Ore's Featured Gemstone: Blue Lace Agate

This gentle blue member of the Agate family is the Earth Ecology Award's symbol for World Ecology. They chose this intricately designed Quartz because of its resemblance to Mother Earth's appearance from space. Astronaut Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt (he rode in Apollo 17) commented while orbiting Earth, "If there ever was a fragile appearing piece of blue in space, it is the Earth right now". Earth Ecology Award must have felt the delicate patterns of the Blue Lace Agate echoed those sentiments.

Agates are plentiful. Blue Agates are not, especially the pleasing blues found in the Ellensburg Blue, or the older stones found in the Scottish Blue Hole. Blue Lace Agate was only discovered in the last 40 years, by George Swanson in the Kalahari desert. In 1980 Nick Lorimer discovered Agates in an old quarry in Angus Scotland, rivaling the stones found a century earlier in the Blue Hole.

Blue Lace Agate formed as most Agates do. An extreme geological event liquified silica (Quartz), and dissolved crocidolite (the same mineral that gives Hawk Eye its blue color) filling cracks and cavities in the surrounding terrain. Over the centuries, as the geological forces slowly subsided, these Quartz filled stones would alternate between periods of submersion and cooling down. This built uneven layers and fractures, creating the lacy patterns we are so drawn to in this Agate.

There is little history on Blue Lace Agate or even Blue Agate. Partly because of the rarity of the gemstone, partly because of the ignorance of European settlers. The blue Agate now known as Ellensburg Blue, was held in high esteem by the Northwestern Native American tribes. In some cases, only the Chief was allowed to wear one, regardless, it was essential that at least the Chief have one of these Agates. Initially they tried to trade their blue treasures with their new neighbors. The settlers could think of no use for an old blue rock.

This little Agate is making up for lost time though. It is now recognized as a symbol of peace, hope, ecology, truth and other noble ideals.

In your own work, Blue Lace Agate is excellent for opening and activating the Throat Chakra. Often, when you are afraid to speak out against actions that hurt you or those you love, anger builds up, creating a wall your words can't get out of. Blockages like these can be detrimental to your health, physical and mental. This loving Agate can assist you in tearing down that wall and allowing the correct words to come. Words that can bring about a peaceful solution to your troubles.

The gemstone will open your communication with the Universe. Helping you form your intentions correctly, so that the outcome is for the good of all. And allows you to understand messages that are being given to you.

Blue Lace Agate is one of my favorite gemstones for honoring Father Sky. Looking into its layers of blue and white can lift you up in the joy of flight. Feel the delightful sensation of Father's breath across your skin as you fly free above your Mother. Use your blue gemstone in a cleansing ceremony. Invite Father Sky to blow out the old stale air from your life and bring in a fresh new wind. Leave the stone in the branches of a tree or on top of a hill to show your gratitude.

Keep one in your car to lift your spirits when day to day driving frustrations try to send you over the edge. At the office, it could help diffuse tense situations, helping the individuals involved find creative ways to express and resolve conflicts. You can use these same calming energies at home as well.

This is a wonderful stone to carry in any stressful situation. Your biological reaction to stress is to fight or take flight. Very few of the challenges we face today will be resolved by violence or running away. This airy Agate helps you take that deep breath, and assess the problem calmly. If you listen, in that quiet moment, this crystal may whisper the answer in your ear.

Blue Lace Agate has been recommended for headache and the joint pain from arthritis. It can help release harmful memories that may manifest themselves as disease. Use the gemstone to promote a healthier body by having a healthier spirit.

Receive a FREE small Blue Lace Agate, with any purchase from Ozark Rock Exchange. You can shop on line at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/catalog.shtml You can also place your order by email ( stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com ), or send your telephone number for a phone appointment. Discount will be taken at the time of purchase. You must be a subscriber as of April 21, 2001 to be eligible for the Subscriber's Special; the Subscriber Special is not valid with other offers (unless otherwise stated). Only one special per subscriber, please. The Subscriber's Special will expire May 6, 2001. Remember shipping is always FREE at Ozark Rock Exchange!

SKY NOTES
Earth Day, Sunday April 22
New Moon, Monday April 23, 10:26 am (ET)
Second Quarter Moon, Monday April 30, 12:08 pm (ET)

MY FIRST STONE
by Stephanie Pflumm

When you choose a stone, especially if you are just beginning to work with gems and crystals, the smartest thing you can do is forget everything you've learned or read or heard about one crystal or another. This is one time when playing dumb can be very good for you.

My first encounter involving stones had nothing to do with the energies that stone could assist me with. At the time I was researching ancient spiritual traditions and how they were being reinterpreted today. More than once I stumbled across practices that included carrying a companion stone to remind you of your connection to All. The idea struck a chord, especially since I was so fond of playing with rocks.

On my first pilgrimage to gather water from Mammoth Springs in Arkansas, I found some mixed tumbled stones for sale at the Springs gift shop. That chord started humming and I took it as a sign to choose my companion stone from this pile of polished gems and crystals.

A pink one caught my eye immediately. Setting it aside, I let my hands swim through the small puddle of stones. My fingertips found a triangular shape that immediately intrigued me. When I brought it out, it was another pink crystal. Hmmmmmmmm.

One more dip, and the fun seemed suddenly gone from the task. But there were the two pink treasures now waiting for a decision. It had certainly been several years since I had dug around in my old gem books, but I was pretty sure they were Rose Quartz. It had always amazed me that there were pink stones, and pink is definitely one of my top five colors.

It did not take long to decide which Rose Quartz, my eyes kept returning to the triangular shape, (I am still attracted to triangles). The Rose Quartz rode in my pocket every day for the next year . . . a year in which some amazing things happened.

Within days of carrying the stone, I began to know this feeling of reassurance, almost a voice, deeper than my own, simply telling me "you'll be ok". Did not know what it was I would be ok from, but, knew that it was harmful. Except, at the moment, life seemed very safe and secure.

One August day, not much later, the CFO (chief financial officer) of the company I worked for, without warning, fired my staff and moved me to a different position. Three weeks later, I had a better job with better people. I was very ok.

Not long after that, my research began to focus more intensely on gemstones and crystals. My curiosity was aroused. Even now, after I've picked up a little knowledge here and there about stones, I still end up buying them for the same old reason. I like the way they look.

Do you carry a companion stone? I would love to hear how you choose it. Please email stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com to share.

STONE POWER Volume 1 Now Available

This new eBook includes articles with pictures of the first 24 gemstones and crystals featured in the ORE FEATURES ezine. You'll also find articles on choosing, cleansing, charging and meditating with your stones, plus links to the US Geological Society, universities and more.
Visit http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/stonepower.html for more information.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR:
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If you have a special announcement for the next issue of ORE FEATURES, please send it to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com for consideration.
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©Copyright 2001, Stephanie Pflumm, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor/founder, Stephanie Pflumm. Please feel free to share with a friend.
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4 Blessings (East, South, West, North)
Stephanie Pflumm