The area we were at was know for its chalcedony (which is pronounced something like kal-sed-a-nee). This is actually the name of a large family of rocks and minerals including agates and jasper. But the form that is generally just called chalcedony is a bluish-grey quartzy rock.
The crystals in chalcedony are typically very small. The composition is mainly silica (silicon dioxide), while the colors come from other chemicals in the stone.
Pic turned out good. So many treasures in the desert. I was happy to see the Woolly Ground Beetle,such a cute hairy thing. I would like to go out again before it gets too hot.
ReplyDeleteSadly it's not letting me put the image her, hopefully this link will work to the Woolly Ground Beetle. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mathnerde/5507857200/
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