Chapter 4
HERE'S YOUR CHANCE to ask a geologist those questions you've always wondered about.
Send an email to jmichaelhoward@sbcglobal.net and put ASK MIKEY in the subject box. He will answer your questions as his schedule permits, and your question will be posted here. If your question is one that is answered somewhere in the contents of this website, he will point you to that page.
Somehow once upon a time, a typo in a mailing list erroneously refered to Mikey as "Mickey". Aside from the kidding he's taken on it, we're here to set the record straight that his name really is Mike!
We enjoy hearing from you!
(P.S. The only question he won't answer is "we're visiting Arkansas, where are the best collecting sites..." This type of question evokes a personal rant, you can read why if you'd like.)
Quartz Crystals 
Are surface pockets of crystal a good indication of what might be found deeper in the ground?
Would you recommend following the veins deeper and what might we find?
We would like a little general information on the formation of clear quartz, how long, tempertures, how long ago, some info on all the different shapes and names?
Why do quartz crystals have six sides?
More Quartz Q & A 2
I've been reading Miser and Engels, both think that the heat associated with quartz crystal formation in the Ouachitas came from magmas. What is the current thinking on this?
Could you please tell me the difference between lascas quartz and quartz?
Has amethyst been found in Arkansas?
Where can I get facet grade quartz?
Does all the irradiated Arkansas quartz come out that "black" color?
Are there any good books on quartz that aren't totally metaphysical?
What causes the smoky color?
When would be the best time to go crystal hunting?
More quartz Q & A 3
How can I tell if a crystal ball is real or fake?
Are "gwindels" crystal formations common in Arkansas?
I'm curious to know more about the triangle formations on some faces of crystals, and can you tell me about inclusions?
Can you tell me if Arkansas produces Dauphiné and/or Brazil twins?
How do I find out about staking a claim for my own crystal mine?
Quartz Q & A 4
Can quartz form in all of the rock types: ie metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous, or are they specific to only forming in one type?
Collecting Sites (page 5)
Do you happen to know the status of the Jeffrey Quarry where solution quartz was found?
Do you know the status of the Ben Hogan quarry near Black Rock in Lawrence County?
Can you tell me anything about mercury mining in Arkansas?
Are there any spots to do a bit of rock hunting when passing through the area enroute to somewhere else, and would just like to poke around for a couple of hours?
We are visiting Arkansas, where are the best collecting sites?
Can you tell me where the "Titanium mine" is located in the Magnet Cove area?
I'm primarily a fossil collector. Can you point me toward sources of information on collecting fossils in Arkansas?
I am looking for some fossil sites in North Arkansas.
Diamonds and Gemstones (page 6)
My mother was given an "Arkansas Diamond" 57 years ago. How can she tell if she has a real diamond or a crystal?
I would like to know how diamonds form?
I want to know more about the stone "Lepidolite". When I wear it around my neck, this lavender stone turns dark.
My daughter and I will be visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park , and we would like to get an idea of how to hunt for diamonds.
How does one tell the difference in a genuine star sapphire and one thats lab created?
What is the best part of the Crater of Diamonds to look in?
Can you advise on the type of soap to clean micro-diamonds?
Geology, Rock Types, Minerals, & Misc. (page 7)
What does shale look like?
Where in Arkansas can Mica be found ?
What is Terra Rosa?
Where can we find geodes?
I am a flintknapper. Where can I find a flint mine or source where I could purchase or pickup some of this stone?
Question about finding fossil shark teeth....
How do I clean all the grit and debris out of a specimen without damaging the crystals?
I am looking for Loadstone (Magnetite). I read that there is a large supply in Magnet Cove, Arkansas.
Can you tell me about a trench feature on a Geomorphic map?
I'm planning a vacation in Arkansas. Can you tell me when the crowds are the least?
My 3rd grade son recently read that about 2/3rds of the earth is covered with sedimentary rock. Can you help us find a chart or a map?
I bought some colored "natural glass" at a rock shop, can you tell me what it is?
What does natural amber look like?
How are rocks age dated?
Gold (page 8)
My grandfather once told me about a lost gold mine in Arkansas. Where could it be?
What is the relationship between gold and quartz?
I've heard that there was an old gold area in Arkansas referred to as "The Old Spanish Diggings." Is this fact or just another "tall tale?"
Ch 4, page 1
jmichaelhoward@sbcglobal.net revised July, 1999
©Rockhounding Arkansas 1998 http://rockhoundingAR.com