Geode hunting

  We decided to do some geode hunting. I had learned enough to know that geodes can sometimes be found in lime or caliche, so off we went to the local caliche quarry and this is what we found.

 This rock contained many small geodes.

 More rocks (quartzite?) contained small crevices filled with crystals.

   

 I also found this beautifully marbled rock (which I now think might be brecciated pink opal) that we tried to remove from the rock wall but to no avail. After picking at it for a while, we left it right where we found it, to be mined away some time, or, if we are lucky and no one touches it, maybe the weather will loosen it further for us to dig out next time.

Also found some rocks which I looked a little like jasper, but I don't think it is hard enough to be. A friend said they looked opalized.

 

It is nice to know that we might have opal around here.

 

Found close to Los Tambos, Cayo District

Heart of Stone

This one I labeled, "My Broken Heart".

I find this one simply amazing. First of all, such a near perfect heart shape, and then the curious design on it...

Quartzites

 This one reveals small crystals.

 

They can be found in limestone areas.

Unusual rock

 This is a rock I spotted in our favorite rock hunting area, but I cannot explain it. If the lines were all going the same direction I would be tempted to say petrified, but now it has me stumped. it seems like it would be some sort of fossil, but for now it will just remain one of my unidentified rocks.

Found in Pine Ridge, Cayo District

Petrified Wood

 

 Petrified wood is usually found in this grey color. It can be found almost anywhere, but an ancient riverbed is a good place to start looking. I found one on a hill though, and some have been found in creeks.

 

Banded (cut) Agate

 After having had these banded rocks for a while, my curiosity got the better of me and I took them to be cut to see how their insides looked. Beautiful!

Found in Pine Ridge, Cayo District

Red Jasper

Red jasper can be found quite readily in Pine Ridge, Spanish Lookout.

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Crystallized

 This is some sort of crystallized rock. If you have any more information for me, it would be appreciated. Here are a few close-ups of this 2.5 inch rock.

 Found in Pine Ridge, Cayo District

Pink Rocks

Lately I've had my eye open for these pinkish rocks. I wish I knew what to call them. Just plain old quartz?... Help me out if you can!

The top photo is taken with flash, bottom without.

Found in Pine Ridge, Cayo District

Clear Quartz Crystal

Occasionally we find these smooth quartz crystals which, if cut, are as clear as glass in the inside.These are usually naturally tumbled and worn on the outside.

Found in Pine Ridge, Cayo district.