Petrified palmwood. Palmoxylon. An extinct species, petrified. This was cut lengthwise. Long grain. Very similar to wood.

Most of the time, you only find stuff you can't take home. Other times...you still have to carry it down. Today was just recon. Good views... interesting territory.

Found some porphyry stone .. cut it grind it polish it! Gimme gimme more! Also known as Chinese writing stone.

It's dirty, oily and gross... but that's how I prepare and process rocks. Mineral oil is the medium for cutting... water is the coolant for grinding and polishing. Support your local lapidary club! 12" saws are around 2000 dollars.. trim saws are another 800, and a good cabbing machine, lortone or cab king are at least 2200. It is quite an investment. Plus consumables.

I make em! Some i find raw, others, I purchase as slabs... but all of them are formed by hand.