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Identity HelpBrand new to rocks and minerals
12th May 2018 15:19 UTCErin Orchard
"The cause of this optical phenomenon is phase exsolution lamellar structure,[8] occurring in the Bøggild miscibility gap.[9] The effect is visible when the lamellar separation is between 128 to 252 nm (5.0×10−6 to 9.9×10−6 in); the lamellae are not necessarily parallel;[9] and the lamellar structure is found to lack long range order.[10]"
But, I'm still reading and learning. I'm also a little frustrated that most of the information I come across has to do with the "healing properties" and that sort of woo. Just not my thing.
Anywho, this seems like an amazing place to learn about these minerals. Right now I'm primarily interested in learning about where these minerals can be found and if what I've acquired are 100% legit and have not been altered in any way. I picked up three pieces of calcite in the last couple of weeks - one blue, one orange and one green. They seem a little smoother than they should be. I asked both sellers (these were at gem shops) if they were coated with anything or treated in any way and they both said no, though the seller of the green calcite said something about an "acid bath". They just seem like they have a coat of something on them. Any info on these pieces would be appreciated. :)
I'm glad to be here and look forward to learning lots more!
12th May 2018 16:18 UTCGary Weinstein
Welcome to Mindat and the mineral collecting community. Those calcites are from Mexico and they are dipped in acid to give them the shine and smooth surface. Color is natural. Don't worry about the science going over your head, some of it is still over mine after 50 years. Keep reading and enjoying and you will learn lots over a short period.
12th May 2018 16:23 UTCErin Orchard
12th May 2018 23:11 UTCErin Delventhal Manager
Welcome to mindat! If you're not a fan of "healing" stone "woo," you'll fit in perfectly around here. :)
As Gary said, these calcites are dipped in acid, but I wanted to give a bit more detail to that: usually the acid is muriatic acid for this process, which reacts with the carbonate ion in calcite (which is calcium carbonate or CaCO3). This breaks down the calcite structure (you could think of it as dissolving, or like ice melting), and leaves the pieces looking very waxy.
I'm sure others will chime in here with more detail than I have, on this and plenty other subjects.
And as others will express, we are all still learning, so don't ever hesitate to ask a question!
13th May 2018 00:12 UTCJolyon Ralph Founder
I can simplify slightly the Labradorite story. The effect is caused by tiny alternating layers of two different types of feldspar that cause interference patterns, much in the same way that you see when you hold a CD up to the light.
If you have any questions, even if you worry they may be silly ones, ask away! Right now we really want to build up our educational section to help answer all the questions that people like yourself may have - so the more you ask the more you help us!
Jolyon
13th May 2018 02:36 UTCErin Orchard
The guy at one of the shops did mention the acid bath and that makes total sense. It just didn't seem like the surface of those calcites would be that smooth based on what I've read about them. Is most calcite for sale treated this way? I did watch a video or two of the process on YouTube and it was neat. Definitely something I'm not going to mess around with tho!
Right now I'm obsessed with labradorite! In my early 20s I picked up a few gemstone necklaces and one of them was labradorite. I'm pretty sure my amber necklaces are fake amber though! That seems pretty easy to fake.
The # of sites I come across when I Google just about any mineral mostly seem to focus on that "healing" BS. I can't wrap my head around the fact that so many people buy into that! I mean, whatever floats your boat, but rocks and minerals to "heal"?! C'mon! LOL But, if someone's buying, I guess it doesn't matter the reason. It's not hurting anyone, I suppose. I just hope people aren't using "stones" instead of real medical care. I have to admit, I don't even bother reading any of those websites... my brain can't handle that nonsense.
I picked this up at one of the gem stores I visited in Burlington, IA yesterday. I refer to it as my "big ass labradorite". It's so amazingly beautiful! I'm amazed people like diamonds when stuff like this exists!
13th May 2018 03:44 UTCWayne Corwin
You said... "Good to know the calcite colors are dyed."
You misunderstood, those are natural colors, just acid dipped to give them smooth surfaces.
And Welcome to Mindat, where we try to keep the truth alive!
13th May 2018 03:51 UTCErin Orchard
13th May 2018 20:11 UTCEd Clopton 🌟 Expert
14th May 2018 20:22 UTCGary Weinstein
I like to think that the stones which some use for healing are just tools, like a hammer or stapler. Those using them need to understand this, also. The stones, themselves, do not do the healing. It is our minds and our belief that do the actual healing (if there really is some). As I have stated before, metaphysics is a belief system just like religion. Many have found religion to be less rewarding than their ancestors did and have turned to alternative possibilities. No one on this site would ever think of going into a church and telling the pastor that he is spewing a bunch of garbage. We should all keep an open mind when it comes to others beliefs.
14th May 2018 20:39 UTCErin Orchard
So, when first website I see when I search for labradorite says:
"With its pearly sheen of iridescent blues and greens, the color of water, Labradorite harnesses the life-giving elements of the planet and opens up the mind to multiple levels of consciousness that goes beyond everyday reality and our outdated belief systems. Labradorite crystal healing properties are linked with the third eye chakra, the energy field that ignites spiritual expansion and higher levels of the mind and spirit. If you're looking to expand your mind and increase your spiritual growth, meditate with Labradorite and connect to higher realms of consciousness and parallel worlds of endless possibilities...If you’re in the mood to get weird, Labradorite also helps you channel powers of clairvoyance, recalling past lives, or other psychic abilities. "
I mean...come on. How exactly does a rock help you channel powers of clairvoyance?!
So open mind, sure, but some of this stuff is just pure nonsense.
14th May 2018 21:18 UTCDebbie Woolf Manager
14th May 2018 22:33 UTCHiro Inukai
To be precise, I believe others are free to hold spiritual or metaphysical or mystical beliefs about minerals--so long as they aren't substituting such beliefs for medical practice or passing them off as scientifically valid. Rather, what irks me is how people simply assume I must share such views because that is the commonly held perception of mineral collectors among the public.
One of the local gem and mineral retailers in my area, for example, gets bad reviews on certain business rating sites/apps. These reviewers complain about exorbitant pricing, lack of information about healing properties, inadequate selection, and rude employees. In fact, the pricing is entirely reasonable if a bit inconsistent from species to species. You could find crocoite from Australia, pyromorphite from China, or zoisite from Tanzania. And not too far away, in another area, is another business that sells minerals, but they get glowing reviews--but when I visited that store, all I found were bulk quantities of common and treated minerals like quartz, calcite, and gypsum. Of course, there was not a single label indicating locality to be seen anywhere. Honestly, I felt so deflated after leaving that store that I briefly entertained the notion that if there were any "properties" or effects these wall-to-wall selenite slab candleholders could have on me, it would be as a depressant.
16th May 2018 02:01 UTCDoug Daniels
16th May 2018 19:20 UTCDana Morong
16th May 2018 22:21 UTCGary Weinstein
16th May 2018 22:46 UTCGregg Little 🌟
Years ago I worked for a company that analysed drill samples and had "Well Logging Services" in its name. They received so many calls about lumber that they changed it to "Stratigraphic Services".
Hopefully I am not too sarcastic sounding when I say "What metaphysics does to mineralogy is gneiss".
16th May 2018 22:50 UTCKeith Della Grotta
Thanks much for your time
17th May 2018 08:42 UTCErik Vercammen Expert
17th May 2018 10:40 UTCKeith Della Grotta
17th May 2018 17:44 UTCEd Clopton 🌟 Expert
17th May 2018 19:50 UTCGregg Little 🌟
A likely candidate is an amphibole due to the apparent hexagonal cross-section and 2 good cleavage directions, if they are around 56 degrees. This would also indicate a possible metamorphic assemblage.
17th May 2018 20:36 UTCWayne Corwin
18th May 2018 01:57 UTCMatt Neuzil Expert
18th May 2018 01:59 UTCMatt Neuzil Expert
Did you find this piece or how did it cone into your possesion.
18th May 2018 13:33 UTCMatt Courville
Telling the messageboard the location it was found will greatly increase your ID success because of deduction based on the geology and site, and since many members have likely handled other pieces from an area in question.
29th May 2018 02:12 UTCErin Orchard
Hiro Inukai - thank you for so much for your input. Very much appreciated. I have labradorite at work and many people come over and check it out/hold it. I constantly tease about it's healing properties and we all have a laugh. It's just a fun stone to hold and admire. With as many people in our office who use essential oils for "healing", I'm sure we have some crystal healing people there, too. I honestly don't care... my only point was my frustration when researching as a new hobbyist. I came across far more metaphysical garbage than science and it bothered me.
ANYWHO... I look forward to my next paycheck and the next trip to the rock and gem store!
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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 06:53:41