u/802GreenMountains

Aventurine on Black Walnut

Diameter-6”, H-9”

This is my favorite find so far this summer. This stone has many of the characteristics that capture my attention. The title refers to the blending of the green fuschite rich portion of the stone with the reddish brown hematite rich portion. These minerals have weathered differently, with the green more smooth while the reddish brown more angular.

This stone captures all that with an overall pleasing shape, interesting texture features, a nice patina, and good coloring. The stone could be a figure stone, with a range of possibilities that are viewer dependent. Or maybe it’s an old tree stump with moss and lichens growing on it, or maybe it’s petrified. There are many stories. That is why I like this stone.

Jasper on Sapele

L-10”, W-6.5”, H-5”

You’ll have to use your imagination a bit with this one, but at least it’s not green. This recent find was a real surprise because I hardly ever see any Jasper, and nothing nearly this big.

Schist and Shale on Black Walnut

L-3.5", W-3", H-8"

I made these stones a couple of years ago on the occasion of my sister and her husband's 50th anniversary.

L-4.5”, W-3”, H-7”

Just finished another green stone. Although I do love them, I think I need to do something different for my next one.

Serpentinite on Black Walnut

L-9”’ W-4.5”’ H-6”

This recent find got my attention due to the unusual pattern etched in its surface. These are scars formed during the stone’s violent journey down the river. When I first saw it, I immediately saw a War of the Worlds alien. Coupled with the stone’s overall shape, the whole stone just gives me an overall alien invasion vibe. I am interested to hear what others see.

Sandstone on Black Walnut

Diameter-4.5”, H-2”

My son asked to go on a hunt with me last summer and found this stone. He was really excited by it and couldn’t stop marveling at how nearly perfectly round it was. He asked if I’d make a daiza for it, so I thought I’d have a little fun with it.

Picasso Stone on Black Walnut

L-3.5”, W-3”, H-4.5”

I recently drove to Michigan to visit my in-laws. I noticed that a 5 acre hayfield behind their house had been newly cut and saw some rocks were exposed. I challenged myself to explore every inch of that field just to see if I could find anything interesting. Using “I’m taking the dog for a walk” as cover, I walked a grid over the next few days, but didn’t find anything noteworthy. Then on the proverbial last day, this stone found me.

I’ve never heard of or seen this type of stone before and am amazed by its colors, texture, fracture lines, and homage to surrealism. Challenge complete!

Metabasalt on Black Walnut

L-9”, W-3”, H-7”

This recent find really captivates me. I like when a stone challenges me to imagine what forces of nature worked to create such an unusual texture.

L-7”, W-4”, H-14”

This stone gives me an impressionistic painting vibe.

L-9”, W-5”, H-12.5”

L-7”, W-4.5”, H-5”

Just finished this one. I’m not certain this is identified correctly, so let me know if you know differently.

Sandstone on White Oak

L-10”, W-4”, H-8”

This is one of my valued stones due to its rare shape and interesting weathering. It is hard to tell from the picture, but this stone was one of the most difficult stones to balance.

Serpentinite on Black Walnut

L-5”, W-5”, H-7”

L-10”, W-5”, H-12”

I thought a contemporary daiza would go well with this stone.

L-7”, W-5”, H-10.5”

L-8”, W-6”, H-8.5”