ORE'S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Apophyllite
by Stephanie Pflumm
Technically Apophyllite is the term for a classification of phyllosilicate crystals. There are two to four (depending on the reference) crystals within this group of hydrous calcium potassium sodium fluorsilicates, a complicated chemical formula that creates a fairly complex crystal.
Fluorapophyllite and Hydroxyapophyllite are the primary crystals identified as Apophyllites. These two crystals have only slight variations in their fluorine to hydroxyl ions. Natroapophyllite (an extremely rare brown crystal) and Carletonite are the two other members of the Apophyllite family, though not all references mention these two. The chemical variations on these stones is much greater than with the fluora and hydroxy Apophyllites. They contain aluminum and are much stronger and harder than the others.
However, when the vast majority of people talk about Apophyllite, they are referring to the Fluorapophyllite and Hydroxyapophyllite and that is what I concentrated my research on. Besides, that's who I found the most information for.
Apophyllite is one of the most unique crystals in the mineral world. The crystal grows in a series of alternating sheets of silicate and potassium, sodium, calcium, fluorine and water. These sheets are interconnected by four and eight member rings that form an unusual four fold symmetry. It is this growth pattern that creates Apophyllite's signature diamond face. Most crystals work with patterns of 3 (6, 12, etc) and their terminated faces tend to be pyramidal with three sides. In addition, the crystal will also grow in cubic, flat tabular, granular and compact formations. Sometimes uneven points give the illusion of being octahedral.
Crystals normally form when magma and other hydrothermal solutions reach such high temperatures that everything in the area melts. Apophyllite grows in much lower temperatures. It still forms in pipes, lenses and other basaltic and volcanic rocks, but long after the initial cataclysm, when things have begun to calm and cool down.
India has a well deserved reputation for producing exquisite Apophyllite specimens. Prehnite, Stilbite, Okenite and Heulandite crystallize under similar conditions and are often discovered with beautiful Apophyllite formations growing on them.
The US and Canada have also produced their fair share of Apophyllite. Incredible, glass-like crystals have been found near the Copper mines in Michigan. The stone is also available in Scotland, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Iceland. Water clear and green colored specimens are the most sought after. White, gray, yellow and red are other Apophyllite colors, and the rare brown Natroapophyllite. Some Fluorapophyllite specimens will glow in the dark.
Apophyllite's name comes from two Greek words, apa and phyllon. They mean off and leaf. Because of its high moisture content, when the crystal is heated, the different layers will "leaf off" as water evaporates.
This leafy quality make the crystal almost unusable as a jewelry stone, but it is very popular for its spiritual strengths.
Apophyllite is an important crystal for practicing astral travel. It provides an anchor to the physical body while the spirit explores. Knowledge that you access during your travels will remain imprinted on your conscious mind, allowing for easy recall. For these same reasons, you may want to carry the crystal on Vision Quests.
Use Apophyllite as a meditation tool, it can stimulate and open your Third Eye Chakra when you place the base of the crystal pyramid on your brow. The crystal opens pathways to guides, spirits, angels, faeries and allows you easy access for channeling.
As a companion crystal, Apophyllite attracts joy into your life, keeps your heart light and open. You'll see life with a bright new perspective and gain trust in your ability to do what is best for you. You will learn to recognize the perfect truths in all things, to better see the imbalances in your own life and how to correct them.
Just as the galaxy spins and rotates every day in perfect trust of the divine plan, this crystal can teach you to live your life with the same perfection. A planet has never doubted its path around the Sun, your path was designed with the same perfection, allow that trust to be a part of your daily thoughts.
There were very few healing recommendations for Apophyllite. One reference did mention that an elixir brought rejuvenation and new energy to those suffering from lethargy. It definitely provides relief from stress and can ease aches and pains brought on by the trauma of stress. If you've had any healing experiences with Apophyllite, I would be very grateful if you would share them.
APOPHYLLITE AT OZARK ROCK EXCHANGE!
Several new Apophyllite clusters with gorgeous points have just arrived with a shipment of minerals from India. You can also find Prehnite, Stilbite and Okenite in the New Arrivals department.
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SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL: FREE Gemstone Of Your Choice!
Receive a FREE small gemstone of your choice 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 February 6, 2002 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 April 2, 2002. Remember you never pay extra for shipping at Ozark Rock Exchange!
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SKY NOTES
New Moon, Wednesday March 13, 9:03 pm ET
Vernal Equinox Wednesday March 20
Second Quarter Moon, Thursday March 21, 9:28 pm ET
Full Moon, Thursday March 28 1:25 pm ET
Passover Begins Thursday March 28
Easter Sunday March 31
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SOUL CHARGING AND LIVING AUTHENTICALLY
by Su-shen Huang
We all want to be soul-attuned every moment of our lives, living the lives we want. IMAGINE that you have a golden new slate on which you can create the life you want with your Soul's guidance. Here is a simple procedure and powerful technique using acupuncture points (DU20, K1, Ren 17, and Ren 6) to help you attune to your Soul:
* Find a quiet time and space in which to rejuvenate. You can prepare this sacred space in any way you choose so long as you set the intention: having a golden new slate.
* Sit comfortably and breathe deeply and naturally. After several breaths,
when you feel calmness and peace, bless your hands for serving you well. Energize them further by rubbing them together with a sense of gratitude. Now you are ready to reconnect with all the dimensions of your
multi-dimensional Self!
* Massage or gently press the following points with the appropriate
invocation (invoke- to say and feel with pure intention what you intend and know is so):
… DU 20/Crown Chakra (top of the head): Invoke guidance from above (heaven). Use any religious or spiritual figure that has a significant personal meaning to you. This helps you connect with your Soul.
… K 1/Soles of feet (depression below the ball of each foot): Invoke your deep desire and gratitude for the solid connection with, and trust in, Mother Earth for her powerful support, sustenance and foundation while you live on Earth.
… Ren 17/Heart Chakra (midpoint of the chest, on the breastbone): Invoke your willingness to be fully open to reconnecting with your inner sense of Self and ask what its pure desire is for you.
… Ren 6/Sea of Qi ("chi," or energy, one to one-and-a-half inches
below navel): Invoke help to anchor you solidly on Earth in your
physical body so you are more fully aware and present on Earth.
“ Once you have activated and engaged all these points, be still for a few
minutes, enjoying the sensations of well-being in your body, thanking
yourself for taking this special time and staying in the moment, open to
receiving and creating..
What I have shared with you is just a technique. Power comes in what
you do with what you receive. This Attunement ("at one ment") may be done daily, weekly or monthly; it is your choice. You may also find it helpful to journal and act on the knowledge that emerges from this attunement technique. Truly, each of us can live the life we want, sharing that fullness with others and the world.
Su-shen's focus in life now is to be in touch with her authentic-self and to share that Essence with others. She uses acupuncture, vibrational medicine principles, touch healing and DNA/cellular Repatterning Technique in her healing work. She has devoted 30 years in metaphysical studies and traveled globally to widen her experiences. By living in different cultures she has savored the uniqueness and beauty of the East and West. You can contact Su-shen at myneedle47@hotmail.com or 719-473-8249.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR: The NEW Ozark Rock Exchange!
Ozark Rock Exchange is all new and easier than ever to navigate. Freshly remodeled, http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com has rebuilt each department from the ground up, making sure you can move with ease from one area of the site to the next. And never get lost!
To celebrate our Grand Reopening, Ozark Rock Exchange is hosting a live, on line party tonight at http://www.themouseconnection.com/room16 from 7:00 pm until Midnight (EST). You could win a copy of Stone Power Volume 1, Rose Quartz, Labradorite, a Power Bracelet and more! Games and too much fun, so come help us celebrate, tonight!
CONTEST! PRIZES!
You can't have a proper grand reopening celebration with out a contest! Visit the new and greatly improved http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com sometime in the next three weeks, send me an email from any of the new pages with your comments, or just a HELLO! You will be automatically entered in the Grand Reopening Celebration Contest (phew), with a chance to win the Rose Quartz Prize Package: 36" Rose Quartz strand, a large raw and polished Rose Quartz stone and a hand-made pouch! Just for visiting and emailing.
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What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange?
One day left to save on the Remodeling Specials! You can receive a FREE miniature gemstone carving, save on Personal Stone Power Prayer Pouches and Spirals or take advantage of discounts on special Quartz points. http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/catalog/special_offerings.shtml
Check out the great new minerals just in from India - http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/catalog/new_arrivals.shtml
Vote for Ozark Rock Exchange as one of the Top 50 Pagan Sites. You'll find the link to vote, plus information on new arrivals, special sales and upcoming events at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/highlights/event/index.shtml
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MOBILE ORE STORE Schedule
March 24 & 25
Spirit, Mind & Body Expo in Topeka
OKC Wholistic Fair
Oklahoma City, OK
May 4 & 5, 2002
Conscious Living Body, Mind & Spirit Expo
Spokane, WA Spokane Center
June 1 & 2, 2002
Spirit Mind Body Expo
Tulsa, OK
July 13 & 14, 2002
Great Lakes Retreat
Michigan
July 21-26, 2002
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STONE POWER CIRCLE
As a member of the Stone Power Circle, each month you will receive a surprise gemstone or crystal, a meditation for that stone, a printed copy of that month's ORE FEATURES ezine, 24 hour advance notice on new arrivals, special coupons and more. Every Month!
Membership in the Circle is available on a monthly basis.
One to four months: $12 per month
five to eleven months: $11 per month
Annual: $110*
To join the Stone Power Circle, send an email to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com with Circle in the subject.
Join for the full year and receive your 12th month, FREE!*
You do not have to join Stone Power Circle to continue receiving ORE FEATURES via email. ORE FEATURES will be free as long as email is free.
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ORE FEATURES by Snail Mail!
ORE FEATURES subscriptions are now available via regular mail. If you know someone that would be interested in receiving the newsletter, but is not on line, starting in 2002, Ozark Rock Exchange will also be mailing ORE FEATURES. Subscriptions are $4 per month or $44 for the year. Mail requests to Ozark Rock Exchange; HCR 69 Box 61; Oldfield, MO 65720. Or you can email stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com with your request.
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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 2002, 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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Back issues are available at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/ore_features/index.shtml
4 Blessings (East, South, West, North)
Stephanie Pflumm |
