Hello forum members,
My son has started hunting for treasure and I was hoping someone can help him identify some of his stranger finds.
Thanks
Ian and Troy
Try taking the pictures one more time, when you zoom in they are all out of focus, nobody can see anything properly and when you only have pictures to go by it is important to have a clear perspective. Good luck.
#1 Could be several things,where was it found roughly? It's a nice specimen. A better, less blurry pic would also help.
#2 Is to blurry to tell.
#3 & 4 both look like chalcedony
#5 Is likely slag.
Hehh Well I'll tell ya both welcome to rock hounding Looks like the start to a nice collection. As to what you have picture 1 and 2 could use a bit of a close up and one or two more angles. EU's picks for the last three are spot on~ a chalcedony nodule and a nice chalcedony specimen with the last one being a bit of old slag. Though I have to say the slag could remotely be a bit of pumice. Depends on where you picked it up. I know an area outside of Tuscon where you can pick up igneous material simular to the last picture and there is plenty of chalcedony nearby as well.
Your profile doesn't provide the state you live in, so I can't be more specific than to suggest you contact the division of mines & geology (or natural resources or whatever your state calls it) and get some basic information on the rocks and minerals found there. Many states have first-rate museums where you can see the identified specimens. Is there a large public college or university nearby? It may also have a museum.
And, of course, there are the local rock and mineral clubs.
I remember the Golden Guides from many years ago - there are probably better ones out there today, as well.
Take your son to the local library and do a little research.
The most important thing is that you and he are spending time together.
The next best thing you can do is research with him (instead of for him) and teach him how to do it!
Hehh! I still have my Golden Guide to rocks and it was my little bible as a kid. The Audubon Society puts out a rather good rock and mineral guide as well, though its a bit pricey, with color pictures unlike the Golden Guide which was all illustrations.
I suggest the state geological division because it is more site specific. As a kid in Ohio I wasn't going to find much lava. And I think the pebble pups in Hawaii probably didn't uncover much limestone.
The Golden Guides were a lot of fun - good basic information and plenty of color pictures.