got rocks
We incorporate many types of rock and stone in our metal work. This helps positively channel Art's Rockhound addiction, otherwise, we would be up to our eyeballs even more in rocks. We thought we'd share some information on some of our favorites.
Art rockhoundin' way outin West Texas...Art found some rocks, but the best find was the baby horned toad as big as Art's thumb Rebecca spotted looking for rocks. It zipped off...A is for Amethyst...
Amethyst is a highly prized form of quartz. Manganese in quartz creates the purple color. Iron varies the coloration. It is found in South Carolina, Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, and Madagascar. Amethyst can range in color from pale lavender to a very deep, reddish purple. It is known as a spiritual stone of meditation, peace and healing and is the February birthstone. Its name is from the word "amethusos" meaning "not drunk". Greeks believed this gem would bless one with happiness, unending love, affection, and give protection from indulgences like intoxication. Medieval soldiers wore amethyst amulets in the belief that it would help heal and keep them calm in battle. Amethyst is also known to attract love and good luck.L is for Lapis Lazuli...
Lapis Lazuli is a rare semi-precious stone prized since antiquity for its intense blue color. Lapis lazuli is a gemstone that might have come straight out of the Arabian Nights: a deep blue with golden inclusions of pyrites which shimmer like little stars. Its name is from 'lapis', the Latin word for stone, and 'azula', the Arabic word blue. Lapis lazuli is a stone, largely formed from the mineral lazurite. Lapis lazuli occurs in crystalline marble as a result of contact metamorphism. It’s found in Afganistan, Russia, India, and Colorado. Ancient people used it because of its high healing power. Ancient Egyptians made jewelry and scarabs with it. It is considered a stone of truth and friendship. It is know to bring mental clarity and emotional healing.
N is for Nepalese Himalayan Quartz...Quartz crystal is a compound of silica and oxygen and has a very unique structure. Only a small percentage of Himalayan Quartz is mined in Nepal. Quartz has piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. An electronic oscillator circuit uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal to create an electric signal. We find quartz used in radios, clocks, and watches. The ancients used it to strengthen the sun’s rays to bring heat. Nepalese view these crystals as the "Eye of God". Clear Quartz is known to raise consciousness towards enlightenment and purifies spiritually. Known as "The Stone of Power", Quartz amplifies prayers, wishes and positive visualizations.
