The volcanic west

Volcanic rock formations at Jump creek, Idaho

I noticed how much the whole region of southeastern Oregon, northeast Nevada, and southwest Idaho have the same topography and geology. Its all volcanic. This region is famous for quite a few gemstone localities such as Succor creek geodes and thunder eggs, Bruneau jasper, and several other well known localities. The country rock is mostly basalt grading into rhyolite and other volcanic's. It is believed that the rock that forms the Treasure valley where Caldwell, Nampa and Boise are situated formed under an inland sea. The geologists have found formations similar to those found under the Pacific ocean. In my wanderings I have found a few rocks that would perform admirably as tools. There is a dense form of basalt, no bubbles as is typical, that knapp's out just fine. I'm sure there are some local artifacts made from the same stuff. Of course, where there is any kind of volcanic rock there is bound to be some silica minerals (quartz mainly) that form in the vesicles (bubbles). This would be premier knapping material. I saw a collection that has several local pieces that are made from quartz family rock and even some obsidian. I don't know where the closest obsidian outcrop is but it was considered primo stuff and was carried very far to trade and work. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open and report and new finds or discoveries. I hope to find some good knapping material. Mine is all gone. Take care everyone!!

Down, but not out

Here's a photo of a variety of Oregon carnelians. These were gathered on the Pacific coast. They are also known as beach agates. My wife and I went to a gem show Sunday and I bought a bucket of odds and ends and these were in it. I should be able to get a few nice points out of this material. I also picked up a nice boulder of Lavic siding jasper. This stuff comes from the Mojave desert of California. Its usually brown, red or yellow and a mixture of all three. I'll get a photo on here soon. There were several slabs of obsidian in the deal including mahogany and rainbow sheen. I like knapping slabs since stock removal is half way done.

I've decided that I will not let my bum shoulder put me out of action. Typing is a chore but since I chicken peck anyway, doing the one hand shuffle isn't so bad. Fortunately my wife, Cate, has a strong back and was able to help me load these goodies into the car. After I bust out a few arrow points or knives from this stuff , I'll post pictures.

Re-do:Rocks and Minerals

Heres the pics of some of my rocks and minerals. If you click on any picture it should show enlarged on your screen. Some of these materials have been and are still used for knapping.

Pic 1 petrified wood from Eden Valley, Wyoming


Pic 2 petrified wood Eden Valley, Wyoming-note the preserved growth rings

Pic 3 petrified wood Eden Valley, Wyoming-again, note the reserved growth rings.

Pic 4 thru 7 agate Rabbit Valley, Colorado


Pic 5

Pic 6

Pic 7

Pic 8 thru 13 Oregon beach agate

Pic 9

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Pic 13

Pic 14 petrified wood, Colorado -note knot
Pic 15 petrified wood, Colorado-note preserved growth rings
Pic 16 Mojave jasper Mojave desert, California

Pic 17 native copper crystals Houghton, Michigan

Pic 18 Montana agate Yellowstone river, Montana


Pic 19 crazy lace agate Mexico

Pic 20 Laguna agate Mexico

Pic 21 Moab jasper Moab, Utah

Pic 22 Moab jasper Moab, Utah