Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 06:27:21 pm

Title: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 06:27:21 pm
I recently got back from the Glass Buttes with a large amount of Obsidian and noticed the rock that was on the surface was very crumbly and didnt knap very well (probably just me ;D). After asking a more experianced knapper about this he said the surface rock was heated up by the sun and isnt as good for knapping so I dug the resty of the rock I got from in the ground. My question is, Is there a cirtian way I need to store it other than just keeping it covered with a tarp or something? Or do I even need to worry about it? Sorry for the stupid question but I just want to make sure I dont mess up my rock if it's even possible ;D ??? Thanks

Josh
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Bevan R. on March 23, 2011, 06:30:02 pm
I would be glad to store it for you!! >:D

Bevan R
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 06:49:28 pm
I bet you would ;D
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: JustinNC on March 23, 2011, 07:10:10 pm
I recently got back from the Glass Buttes with a large amount of Obsidian and noticed the rock that was on the surface was very crumbly and didnt knap very well (probably just me ;D). After asking a more experianced knapper about this he said the surface rock was heated up by the sun and isnt as good for knapping so I dug the resty of the rock I got from in the ground. My question is, Is there a cirtian way I need to store it other than just keeping it covered with a tarp or something? Or do I even need to worry about it? Sorry for the stupid question but I just want to make sure I dont mess up my rock if it's even possible ;D ??? Thanks

Josh

Unless it was 10+ feet deep....chances are that too was exposed to the sun XX amount of years ago, depending on how long it takes soil to form there ;D
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 07:16:11 pm
Most of it was around 4 to 6 ft deep some around 8ft but I agree your probably right ;D
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: JustinNC on March 23, 2011, 07:16:57 pm
ALSO....could be some of the outer edge has frost fractures in it and the deep ones have had a chance to weather the frost fracturing off? hellifino
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 07:20:13 pm
Ill buy that good theory ???
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: JustinNC on March 23, 2011, 07:28:59 pm
I wouldnt spend much on it...that's just speculation from somebody that dont know nuthin about obsidian except I dont like it ;D
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 07:38:00 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: rileyconcrete on March 23, 2011, 09:51:26 pm
I just keep mine under the stairs in my shop out of the way.  That way is doesnt get wet and frozen.  I dont think the sun has  alot to do with the rock as much as water and the freeze thaw cycle.  If the sun affected the stuff, all of it on the surface would be gravel, in my opinion, and I picked up some like 10 lb boulders that seem to be fine.

Tell
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 09:53:55 pm
k thanks Tell
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Hillbilly on March 23, 2011, 11:19:22 pm
I keep my rock piled up in the yard or in five gallon buckets. Freeze/thaw and weathering will eventually get to rock, but it's more like a process of hundreds or thousands of years of exposure that gets it. Don't think I'm gonna keep any that long. ;D
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: cowboy on March 23, 2011, 11:25:54 pm
Yep, I'm like Hillbilly. Have had rocks piled up around here for years and have not noticed any ill affects from weathering. But not like it gets real cold in this part of the world. I'm leaning more towards the eons of hot, cold, hot, cold. and i don't suspect I''ll be around that long ::).
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 23, 2011, 11:28:51 pm
K thanks guys
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: sailordad on March 23, 2011, 11:33:36 pm
if you live in a climate like here in minnesota
then you dont want to store it above ground outdoors in the winter time
any moisture in the rock will freeze and casie it to fracture
all my rock is inside,cause thats where i knapp in the winter
wouldnt be able to find it under the 9" of fresh snow we just got  >:(
Title: Re: question on storing rock (Obsidian)
Post by: Elktracker on March 24, 2011, 12:04:23 am
Thanks sailordad It doesnt get to cold here I live right on the coast the lowest we got this winter was like 18 but that is almost unheardoff. Thanks

Josh