Ancient Plant???? or What?? Louisiana

[Sir_Digs_Alot35]

I found this 3ft down in Central Louisiana. Has anyone seen anything like it or know what it would be worth to a collector of oddities Help!!!!

[trk5capt]

Petrified Coral? trk5capt...

[Michelle]

is it metal? Looks like a bunch of candles melted together!

[EDDE]

stalactite or stalagmite depending which way it was formed

[Sir_Digs_Alot35]

its not metal its all natural and glass like, very beautiful. I had one expert here at the new mexico rockshow tell me because of its rareness, and its ability to stand alone as a one of a kind show piece, that they would part with it for no less than 1000$. What do you guys think

[dg39]

Back in the 1950's when I was a teenager, my dad and I would roam the country where you found that. Back then around towns like Goldonna and close to the Texas line you could walk in the pine woods and see large petrified logs and unusual rock formations. In the streams or bayous as some call them down here there would be petrified coral sticking up in the mud or sand. That was before the Toledo bend lake was formed. Several small old towns were covered by the lake.
You can still find some beautiful opals in the area. When the lake was made we lost a petrified forest that was quite a small wonder..Thats one of the problems with progress, you lose some of natures wonders. The old residents of that area think nothing of finding unusual geological formations. I have a number of items found around there on display in the museum..you can even find sharks teeth.
DG

[Sir_Digs_Alot35]

sweet dg!!! thanks for the info............have you ever sold anything cool from the area. and can ya tell about this thing from Sabine area.It fits perfectly when held in the left hand.........and has a mineral type eye on its side...........its petrified wood but what did indians do with it to put their hand prints right into it??

[dg39]

You have me on that one, unless it was used to hammer or strike. As to the hand prints , find a knowledgeable rock expert in your area. I'm at a loss on that. I sometimes trade but seldom sell rocks.

[Sir_Digs_Alot35]

The experts here in New Mexico know little or nothing about Louisiana. Hardly anyone does........its a very rough environment and not explored much lagally anyways ...lol. I have some of my palm wood and things in the Deming Musuem here...they were thrilled as they didnt have anything from that area. How would I go about selling my specimens and making sure I get a good price? Should I take them to the University of New Mexico?? Or just post them on ebay with info and hope for the best??

[dg39]

I am suppose to say take them to the University.

OR try ebay.
Thats a decision you have to make.
DG

[Sir_Digs_Alot35]

Very sorry to keep pecking at you DG........if I go ebay should I post my specimens as a group and sell them or would it be more beneficial to me to post them seperate. Or I can just wait for the HUGE rock show that happens every year here in Deming NewMexico and play on the collectors.

[bakergeol]

Here is a coral that looks a little bit like yours on E-Bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/FLORIDA-FOSSILS-...QQcmdZViewItem

I just visited the Denver rock and gem show. Items in the fossil section were beautiful and expensive.
Can't help you as I have never sold fossils.
George

[Sir_Digs_Alot35]

Getting closer Baker!!........but not quite. Mine still is tube like structures and the back has fractures or signs that it was broken or seperated from a larger object. Ive had this piece now 11yrs......and everyone I have shown it too has been in awe of it,..........even folks I show that arent rockhounds or in to any of this stuff, are still blown away. Even still I cant get an appraisal , or Classification of it........very frustrating as I gaze upon its beauty........lol

[paulsales05]

It looks like lightening struck the ground in sand and made it glass.