Desert Messenger

18 www.DesertMessenger.com ADVENTURES WITH ROCKS Rock, Mineral, or Gemstone? By Jenn Jedidiah Free for RocksInMyHead™ The earth is full of rocks, minerals, and gemstones. We as collectors sometimes don't distinguish between the types of beautiful, unique, and special things we pick up off the ground. We are rock collectors. As long as we come home from an excursion with at least a handful of pretty, sparkly, or otherwise exciting chunks of the planet we are usually happy. But, what really is the difference between rocks, minerals, and gemstones, anyway? The easiest to start with is the definition of a mineral. The science of mineralogy has defined a mineral as a naturally occurring, inorganic compound with unique chemical structures and physical properties. Minerals are typically formed with a highly ordered atomic structure that is very often crystalline. The composition of minerals range from pure elements and simple salts to very complex silicates with thousands of known forms. Some examples of minerals from this area of Arizona/ SNOWBIRDS Furnished Trailers For Rent $325/mo. + up Cactus Patch RV Park 928-927-6717 Quartzsite Chiropractic $ 25 Adjustments Dr. Michael Cole, D.C. Providing Chiropractic Care to Quartzsite! California are Wulfenite, Malachite, or mineral as a "gemstone" is, as a Azurite, Chrysacolla, Garnet, Tur- concept, mostly a human invention. A gemstone is typically classified as quoise, Tourmaline, and Selenite. such based merely on human value On the other hand, a rock is typically judgments, preference, and current composed of a combination of min- supply and demand. That said, a erals or other organic compounds. gemstone is usually defined as a For example, quartz, mica, and feld- highly attractive and desirable rock spar are minerals, but when formed or mineral that can be cut or poltogether, they make a rock called ished for decorative or jewelry use granite. Another example would be because of its special physical and Often, hardour town's namesake, Quartzsite, optical properties. ness and rarity are a factor in deterwhich is a metamorphic rock consisting of quartz, sandstone, and mining the value of a gemstone, but chert. There are three main types not always. Factors like rarity can of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and change over time, as well. Mines metamorphic. Igneous rocks are can become depleted, new deposits formed deep inside the earth when can be found, changes in technology molten magma cools and solidifies. can make extraction easier. Even Sedimentary rock, as its name im- political situations in the gemstone's plies, is rock that is formed by the country of origin can affect its supdeposition and compression of lay- ply and value. Also, some gemstones ers of sediments. Metamorphic rock like turquoise are not very hard, and is created when igneous or sedimen- others, like coral or amber are ortary rock is physically or chemically ganic compounds and not minerals altered into a denser material by at all. Other gemstones are actually intense heat and pressure deep un- combinations of minerals. An exderground. Marble is metamorphic ample of this type of gemstone would be lapis lazuli, which is comprised of rock created from limestone. sodalite, calcite, and pyrite. The definition of a gemstone, however, is not quite as straightforward. SEE OCKS PAGE 37 The designation of a particular rock R • • • • • • • BUYING Old Costume Jewelry Old Fountain Pens Silver & Gold Coins Sterling Silverware Gold Filled Jewelry Old Watches Gold & Silver Jewelry Any Condition • Gold Nuggets • Dental Gold Honey Do Lists? Call Rich! Builder with 35 years experience in satisfied customers! High quality workmanship Small to Large Projects 208-290-5102 Hi Ally Swap Meet ~ Front Row Main St., Quartzsite not a licensed contractor Veteran Owned & Operated DR. COLE IS BACK! RVs & Mobile Homes at MOBILE WASH Filtered Water • Local Business Quartzsite Medical Center Just west of Carl's Jr. on W. Main St. Bud's Suds Hours: Friday 9am - 1pm & 2:30-5pm • Sat. 9-11 For more information call Dr. Michael Cole, D.C. 928-533-4588 January 1, 2014 www.ServiceMagic.com/biz/BudsSuds Email: freewaytx30@yahoo.com CALL for estimate! 928-750-9660

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