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Black rock with glassy crust

by Ann Buchanan
(Connel, ,Argyll, ScotlandUK. PA371PH)

I found it on a beach in Argyll on 12th August 2020, about the same time as the persied meteor shower. The block is a rhomboid shape with one narrow edge, is very heavy and attracted to a magnet. It is mostly matt black with faint reddy-brown veins branching through it also has speckles of silvery metal which can be seen when photographed with a flash.
The glassy surface is hard with one major groove interrupting the smooth surface and some chips round the edges. It is quite a big chunk (approx.11cmx11cmx5cm). I am sending photos showing the rock taken in daylight and also with a flash.

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Aug 24, 2020
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by: Douglas

I would guess you have a chunk of iron ore. This is probably not from your region but was brought from England on ships. An Iron smelter was built near you in Bonawe around 1750 and so the area was a hub of iron related activity. You might want to visit the historic furnace to learn more.

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