Yes They are Natural...Mostly

Merriam-Webster defines a geode as "a nodule of stone having a cavity lined with crystals or mineral matter". In the mountains of Brazil and Uruguay have formed, sometimes enormous, "log geodes".  Rather than the roundish shape normally associated with "nodules", these form as tubes within lava-type rocks...usually Basalt.

The most popular of the log geodes must be those containing crystals of Amethyst. This purple variety of quartz varies from pale lilac color to intense purple, and has been known since ancient times.  It gets its name from Greece, where ancient mythology held that Amethyst would prevent a person from becoming drunk.

Due to the very hard matrix (aka host) rock in which they form, heavy equipment and hard-rock mining techniques are utilized to recover these specimens.  When all goes well, they are able to remove the geodes intact, and then apply their artistic talents.  Arguably the most popular form is the "Amethyst Cathedral".  In this presentation, the log geode is cleaned of excess matrix and cut length-wise.  Frequently, it it necessary to use concrete or cement to build a flat base upon-which the specimen may sit solidly.  Sometimes, cement or grout is applied to the outside of the specimen to strengthen the piece, and paint is applied to provide a uniform appearance to the exterior.  So, while the Amethyst occurs naturally in geode form, some artistic license is used to deliver the best presentation.

Prevailing scientific opinion seems to hold that Amethyst is purple for two reasons (1) the presence of tiny amounts of iron in the Quartz, and (2) having been subjected to some kind of natural radiation.  The color can be changed to yellow (Citrine) or green (green Amethyst) by application of heat.  And, prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause the purple to slowly fade in intensity.

We try to keep several Amethyst Cathedral specimens on-hand at Crystal Moon Gallery, and most are visible on our website.  Please let us know if we can help you with some of these decorator specimens.

Considering Enhanced Gemstones...

Among the oldest of professions must be the fraudster.  Since humankind first began assigning value to objects, there seem to have been people seeking to take-advantage of that perceived value.  Around the same time must have begun the "poor man's" alternatives.  Items that cost a lot less, but look almost-as-good as items with socialized value.

Here at Crystal Moon Gallery, we believe in sharing as much information as we can, in an attempt to educate consumers, and help avoid any unpleasant surprises.  This posting is an attempt to share information on commonly-encountered terms and actions that may not be perceived as entirely honest.

"Lab Created" - Most gemstones can now be created in a laboratory to almost any specification of color, purity, and perfection.  There is a long history of laboratory created gems and minerals (remember the alchemists trying to create gold?).  And, while we do not intend to imply any ethical issues with the creation of these stones, we do feel they should be accurately identified as such.  Amusingly, the ubiquitous stone of the lapidary hobby, Agate, has never been successfully created in a lab environment.

"Naturally Formed" - Our term for stones that were formed in the earth and mined from the ground.  Such stones may have subsequently undergone additional processes to increase their desirably.  Such processes are sometimes not disclosed to subsequent purchasers, but we offer educated guesses to our patrons.

"Heat Treating" - Some gemstones, especially Rubies and Sapphires are subjected to high heat to improve color and eliminate inclusions.  This is a process common in the gemstone trade, and certain stones should probably be assumed to have been heated.  These would include Citrine, Tanzanite, Red Tiger-Eye, Zircon, as well as the previously mentioned Ruby and Sapphire.

"Glass Filled" - High-quality rubies have always been rare and expensive.  In recent years, it was discovered that Lead-Glass (e.g. stem-ware) has a refractive index comparable to ruby.  And, at high-heat and under pressure or vacuum, molten glass will fill cracks and inclusions in less-than-perfect rubies.  Highly transparent rubies should probably be assumed to be glass-filled.

"Irradiated" - Exposing stones to radiation is essential to providing those rich blue Topaz stones...natural blue Topaz is very lightly colored.  Radiation is also used on Quartz (to create smokey quartz...aka "smokey topaz").  Other stones sometimes irradiated include Diamond, Tourmaline, and Zircon.

"Stabilized" - porous stones are placed in a liquid polymer, and either placed under pressure, or a vacuum to draw the polymer into the stone.  A very common practice with Turquoise to prevent color-change over time, as well as improve lower quality stones.

"Reconstituted" - Dust and chips from some stones are combined with polymers or resins with heat and/or pressure to create blocks of (generally) uniformly colored stone.  Turquoise and Amber are frequently reconstituted.

Many stone enhancements are difficult to recognize in the finished product.  And, most retailers do not have the equipment or expertise to run all necessary tests on stones.  Our opinion?  If you are buying a stone for the purpose of an 'investment", request GIA certification.  If not...assume the stone is enhanced, and make your purchase decision based upon whether you will enjoy owning it.

Gypsum, Selenite, Alabaster and 'rose rocks'

The mineral Gypsum has many different forms, and many commercial uses.  Essentially, Gypsum is a sulfate of Calcium...bonded with water.  Commercially, Gypsum is ground into powder and heated to drive-out much of the moisture.  Then, it can be made into wall-board, chalk, plaster-of-paris, or as a component in myriad other compounds.  In all of its forms, it is water-soluble.  That is to say, it can dissolve in water.  We've heard stories of Alabaster or Selenite being used in aquariums and fountains...and they lead to unhappy endings.

The massive, generally fine-grained form of Gypsum is known as Alabaster.  And, due to impurities, may be almost any color from white to near-black.  It is a soft mineral, and can be readily carved with hand-tools.  In the area around Cap Rock Canyon in the Texas panhandle, one can see periodic outcroppings of alabaster.  From the road, it stands-out as white against the red sand/dirt.  In addition to the water in its molecular structure, Alabaster will absorb water from the surrounding soil.  So, should you find alabaster in the field, it is recommended to allow the rock to dry in an controlled environment.  Otherwise, it can develop cracks.  Also, one can tell if the Alabaster has been exposed very long by closely examining the surface.  Frequently, one will find tiny traces of water erosion.  Common wisdom holds that 'fresh' Gypsum is better for carving than 'sugary' (once you see alabaster with water erosion, this term will make sense).

Satin Spar is another form of Gypsum found in the panhandle of Texas.  This Gypsum is fibrous, and forms in more-or-less horizontal seams, with the fibers running vertically.  Colorless Satin Spar, makes fascinating spheres.  When looking through the ends of the fibers, one can seen an image of an object on the other side of the sphere.  When looking 'across' the fibers, spheres can show a stunning "cat's eye" effect.  Thinner pieces of Satin Spar, when saturated with water, can become quite flexible (and fragile).  Then, when dry, return to their familiar rigid rock-like character.

Crystallized Gypsum is generally called Selenite.  Some of the largest individual crystals in the world are Gypsum crystals located in Mexico.  Gypsum can crystallize very quickly, as seen in the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.  This location is famous for "hour glass" crystals that have sand or mud inclusions that frequently resemble an hourglass.  And, crystals grow so quickly that managers are able to rotate the collecting area to a different grid area every year or so to assure availability of fresh crystals.  We are unable to offer any of these crystals for sale, as collection is limited to personal use. 

Selenite may also crystallize in clusters that can resemble flowers.  The shape is the result of inter-growth of thin bladed crystals.  These occur in multiple locations around the world, and are known variously as Desert Rose, Gypsum Rose, Selenite Rose, etc.  Colors vary, depending upon whether inclusions (frequently sand) are present.  We have several varieties of Gypsum at Crystal Moon Gallery, and enjoy talking about this fascinating mineral.

Minerals and Cutting Rough

About mid-January, we will be attending a major trade-show.  We expect to expand our offerings of minerals, Lapidary cutting-rough, and possibly even antiques.

These shows are largely unpredictable.  That is, one never knows what dealers, materials, or even countries will be represented. Therefore, we thought it might be smart to ask what 'things' you would like us to watch-for.  If you respond, it will not be treated as an "order", so you are under no obligation to buy anything you suggest.  We would just like to know what our clients and customers desire.  Then, if we are able to locate a good value, we'll offer it for sale through our store.

If you have a particular item in-mind that you would like for us to locate, please contact us through our website.  Please be sure to include your email address, as the software does not capture any information about you that you do not explicitly enter.

We look forward to your input!

Mammoth Fossils

Mammoths are some of the more famous members of the Order Proboscidea.  The Order Proboscidea includes elephants, mastodons, gompotheres, and other less-well-known animals with a pronounced 'proboscis'.   Mammoths flourished across much of of the northern hemisphere starting about 150,000 years ago, and ending about 10,000 years ago.  The Woolly Mammoth (Mammothus Primigenius) is arguably among the best represented of extinct animals on earth, due to their preservation in permafrost in the arctic.

The Latin root of the word "fossil" literally translates "having been dug up".  And fossils may be completely mineralized (like the wood found in the petrified forest in Arizona), or there may be little or no mineralization.  Heavily mineralized mammoth fossils are fairly rare, and usually limited to very old specimens.

The very best mammoth fossils frequently have almost no mineralization.  In the permafrost of Siberia and Alaska, very well preserved teeth and tusks are found which have not changed much since the animal died.  This 'fossil ivory' is highly sought for carving or other artistic use.  Similarly, the bones preserved in ice have very little mineralization, and require little special treatment to assure their continued enjoyment.  Unfortunately, access to these frozen beauties has become limited by legislation in their respective countries.

Another source of mammoth fossils are the relatively shallow seas which were dry, or covered by ice, during the ice-ages.  Modern fishing 'trawlers' drag the bottom of these seas in search of bottom-dwelling fish.  From time-to-time, their nets catch bones and teeth which have been submerged since the last ice age.  The fossils generally have a significant degree of mineralization...especially salt.   Special techniques are required to draw as much of the salt out of these fossils as possible.  And, these fossils tend to be somewhat fragile and ill-suited for carving or cutting.

Some mammoth fossils are found in fresh water, especially in Florida.  These fossils tend to be well preserved and somewhat mineralized.  Suitability for carving/cutting varies widely.  And, it would be highly recommended that each specimen be closely examined for any use other than display.

Mammoth fossils are also found in terrestrial locations.  The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota is well worth the trip and admission fee (although none of these fossils are for sale).  Mammoth fossils of terrestrial sites tend to be fragile, mineralization may range from minimal to substantial.  One would have to carefully examine each fossil for use other than display specimens.

Among the more common mammoth fossils are their teeth.  Mammoths (and modern elephants) grow six sets of molars in a typical life-span.  A "spit" tooth is a molar that has been shed in the normal process of an old tooth being worn-out and replaced by a new molar.  Curiously, the molars are constructed of alternating layers of enamel and dentin.  The dentin, being softer, wears more rapidly than the enamel, resulting in a constantly effective grinding surface (vs. a tooth that would have worn 'smooth' if all the same hardness).

The information above is the result of research, conversations, and observations.  And, reflects my opinions and experience.  We hope you will find it helpful.  But please, use this as only a starting-point for your research.

Christmas Gift Ideas - 2010

We've been notified that Crystal Moon Gallery will be featured in the upcoming Fort Worth Weekly Holiday shopping guide.  Specifically, they are featuring gifts under $10, and Carl Linde's hammered copper bracelets were selected from our store.

Continuing that train-of-thought, I thought it might be appropriate to mention some of the inexpensive items which were not selected by FW Weekly.  Although certainly not comprehensive, we thought we'd highlight some of the items under $20.  Please remember that these items are one-of-a-kind, or in very limited supply.

Karl Hoffman hand-forms some fascinating letter-openers by splitting wood from the Bois d'arc tree (among the hardest woods in North America).  He does not use a saw, but relies upon he natural grain of the wood to define most of the shape.  The result is curvy, beautiful, and a tactile delight.  $10.

Dale Miller still has a couple original cast sterling silver rings being offered at $10.

Wayne Mandrell has polished amber, with identified bugs, starting at $10.  These are small pieces, and the bugs are tiny, but the price is amazing.

Sandi McFarland offers hand-thrown and hand-carved pottery, several of which are offered at $10 to $15.

Teresa Sanchez offers many of her hand-thrown pottery items at $15.

Dyan Johnson, Margaret Laughlin and LaNelle Tadlock each offer hand-made earrings in the $12 to $20 range.

In addition to the bargains above, during the Christmas season we will be running sales on metal art by Eli, paintings by Svetlana, Meteorites, and even 19th century tools.  Some may question giving tools as gifts, but they are collectible, attractive, and give a masculine aura to an office space without treading on any politically sensitive areas.

We hope you will think of us as you compile your Christmas list.  If anyone on your list appreciates the unique, original, or one-of-a-kind, we think we can help your search.

Mineral Collecting with a Purpose

Most of us appreciate the beauty of minerals.  And, many of us will purchase individual mineral specimens that we find compelling.  We at Crystal Moon Gallery would like to suggest that mineral collecting with a specific purpose or objective in-mind can be educational, motivational, and Fun!

If one studies mineralogy, there is a potential to be entirely overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the field.  Many thousands of mineral species have been discovered and identified.  And the subtleties!  A single atom can significantly change the composition of a mineral...and result in a new mineral species.

And, let's not forget that some minerals are not very good for your health!  And, others are not very stable.  Cinnabar, a Mercury Sulfide, sometimes 'bleeds' elemental Mercury.  Realgar, an Arsenic Sulfide, forms beautiful deep-red crystals, but can alter to powdery yellow Orpiment or Pararealgar upon long-term exposure to air and light (which can be mitigated with specialized storage).

Collecting with a purpose allows one to: (1) narrow their focus to only those minerals of intense interest (2) establish themself as a local expert (3) avoid dangerous or unstable minerals (4) be motivated to find that next piece of the collection.

Collectors take a wide variety of approaches.  Following are some which we have seen first-hand:

• Fluorescent minerals.  Some minerals exhibit entirely different colors and textures under UV light.  Fluorescent minerals deliver bright colors, and a really unusual way of seeing minerals.  However, fluorescent minerals require special lighting.
• "Type Localities".  Many minerals are historically documented such that the first discovery is known.  Minerals from the location of first discovery/identification are the goal of this collector.  For example, Ajoite was first identified and named-for the Ajo mining district in Pima County, AZ.  Type locality collecting can allow wondrous variety in a collection, while keeping to a main theme.
• Unique species or groups.  We know one fellow who collects only the Garnet group of minerals.  With numerous unique species, and almost every imaginable color (except blue), the garnet group can deliver an amazingly colorful collection. 
• Crystal systems.  Most minerals form in a distinct pattern (e.g. Quartz is usually Hexagonal, and classified as such).  And some enjoy a collection of varying shapes in which minerals crystallize.  A variation would be a collection of crystal oddities...minerals that crystallized into unexpected shapes.

Not surprisingly, some will combine two or more of these example strategies.  For example, crystal oddities in the Quartz family could be a reasonably inexpensive and diverse collection.  The photo at the top of this post is of "skeleton" quartz (sometimes called window, jacare, or elestial quartz).  The steel pin is about 1 3/4" long, and is inserted about one-third of its length into an open chamber in the quartz crystal.  The prevailing theory is that the outer walls of the crystal grew more quickly than the inner areas, creating an enclosed, hollow, inner space, with an opening to the outside.

Here are Crystal Moon Gallery, we try to offer a wide variety of safe and stable mineral specimens.  And, we know quite a number of mineral dealers and collectors.  So that we can help you to fill-in the gaps in whatever collecting strategy you chose.