Chalcophyllite from Majuba Hill, Pershing Co. Nevada

This is a specimen from a large micromount collection I bought off of eBay several years ago.  I am still in the process of taking photos of each specimen. 

This particular specimen is labeled Pharmacosiderite.  The photos below are at 40x taken with a digital camera simply held up to the eye piece.

• Pharmacosiderite is brown cubic crystals
• Mixite – Pale blue green acicular crystal sprays
• Chalcophyllite- Thin green hexagonal platy crystal in the center.

Stewart Tunnel, Belleview Wisconsin

Visited the Steward tunnel last September.  Beware of parking, I got a $175.00 parking ticket but it was still worth it.  When you are in the middle of the tunnel, its curved so much you cannot see either exit.  Very popular spot located along a state hiking trail.

N 42° 48.671 W 089° 33.995

16T E 290157 N 4743042

Description

Stewart Tunnel, also known as the Belleville Tunnel was located along Illinois Central line. Located 4 miles southwest of Belleville,WI this former rail line is now the Badger State Trail.

The tunnel was built in a curve so you can't see the other side when approaching. The tunnel is named for James Stewart of Lancashire, Pennsylvania. Stewart, who was contracted to build the rail line was killed when he was thrown from a buggy while driving over the proposed route. Construction of the tunnel was completed on January 26, 1888.

Link:http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMPYG_Stewart_Tunnel

Photos taken in September 2011

Trail leading to the tunnel

Entrance of the tunnel:

Tunnel interior:

The other side

Coolest Mars Image Ever!

Finally a planet image that looks like science fiction.

Image what new minerals might exist in the environment where carbon dioxide sublimiates to gas in the ground and vents through rock and soil.  Some crazy new iron or manganese carbonates.


From Discover Magazine

To the dust cloud in the central lower left quadrant.  Estimated to be 10 meters across.  Makes the tree like sand structures at least 30 meters tall!