6ix Posted April 28, 2013 Share Posted April 28, 2013 Cracking open some rocks and I found a jumble of shells, this is a small example - most of the fossils I've been finding are still shells, but these have been completely replaced by something... I would love to know what the process is and an approximate timeframe (these were collected form a riverbed with many possible sources). The first couple of photos taken with an led bulb and diy macro lens.. the last two were with standard onboard flash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CH4ShotCaller Posted April 28, 2013 Share Posted April 28, 2013 It really does resemble the calcite in the concretions I've found here. After reading about the process and speaking with several well-versed TFF members, the common method is the organism that expired gives off ammonia from bacteria during the decay process. There's other processes, but this is a common method. I found a link of some from Florida that are gem quality calcite crystals inside gastropods. 1 Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. -Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6ix Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 Thanks for that CH4ShotCaller - this is such a diverse hobby I'm loving it! I have a ocean tumbled gastropod that has tiny crystals growing in it... would love to have it cut in half but am loathe to risk it as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CH4ShotCaller Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Have you seen the images for the calcite crystals inside fossils from Florida? Impressive. I've found some crab with calcite crystals inside, but nowhere near gem quality. Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. -Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLB Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 If its like geodes water and minerals filter thru the earth and gases and minerals get left and build up in Pockets left behind. So things with calcium usually turns into calcite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CH4ShotCaller Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 Here's one that I down loaded, if I ever make a trip back down to Sarasota, you'll know where to find me. Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. -Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6ix Posted May 3, 2013 Author Share Posted May 3, 2013 That is amazing!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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