What am I / what am I not?

Identifying & Discovering
1

Another item I’ve had for years, looking for input on what it is and isn’t (with no preconceptions on my part :slight_smile: ) it came to me via a wholesaler in Gallup in the early 90s (aforementioned OB’s from another thread). Dyed or not, shoe polish or not, etc? Thanks all!

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One thing you can try, if it’s opaque it’s more Likly to be stone but I have to say it resembles glass with bits of metal thrown in to resemble pyrite. If it is glass light will shine through it. A small torch or jade light should work. I am no expert so am probably completely wrong

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It is stone, not opaque or glass-feeling. Here it is in sunlight.

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@tepowell
One possible is Persian turquoise with pyrite inclusions

AI gives
The Neyshabur (Nishapur) district in Razavi Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran, is the most well-known area for producing Persian turquoise with pyrite. This region has been a significant source of high-quality turquoise for over a millennium.

More Details:

  • Neyshabur Mine:

The Neyshabur mine, specifically, is located 53 km from the city of Neyshabur and has been the primary source of Iranian turquoise for a very long time.

  • Other Iranian Deposits:

While Neyshabur is the most famous, other Iranian turquoise deposits include those in Baghu(Semnan Province) and Shahr-i Babak (Kerman Province).

  • Historical Significance:

The turquoise from this region has been prized for its vibrant blue color and quality, often referred to as “Persian turquoise”.

  • Pyrite Inclusion:

Persian turquoise is sometimes found with pyrite inclusions, which add to its unique appearance and are highly valued.

  • Geological Context:

The turquoise in Neyshabur is found in veins, seams, or nuggets within weathered and broken trachyte rock, often between layers of limonite and sandstone.

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Looks like stabilized Kingman nuggets. Pretty color!

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https://www.etsy.com/listing/4313091571/17-tumble-polished-kingman-turquoise?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=kingman+nuggets&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&frs=1&cns=1&sts=1&nob=1&content_source=fdbb1487-aaab-4f8e-a001-d970e3ae6f1f%253A2eb0a01bec331ad30b4022595c4ec8e599df4ab4&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=fdbb1487-aaab-4f8e-a001-d970e3ae6f1f%3A2eb0a01bec331ad30b4022595c4ec8e599df4ab4

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Bingo. @chicfarmer is on the money. Tumbled and (ultrasonic) drilled treated Kingman nugget with natural pyrite and quartz inclusions. Used to be able to buy it by the 5 gallon bucket full.

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Thanks all! Kingman go figure :slight_smile: intense color made me curious, glad to know more about what it is…

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I think some color enhancement was part of the stabilization process here

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