In geology, a “melange” is a large-scale body of rock “characterized by a lack of internal continuity of contacts or strata and by the inclusion of fragments and blocks of all sizes, both exotic and native, embedded in a fragmental matrix of finer-grained material” (U.S. Geological Survey). However, in this Post, calling this stone a “melange” is simply drawing on the non-geological meaning f the word, a “varied mixture”. Stone #28 is made up of a melange, a mixture of crystals and/or fragments of various colours and sizes and shapes.
It was found on Gemstone Beach in 2021. After tumbling in 400 and 600 grit, it was polished using pro-polish tin oxide in a 4lb barrel for 11 days, followed by a three day borax burnishing tumble. The process was completed on 23 January 2022. There were 74 stones of various sizes in the barrel. Stone #28 has ended up very smooth and shiny over nearly all its surface, with only a couple of tiny rough areas on one of its edges.
Stone #28 is 5 cms long, 3 cms wide and 1.5 cms at its thickest. It was one of the larger stones in the 4lb barrel.
The Index to the January 2022 Stone of the Day Series is here.
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