[meteorite-list] Moldavite question Ozocerite

[E. L. Jones]

Yes as to the glass and amorphous nature of moldavites.  The New Agers 
aren't concerned with technical accuracy.

 I have some  ozocerite (aka Olefinite(?)) that the late Darryl Futrell 
gave me.  I believe some early naturalist thought tektites reported that 
they were  hardened wax or prehistoric slag and the story can still be 
found.

  Ozocerite isn't considered a valid mineral species any longer owing to 
its petroleum hydrocarbon nature and chemical variation.  It has been 
discussed on the list in ages past I think.  However to my knowledge 
today, there is no connection between either.
<:http://www.mindat.org/min-7529.html>

Ozocerite has been found in Arizona, Utah, The Netherlands and  France. 
It has a crystal form but is usually found in stalagmitic form. I 
believe it also found in coal mines occassionally.  Its origin is 
uncertain but probably was left over when high grade crude petroleum 
evaporated.  It is essentially natural paraffin wax as you saidMEtlist.

Elton


minador wrote:

>Hi list,
>
>I saw a seller selling a Moldavite as a "great channeling crystal".  Aren't
>Moldavites a type of impactite glass, and thus lacking crystal structure
>(amorphous)?
>
>Also, I was checking in an old geology dictionary, and it mentions that
>Moldavites are a type of ozocerite (also spelled ozokerite).  A mineral
>paraffin wax (aka mineral wax, fossil wax, earth wax & native paraffin).
>Has anyone heard of ozocerite and know how they are (were) associated with
>Moldavites?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Mark Bowling
>Vail, AZ, USA
>  
>