Aussie Lapidary Forum

LAPIDARY => Ask a "Silly" Question => Topic started by: Grug on November 21, 2014, 03:03:49 PM

Title: What might this be
Post by: Grug on November 21, 2014, 03:03:49 PM

Hello,
I found this in a granite retaining wall and was wondering what it might be? Was quite interesting looking.

Thanks

Title: Re: What might this be
Post by: lukeshoey on November 21, 2014, 03:17:54 PM

A garnet maybe?

Title: Re: What might this be
Post by: Jimnyjerry on November 21, 2014, 03:25:18 PM

Welcome to ALF Grug. :)

It certainly screams garnet to me.

Title: Re: What might this be
Post by: Grug on November 21, 2014, 03:37:27 PM

Thanks,
It broke pretty easily when I tried to get it out. Its not in any way transparent.
Might keep an eye out for things like this from now on.

Title: Re: What might this be
Post by: nssian on November 21, 2014, 05:33:51 PM

Quote from: Grug on November 21, 2014, 03:37:27 PM

Thanks,
It broke pretty easily when I tried to get it out. Its not in any way transparent.
Might keep an eye out for things like this from now on.

Judging by the size, shape and colour I think it might be a copper or iron Pyrite crystal.
I find a lot of these when I am panning for gold, usually quite small though (pin head size)
Check with a magnet !

Title: Re: What might this be
Post by: Lapis Lupinus on November 21, 2014, 07:39:42 PM

If it has a metallic sheen, it probably is pyrite. If reddish and translucent or transparent, maybe garnet as Jimneyjerry said.