Location: Spruce 09 specimen, dirty

Discussion: Spruce specimen cleaningReported This is a featured thread

Category: Discussion Forum / General Discussion
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rockcandyguy
rockcandyguy
Spruce specimen cleaning
Nov 8 2009, 3:07 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 8 2009, 3:07 PM EST
Finally got around to taking some photos of what I do daily in my lab. This was sawn today, will add more pix once the final trim is done, and the finished product will be at the open house next Sunday.
http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/photo/8064284/Spruce+09+specimen%2C+half-cleaned is of the same specimen as it came out of the HCl bath.
Bob Do you find this valuable?    
Rockhound5555
Rockhound5555
1. RE: Spruce specimen cleaning
Nov 8 2009, 4:21 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 8 2009, 4:21 PM EST
Hi Bob,

We have one question. Why cut it into 3 pieces? I don't know why you don't leave it as is. It is so beautiful the way it is. Just our opinion,but we love it and wanted to know.
Tim and Sharon Do you find this valuable?    
jakesrocks
jakesrocks
2. RE: Spruce specimen cleaning
Nov 8 2009, 5:22 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 8 2009, 5:22 PM EST
I agree. That's one beautiful specimen as is. Why cut it up ?
Don Do you find this valuable?    
rockcandyguy
rockcandyguy
3. RE: Spruce specimen cleaning
Nov 8 2009, 5:23 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 8 2009, 5:43 PM EST
Thanks! I agree, is a beautiful piece as is, but mineral collectors prefer pieces which are perfect, and this piece had damage to one of the large pyrites during the vug formation. The damaged pyrite continued growing, so the surface luster of that pyrite is noticeably different than the others, and does not show good crystal faces. So there will be a much larger potential market for the piece once only the perfect pyrites remain.
Also, the intact piece was 18 X 12 inches, and weighed about 40 lbs, much larger than most people collect. The most popular sizes for American mineral collectors are miniature (max 2X2 inches), and small cabinet (max. 4X4 inches). Pieces in these size ranges sell much more readily than large ones, likely because most of us have space issues as to where our collections are housed. I personally will not trim a perfect piece, just to achieve smaller size, but it does happen in the mineral biz, which is all about finding the perfect home for specimens.
Another example: http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/photo/8066191/Spruce09+specimen%2C+quartz%2C+pyrite%2C+ankerite is an 11X9 inch specimen which will not be trimmed. I think this one has a home already, lol.
Bob Do you find this valuable?    
retiredoldfogee
retiredoldfogee
4. RE: Spruce specimen cleaning
Nov 8 2009, 6:02 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 8 2009, 6:02 PM EST
"Finally got around to taking some photos of what I do daily in my lab. This was sawn today, will add more pix once the final trim is done, and the finished product will be at the open house next Sunday.
http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com/photo/8064284/Spruce+09+specimen%2C+half-cleaned is of the same specimen as it came out of the HCl bath.
Bob"
Dang Bob, that is gorgeous! Do you find this valuable?    
Rockhound5555
Rockhound5555
5. RE: Spruce specimen cleaning
Nov 8 2009, 6:48 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 8 2009, 6:48 PM EST
Thanks for the info. The specimens are just fantastic and wish we could find something like that! W saw some of the things that Jeff brought back and they were really nice too. I guess we will just have to make it up your way next year.
Tim and Sharon Do you find this valuable?