Shattuckite as a knife scale

[Redrummd]

After I finished cutting up the first piece I thought I would share some photos and how I do the layouts to go from the slab to getting a set of scales. Most of the slabs just do not look at all dramatic and a bit of "vision and imagination" is necessary to see the knife scales. I kind of see them right away. I saw four sets but one did not survive the grinding so I ended up with three.

 

[Redrummd]

I hope you like how at least a couple of these first sets looks as I hope to be able to sell a few knives to pay for the 70 pounds of stone!

 

[Redrummd]

Here are two small test polish pieces and this stone really takes a great shine.

 

[Redrummd]

So, if you liked that first piece I cut - then the piece I cut today might also impress you. It sure got my attention.

 

[testdw]

Mike,

I was impressed with the 1st cut, but the 2nd cut is exceptional with great Blue and contrasting color, especially with the Quartz. You have another real winner with this version of Shattuckite. Looking forward to the finished artwork some day.

Dennis

 

[Redrummd]

Here are a couple of preforms from the latest piece. There is a huge variety in this Vulture Mountain vein. In fact I just cut up a piece that is almost all Malachite in Quartz!

 

[Redrummd]

I have just about finished cutting up all of the material from the Vulture Mountain Shattuckite vein that I bought from the claim owner. The material keeps changing from one mix of copper based minerals to another. Some of the weirdest mixes are in really small sections though but I am pretty sure I can get a few really interesting if small knives made.

Here are the latest preform scales of the unususal from the vein.

 

[Redrummd]

Now the weirdest mix so far is Malachite mixed with the dark metallic “metal” which is Chalcocite, copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S), is an important copper ore mineral. It is opaque, being colored dark-gray to black with a metallic luster. In it's pure version it has a hardness of 2½ - 3. In this Quartz mix it is 5 - 6 on the MOHS scale! Since chalcocite is a secondary mineral that forms from the alteration of other minerals, it has been known to form pseudomorphs of many different minerals. A pseudomorph is a mineral that has replaced another mineral atom by atom, but it leaves the original mineral's crystal shape intact.

The bright mettalic look is only from one angle. In other angles it looks to be a really dark green or blue green to my eyes. I have never ever seen this before so it is a new stone for me. I suspect it is a very rare mix. These 3 sets are all I have been able to get so far and I only have two green pieces left to cut.

I have one more Malachite piece already slabbed that I will probalby get to cutting into preforms soon. It is a kind of fern or feather looking spray in mostly white Quartz and again is something I have never seen before. I am having to use Hxtal on some of these "sprays" as they are not fully silicated.

 

[Redrummd]

Today I polished what may be the most beautiful stone I have ever cut. What do you think about this piece of Chrysocolla/Cuprite/Malachite in Quartz from the Shattuckite claim on Vulture Mountain.

 

[jms2021]

Those just look all kinds of amazing. Some day, I will get a knife from you! (or 2 or 10!)

 

[hohenstreetroa]

Absolutely gorgeous, Mike. I want it!

 

[testdw]

Wow!!!!!!!!! Breathtaking. I might need some oxygen.
Dennis

 

[kansa]

Hi Mike and members, received my Buck 501 with Shattuckite scales #1405 and a sheath Saturday. Boy was it a nice color of blues and fits good in the hand. I didn't get to keep it very long for it was a birthday present for my brother today. It didn't stay in the fancy box Mike ships them in, it went directly in the belt sheath and is expected to gut its first deer soon (archery season) .My brother will always remember what I gave him on his 45th birthday. The Buck 501 is a very nice knife to carry in your pocket or a belt sheath for hunters who usually carry to big of a knife. I will be looking to add another Buck 501 for my personal carry soon. I will have to retire the Buck 703 I've carried everyday for the last 30 years. Later Gene
BCCI-Lifetime Member #2143

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Incredible!

I have cut a fair bit of material like that and that last piece is some the best I have seen. Very cool! The cuprite really sets it off.

My buddy had about a ton of that material (different claim) and the boulder had everything in it! Some was really odd, like a blue granite.

 

[Redrummd]

I have been carrying this little knife daily for over a year and due to its small size I have forgotten it was in a pocket twice and sent it through the washer and dryer! So, after a year here is what it looks like today.

 

[Southerly]

Wow, those last slabs are fabulous Michael, you sure know how to sniff out the best material.
David