Today I want to talk about opal as a gemstone and it’s, not expected, biological role in grasses and algae. Opal as a Gemstone Gem-quality opals are characterized as Precious Opal, also called Fire Opals and Common Opals. Precious Opal as a gemstone is prized by collectors and can display all the colors of the. . . Read More
Day: October 13, 2024
Opals – As Gemstones & it’s Biological Role in Grasses
St. Patty’s Day Field Trip to Dobell Ranch
We had thirteen club members drive out to Dobell Ranch to collect petrified wood. Everyone was in high spirits, and the weather was cooperative, providing us with a gorgeous day. We had so much fun both Linda & I forgot to take photos. Here’s a link to the Dobell Ranch website’s photo gallery: https://azpetrifiedwood.com/gallery Noah. . . Read More
Pyrite
This is a brief introduction to the mineral Pyrite, or when we were young, known as Fools Gold. I’m also going to tell you about one mineral species which forms kidney stones in people. Pyrite is an iron sulfide with two atoms of sulfur for every iron atom, giving it the formula FeS2. [Ref 1]. . . Read More
Copper Mining in Bisbee
Thanksgiving Day 2017, my son Greg and I traveled to the old copper mining town of Bisbee for a two day exploration of the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, observing the, now non-operational, Lavender Open Pit Copper Mine, and soaking up the ambiance of this charming town perched on the low hills of the Mule Mountains. [Ref. . . Read More
On Wulfenite
Today my main topic is the mineral Wulfenite which has a strong association with Arizona. Lead mines, in which Wulfenite has been found, are numerous, with some of them offering such beautiful examples of the mineral that they have become classic localities. Among these are the Rowley Mine and the Glove Mine. More photos of. . . Read More
What is the Difference Between a Rock and a Mineral?
According to the USGS website, “A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties”. “A rock is an aggregate of one or more mineral, or a body of undifferentiated mineral matter”. For more information about rocks and minerals, be sure. . . Read More
Field Trip Report – Gray Mountain
December 20, 2017 – We had seven club members head out to Gray Mountain to collect Petrified Wood and Jasper. The morning started out a bit cooler than most of us found comfortable, but by the time we got to our second stop the wind had died down and the temperature was as nearly perfect. . . Read More
Who Is That Masked Mineral Man?
I’ve been an avid collector of mineral specimens from around the world since my experience, at the age of 13, of finding a beautiful black tourmaline crystal while on a Boy Scout hiking adventure. We were in the upper limits of the gem mining Pala District in San Diego County, California. I’m now 84 and still. . . Read More