Opal, the traditional October birthstone, is an amorphous and hydrated form of silica. Technically while grandfathered in, it's not even a mineral at all! Because the water content differs from opal to opal and can even change over time, it does not fit the definition of a mineral. That said, it's one of the most fascinating gemstones on the planet. The fun play of color happens as light passes through the tiny silica spheres that make up the opal. Basically creating a prism effect. How cool!
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Just a few of the shiny baubles that are now available! Old stock wavellites, Azurite and malachite specimens, some super nifty horn coral fossila and more! 😄
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Turns out it takes a hot minute to render around 100 geode clips together! This big mega compilation will be going live in a week or so. It stands at well over an hour long of sweet sweet geodes being opened up (I needed to clear space off my phone lol). Hope you all enjoy it when it goes up!
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A whole wooly rhino fossil skull! Wowzers! Check out the video below.
youtube.com/shorts/ZXm2DOkOV-...
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If you're ever wondering what to do with some of the cool rocks you pick up, might I suggest either terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems? The one on the left has been growing for several months now, and the aquatic on the right was made this morning. The left is a tropical build with some rose quartz, a geode, tropical plants and local moss. While the right is local chert and native Missouri plants. The substrate is not native but I like the contrast. Anyway! Have a good day!
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There's a national day for pretty much everything, so why not cool rocks? Apparently September 16th is National Collect Rocks day. Happy rockhounding!
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Ended up snagging some of these beauties (sight unseen) to trial run in the Rock Shop. But I'd like ya'll's opinions. Would you like these see these 'lil gemstone cat pendants on the website, too?
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Trying out some new editing wibbles and wobbles and what not. Check out this video about fun pleochroic topaz!
youtube.com/shorts/S1HmKxLKbl...
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Assuming there aren't shenanigans, this little guy will be available tomorrow: https://youtu.be/yXCBgn-mIBw?si=NmZ46...
Explaining the difference between Coral and Bryozoans. A topic that can confuse people collecting fossils out in the field.
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If you've never tried the Mooney Fine Mineral of the Month Club, or had to drop, there has never been a better time to join. Supplies are limited but I have the next 5 months lined out with some fun minerals. A potentially depleted mix of wavelite and turquoise from Arkansas? Yep! Pale but natural citrine? Yep! Clinozoisite? 💯! Raw rubies? Uh huh! And very fluorescent spodumene (varieties kunzite or triphane). This is what will be dropping through January. This month was Viburnum Trend Calcite crystals which should be arriving soon for current subscribers.
From now until September 1st you can get 10% off a 6 month gift subscription or a 1 year gift subscription with the promo: dankrocks at checkout. It nets you discount codes quarterly, a fun mineral specimen each month, a short write up or two, and as it grows - more! Thank you to all of the supporters that have been a part of this fun little adventure. Ya'll rock!
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mooneyfinemineral.com
Just a rock nerd on a quest to make a living on the back of nature's wonders. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: Mooney Fine Mineral.
If you like my content and would like to support it further the please consider checking out my patreon page: patreon.com/mooneyfinemineral
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1 April 2019