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dustyrusty

Tenderfoot
Jun 3, 2016
7
2
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Was out over the weekend looking for jasper/agate/opal in the Opal Mountain area north of Barstow this weekend. Came across this guy. I have seen wind warn basalt before and it definitely didn't feel like this. The rock is extremely smooth, almost waxy. I haven't tested if it is magnetic or not yet but would love opinions.

IMG_20160602_174834.jpg

May as well add a couple of my other finds from the area too:

IMG_20160602_174235.jpgIMG_20160602_174113.jpg
 

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I would of picked it up as well. Do the basic tests then cut a small piece to have it verified. Cool find either way!
 

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#1. Do a steak test! Magnetic? Can a knife scratch it?
#2 Agate and/or jasper.
 

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I would of picked it up as well. Do the basic tests then cut a small piece to have it verified. Cool find either way!

Not magnetic, I will try a scratch test when I get home. I would love to check density, but unfortunately I do not have a scale sensitive enough.
 

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Yes, grind or file a a 'window' in an inconspicuous place and see if it's metallic. If it is later you can look up how to do acid etching to see if there is a pattern (finger print).
There are also nickel tests but some here have said the cheap tests kits from a drug store are unreliable. I don't know.
 

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Do the streak test first. I am not perfectly familiar with meteorites, but that probably isn't one.
I'd tip more on hematite or some other earth-related mineral. :)
 

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Do the streak test first. I am not perfectly familiar with meteorites, but that probably isn't one.
I'd tip more on hematite or some other earth-related mineral. :)

Shoot, left a light gray streak...looks like I just have a cool looking piece of magnetite.
 

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You might want to look a bit harder. Magnetite should streak black. Iron streaks steel grey and shiny.
 

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Slag, then? I guess to be certain someone needs to see it in person. Metallic minerals are hard to ID.
 

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