Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Some things to just LOVE about minerals


Oh man! Its been a little longer than I wanted since the last entry! 

But don’t worry, I’m getting’ back in the hang of it, especially with the help of this fantastic energetic time going on right now.

Stones, Minerals, Crystals, and why we love them!
Something I love about stones is the fact that you can look at the same stone everyday for years and STILL manage to find some new characteristic of the stone that somehow makes it even more “cool.” 
It always surprises me!

It brings a smile to my face even when I’m feeling down. 
It can actually make my entire day! 
There is something magical in crystals that do that to people.   

I feel it happen in beautiful stone jewelry, crystal specimens, and nature herself.


During these winter months, it’s a challenge changing our schedule to stay indoors and in town, instead of spending each weekend up high diggin' in the earth.  

With the mine covered with snow and inaccessible, looking around in our home at our collection is a valued highlight in the day.

Recently, we were lucky to stop at a Gem show in Longmont, CO . It was fantastic for a rock lover!   

With getting over 12 mineral specimens, we came home with a bunch of new stones.   

One particular stone is a new favorite in our household.   A piece of purple Fluorite from Colorado!  A specimen that is found in a place where such fluorite is not normally found is a rare and beautiful sight! ( Thank you Joe and Glacier Peaks Mining!)

What means even more to me is that it is LOCAL!   
It was found by people who we know and unearthed in a place not far from home.   
That’s means so much.    
The work, time and effort that it takes to unearth these soft, gentle minerals is astounding.  The hard, intensive work can be time consuming.   
One wrong move can harm a rare mineral specimen.    
That is why I am so grateful, and truly appreciate local minerals and the people who make them available to us.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Faden Quartz

Faden Quartz is a beautiful specimen of quartz that shows how the environment can directly effect the way a specimen grows.

As winter is beginning to sneak into our lives, it is hard not to notice the changes in the weather, life and emotions.


Faden quartz is a mineral that has gone through constant changes and healing, causing a unique, yet beautiful scar for its appearance.


Is quartz that grows in a more unique style than other quartz.  

The name originates from the German word, “Fadenquaz.”  This refers to the white line or “thread” that is formed in the middle of the specimen. 

Found in metamorphic formations, the “thread” is formed when there is a crack in the main host rock that slowly grows.  Creating a tabular, double terminated crystals, the growing process can fracture and create a cycle of re-growth and self healing. The faden is then created by the process, leaving a gas/liquid “thread.”

Metaphysically, the stone helps one get the strength and energy to go through personal, spiritual changes and improvement, while adapting positively through out the process.  It is through the patience and persistence of positive love and light that leads the growth.  



Friday, November 19, 2010

Aragonite


Aragonite – A mineral full of fun, but fierce seriousness.
CaCO3

Looking at a specimen of aragonite reminds me of the image of looking at a neatly, compact planet.   

All the ( prismatic) crystals the stick out of the ball shape resemble towering sky scrappers in a packed little universe.  

Stability, unity, core -

An energetic ball of calcium carbonate with maybe some lead and zinc, this mineral is capable of aiding in the manifestation of your true passion, life purpose. They are here to help you maintain your stable, calm sense of true being.