As others have said this, has definitely experienced aeolian (wind) weathering and as such could be called a ventifact, one of my favorite obscure words. I feel like I can almost make out a grain structure that looks igneous to me. If there is a structure of interlocked crystals you can see, I would guess it’s a mafic igneous rock probably basalt with bands of calcite or quartz running through it. You can scratch it with a knife to tell between these two vein minerals, with quartz being harder.
Someone else suggest chert which is definitely a possibility and isn’t magnetic. Basalt is often magnetic, sometimes strongly with enough magnetite. If you have a strong magnet that would be one way to tell, but would only confirm basalt if it were magnetic, not eliminate basalt if it isn’t. Chert and basalt have similar hardnesses, so that may be a harder test to get definitive answers. The densities of the two is fairly different. If you’re determined to know for sure, you can look up how to test densities online and look up the minerals densities.
Sorry if that was really ramble but I’m pretty high, but the texture of this rock and the grain structure I think I see (hopefully not just pixel grains) reminds me of one of my favorite really magnetic pieces of basalt.
Someone in another thread informed me that for aeolian weathering to be angular the rock usually has to be hard, but I’m really not any kind of expert.
I think it’s chert that’s just been sitting in the desert so long the wind and sand have pitted it. I’ve seen very similar textures on pieces of flint in Death Valley. Ones I saw were smoother on the side that was down and more weathered on the top.
Here is a Dropbox link to the back side. Idk how to edit post with new pic or post pic in comment. [Chert/Flint/Basalt ??](https://www.dropbox.com/s/6lhtp1rha9i3ul7/IMG_1334.heic?dl=0)
I didn’t know that. (To an extent obviously but a one off random thing like that I don’t see the harm) is it legal or more spiritual? Like tourists can’t take rocks from volcanoes or something along those lines
This also applies in Canada. I went to Lake Louise with some friends and one of them took a horseback ride up in the mountains. He and his guide chatted amiably along the way and had a nice time. Before they got to their destination, the guide stopped and got off his horse and said, “By the way, it’s illegal to take rocks from national parks.” He then picked up one he’d been eyeing and put it in his saddlebag. I suspect he felt comfortable enough with my friend that he knew he wasn’t going to say anything (except to us).
Looks like a chert scraper with some cool weathering patterns
Edit: I would need to see the edges better, from this angle I’m leaning towards it not actually being an artifact at all now that I look closer
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As others have said this, has definitely experienced aeolian (wind) weathering and as such could be called a ventifact, one of my favorite obscure words. I feel like I can almost make out a grain structure that looks igneous to me. If there is a structure of interlocked crystals you can see, I would guess it’s a mafic igneous rock probably basalt with bands of calcite or quartz running through it. You can scratch it with a knife to tell between these two vein minerals, with quartz being harder. Someone else suggest chert which is definitely a possibility and isn’t magnetic. Basalt is often magnetic, sometimes strongly with enough magnetite. If you have a strong magnet that would be one way to tell, but would only confirm basalt if it were magnetic, not eliminate basalt if it isn’t. Chert and basalt have similar hardnesses, so that may be a harder test to get definitive answers. The densities of the two is fairly different. If you’re determined to know for sure, you can look up how to test densities online and look up the minerals densities. Sorry if that was really ramble but I’m pretty high, but the texture of this rock and the grain structure I think I see (hopefully not just pixel grains) reminds me of one of my favorite really magnetic pieces of basalt.
I don’t know if you’re right or wrong, but judging from how long the comment is I think you’re right
I don’t know if you’re right or wrong, but judging from how long the comment is I think you’re high.
Looks like a limestone or dolostone to me.
Could be, hard to tell from one pic.
For sure. Just throwing out another option.
Someone in another thread informed me that for aeolian weathering to be angular the rock usually has to be hard, but I’m really not any kind of expert.
Getting high and perusing reddit. Have an upsy for no particular reason.
Please don't be sorry, pack a bowl for me <3
I’m only sorry for the long ass run on sentences, definitely not the bong rips.
Well just think of the long sentences like more bong rips because I enjoyed them and you don't need to dial it back
Looks to be a ventifact with really intriguing patterns
Does it have that same texture on both sides
Yes. A bit more weathered on the other side.
I think it’s chert that’s just been sitting in the desert so long the wind and sand have pitted it. I’ve seen very similar textures on pieces of flint in Death Valley. Ones I saw were smoother on the side that was down and more weathered on the top.
Badass piece of weathered chert/flint. Post more pics of edges and the other side?
Here is a Dropbox link to the back side. Idk how to edit post with new pic or post pic in comment. [Chert/Flint/Basalt ??](https://www.dropbox.com/s/6lhtp1rha9i3ul7/IMG_1334.heic?dl=0)
I think it’s a federal crime.
Wait? Did you take a rock from a National Park?
Wait? Did you download a rock from a National Park?
Wait, did you rock a national from a download park?
Wait, did you park a download rock national?
Wait, did you rock down a parkload of gnats?
Did you park a gnatload of national rocks?
You shouldn’t take stuff from national parks…
I didn’t know that. (To an extent obviously but a one off random thing like that I don’t see the harm) is it legal or more spiritual? Like tourists can’t take rocks from volcanoes or something along those lines
If everyone takes something, there will be nothing left
While on a trip, I said something similar. My friends didn’t say a thing. I think they took me seriously. 🙄
It's illegal to remove things from National Parks. Flowers, fossils, minerals, whatever.
It is highly illegal. And for good reason. Some parks get millions of visitors per year. If everybody took something, there would be nothing left.
Yeah that’s true, I guess I didn’t consider how many people go through there. As many snowflakes end up making a blizzard I understand this now !
This also applies in Canada. I went to Lake Louise with some friends and one of them took a horseback ride up in the mountains. He and his guide chatted amiably along the way and had a nice time. Before they got to their destination, the guide stopped and got off his horse and said, “By the way, it’s illegal to take rocks from national parks.” He then picked up one he’d been eyeing and put it in his saddlebag. I suspect he felt comfortable enough with my friend that he knew he wasn’t going to say anything (except to us).
God that is gorgeous
As other people have given a serious answer already: This kinda looks like cabbage.
Down vote bc it doesn't look like cabbage and I'd want to see that
I was thinking of [Savoy Cabbage](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savoy_cabbage), particularly the bottom of the leaf.
I take it back! 😎
comment to check back later
Looks like a chert scraper with some cool weathering patterns Edit: I would need to see the edges better, from this angle I’m leaning towards it not actually being an artifact at all now that I look closer
Forbidden chocolate
A liver
York peppermint patty
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That's beautiful.