Blue 8th vein ocean jasper1/11/2024 ![]() All three samples were tested by both EDS (Fig.2) and XRD (Fig.3). Three samples were tested from the areas marked in the specimen photos (Fig.1). The specimen has an outer “rind” of weathered material along the bottom edge and crystalline quartz druzy along the top edge. The first specimen is a thick slabbed chunk of ultra-rare old stock Ocean Jasper from off-shore, underground Marovato mines (estimated mining period 2001-2003) with large “bullseye” and compound semi-translucent spherulites in a mixed color semi-translucent chalcedony matrix. Crystallography tests reported were done by powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) using standard copper Kα radiation diffractometry. Ĭompositional tests reported in this article were done by qualitative energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a Cambridge S100 SEM, a XR-100-CR pin diode detector and DTSA software, 25 Kev accelerating voltage. Feature descriptions, grade classifications, large-format specimen photos, and an extensive discussion of geological information and possible formation are discussed in. The rarer high-grade varieties are “old stock”, mined between 2001-2006, mines depleted and no publicly known similar quality veins found since. Ocean Jasper is a rare orbicular rock uniquely from Madagascar, classified as a “spherulitic chalcedony”. I provide an analysis of the results and I identify a series of next-step characterization tests. In this article I present the first known compositional (SEM/EDS) and crystallographic (XRD) characterization studies for 7 specimens of old stock Ocean Jasper. ![]() The Kabamby specimens tend to be green and yellow in color.Īlthough there are currently still specimens of Ocean Jasper available, finding quality colors, formations and specimens is a never ending task…we are constantly looking for the best specimens for our customers.Characterization Studies of Ocean Jasper Author: Susanne Lomatch* More recently a deposit was found about 2.5 kilometers inland near Kabamby. The original was on the Marovato coastline and is known for its contrasting multicolored orbicular formations, translucency, and occasional drusy coating. There are actually two different deposits in Madagascar which are about 16 kilometers apart. Like most minerals, the earlier specimens tended to be the most in demand as quality and color tend to decrease or the patterns become different with each new find. After those were played out Ocean Jasper was scarce until around 2013 when more was found. The first of the currently known eight veins was mined from 1999-2006, the second from 2005 to 2006. It is found in the Analalava district of the Sofia region in the former province of Mahajanga. This stone is also known as the “Atlantis Stone” because it was found in the turn of the New Millennium under the ocean. This stones colors, patterns and shapes amaze and delight! It is another of nature’s wonderful masterpieces. Word that the mine is running out or empty seems to be true, as quality specimens are becoming harder to find with each passing day. Ocean jasper is one of the most collectible stones in recent times. This stone is immediately recognizable by its concentric rings of color, earning at the name "Orbicular Ocean Jasper." The most common colors are greens and whites, with the less common colors of pinks and yellows also appearing in some specimens. The area has no road so the material must be transported to civilization by boat.” It can only be seen and collected at low tide. The deposit has been discovered at the edge of the ocean. Botryoidal formations as well as white and deep green druzy are also common. The background can be white, pink, green, red, or yellow. The rhyolitic eyes or orbs come in an astonishing array of colors and color combinations. The deposit formed as a rhyolite flow but has been completely silicified. “This new rock has been found along the northwest coast of Madagascar after years of unsuccessful searching.
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