pop-rocks

Pop rocks is a term used by American geologists for superficially limonitised ball pyrite because it explodes when thrown into fire. An old synonym for pop rocks is gravel ball. In the trade, however, they are called boji.

Pop-rock deposits are found in the Dakota, Nebraska and Cana areas in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

The globular and lenticular concretions are mostly dark grey, dark brown, to pinkish brown, but there are also light sulphate efflorescences.


Mineral class of oxides
Formula: FeS2 + FeOOH * nH2O + Ca,K,Na,P + (As,Ba,Bi,Co,Cu,Pb,Sb,Zn)

Mohs hardness: 5 - 6
Density: 5.0 - 5.2
Cleavability: none, uneven fracture
Line colour: brown to black
Transparency: opaque

Healing properties
Energy flow, strengthen emotions and moods, help to recognise limiting patterns