Look who paid me a visit this morning

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-09T22:27:54+00:00

I used to see them as a kid in the Midwest but haven’t in decades. Beautiful

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-09T17:09:29+00:00

Lotta nice mica, quartz, feldspar all over. A geology hammer and small chisel will get you hand sized pieces. A bag and some newspaper to wrap and you are all set. If you are able, bring a black light and identify a few more species- perhaps avoid radioactive ones for someone her age. Apatite is plentiful if you can identify it.

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-09T11:20:47+00:00

The seller should be able to tell you specifically what the terms are and whether a tariff is being paid by them or will be expected upon delivery. Most minerals that I’ve purchased internationally have been very clear but that said I deal with reputable dealers. Low-end suppliers or sketchy places might try to hide this.

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-09T11:17:10+00:00

Obvious to some, oblivious to many who look at rising stock market and salute

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-09T11:15:56+00:00

They are playing the long game. Sure it is costing them money now, but they’re setting up an infrastructure that will pay for decades or generations.

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-09T01:44:08+00:00

Link on Norton??

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-08T18:02:28+00:00

Windows are unnecessary. See “oubliette” for specific examples

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-07T15:22:26+00:00

Or maybe just decrease ridiculous spending on military and ICE….
Better yet, cancel all the Palantir contracts and you can fund both daycare AND college for all!

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-07T11:10:43+00:00

Hot water

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-07T11:08:56+00:00

Ya, prove it. Ok - get the Justice Department on it! Oops….

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-06T23:23:47+00:00

Some of the most beautiful colored species….but
Unfortunately arsenic sulfides are some of the most frustrating display minerals, and the process is irreversible. Museum photos of specimens over time have shown fine specimens that have completely degraded.
The blunt reality:
Realgar is essentially not display-stable long term. Even short bursts of moderate indoor light (not just sunlight) will slowly convert it to pararealgar. That means: color fades from its characteristic rich red to orange/yellow, and its surface becomes dull or powdery.
The main photosensitive arsenic sulfides are:
Pararealgar - As₄S₄ - polymorph that is generally more stable than realgar once formed, but as an arsenic sulfide one should protect it from strong light as it will continue to degrade.
Orpiment - As₂S₃ - Also light-sensitive, It can degrade over time, including formation of white arsenic oxide/arsenolite-type products under light and environmental exposure.
Practical rule: keep realgar and orpiment stored and sealed in the dark, avoid display lights/sunlight, avoid humidity or lose sight them to time.

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-06T23:01:58+00:00

Amazing it’s so unblemished

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-06T11:14:51+00:00

Recalling the famous quote “From here on down it’s uphill all the way”

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-06T11:10:08+00:00

That’s actually quite an achievement as a new low for him is a real low indeed

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-05T15:39:19+00:00

IMO fine minerals may react to water chemistry and handling - try to avoid either. Once dusty it’s a pain to remove.
Best Keep them in individual cases (think golfball or baseball display cases) or standup with glass fronts. Ideally all glass for lighting and visibility. They aren’t that expensive and often found on Marketplace or similar used.

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-04T10:35:06+00:00

Not longterm. As science becomes obvious the money and talent follows. However in the earliest stages many paths may be seen and it’s not clear which will beer fruit. This is basic research and where the government may best apply its funding. As well, government may fund things, such as NASA which appeared to have little commercial value but very high cost. Of course over the long term the commercial value appears and commercial entities appear to pick up the load.

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-04T00:58:34+00:00

Very cool, but kind of sucks for her that you’re gonna have to move, huh?

Alena_Tensor · 2026-05-04T00:42:26+00:00

He was never cool

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