Diorite

[David_JAFO]

hello,
I found this other day kicking around the cobbles in town, what looks like a small lump of grey granite identified as Diorite. Now I've been given an ID on this I can say I've used this previously when I walked up Ben Nevis. Initially thought it was a grey granite. Whilst walking some scree came loose on the footpath & noted as it was grey light, sparks coming from the scree as it rolled off into the dark. We picked up a few lumps & knocked them together, BTW it throws off a good spark. Back at the tent I tried with success to light both the gas & spirit stove at the time. Images top & bottom side of the stone. Other day once home with my latest find, I tried it will my steel striker along with char cloth & amadou works fine (goes in the EDC kit tinder box). *Diorite is an intrusive rock intermediate in composition between gabbro and *granite. It is produced in volcanic arcs, and in mountain building where it can occur in large volumes as batholiths in the roots of mountains (e.g. *Scotland, Norway). It does pay to kick around in the cobble stones/gravel when out & about.
Regards
David

13225

13226

[Dreward]

Just a layman's question....What is creating the sparks you mentioned as it rolled down the scree ?....My impression of flint and steel action is tiny pieces of high carbon steel rapidly heating up as they are shaved away by striking the sharp edge of the flint.....Does it have some form of metal content ?....Cheers

[David_JAFO]

hello,
I understand what you say regarding the connection between the steel striker & the mineral. I don't know to be honest how the sparks were generated, other than friction composition of the piece of rock? just recall the loose scree & seeing little sparks coming from the direction of that coming loose off the track down hill (mountain). One lad picked up a piece & threw it against a larger rock giving off sparks, so I pocketed a few lumps, back at the tent, 2 pieces chipped together created small sparks. I found this afternoon the source of the piece I found recently, loads of it scattered around, now looking for larger pieces.
Regards
David


Just a layman's question....What is creating the sparks you mentioned as it rolled down the scree ?....My impression of flint and steel action is tiny pieces of high carbon steel rapidly heating up as they are shaved away by striking the sharp edge of the flint.....Does it have some form of metal content ?....Cheers