ORE FEATURES
A Monthly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL : 3 Issue 8 May 1, 2002
 |
||||
|
|
Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> 2002 >> Beryl | |
|
ORE'S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Beryl (part one of two) by Stephanie Pflumm Beryl is a misunderstood crystal. Even it's most famous family members, Emerald and Aquamarine tend to have a confusing past. History was befuddled by the gemstone. Emeralds were not always Emeralds, golden colored or Heliodor Beryls were often mistaken for Topaz or Citrine, sometimes rare Sapphires. Even in modern geology references I have found conflicting statements about what minerals are included in which Beryls and just exactly how many different types of Beryl there are. To help myself and hopefully you understand the treasure of information that is available on this crystal, I will divide the article into two parts. In this first halve, we'll dig into general information on Beryl crystals. In the June issue of ORE FEATURES, we'll delve a little deeper into the lesser known members of this crystal family, Helidor, Morganite, Goshenite and Red Beryl or Bixbite. Feature articles on Emerald and Aquamarine are already in the archives. Beryl are aluminum silicate crystals that include a large amount of a rare mineral, beryllium. Silicon (Quartz) is connected vertically and horizontally by the aluminum and beryllium ions forming a ringed crystal. Most crystals are six sided with flat or basal terminations. Occasionally they will form a pyramidal termination, the most dramatic of which is a 12 sided pyramid point. Twins are very rare among Beryl crystals. Tabular formations are almost as uncommon, though the Red Beryl tends to be tiny, tabby shaped crystals. With the exception of Emeralds, the majority of gemstones are found in Pegmatites. Emeralds most often grow in Mica-schists or as inclusions in Calcite deposits. As a result of the sedimentary processes that form them, Emerald crystals tend to be softer and more flawed than other Beryl crystals. Gemstones are also found in alluvial washes below outcrops created by pegmatites, sometimes still in their original crystalline condition. Aluminum makes crystals very strong, most Beryls are resistant to scratches, usually break evenly and are immune to the majority of acids. Tumbling down a mountainside in a watery run-off does little damage to Beryl crystals. Extremely unusual Beryl crystals have been found with asterisms (stars). Normally the stars in gems (Star Sapphire, Star Ruby) come from Rutile inclusions. Beryl stars are created by Hematite and Ilminite which, under great pressures and heat form a "solid solution" and become interwoven in the crystal's lattice. Emerald and Aquamarine are not the only Beryl with bright histories. Fifth century Irish speculari (scryer, fortune teller) used spheres carved from giant clear crystals. They believed that Beryl surpassed Quartz as a divining tool. Another practice was to carve the gemstone into flat, round plates. The scryer would hold a plate with a white cloth to create a mirror for gazing. A white cloth was sometimes used with a Beryl ball as well. Ancient traditions recommend only using Beryl for divination during the waxing Moon. Magicians recommended Beryl for individuals embroiled in disputes. It allowed the bearer to state their case without losing their temper, and would provide insight into the real causes of the disagreement. Beryl animal carvings were carried to bring new, loyal friends or to aid in reconciling old ones. During the middle ages, it was used for magnifying glasses called beryls, and other eyesight aids. It is believed that the term beryl comes from an ancient Greek word, berylos. Unfortunately, I found conflicting definitions for the word. One reference said that berylos meant any green stone, another simply said its meaning was lost. The German word for spectacles is brille, which was noted as a derivative of the Greek word. Perhaps the meaning relates to sight or eyes . . . ok, I'm only guessing now. N. L. Vauguelin, a French chemist first separated Beryllium from Beryl in 1798. Crystals can contain up to 14% of the mineral. It is used mainly for making alloys, improving strength, flexibility and fatigue resistance, especially in Copper. You may find a Beryl crystal helpful in very much the same ways. The stone helps fight fatigue, lending you strength when you become exhausted. Use it to increase your sight and perception of approaching events so that you can flex and bend to accommodate them. As your coping skills improve, your self-confidence grows, giving you the strength to keep going. Even after a failure. Students may find a Beryl crystal helpful when cramming. You should remember what you are studying with better clarity. If you find yourself easily sold by salespeople, or talked into bad ideas by friends a Beryl crystal will be beneficial. It protects the wearer from being manipulated by a charismatic speaker. It helps you see the truth. Beryl crystals can promote a healthy balance, harmonizing all of your body's automatic functions. Heart beat, breathing, blinking - so that your body achieves a perfect energy balance. All parts working together for your healthy body. Other healing traditions recommend Beryl for improving eyesight and clearing the liver of toxins. With the all the colors available in the Beryl crystal family, there are dozens of different ways you can utilize this magical gemstone in your life. In the next issue of ORE FEATURES we'll look at four younger sisters in this family: Goshenite - a pure, clear Beryl You can learn more about the big brothers, Emerald and Aquamarine in back issues of ORE FEATURES. There is a link to the archives at the end of the newsletter, both articles will be in the 2001 archive. Meanwhile, you can check out some beryl cool crystals (sorry, that was bad, wasn't it) at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/catalog/new_arrivals.shtml Pictures of Beryl --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL: FREE Aquamarine! Receive a FREE small Aquamarine 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 May 1, 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 June 5, 2002. Remember you never pay extra for shipping at Ozark Rock Exchange! --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SKY NOTES Fourth Quarter Moon, Saturday May 4, 2:16 am ET -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- THE RAINBOW'S FROWN Clouds were racing across Father Sky, causing the Woman to look up as they briefly blocked Grandfather Sun. The bare breath of warmth He provided evaporated and she shivered. In that moment of cold, Woman Who Walks saw the saddest sight. A Rainbow gracing the Sky, turned upside down. "How odd", she thought, "the Rainbow appears to be wearing a frown". Perplexed and concerned, Woman Who Walks wanted to see if she could help the Rainbow turn around again. "Rainbow, dear friend", she began, "something seems askance in your appearance. Are you well today?". The Rainbow was silent. Perhaps he could not hear her. After all, the Rainbow was quite high that day, resting just above the Sun. She started to ask again, this time drawing in a large breath so that her question might reach him. She heard a weary, muffled "Excuse me", as the Rainbow finally responded. "My apologies Woman, I did not appreciate that you were addressing me. What was your question?" Though Woman Who Walks was glad to hear Rainbow responding, the tone of his voice disturbed her greatly. It carried the sound of resigned surrender. The voice of someone who was giving up hope. "I am sorry if I am bothering you, sir but you seem different today. Are you feeling ok?" "No". The abrupt reply was almost angry, if only it had not been so hopeless. The Woman felt awkward in the silence that followed Rainbow's answer. Eventually she said "I am so sorry. What is wrong dear friend? Is there some way I may help?" "I am afraid there is no more help. It is probably already too late, and soon I must leave." His stunning words stole her voice. "Humans have lost their vision of me. When the storm assaults their lives they cower in fear and pray they will be saved. When the winds calm, the sky clears instead of rejoicing at their salvation and honoring the hope of Rainbows they run in fear and pray they will be saved from the next storm they imagine. They choose one fearful storm after another to fill their lives. Even when their sky is clear!" Woman Who Walks acknowledged the truth in Rainbow's statement. Many of her two legged relations lived hopeless lives. At times she thought they gained some grim pleasure from the chaos their lack created. "Worse than that", Rainbow continued, "Humans no longer honor their Mother or their Father. Everyday you pour and bury poisons into your Mother without remorse. You fill your Father with chemical clouds that ultimately rain an acidic waste back onto your Mother. What Rainbow can bring hope after that kind of storm?" Rainbow raged on. "You've lost all honorable connections with your relations. How many of your four legged and rooted brothers and sisters have you allowed to just disappear as your cancerous colonies spread across the planet?" Rainbow paused in his angry shower, then finished "Do Humans honor anything anymore?". The bitter questions ran like scratchy nails across the Woman's heart and mind. So sad, how hopelessly true Rainbow's words sounded. But not completely. "Yes." Woman Who Walks replied meekly. "Perhaps we are few, but there ones among the billions that honor, speak and fight for Mother and Father. There are ones among the billions that honor the color and light of hope. There are ones among the billions that are trying to share a path of honor and respect for all of our relations." Growing more confident, she asserted "but if you were to leave us, the few may become none." Rainbow's countenance brightened subtly. But he remained firmly positioned as an opposite omen. On anyone else, it would seem a smile, but on the Rainbow it was a definite frown. "Please give me some time to tell your story" Woman Who Walks begged the Rainbow. "Perhaps as we learn how much we are loosing, we can forge a more honorable path. I implore you not to take your promise from the ones who will use it" Rainbow did not say any more words, however the Woman was sure she had seen him give the slightest nod. At least she hoped she had, because before she could finish a blink, Rainbow was gone from the Sky. Woman Who Walks turned back down the dirt path she takes everyday and returned to her home. Where she shared with me the story of the Rainbow's Frown. -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- WINNER WINNER WINNER! Congratulations to Gaylynn and Katie, winners in the Ozark Rock Exchange Anniversary Contest. Gaylynn's name was drawn from all the new subscribers and Katie was the one who recommended ORE FEATURES to her. They both have won: -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR: Holistic Fair, Oklahoma City! This Saturday and Sunday, the Mobile ORE Store will be at the Holistic Fair in Oklahoma City. The fair is in the India Shrine Temple at 3601 NW 36th St. -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange? KANSAS CITY WINNER! Learn about new arrivals, special sales, Mobile ORE Store appearances and more at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/highlights/events/index.shtml Post your comments, questions or share your favorite crystals at the ORE Gemstone Bulletin Board: http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/highlights/bbs/index.shtml --+--+--+-- MOBILE ORE STORE Schedule --+--+--+-- 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! One to four months: $12 per month To join the Stone Power Circle, send an email to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com with Circle in the subject. 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. --+--+--+-- 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. |
||||
| << Top >> | ||||
 |
Copyright © 1999-2008, Ozark Rock Exchange Memphis, TN 38118 Phone: 901-496-2434 |