gavin wrote:
@Juggie - thanks for the offer mate. Already had a little explore of Danseys Pass before to see what the area was like. Briefly swung the detector around a bit, but was only a quick go so no joy. I'll give you a shout next time I head down that way to see if you're dad doesn't mind passing on a bit of local knowledge ;)
@kiwikeith - found a few sweet little spots next to the river myself excellent for camping - such a beautiful area! Was chuffed to see a few quails in the morning with their chicks foraging around - very cute wee things!
@Lammerlaw - I'm aware of these stones but never knew how to identify them. Used to be a keen rock collector as a kid. I'm going to start picking up stones now and giving them a shake to see if they rattle ;)
@dettol - Would love to catch up one evening when you're down. Send me a PM nearer the time and we'll sort something out.
If you go to Maerewhenua near Livingston just down from the workings you will find them...I have not got one which actually rattles but I did have one which was full of water but sadly the water gradually leaked out through a crack. You will if course know what Limonite looks like - rusty brown colour, oxide of iron. The rattle rocks are roughly round mostly and consist of this Limonite. When you shake them as you find them they will rattle though I was told that some will rattle after they have dried out internally, any moisture evaporating out of minute cracks etc. What you are looking for therefore is round rocks of iron oxide or Limonite. Bro0wn colour - if you find one though be careful and dont rattle it to death because if you shake it to hard its component parts just might part company. You could almost say that they are sort of like a geode which I guess they are.
I would be quite happy to take anyone looking for them if they wished and the trip could be organised.
For rock collectors I always thought that Nelson area and Otago were the places - Nelson area has Asbestos but better still native copper - for some obscure reason I go gaa gaa over native copper, love the stuff... the more I can get the better!
Otago has a great varietyof minerals - Cinnabar - The Waitahuna cinnaber mine was owned by the Nobels Explosive Company of Glasgow - that is in Waipori District, Copper Ore - I was the last person to hold the mining right over the Waitahuna Copper Lode, Scheelite - spent many a happy day looking for it at Macraes, Antimony, Manganese Ore including Rhodonite. Also a lot of fossil locations in Otago and South Canterbury - and so the list goes on.
As for rocks - love them but then again I actually collect everything...I note guys on here who tell of finding old pennies - my oldest ones of them is Edward II I think and Henry III, four in total.
I like metal ores generally and fossils and where ever I go I am looking for more than just gold...always keep the peepers to the ground...you never know what you will find.
