tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163195499253301702009-02-21T21:06:50.805+11:00A little bit of Tassie on the world wide web...crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-2745720567260822422008-11-24T20:51:00.001+11:002008-11-24T20:53:09.600+11:00Doing most things now on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/inbox/profile.php?id=576254808">Facebook</a>...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-274572056726082242?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-84409114013967699972008-11-19T18:23:00.001+11:002008-11-19T18:27:18.148+11:00<a href="http://au.movember.com/mospace/2017261"><img src="https://www.movember.com/assets/images/members/widgets/widget_walk.png" alt="Movember - Sponsor Me" border="0" /></a><br />No, I'm not growing one, but my daughter's boyfriend is.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-8440911401396769997?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-34550818849928779212008-10-29T22:09:00.003+11:002008-10-29T22:13:51.022+11:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SQhEy-BffoI/AAAAAAAAAcU/yusCPL_TneM/s1600-h/shield-bug.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SQhEy-BffoI/AAAAAAAAAcU/yusCPL_TneM/s200/shield-bug.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262531807015829122" border="0" /></a>This little fella is about 2cm long (not including antennae) and was intent on keeping out of sight. Trouble is, he's so darn big, I could spot him amongst the foliage from a few metres away!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-3455081884992877921?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-88905429688706978682008-10-27T21:39:00.002+11:002008-10-27T21:49:55.104+11:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SQWbdfEAp_I/AAAAAAAAAcM/j53BolNfELI/s1600-h/flowers-in-vase.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 189px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SQWbdfEAp_I/AAAAAAAAAcM/j53BolNfELI/s200/flowers-in-vase.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261782670509123570" border="0" /></a>As our house is on the market at the moment, we periodically place some new flowers in a jug in our bedroom. The late afternoon sun was really picking out the vibrant colours and the flowers were begging to be photographed!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-8890542968870697868?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-23170148420126715312008-10-23T18:21:00.004+11:002008-10-23T18:28:02.300+11:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SQAmmmBe8SI/AAAAAAAAAcE/gRqewsFRoMQ/s1600-h/floyd+painting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 129px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SQAmmmBe8SI/AAAAAAAAAcE/gRqewsFRoMQ/s200/floyd+painting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260246809252393250" border="0" /></a>I have just heard of the passing of Floyd Gibson, a Canadian artist. He was an active member of a number of artist groups and will be sadly missed. My thoughts go out to his family.<br /><br />This painting is one of his latest...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-2317014842012671531?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-82540008574557670702008-10-05T21:24:00.002+11:002008-10-05T21:33:18.468+11:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-188223.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SOiXAvN7ToI/AAAAAAAAAb8/-3Qbyf8z4Mk/s200/4191-cassiterite-rossarden-27x22x20mm-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253615004258356866" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Cassiterite.shtml">Cassiterite</a> is a tin oxide and has been mined for the production of tin metal for a couple of thousands of years. Good crystals are found in a number of tin mining districts around the world, and those from Rossarden in north east Tasmania are amongst the best.<br /><br />This specimen is one of a number of specimens that will be in this weekend's upcoming <a set="yes" linkindex="22" href="http://tinyurl.com/oztion">auction</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-8254000857455767070?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-29165115311049231632008-10-04T17:31:00.002+10:002008-10-04T17:42:14.283+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-188038.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SOcclwCSCFI/AAAAAAAAAb0/HtNFLIzvXdE/s200/3441-descloizite-bergaukas-30mm-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253198925226182738" border="0" /></a><span class="medium" style="list-style-position: outside;"><b><span style="color:black;"></span></b></span><a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Descloizite.shtml">Descloizite</a> is an uncommon lead vanadium mineral found in the oxidised zone of mineral deposits. This particular specimen has an interesting story to go with it. It was given to me by a Broken Hill mineral collector as an unknown mineral, supposedly collected underground in the Zinc Corp Mine, Broken Hill by a miner. It is clearly from Berg Aukas in Namibia, not Broken Hill. The specimen is about 30mm tall.<br /><br />This specimen is one of a number of specimens that will be in this weekend's upcoming <a set="yes" linkindex="22" href="http://tinyurl.com/oztion">auction</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-2916511531104923163?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-70774149594496995742008-09-30T21:31:00.002+10:002008-09-30T21:37:33.478+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lulu.com/smartarts"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SOIPF3XksnI/AAAAAAAAAbs/o8Vn31NAKxY/s200/Front+Cover+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251776708904006258" border="0" /></a>The seventh issue of the Australian and New Zealand Mineral Collector magazine is now out. This issue contains articles on new minerals in Australia, Australians in Minas Gerais, Keith Lancaster - a Tasmanian collecting pioneer, thorian brannerite and more<span class="listdescription">. </span> <p>It is full colour, 28 pages, and only $10US available from <a set="yes" linkindex="5" href="http://www.lulu.com/smartarts">Lulu</a>.<br /></p><p>If outside the US and if you are going to order a copy directly, can I suggest that you use the 'Standard' option for shipping. It is by far the most economical, and usually arrives within a couple of weeks.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-7077414959449699574?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-76583099835187477372008-09-25T21:25:00.005+10:002008-09-25T21:35:32.643+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-186718.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SNt1kDwkw-I/AAAAAAAAAa0/y-6NZdr5M_4/s200/JL3723-pyrolusite-cloncurry-2mmcrystal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249919052975227874" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Pyrolusite.shtml">Pyrolusite</a> is a manganese oxide mineral, not often found in good crystals such as this one, which measures 2mm in height. It comes from Cloncurry in Queensland.<br /><br />This specimen is one of a number of specimens that will be in this weekend's upcoming <a set="yes" linkindex="22" href="http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/auctions.aspx?cat=&amp;type5=crocoite">auction</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-7658309983518747737?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-46569208534320948462008-09-20T21:32:00.003+10:002008-09-20T21:39:39.173+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-185880.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SNTfo1t0nGI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/l5qLHTyWYDA/s200/JL3676-pseudomalachite-lakeboga-4mm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248065358500502626" border="0" /></a>An uncommon green or blue-green phosphate mineral, <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Pseudomalachite.shtml">pseudomalachite</a> is so-named for its similarity to <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Malachite.shtml">malachite</a>. I rarely forms as distinct crystals, more likely as rounded aggregates.<br /><br />This one is from Lake Boga in Victoria and a good example. I have been going through a lot of Lake Boga material recently and photographing a number of specimens. Many of these can be seen <a href="http://www.mindat.org/user-2302.html#2">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-4656920853432094846?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-77677063128826213662008-09-15T20:28:00.003+10:002008-09-15T21:04:49.474+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SM46ZfZupCI/AAAAAAAAAZw/y3l-7i4D8YQ/s1600-h/fullmoon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SM46ZfZupCI/AAAAAAAAAZw/y3l-7i4D8YQ/s200/fullmoon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246194825533760546" border="0" /></a>Beautiful moon and clouds out our back door tonight!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-7767706312882621366?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-990380595563004872008-09-12T15:25:00.003+10:002008-09-12T15:29:57.480+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-184414.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SMn9ke4QpsI/AAAAAAAAAZo/HRPIaS3X0kE/s200/JL3682-zircon-carapooee-25mm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245002044255807170" border="0" /></a>These are waterworn <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Zircon.shtml">zircons</a> from Carapooee in northwestern Victoria.<br /><br />This specimen is one of a number of specimens that will be in this weekend's upcoming <a set="yes" linkindex="22" href="http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/auctions.aspx?cat=&amp;type5=crocoite">auction</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-99038059556300487?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-69119114903785120182008-09-05T21:59:00.001+10:002008-09-05T22:04:58.147+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SMEf2PoN_wI/AAAAAAAAARs/bGEZ8CRRMB8/s1600-h/2009+Mineral+Calendar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SMEf2PoN_wI/AAAAAAAAARs/bGEZ8CRRMB8/s200/2009+Mineral+Calendar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242506458004586242" border="0" /></a>In case you don't like the Creepy Crawly Calendar, here is my 2009 Calendar of Minerals from France, some of the minerals in my collection.<br /><br />Available from <a set="yes" linkindex="5" href="http://www.lulu.com/smartarts">Lulu</a> for a miserly $US12.95.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-6911911490378512018?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-63383712157562735252008-09-01T20:44:00.003+10:002008-09-01T20:54:34.241+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SLvJbN8m88I/AAAAAAAAARk/oTK6D4jpzfw/s1600-h/lulu-cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SLvJbN8m88I/AAAAAAAAARk/oTK6D4jpzfw/s200/lulu-cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241004060813226946" border="0" /></a>2009 Calendar of Tasmanian Creepy Crawly Critters! A close-up look at some of the critters that inhabit my neighbourhood.<br /><br />Available from <a href="http://www.lulu.com/smartarts">Lulu</a> for a miserly $US12.95.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-6338371215756273525?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-81308568066467519192008-08-28T10:21:00.003+10:002008-08-28T10:54:55.245+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SLX1hcjEkdI/AAAAAAAAARc/0QFfhwIZAIc/s1600-h/3568.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SLX1hcjEkdI/AAAAAAAAARc/0QFfhwIZAIc/s200/3568.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239363696463221202" border="0" /></a>Well, I am finally getting back to normal. Following closely on my back operation, I had to have an emergency operation to remove my gallbladder. I didn't even know that I had gallstones until three days before the operation! Still, recovering well, and due back at work next Monday.<br /><br />This specimen, although looking like something someone has dropped into a sugar bowl, is in fact, a specimen of native <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Copper.shtml">copper</a> from Virneberg near Rheinbreitbach in Germany, and is one of a number of specimens that will be in this weekend's upcoming <a set="yes" linkindex="22" href="http://www.oztion.com.au/secure/User/items/sell/user_itemselling.aspx">auction</a>. <st1:country-region><st1:place></st1:place></st1:country-region><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-8130856806646751919?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-68261447788258907712008-07-21T21:23:00.002+10:002008-07-21T21:29:50.869+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SIRyPWty2SI/AAAAAAAAARU/M5zfinJsaIQ/s1600-h/rosellainwintersun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SIRyPWty2SI/AAAAAAAAARU/M5zfinJsaIQ/s200/rosellainwintersun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225427075777878306" border="0" /></a>Its the middle of Winter and the sun is still shining brightly (or it was a couple of days ago when I took this photo. Today's seen snow flurries!). This Tasmanian Rosella, also known as a Green Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus) was feeding on seeds from a silver birch just outside our kitchen window...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-6826144778825890771?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-31346916270341095362008-07-07T22:00:00.002+10:002008-07-07T22:05:34.742+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lulu.com/smartarts"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SHIF0Ok5FII/AAAAAAAAAQs/Jpol69CQP80/s200/Front+Cover+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220241312899994754" border="0" /></a>The sixth issue of the Australian and New Zealand Mineral Collector magazine is now out. This issue contains articles on plumbian orthoclase from Broken Hill, a report on the 2008 Gemboree, the Biggenden Mine, Queensland, Henderson's Quarry, New Zealand, and more<span class="listdescription">. </span> <p>It is full colour, 28 pages, and only $10US available from <a set="yes" linkindex="5" href="http://www.lulu.com/smartarts">Lulu</a>.<br /></p><p>If outside the US and if you are going to order a copy directly, can I suggest that you use the 'Standard' option for shipping. It is by far the most economical, and usually arrives within a couple of weeks.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-3134691627034109536?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-30589096150771130902008-07-07T21:10:00.003+10:002008-07-07T21:21:40.138+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SHH6RyECJJI/AAAAAAAAAQk/xYHyMjYkEzM/s1600-h/3329.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SHH6RyECJJI/AAAAAAAAAQk/xYHyMjYkEzM/s200/3329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220228626502526098" border="0" /></a>It has been a while since my last entry, over two months in fact. I have been sidelined due to back problems and had a back operation about three weeks ago. Recovering though...<br /><br />This is a specimen from the Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico and has three mineral species on it, two of which can be seen in the photo. The yellow square-looking crystals are <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Wulfenite.shtml">wulfenite</a> and the paler spiky crystals are <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Mimetite.shtml">mimetite</a>. The third mineral present is <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Smithsonite.shtml">smithsonite</a>. You can just see some white crystals in the background.<br /><br />This specimen is one of a number of specimens that will be in this week's <a href="http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/sellerrss.aspx?username=crocoite">auction</a>, also the first for quite some time. Hopefully, things will be fully back to normal soon!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-3058909615077113090?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-8489762945893906502008-05-02T23:13:00.004+10:002008-05-02T23:18:47.697+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-164140.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SBsTx61jdpI/AAAAAAAAAQc/yTdK1sdJVRA/s200/3370-20mm-combined.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195768343430395538" border="0" /></a>Nature is wonderful! Take this colourless blob (far left) of hyalite <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Opal.shtml">opal </a>and put it under a shortwave ultraviolet light and it glows an eerie green colour!<br /><br />This specimen will be in one of this week's lots in <a href="http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/sellerrss.aspx?username=crocoite">my auction</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-848976294589390650?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-13425620942386380162008-04-26T23:50:00.003+10:002008-04-26T23:55:52.031+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-163064.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SBMzfa1jdnI/AAAAAAAAAQM/v3c2XT1FPAc/s200/MB-fluorite-avondale-2-4mm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193551410161219186" border="0" /></a>A nice photo of a couple of common minerals, <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Fluorite.shtml">fluorite</a> (colourless cube) sitting on pale greenish <a href="http://webmineral.com/data/Pyromorphite.shtml">pyromorphite</a>, from a locality better known for its wulfenite. This photo is 4mm FOV. K &amp; M Brown Collection.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-1342562094238638016?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-5682462209107041272008-04-24T19:56:00.003+10:002008-04-24T20:00:02.972+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SBBZpa1jdmI/AAAAAAAAAQE/x3-jrW0tG0I/s1600-h/autumn+colours.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SBBZpa1jdmI/AAAAAAAAAQE/x3-jrW0tG0I/s200/autumn+colours.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192748938471634530" border="0" /></a>We are just past the half-way mark for the season. The early morning sun today showed up the Autumn colours beautifully on this shrub just outside our lounge room...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-568246220910704127?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-11041631581875050452008-04-18T22:09:00.003+10:002008-04-18T22:14:43.206+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-161836.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SAiQIgUFUQI/AAAAAAAAAP8/ctFw8BlzFDM/s200/NC-torbernite-lakeboga-2mmFOV.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190557046332018946" border="0" /></a>A change from the yellow uranium minerals from Lake Boga. Instead, a green uranium mineral, <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Torbernite.shtml">torbernite</a>. An unusual but most attractive habit.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-1104163158187505045?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-86526646387365175852008-04-17T19:21:00.002+10:002008-04-17T19:25:15.443+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-161749.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SAcW_AUFUPI/AAAAAAAAAP0/KEwe3N4Jqts/s200/NC-wolframite-lakeboga-2-8mm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190142367239590130" border="0" /></a>Had to take a photo of this one before it 'is no more'! Towards the right of the <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Ferberite.shtml">ferberite</a> crystal, which is coated by pyrite(?), you can see a break. It is likely that the specimen will some time simply break apart. But its a nice crystal so at least it will exist in this photo. From the K &amp; M Brown Collection. Field of view 8mm.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-8652664638736517585?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-44284890607290809972008-04-16T21:56:00.003+10:002008-04-16T22:04:08.600+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mindat.org/photo-161645.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SAXp6QUFUOI/AAAAAAAAAPs/N3BMg1Eo7sA/s200/NC-saleeite-lakeboga-4mm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189811332635250914" border="0" /></a>Hard to identify some of the yellow uranium minerals from Lake Boga, a granite quarry in Victoria. I have been trying to locate a specimen of a newly described species, lakebogaite which is one of them. This photo is of the mineral species <a href="http://www.webmineral.com/data/Saleeite.shtml">saleeite</a> which tends to have a greenish tint. From the K &amp; M Brown Collection. Field of view is 4mm.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-4428489060729080997?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16319549925330170.post-27503692024579579532008-04-12T17:20:00.003+10:002008-04-12T17:22:35.467+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SABi7dasB7I/AAAAAAAAAPk/TEisfs_ubPw/s1600-h/DSC02190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q-eiBrUv--k/SABi7dasB7I/AAAAAAAAAPk/TEisfs_ubPw/s200/DSC02190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188255544379180978" border="0" /></a>The early morning sun today was either too much, or maybe not quite enough to get our sheep enthused. Its a hard life!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/16319549925330170-2750369202457957953?l=crocoite.blogspot.com'/></div>crocoitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13085042174191275031noreply@blogger.com1