All of these are self-collected, I’ve had a few claims in the Dead Camel Mountains, NV, and I cut some rocks today that looked good for lapidary so I thought I’d share! Forgive the terrible cuts, I blame the saw 🤓 Any standouts?
Once upon a time, not too long ago, the Dead Camel Mountains were my favorite place to rockhound. I liked the area so much that I eventually staked two mining claims there.
3 of the 6 pieces are what I consider classic Lahontan Jasper: dramatic red, iron-rich veins filling fractures against a lighter silicified background.
The other 3 pieces are Lahontan Wonderstone, including material showing the complex fracturing and mineralization characteristic of the Dead Camel Mountains.
EXCELLENT LAPIDARY MATERIAL
I've cut a lot of material from this area, and it generally takes an excellent polish. Once cut, the colors are typically considerably more vibrant than they appear through the natural desert patina.