.jpg 0215151154.jpg 0215151155b.jpg

0215151148.jpg 0215151148a.jpg 0215151140a.jpg

0215151221.jpg 0215151221a.jpg 0215151222.jpg

now, maybe this is what I think is in the serpentine family, maybe called serpentinite:

0215151122.jpg 0215151127.jpg 0215151140.jpg

0215151141.jpg 0215151142.jpg 0215151143a.jpg

0215151145.jpg 0215151153.jpg 0215151153a.jpg

Associated rocks, not unusual, but cool.

0215151155a.jpg 0215151124a.jpg 0215151149.jpg

0215151148b.jpg 0215151143.jpg 0215151157.jpg

Yes, some rocks are perched on other rocks for support. And yes, the glass distorted a couple shots...
Thanks for looking! Yakker
 

Last edited:
Other then those cold temps sounds like you had a great time. I wish I knew enough to be able to tell you anything other then looks like some really interesting finds there. Up until 3 years ago I grew up and lived in the VA Beach, VA area for 41 years. I moved to Southern California 3 years ago and I sure as heck don't miss those cold winters. I just saw where VA Beach is in the upper 20's today with a windchill of 9. Buurrrrrrrr... Where I live now, today's temps will be sunny and 80 degrees. Look forward to seeing your post about your next trip out.
 

Upvote 0
Thanks Ashman:) I was a good time. And if it weren't for the wind, I'd go out today (rats). I wish I could capture the clarity that I see on those pieces of 'serpentinite' (and it may not even be that...hmm) But between glare and a cruddy phone camera, I just couldn't do it. Thinking of sending a piece to BurntBear- see what he thinks. Good luck to you on your adventures!
 

Upvote 0
Oh yeah, I missed this post entirely. I'm pretty sure those are part of the Serpentine Group.
 

Upvote 0
Yay! Thank you for that confirmation. Preesh ;)
 

Upvote 0
I'd think epidote could be a candidate for the green stuff.
 

Upvote 0

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest Discussions

Back
Top