Box of Oregon Rocks!
Carnelian
Carnelian is a semi-precious gemstone known for its pale yellow-orange to deep reddish-orange color. It is a translucent to semi-opaque variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz and gets its color from iron oxide impurities. Carnelian is commonly used in rings, pendants, earrings, and beads. It has been used in jewelry and carvings since ancient times. In Oregon, carnelian is generally found in the western part of the state and often in smaller pieces or nodules.
Obsidian
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when molten lava cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is typically black, but can also appear in shades of orange, brown, or even with rainbow-like sheens depending on trace elements and mineral inclusions. Because of its conchoidal fracture and sharp edges, obsidian was historically used by early humans to make cutting tools and arrowheads. Today, it is also valued for ornamental purposes in jewelry and beads. Central Oregon is one of the most famous areas in the world to find obsidian in a wide range of colors.
Petrified Wood
Petrified wood is a type of fossil where the original wood has been buried by sediment or volcanic ash and protected from decay. Then, groundwater rich in minerals, usually quartz, replaces the original wood over millions of years. This process preserves the structure of the wood, making it look like wood but feel like stone. Different trace minerals can give petrified wood a wide range of colors. Petrified wood is often cut into shapes for making jewelry, or sawn into blocks to make bookends. In Oregon, petrified wood is found all over the state and the colors are usually muted, tan or brown or black.
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a variety of microcrystalline quartz made up of tiny crystals that are so small they cannot be seen without a microscope. It is usually translucent and has a somewhat milky or cloudy appearance. Agate is simply chalcedony that contains mineral ‘plumes’ or banded patterns. The bands in agate can appear in a wide array of colors, from soft pastels like pale pinks, blues, and greens, to vivid reds. Chalcedony and agate have been used in jewelry and carvings for centuries due to its appealing aesthetic and durability. Chalcedony and agates are found all over Oregon in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock that forms from the transformation of quartz-rich sandstone under high pressure and temperature. It is primarily composed of quartz grains that are fused together
during this transformation. Quartzite is typically opaque, with colors ranging from tan, gray, pink, red, and more depending on the trace minerals present in
the rock. The surface often has a grainy texture that can be quite smooth when polished. Quartzite is sometimes called ‘sugar agate’ and is found in many locations in Oregon, particularly the Willamette valley.
Jasper
Jasper is an opaque, fine-grained variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is known for its vibrant colors typically red, brown, yellow, or green caused by the presence of various mineral impurities. Jasper is commonly used as a gemstone and for ornamental objects, valued for its durability and rich, earthy tones. In Oregon, jasper is found all over the state and is the most common ‘pretty rock’ you might see in a stream or river.