Issue #1  March 2008

Dear Friends,

This is the very first issue of our long awaited newsletter!

It looks as if we’ve survived another winter, and we’re all looking forward to spring.   Our good friend, Dudley Andrews, has  been cutting wonderful new stones for us.

Roz has spent the winter designing and creating, with Joe’s assistance buffing.  Mom has been  been busy stringing  beads and keeping an eye on the stock market.

Roz  spent St. Patrick's Day having her knee surgery, but  promises to be back on her feet by the spring shows. We’re very excited about  our new  jewelry lines for spring and summer.  Dudley’s stones come in all the colors of the rainbow.  Among our favorites are the new “pinks for spring”.  In this newsletter we will  start at the very beginning, then proceed to the pink stones, their origins and historical uses.

GEM HISTORY
The word gem comes from the Latin, gemma, meaning ‘bud’.  Much like the blooming of flowers where buds  burst into blossoms,  dull lumps of minerals are cut and polished into brilliant gems.   The formation of gemstones goes all the way back to  the earth’s beginnings,  when  whirling clouds of gases contracted into a molten ball.  A thin layer of this molten magma cooled into a crust forming the earth’s  mantle. Minerals were  formed from the fiery gases of the earth’s interior, from lava streams, great pressure and heat,  and later from hydronic solutions.  According  to the way they were formed, gems are classified  as  magmatic,   metamorphic, and sedimentary.

Most minerals grow in crystal forms.  Some are formed as druses on the inner walls of rock openings created by  gas bubbles  in rock (geodes).  Experts identify gem minerals by the shape of their uncut crystals, their  color,  their refraction of light,  by hardness, gravity and physical properties.  The color of gemstones is described as essential (the color of the mineral itself) and non-essential ( the result of  impurities  which can contribute  different colors).

Underlying rock determines the kind of gem minerals found around the world,  also climate is a factor.  Distribution of gems is irregular.  Regions most favored are South Africa, SE Asia, Brazil, the Urals, Australia, and  mountainous areas of the US.

Brilliance, rarity, and demand determine the value of gemstones.  In addition to their physical beauty,  gemstones have been used for  millennia to heal and bring balance.

As far back as the Stone  Age ,  people wore crystals and stones as talismans, for protection as well as decoration.  Some crystals contain minerals that are known for their therapeutic qualities and have been used by ancient healers around the world.  Shamen used the abilities of crystals to  focus sound and light for healing.  Still used by Native Americans, Ayurvedics, and  many others, crystals have found their way into modern technology.  The properties of crystals  are harnessed in ultra sound machines which use a piezoelectric crystal to produce a sound wave.  A tightly focused beam of ultra sound can cauterize wounds deep within the body and blast tumors apart.

 There is a great deal of literature available on the metaphysical properties of crystals. Although formerly a skeptic, I have watched people drawn to certain stones at  different times in their lives, and sense there is some validity to these claims.  Therefore,  I will present a  brief physical description of the gem, as well as potential healing properties..

RHODOCROCITE
MnCo3 Manganese Carbonate.  Its  name is derived from the Greek  Rhodon  meaning rosy red,  and has been called Inca Rose because of its location.  It is also found in hydrothermal veins or sedimentary deposits in Argentina, Namibia, Russia and the US.  Usually translucent, it is characterized by  its  bright pink to orange  color with distinct  bands,  It has been called  a “Rescue Remedy” stone, for healing emotions.  It’s also known as the stone of love, providing balance in our hectic lives.   Some sources  suggest  it may assist in cases of thyroid imbalance, depression, and respiratory problems.  Rhodocrocite has been called the stone of  unconditional love and forgiveness.

RHODONITE
MnSio3, Silicate of Manganese.  Occurs as  translucent to semi-opaque  crystals of pink to red, often with blackish veins due to thepresence of manganese.  Harder than Rhodocrocite, about 5.5-6.5, it is fairly widespread, mainly in Sweden, Russia,  Mexico,  Australia and the US. A useful  first-aid stone,  it helps to heal emotional shock and panic  It is said  to possess loving, soothing, nurturing qualities.  It  promotes self-confidence, respect and self-love.  Supportive of relationships, it dispels anxiety and confusion. Healers have used it in the treatment of emphysema, joint inflammation and arthritis.

ROSE QUARTZ
Sio2, Silicon Dioxide.  Usually translucent to transparent pink,  it is found in South Africa,  Brazil,  India, Japan and the US.  Quartz crystals are formed from the fiery gases and molten minerals of the earth’s center, and come in a variety of colors, with a hardness around 7.  Rose quartz is called the stone of unconditional love and peace.   It is calming, reassuring, and useful in  treating migraines,  trauma and crisis.  It is the  most important crystal for the heart chakra  and helps one be open and loving.

PINK LEOPARDSKIN JASPER, ROSETTA JASPER,  PORCELAIN JASPER
Sio2   Jasper is a form of opaque, usually patterned Chalcedony in the quartz  family. From the Greek, meaning spotted stone,  this finely grained stone  contains up to 20% foreign materials which determine  the wide range of color and pattern.  It occurs  as fillings in fissures and nodules all over the world with a hardness  around 6.5 to 7. This mineral is known as the “supreme nurturer”;  it provides support during times of stress and  brings tranquility.  It was often worn by Native American Shamen for protection and healing.  It reminds people to love and help one another.                          

For more information, I recommend  the books listed below, and of course, the internet.                 

Warmest Regards,  
Roz,  Joe, and Hazel

The Crystal Bible, by Judy Hall

Gems and Precious Stones, Simon and Schusters Guide, by Kennie Lyman

Gemstones of the World,  by Walter Schumann