[Jewelry making - Article 00279] - Re: [Orchid] Stones on Demand

[Richard Davies]

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>     In reading about synthetic diamonds I note the basic ingredients
>     of extreme heat and pressure. Does the same apply to synthetic
>     rubies and emeralds? 

    No. Flame fusion synthetic corundum is made at normal ambient
    pressure. Hydrothermal processes often need some pressure, but it is
    not "extreme" pressure. 

>     Isn't that what turns just about any fine loose sediment, organic
>     or not, into stone? In the future, will we have machines which
>     apply temperature and pressure to any and all garbage to make
>     building blocks? Could some of them be fluffed up into pumice-like
>     stones? 

    In a sense, building blocks are already being made of recycled
    porcelain and glass. Tiles and countertops are available on the
    market. 

>     I have a puzzlement here. An outcropping of about 50 strata which
>     I think are marine sediments from about 100 mya. A few are strata
>     of loose earth. What prevented their solidification? 

    Rock formation from sediments requires a binder or cement. Sometimes
    the cement is a clay mineral, typical in many sandstones. Iron
    minerals (carbonates or hydrous oxides) are common in sandstone,
    too. (Brownstone is an example.) Calcium carbonate is a common
    cementing mineral. Some sandstones accrete silica in alignment with
    the crystal structure of individual sand grains to the point that
    crystal faces are present. 

    The loose sediments you mention are probably just a sign of lack of
    a cementing mineral. By the way, marine sediments sometimes contain
    "connate water" that is part of the original sea water that remains
    within the formation. This water forms a solvent that allows transfer
    of minerals from one area to another, so zinc and lead ores are
    concentrated in sedimentary rock that is porous enough to provide
    space for the new compounds to be precipitated out. Limestones are
    such rocks. Shaly rocks consist of consolidated clay minerals, so
    they are in a sense "self cementing." 

Fascinating subject!

Dick Davies
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