Wondering if any of you rock hounders know of any natural obsidian deposits within an hour or two of the valley? I'm looking to do a little playing with some flint knapping and would like to use materials that I could find locally.
AZ rock hounds...Rhino, John, John
- Thread starter BMAN
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inkpot
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Howdy! The Apache Tears south of Superior are close and easy, but the vast majority of those are dime-sized or smaller. There are several abandon quaries along the entrance to Telegraph Canyon. There is another area farther east (maybe around Safford?) that has Mahogany Obsidian. It is black with brown streaks. I can look it up in one of my rock books tonight. John
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Thanks John. Looking for stuff larger than the Tear mines. Really looking at finding Large stuff like basketball sized that can yeild alot of knapping material. Whatever you've got for locations to look will at least get me started. Thanks again.
inkpot
SILVER Star
Howdy! After checking thru a couple of books, I can find half a dozen locations with obsidian like the apache tears at Superior. The only site with any bigger specimens is on Hwy 191 north of Morenci. Go 13.8 miles past the Chevron station and you can see seams of it in the roadcuts on the uphill side. Park on the shoulder and dig in with hammers, chisels, and pry bars. There may be some pieces along the edge of the roadbed, but you can explore the hillsides to find seams jutting out. Local law enforement folks may not appreciate you digging into the roadcuts. I just happen to have a 16: slab saw if you need to trim up some pieces. John
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Thanks John. I'll have to drive up there and check it out.
sorry BMAN i havent been hangin around online much lately,,, i can point you to many but most of the obsidian areas close to the valley have been picked over for so long its hard to find big stuff.
lemme know if you want to drive a bit i know of a few areas that have yielded some workable size specimens,, ohh like that scientific type jargan right thar??
lemme know if you want to drive a bit i know of a few areas that have yielded some workable size specimens,, ohh like that scientific type jargan right thar??
inkpot
SILVER Star
Howdy! This area is right on the hiway, so no 4x4 required. I have a buddy that makes tons of jewelry, and he showed me some that he got up there. It's pretty neat, as the light shows thru the stripes. I'll check with him for any helpful hints. I would like to get a couple of large pieces myself, so let me know when you want to go up. John
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- #8
Thanks guys. I'd like to check out the area you're talking about too Rhino. Maybe do an overnight and some hounding.
pics a little blurry but you can see it,,,, its my bestest and most favoritist obsidian i have, about the only thing cooler is a good chunk of fire agate but you'll have to go to the mineral and mining museum to see it right now.
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Found one source that has maps and all.
Arizona Obsidian Source Index
Arizona Obsidian Source Index
Have you tried using johnstone? It's fairly easy to come by here. You could prolly find lots of it on a trail cleanup. It's porcelain from toilets, tubs and sinks. It can supposedly be knapped. I haven't tried it personally, but the Primitive Ways people recomend it.
Also, old, non-tempered glass is knappable as well. If you're just looking to practice. Or sealed-beam/halogen headlight lenses.
I've also heard tell of certain seashells being knappable. Dunno which ones, but if you ever find yourself at the beach, well, there you are.
Also, old, non-tempered glass is knappable as well. If you're just looking to practice. Or sealed-beam/halogen headlight lenses.
I've also heard tell of certain seashells being knappable. Dunno which ones, but if you ever find yourself at the beach, well, there you are.
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Where I grew up in Southeast Alaska, the local Tlingit (pronounced Klinket) & Haida natives Knapped Razor clam shells, as well as large Cockle shells, and rock scallopes for arrow heads and ulu's (from the rock scallop shells).
The razor clam shells were good for one use only, being brittle but incredibly shapr, however a large cockle shell is ridiculously strong if knapped from the thickest part of the shell where the two halves come together.
Knapping was also very commonly used on abelone shells (mother of pearl), for decoration, or insertion into ceremonial items, not for hunting / cutting uses.
inkpot
SILVER Star
Hey! We are at the beach here in Arizona. Unfortunately, the ocean doesn't know it yet. John
Sorry to glomb onto your thread, B, but would anyone like to take a stab at IDying some rocks I picked up, the last time out? I think it's some chalcedony roses, some quartz, and maybe red jasper?
Obviously, one of those things is NOT a rock
Also, the upper right hand thing is a fossil.
Admittedly, I know bupkiss about rocks.
Obviously, one of those things is NOT a rock
Also, the upper right hand thing is a fossil.
Admittedly, I know bupkiss about rocks.
I just realized no one answered your question.
I have a rockhounding book or two that are specific to AZ if ya wanna borrow em. My monitor sucks so I can't really make out what's in that ther pic too good.
I have a rockhounding book or two that are specific to AZ if ya wanna borrow em. My monitor sucks so I can't really make out what's in that ther pic too good.
inkpot
SILVER Star
Howdy! Mostly, I'd say your guesses are as good as mine, unless I drag out a picture book to compare them to. But, that dark specimen in the lower right is certainly a prime sample of Brassidiot Randomscatter. Way too common, but actually has a pretty high value. John
