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Rockhounding and Mineral Collecting

Ask questions about collecting rocks and minerals and their values here.

562 Questions

What was the state's Texas mineral?

The State Mineral of Texas is silver. The state's stone is petrified palmwood, and its gem is blue topaz.

How care you tell the difference between real amber and fake amber?

An effective way to distinguish between real and fake amber is through the saltwater test - real amber will float in saltwater, while fake amber will sink. Additionally, real amber emits a pine-tree scent when burned, while fake amber smells like plastic. Lastly, real amber will feel warm to the touch, whereas fake amber will remain cool.

Why is Maine's state mineral Tourmaline?

Maine's state mineral is tourmaline because the state is known for having large deposits of high-quality tourmaline crystals. Locals and tourists alike appreciate the unique range of colors and gem-quality clarity found in Maine tourmaline. It has become a recognizable symbol of the state's rich mineral resources.

What is a durable lightweight metal dervived from minerals such as ilmenite or rutile?

Titanium is a durable lightweight metal derived from minerals such as ilmenite or rutile. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, making it a popular choice in aerospace, medical, and sports equipment industries.

Is Hawaii in the top ten of mineral production?

No, Hawaii is not in the top ten of mineral production in the United States. The state's mineral production is minimal compared to other states known for mining activities.

What is opaline silica?

Opaline silica is a form of silica that has a structure resembling the gemstone opal. It is often found in sedimentary deposits and is characterized by a non-crystalline, amorphous structure. Opaline silica is commonly used in the production of glass and ceramics.

Difference ruby and garnet?

a ruby is a precious stone that is brilliant in colour and almost glows when you hold it to the light, a garnet is a semi-precious stone, it is red as well but dull it is mostly used for costume jewellery.

Why was Fluorite chosen to be state mineral of Illinois?

Fluorite was chosen as the state mineral of Illinois because the state has historically been a top producer of fluorite in the United States. The mineral is known for its vibrant colors and is commonly found in Illinois, making it a symbol of the state's mining industry and geologic heritage. Additionally, fluorite has industrial applications in areas like steel production and optics, further contributing to its significance.

What is the appearance of bauxite mineral ore in rock and how do I recognize it?

Bauxite mineral ore typically appears as a reddish-brown rock with a dull, earthy luster. It often forms as thin, layered deposits in tropical or subtropical regions. You can recognize bauxite by its distinctive color, hardness (around 1-3 on the Mohs scale), and association with regions known for aluminum production.

Why is Oregon famous for it sunstones?

Oregon is known for its sunstones due to the presence of a unique variety called Oregon Sunstone, which contains copper inclusions that give it a distinct shimmery appearance known as aventurescence. These sunstones are found in limited regions in Oregon and are highly sought after for their rarity and beauty. Oregon Sunstones are considered a precious gemstone and are often used in jewelry.

Does South Carolina have any gold?

South Carolina has at least 130 gold mines or prospects, the vast majority alluvial. Gold nuggets to 17 ounces have been found. Lots of places to look, and all you need is a shovel, a gold pan, and maybe a metal detector.

What is the state gem of Hawaii?

The state gem of Hawaii is black coral. It is found in deep ocean waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands and is protected due to its slow growth and vulnerability to overharvesting.

Do the fossils found in different places have similarities?

Fossils found in different places can have similarities, such as similar species or types of organisms, which can provide insights into past ecosystems and evolutionary relationships. However, the specific types of fossils and diversity of species can vary depending on the geological history and environmental conditions of each location.

What mineral are found in the southeastern region?

You'll have to be much more specific as to location. Southeastern where? Look online for gem & mineral clubs in your area, or guide books on the minerals of your state or region, or check out local museums or universities earth science departments, or whoever is in charge of mining and minerals in your area.

What is a Lode stone?

Lodestones are stones or bits of a magnetic rock called magnetite. So basically they behave like a compass. Before modern compasses were developed, the primitive traveller would have a lodestone on the end of a string, and one end would always point magnetic north. You can make your own lodestone by tying a bar magnet to a piece of string, that really is all there is to it.

What are some minerals found in Delaware?

Some minerals found in Delaware include quartz, feldspar, mica, kaolinite, and garnet. The state also has deposits of sand, gravel, and clay minerals. Mining activities in Delaware primarily focus on industrial minerals used in construction and manufacturing.

Which gemstones are found in Washington State?

Some of the gemstones found in Washington State include agates, jaspers, petrified wood, and garnets. Additionally, there are also reported findings of opals, quartz crystals, and fossils in certain areas of the state.

What kind of rock is Travertine?

Travertine is a sedimentary rock. It is a natural chemical precipitate of carbonate minerals; typically Aragonite, but often recrystallized to or primarily Calcite. Basically, calcium carbonate is deposited from the water of mineral springs or rivulets saturated with calcium bicarbonate. The spring water can either be hot, warm or cold. The amount of deposits may increase with the water's temperature or when biotic material accelerates the precipitation. The ornate columns of travertine in caves is one example of an inorganic chemical sedimentary rock.

What is the mineral found in Saline solution?

The mineral found in saline solution is sodium chloride, which is commonly known as table salt. It is dissolved in water to create a solution that is similar in concentration to the body's natural fluids.

What state is topaz normally found in?

Utah is probably the top producer of topaz crystals in the US; a seemingly endless supply of superb transparent, colorless to sherry-colored crystals come from Topaz Mountain, but it's not the only state that produces good topaz.

Is there gold in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky has gold. The state rocks are sedimentary in nature, so there really aren't any significant deposits, but some streams will contain very fine gold, brought by glaciation. Persistent panning or sluicing might turn up gold the size of a grain of salt, hard data on anything larger is tough to verify. National or state prospecting associations and state geologists could provide more specific info.

What is England's national gemstone?

There are two gemstones that have been England's national gemstone. Shell cameos and amethyst are two national gemstones of the country of England.

What does the Jade rock look like?

Jade is a green-hued gemstone that can vary in color from light green to dark green. It is known for its smooth texture and can be polished to a high sheen. Jade can be found in both translucent and opaque varieties.