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Join us to dig a giant Amethyst geode
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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 11, 2007 15:29    Post subject: Join us to dig a giant Amethyst geode  

" SANTIÑO" mine, situated in the area of Catalan, ARTIGAS-URUGUAY, is a famous place for the production of the highest quality amethysts which are worldwide reference.

Here we have found a few days ago, a giant amethyst geode that it´s being extracted and maybe will be an exponent of the qualities of the Uruguayan production.

The works of extraction are done in a good rhythm as the attendance advice that this wonderful specimen merit, but we believe it will take about 90 days to finish the extraction. Throughout the process we will be publishing in this forum pictures and news as advances the items.

We encourage you to participate with us in this fascinating adventure with your opinions and commentaries that we will be able to answer in the extent of our potential.



Santiño Mine-04.jpg
 Description:
"Santiño" Mine, ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153413 Time(s)

Santiño Mine-04.jpg



Santiño Mine-03.jpg
 Description:
" Santiño" Mine, ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
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Santiño Mine-03.jpg



Santiño Mine-02.jpg
 Description:
"Santiño" Mine, ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
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Santiño Mine-02.jpg


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Jordi Fabre
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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 03:40    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Antonio,

Welcome to this Forum, and thanks a lot to make the effort to publish your news about this find.

I'm sure that our visitors will enjoy your articles and images, for me it is very exciting to follow on line a so great work.

Jordi
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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 06:51    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Dear readers, continuing with the exposition:

The photographic sequence I´m publishing today, inform about the evolution of the works of the extraction of our amethyst.

The strong encouragement that involves its possession has led the holders such a way that the works done beyond the conventional schedules have been efficient and is evisioned its extraction in a shorter time.



Giant Amethyst-03.jpg
 Description:
"Mouth" of the tunnel of the giant amethyst.
 Viewed:  153229 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-03.jpg



Giant Amethyst-02.jpg
 Description:
"Mouth" of the tunnel of the giant amethyst
 Viewed:  153225 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-02.jpg



Giant Amethyst-01.jpg
 Description:
The poster identifies the operator that is working in it, as the law demands.
 Viewed:  153208 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-01.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 06:57    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Inside near the tunnel ; the ones who appear in the picture are waiting to occur blasting in the bottom of the same. Of course that the blasting is so controlled and have limited intensity.


Amatista Gde.004.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst
 Viewed:  153266 Time(s)

Amatista Gde.004.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 07:03    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Technical reviews the inside of the geode after the blasting and check that it wasn´t damage as they preview.


Giant Amethyst-06.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst-Artigas-Uruguay
 Viewed:  153220 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-06.jpg



Giant Amethyst-05.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  153252 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-05.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 09:14    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

We see the inside of the Geode where despite the accumuled dust can be seen part of
its formations interiors, although is good say the picture was not archieved convey but a fraction of its excellence.



Giant Amethyst-08.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst-ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153195 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-08.jpg



Giant Amethyst-07.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst,ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153223 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-07.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 09:28    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

We see formation of calcites in the ceiling of the geode, approximately of about 20 cm to 25 cm of length. It do not show other formations from the window, which allows only to
observe certain angles; there parts are parties which are not visible nor still for the camera.



Giant Amethyst-09.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst-ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153241 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-09.jpg



Giant Amathyst.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst-ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
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Giant Amathyst.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 09:33    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

External view with the marks of the "barramina" that is use to cut the basalt in successive drilling as looks.


Amatista Gde.011.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst,ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153144 Time(s)

Amatista Gde.011.jpg



Giant Amethyst-010.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst,ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153140 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-010.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 09:42    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

External view of the geode and its just released parts.
The follow step now are the works in the down side that we call "Zapata", and it´s so hard because the geode will be practically sespended in the air, under pinned by strong logs and wedges.



Giant Amethyst-012.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  153132 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-012.jpg



Giant Amethyst-011.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst,ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153142 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-011.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 09:46    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

The work that you are watching is very artisanal, to achieve a extraction with out harming the specimen.


Giant Amethyst-013.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst-ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153229 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-013.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 12, 2007 09:49    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

We will continue providing information and sharing it trascendent moment with you.

Regards

Antonio



Giant Amethyst-014.jpg
 Description:
Giant Amethyst, ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  153192 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst-014.jpg


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Jordi Fabre
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PostPosted: Oct 15, 2007 16:39    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Antonio,

What is the geological formation where you find the geodes?

Can you describe us how do you find the geodes and if they have other related minerals in addition to the Amethyst?

Jordi
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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 23, 2007 11:54    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Hi Jordi,

In the area mining are old and had been linked with a macro unit morfo structural regionally defined by spills of basaltic lavas and sandstones associated linked to the tectonic evolution of the Parana basin during the Cretaceous, referred to generically as the Basalts of Parana, whatever their denomination training locally.

The agates and amethyst are in cavities of these basaltic rocks that in our country are grouped into one geological unit called Formation of Arapey.

This unit is composed of several “coladas” or overlapping lava spills, interleaved with sand and with a mean age of 130 million years.

Basically geodes rates that are within casting are:

-Geodes with a crust of chalcedony that develops toward the center of amethyst crystals of free ends, where the best color is concentrated.
-Geodes with a crust of chalcedony and centre with colorless quartz filling the entire cavity.
-Geodes of massive chalcedony and / or concentric banded chalcedony (agates) that can make a central zone with quartz crystals.
-Other minerals amethysts, agates, jaspers quartz, opal and cornalinas.

Regards,

Antonio
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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 23, 2007 12:58    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Continuing,
With the work for the release of this piece, we con add that gradually are emerging the real dimensious hidden in the basalt.



Giant Amethyst.jpg
 Description:
Santiño Mine, ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  152692 Time(s)

Giant Amethyst.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 23, 2007 13:01    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Mr. Sanchis, the technician, axaming work.


Giant Amethyst-001.jpg
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Giant Amethyst-001.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 23, 2007 13:04    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Works are concentrated in the "Zapata" as we said earlier, bottom or base of the piece.


Giant Amethyst-002.jpg
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Giant Amethyst-002.jpg


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Antonio Da Silveira




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PostPosted: Oct 23, 2007 13:13    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

End of a hard day´s work at the mine and with the assurance that the work will meet step by step as scheduled.

Continue ....



Giant Amethyst-004.jpg
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Giant Amethyst-004.jpg


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Joan R.




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PostPosted: Apr 01, 2008 17:26    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

With the permission of the owners of the quarry where the giant amethyst geode was mined we publish the texts and photos of their last efforts to bring to the sunlight this wonderful "monster".


After a brief holiday we restart activities in the Mine as it was planned. We began with the work of digging in "Monster", removing the basalt, in order to let more space. It is estimated that his current weight is 15,000 kg. Mauro and Jose Luis were the sculptors of the company.

After a long period, everything is scheduled for Monday March 10th to begin transporting geode outside the tunnel. We are all very anxious, Cato and Omar have worked hard to design and construct the means of transport that will be used to move it.
There, at the Santiño Mine we take images of long-awaited moment, and share it with all of you.

We started to work to bring to light the large geode, every care is poor.
The big digger machine "Mingula" worked all morning to fill the way with basalt between the base of the geode and floor, and also the route to the exterior of the tunnel to allow sliding of the "sled" made in the workshop of the Company.

Basically the operation was extract the heavy piece of amethyst inside the tunnel about 120 meters length. To lift the geode they used hydraulic jacks to be able to introduce steel bars under the heavy piece in order to make easy their travel to the steel structure built for drag abroad.

Finally we have the geode outside the mine.

The truck arrived with the geode to our headquarter where received handmade treatment by a group of officials: sculptors, cutters, polishers etc..
Net Weight ......... Kg. 14,750 !!!



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - Preparing the Geode.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  149060 Time(s)

Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - Preparing the Geode.jpg



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - Sculptors and the geode.jpg
 Description:
Preparing the geode to be loaded
 Viewed:  149036 Time(s)

Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - Sculptors and the geode.jpg



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - The first step on the sled.jpg
 Description:
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Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - The first step on the sled.jpg



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - The strong sled.jpg
 Description:
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Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - The strong sled.jpg



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  148999 Time(s)

Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay.jpg



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - The digger machine working inside the tunnel.jpg
 Description:
Ready to be delivered to the sunlight
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Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - The digger machine working inside the tunnel.jpg



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - A little bit more.jpg
 Description:
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Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - A little bit more.jpg



Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - Everybody is happy.jpg
 Description:
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Amethyst - Artigas - Uruguay - Everybody is happy.jpg



Amatista - Artigas - Uruguay - Ready for transport.jpg
 Description:
On the truck it was bigger than expected
 Viewed:  149514 Time(s)

Amatista - Artigas - Uruguay - Ready for transport.jpg



Amatista - Artigas - Uruguay - The Geode Truck.jpg
 Description:
The 14500Kg geode on the truck
 Viewed:  149001 Time(s)

Amatista - Artigas - Uruguay - The Geode Truck.jpg


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robynahawk




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PostPosted: Apr 01, 2008 17:55    Post subject: Re: Join us to dig a giant amethyst geode  

Fabulous write up! bring on more! I am always up for some cyber-rockhounding!!!!

Robyn Hawk
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Joan R.




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PostPosted: Apr 02, 2008 04:36    Post subject: More photos of the giant amethyst geode works  

Hi Robyn,

Really incredible geode works. Herewith attached more photos from the Geode works. We want to thank to Antonio da Silveira and friends, just to let us enjoy this adventure.

Enjoy them!!!



geoda_gigante_007_972.jpg
 Description:
Outside, the buldozer is conditioned to be able to smoothly enter into the tunnel.
 Viewed:  148939 Time(s)

geoda_gigante_007_972.jpg



amatista_gigante_06_165.jpg
 Description:
After a long day of work, it was found that the basalt that covers the geode is extremely hard, geode close to the ceiling and suspended in the caliper more difficult than expected, as it is completely detached from the walls of the tunnel is determined the work suspension on security grounds, leading to the next stage.
In the workshops of the company we are working with Cato and Omar "designing" the means of transport to carry the "Monster "outside.
 Viewed:  148916 Time(s)

amatista_gigante_06_165.jpg



amatista_gigante_04_214.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  148920 Time(s)

amatista_gigante_04_214.jpg



amatista_gigante_01_153.jpg
 Description:
We need light to see inside the vug and to work in the area.
 Viewed:  148893 Time(s)

amatista_gigante_01_153.jpg



amatista_gigante_03_191.jpg
 Description:
Taking a look inside the vug.
 Viewed:  148972 Time(s)

amatista_gigante_03_191.jpg



dinama_05_426.jpg
 Description:
Sr. Rodolfo Dos Santos, the best minning technician.
 Viewed:  148862 Time(s)

dinama_05_426.jpg



dinama_03_155.jpg
 Description:
Licenciado Pirelly, taking a view of the Geode. They enjoy a lot the finding and approve of work systems.
 Viewed:  148915 Time(s)

dinama_03_155.jpg



grupo_de_medio_ambiente_199.jpg
 Description:
Some of these photographs where you can see a group of visitors, some of them are officers of the company but most are specialized officers of the state what prompted by the interest which resulted in finding went to the mine to meet their natural interest and what is related to their specialties. Some are officials, geologists and engineers of the National Environment Historical and Cultural Heritage.
 Viewed:  148932 Time(s)

grupo_de_medio_ambiente_199.jpg



dinama_09_164.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  148931 Time(s)

dinama_09_164.jpg



dinama_01_740.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  148914 Time(s)

dinama_01_740.jpg



amatista_santio_02_306.jpg
 Description:
We have a free part supported by wooden wedges.
 Viewed:  148906 Time(s)

amatista_santio_02_306.jpg



amatista_santio_414.jpg
 Description:
Mina Santiño-ARTIGAS-URUGUAY
 Viewed:  148943 Time(s)

amatista_santio_414.jpg



amatista_santio_01_106.jpg
 Description:
SERGIO MEDEIROS, our expert in blasting. The blastingman of Santiño
 Viewed:  149047 Time(s)

amatista_santio_01_106.jpg



amatista_santio_02_313.jpg
 Description:
Continuing with the extraction works of this monumental Amethyst Geode, in our "Santiño” Mine. Photographs of the Geode ready to be free from its basaltic rock base.
 Viewed:  149008 Time(s)

amatista_santio_02_313.jpg



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