Sapphires and rubies (aka corundum) as well as garnet varieties and diamonds are VERY common. The great majority of them are ground and used as abrasives for sandpaper and drill bits.
In our line of work, one must be able to separate a gem from terrarium fodder. May I suggest an excellent book by Richard Wise. Secrets of the Gem Trade
Barbra,
I received the book (secrets of the gem trade) in the mail today and started reading it. I have to say I'm really enjoying it. It's very educational but interesting as well at the same time. I have in my past also done a little traveling but mostly within the US to find Gemstones and gold. I've been to Montana- Sapphires, Arkansas (Crater of diamonds), Southern Oregon - Sunstones, Northern Nevada- Opal and Central Nevada-Gold, Western NC -Rubies, Alaska-Gold. When I hunt and fish I also find myself checking out the rocks in the riverbeds and banks for anything unusual. I hope to get back out west next year if all goes well.
Anyway, again I appreciate the Book Recommendation.
Brilliant! Good choice. Wild understands what makes a gem a gem and explains it beautifully.
Thank you Barbra,
Brilliant might me a stretch though. I really just bought the original version because it was much cheaper. After reading some of it however, even aside from the cost I feel like I made the right choice.
From reading someone's work, we pick up emotions of the writer. It's perfectly clear he loves his work and he is a connoisseur of Gemstones whether they be considered precious or semiprecious. I get the feeling early on in some ways he values semiprecious stones about as much as he does precious stones.
If it's not indiscreet, why did you buy the original version? The newest one was quite considerably updated and expended, as a lot of things happened since 2003.
If it's not indiscreet, why did you buy the original version? The newest one was quite considerably updated and expended, as a lot of things happened since 2003.
Dioptase wrote:
If it's not indiscreet, why did you buy the original version? The newest one was quite considerably updated and expended, as a lot of things happened since 2003.
Simple: Price.
I think I paid less than 10 dollars and 5 of that was a donation. Maybe I'll buy the updated one as well after reading the original copy. I've been road tripping lately to Arkansas, Ohio and places in between. Saw the Grand old Opry live in Nashville, my daughter getting married In Bentonville AR and Ohio State play Maryland at the shoe (Horse shoe) in Columbus as they call it. Pretty great road trip!
The first book is excellent as well. You may be able to locate the 2nd edition in a local library and compare.
Good call Barbra,
Somehow over the years the thought of using a Library got lost. And it is such a wealth of free information. I suppose it was in part due to to the internet in combination with youtube and interest specific websites and forums.
I've been to Montana- Sapphires, Arkansas (Crater of diamonds), Southern Oregon - Sunstones, Northern Nevada- Opal and Central Nevada-Gold, Western NC -Rubies, Alaska-Gold. When I hunt and fish I also find myself checking out the rocks in the riverbeds and banks for anything unusual. I hope to get back out west next year if all goes well.
Terry
Some suggestions: Opal - Spencer, Idaho Tourmaline - Himalaya Mine, CA NC - Emeralds Benitoite (have not done this myself, but the facebook page looks very interesting) CA Garnet - Gore Mountain, NY; also various places in NC Aquamarine (Georgia, if I remember right)
Some suggestions: Opal - Spencer, Idaho Tourmaline - Himalaya Mine, CA NC - Emeralds Benitoite (have not done this myself, but the facebook page looks very interesting) CA Garnet - Gore Mountain, NY; also various places in NC Aquamarine (Georgia, if I remember right)
Roughwater wrote:
I've been to Montana- Sapphires, Arkansas (Crater of diamonds), Southern Oregon - Sunstones, Northern Nevada- Opal and Central Nevada-Gold, Western NC -Rubies, Alaska-Gold. When I hunt and fish I also find myself checking out the rocks in the riverbeds and banks for anything unusual. I hope to get back out west next year if all goes well.
Appreciate the info dchallener. It's always a thrill digging something of value out of the dirt.
Yeah, me too. I have been to the places you mention and enjoyed them. (also the ones I mentioned, except for the Benitoite mine. Someday, when covid is all gone....) It is like treasure hunting, except you always find treasure.
Yeah, me too. I have been to the places you mention and enjoyed them. (also the ones I mentioned, except for the Benitoite mine. Someday, when covid is all gone....) It is like treasure hunting, except you always find treasure.
I hope Covid is gone soon but it wouldn't completely stop me. I have had my 2 inoculations and very recently a booster. I don't trust that I'm 100% good but in an outdoor setting I wouldn't be afraid of the small risk as there is not likely to be a crowd of people. I was just in a outdoor stadium with nearly 100K other people and at the opry in Nashville that was indoor and zero social distancing so digging outside anyplace would feel like a cake walk to me from a risk assessment point of view.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 15 guests
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot post attachments in this forum