Derrick
@timber-n-tectonics.bsky.social
Academic geoscientist based in Australia, enjoys nature photography, science, and woodworking.
Photos are my own unless reposts.
Photos are my own unless reposts.
Opalescent is a little different. It is a similar refraction of light, but happens when the quartz is hydrated, which this piece is probably not.
January 22, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Opalescent is a little different. It is a similar refraction of light, but happens when the quartz is hydrated, which this piece is probably not.
To be definitive, try and scratch it with a steel blade. If it doesn’t scratch, it is quartz.
January 22, 2026 at 11:40 AM
To be definitive, try and scratch it with a steel blade. If it doesn’t scratch, it is quartz.
As a geologist, I’d say most likely quartz. The rainbow effect often happens due to light interacting with variations in the thickness along the edge of a crack since it has an index of refraction significantly greater than 1. Basically a prismatic effect.
January 22, 2026 at 11:40 AM
As a geologist, I’d say most likely quartz. The rainbow effect often happens due to light interacting with variations in the thickness along the edge of a crack since it has an index of refraction significantly greater than 1. Basically a prismatic effect.
At least you got rain. Hasn’t significantly rained here since Dec 1st.
January 22, 2026 at 10:35 AM
At least you got rain. Hasn’t significantly rained here since Dec 1st.
Sorry, I try to keep my politics out of here for my sanity, but F that guy.
January 20, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Sorry, I try to keep my politics out of here for my sanity, but F that guy.
This crepe myrtle started as a sucker. I have three suckers that I have moved around and are all doing well.
January 17, 2026 at 10:15 PM
This crepe myrtle started as a sucker. I have three suckers that I have moved around and are all doing well.