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Identity HelpFound in Niagara Falls, Ontario

15th Apr 2012 03:29 UTCJonathan Robidas

Found this at my place of work, less then 5km from Niagara Falls, I am a complete amateur when it comes to identification. Though I believe it may be quartz.


Any insight from the experts?


Its got some sparkle to it, and the drastic differences on each side has me confused. I am very curious to hear how you guys think it may have gotten this way.


Thank you all in advance

15th Apr 2012 05:37 UTCByron Thomas

Slag from iron or steel production. it is very common and often mistaken for other rocks and minerals.


Byron

15th Apr 2012 18:53 UTCAndrew Johns

Jonathan, where abouts in the Falls did you find the piece.. I know the area well, there were a few steel factories in the area many years ago and I know of some areas where slag was dumped..


Andrew.

30th Apr 2012 03:26 UTCHoward Heitner

The first two pictures look like slag, the third one looks crystalline to me. Perhaps the specimen is a composite of slag with something else that did not melt in the furnace. Is there a distinct boundary between the two areas?

30th Apr 2012 03:54 UTCRonald John Gyllenhammer Expert

Hi Jonathan,


I also think the first two are probably slag. Your third image of a white columnar aggregate may be Tremolite. Compare here:

http://www.mindat.org/photo-33180.html If it is Tremolite, it may be fluorescent so if you have a SW or LW source you may want to check this. Good luck.


Ron
 
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