Layered quartz

[shaman15771]

we have a lot of this layered multicolor quartz. Gold, pink,, brown, green. Definitely layered in different colors. Is it a common thing?@

 

[Mrdigz]

On Long Island it is very common. You can find this pretty much anywhere you look.

 

[DDancer]

Depending on where you are the apparent layering of massive quartz can be pretty common. In areas where alot of geologic folding is apparent, granites are a good example, such layering can be spectacular.

 

[shaman15771]

Can it be worked? Got some beautiful colors in it. Anything to look for in same area?

 

[DDancer]

Honestly dont know if it can be worked though I have seen sphere's made out of that kind of material. As to what else to look for Well that is another vague answer~ just gota get out and look. Quartz of that type is found with alot of different geologies. Sorry no good answers for ya shaman.

 

[meMiner]

If you decide to "work" it, my best advise is wear gloves (experience talking). The way quartz fractures, it gets really sharp. I have left blood trails on outcroppings that made it look like there had been a murder. LOL

 

[Alex Burke]

If you decide to "work" it, my best advise is wear gloves (experience talking). The way quartz fractures, it gets really sharp. I have left blood trails on outcroppings that made it look like there had been a murder. LOL

Are some rocks dangerous to work with I would think I would want a dust mask grinding or working with silica type rocks? I was driving to work the other day and a construction worker was jack hammering in a cloud of dust and I thought I'd rather smoke a cigarette than do that

 

[IAMZIM]

If you decide to "work" it, my best advise is wear gloves (experience talking). The way quartz fractures, it gets really sharp. I have left blood trails on outcroppings that made it look like there had been a murder. LOL

You ought to try flintknapping it, lol! LOADS of blood!!

 

[huntsman53]

That type of Quartz exists all over the world and I believe that it is layered and flaky because it is decomposing. Once contaminants such as Acid Rain and other contaminants get in between the layers and seams, they cause the rock/stone to decompose which also allows more contaminants in as well as other minerals, mold and lichens in.


Frank

 

[Eu_citzen]

It can be worked, but tends to be rather brittle. Best suited for cabochons in pendants. Those are not likely to be hammered into something.

 

[Tigger]

YES you need mask when working stone, or even shells. Read the comments in this other post: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/rocks-gems/501426-cutting-agate.html
Safety first. I just took a lapidary class and it was well worth it!!!