Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral Quiz
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Identity HelpMichigan Minerals

11th May 2018 03:45 UTCRobert Darabos

08539390016033035007822.jpg
Found several different minerals (rocks?) in the lower peninsula of Michigan, near Bay City. It was found near train tracks, so could have come from any quarry in the lower peninsula.


This first piece is soft enough to be scratched by a steel knife. I have not checked its reaction to acid, but it appears to be limestone. The white material is the mystery. Maybe some kind of trace fossil?



This second piece is what I can only guess is Pyrite on Limestone (or something very similar). Most of the pyrite looks good, but some looks very "rusty," so I am unsure if these are pyrite that really needs to be cleaned, or just iron.
08080860015660766506253.jpg


06897080015660766516927.jpg

11th May 2018 03:47 UTCRobert Darabos

04932150016033035016988.jpg
close up



a rusty type looking chunk
02662180015660766527108.jpg




IF these rusty parts are Pyrite, how can I clean them up? I was going to put them in Iron Out, then quickly realized that Pyrite itself could also disappear.

11th May 2018 16:06 UTCRobert Darabos

the first mineral actually appears to NOT be limestone! Slightly difficult to scratch and no reaction to acid.

11th May 2018 16:54 UTCMatt Neuzil Expert

I am not sure if the pyrite is interesting enough to clean. It appears to be massive or broken. Perhaps iron out can clean it up a bit if you really want.


Your first piece could be dolomite and might dissolve if crushed or with warm acid otherwise mindat says it dissolves very slowly. It could also be silicified and that could cause it not to dissolve.

11th May 2018 17:29 UTCRobert Darabos

Yeah, I wasn't sure if the Pyrite was worth cleaning. Some of them are all cleaned up when I find them, so we'll see.


The first piece DOES bubble when crushed into a finer powder, so that's good to know. So calcium carbonate, dolomite, limestone, etc?

11th May 2018 17:43 UTCChris Stefano Expert

Bob,


your first specimen is a piece of limestone from the Wallace Stone Quarry in Bayport. The white markings in it are filled in burrows- a trace fossil. The material is common in parts of the quarry. I agree that the rusty stuff is pyrite, and agree with Matt that it's probably not worth spending any time on.

11th May 2018 20:04 UTCPaul Brandes 🌟 Manager

Agree with Chris and Matt..... If the carbonate fizzes after it is powdered, then likely dolomite.

12th May 2018 06:07 UTCGregg Little 🌟

Robert;


In Manitoba, Canada we have a similar rock, Tyndall Limestone, which is used extensively as construction and facing stone including our nation's legislature buildings. The only difference is the rock is mostly calcite (limestone) and the colour contrast is reversed with the burrows being dark and the matrix being of lighter colour.


Also when acid testing carbonates it is necessary to be consistent. The relative reaction rates between the more common ones, calcite, dolomite and siderite, is diagnostic. It is important to familiarize yourself with the relative reaction rates by using the same type and strength of acid and testing on know minerals. I might suggest 10% HCl and compare the relative reactions of calcite (limestone) and dolomite (or dolostone). The Wallace Stone Quarry limestone should have had a very vigorous reaction to acid if it is mostly limestone (calcite). If the reaction is slow to start and then builds with time, it is likely dolomite or dolostone.
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
Mindat Discussions Facebook Logo Instagram Logo Discord Logo
Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2024, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 23, 2024 13:20:23
Go to top of page