Greenish Tan Rock?

[icicledrops]

This rock was given to a friend of mine found in 29 Palms California. A piece was accidentally broken off a minute ago, and was easily broken off, we haven't broken any further into the rock but someone told us it may just be sandstone. I don't think its sandstone, it has veins of green throughout it, top and bottom (or side and side, depending on how you look at it are brownish). Its about 10.5 inches in length and 5.5 inches across, and weights about 10 pounds. I have five images of the rock if anyone could help me identify it, that would be awesome. Thanks!

[amythestguy]

You said green veins throughout, right. By the looks of the pic most of the green seems to be some sort of surface coating. can't really tell though..I am sure John(gemlover) or Joe(arrapho) could give a good guess...

[gemlover]

hey there icicledrops,

I would probably think that the green vains/coating is a form of malachite (or other copper bearing intrusive mineral, but malachite is commonly found this way) in an igneous rock, sort of looks like some of the ground mass might be a feldspar, not sure as the pictures are not of sufficient quality to discern grains, etc. If you would like to send me a piece, I would be happy to analyze it and give you an answer.

John

[arappaho]

And that, icicledrops, would definately be your best bet.
The colors make me think of Mariposite right off the bat, especially
considering where it came from. It would be nice to see a slab of
it. But it could be alot of things.
If you want to know for sure, take Gemlover up on his kind offer.

Joe

[icicledrops]

I do appologize about the photos the quality isn't that great. A coworker brought the rock in and I had to take the photos with my phone and the camera resolution isn't that great, but it's all I had.

Arappaho, I looked up Mariposite and this is what the rock closely resembles, not sure if this is what it is or not, but description and location is what is resembles the most. It could have some of the malachite on part of it. ...but I'm not the expert

Gemlover, how big of a specimem would you need?

[gemlover]

something about 1x1x1 inches, not feet. any sample should show structure and have the composite minerals in it, however, it does not have to be very large.

mail to:

Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
P.O. Box 1663
Easley, SC 29641

john