ORE FEATURES
A Monthly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL 5: Issue 12, September 4, 2004
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Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> 2004>> Gemstone Name | |
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ORE FEATURES: Diamond (part 2) by Stephanie Pflumm Diamond is not the oldest gemstone known to humans, however it could easily be one of the most influential. The crystal appears to have first surfaced around 1200 to 1300 BC in India. Which was the only known source for Diamonds until they were discovered in Brazil in 1725. The African Diamond deposits were not found until 1866 and Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds began yielding her glittering gifts about 60 years later in the 1920s. The earliest legends and traditions associated with Diamonds come out of India's Vedic and Hindu practices. One of sixteen offerings in a traditional Hindu worship ceremony was an offering of gemstones that included a Diamond. The offering of these precious gems would be returned to the giver in an "immense and endless quantity". Vedic traditions cautioned against women wearing Diamonds. It was believed that a woman who wore this crystal, especially in great quantities or size would become like the stone. Hard and resistant toward her husband and children. Red inclusions or a red Diamond could bring death to its owner. Supposedly even capable of killing the "master of death", aka the grim reaper. Fortunately red Diamond crystals are incredibly rare. Diamond's name comes from a Greek word, adamas meaning invincible or unconquerable. Many traditions during 1500 - 1700 AD attached qualities to the gem attributed to its resistance to harm. Several protective powers are assigned to the stone; protection from poisoning, nightmares, demons and disease are a few. During the Middle Ages, when the plague was ravaging Europe, the rich decided that it was their Diamonds that had kept them from getting ill. In reality, it was their isolation from the crowded ports and marketplaces that had saved them. Mary Queen of Scots used a large Diamond to prevent her from being poisoned, unfortunately she needed protection from a different sort of threat. Another tradition from that time was the belief that a Diamond must be gifted in order for its power to be effective for the user. The stone's Spirit was said to be offended when the crystal was purchased and would vacate the gem. If the Diamond was offered to another individual as a gift, without strings, then the crystal's Spirit would shower the owner with all manner of good fortune, courage, invincibility and long life. For maximum results, you would set the gem in gold and wear it on your left hand or arm. The very first Diamond engagement ring was given to a Mary of Burgudy by Archduke Maximilian of Austria during the 1600s. During the 1900s publicity efforts by DeBeers and the Diamond Promotion Service has made the presentation of a Diamond engagement ring an almost invincible tradition. Famous Diamonds are plentiful throughout gemstone history and lore, with the Hope being one of the most notorious. The Hope Diamond may have been a gem stolen from an idol in India. Or simply one of the many stones that french Diamond merchant Jean Tavernier brought back with him during his numerous buying trips to the orient during the 1660s. While the Hope's distant past might be murky, the misfortune and tragedy suffered by its chain of owners is well documented. Smallpox, the guillotine, financial ruin, suicide and tragic accidents are just a partial list of the ill fortunes suffered by its owners. Today, this infamous blue crystal resides in the Smithsonian, in the possession of the United States. Perhaps we should have a ceremony and give it back to Mother. The Dresden Green is another fairly well known (and rare) Diamond. The stone arrived in London in 1726 courtesy of Marcus Moses (a big gem merchant of the day) where it was cut and polished. A couple of decades later the cut gem was sold to the King of Poland. From there the stone was broken into two different Dresden Green's; ended up in the possession of the German's during WW II, captured by the Russians at the end of that war and in 1958 it was finally returned to the city of Dresden by the Soviet Trophies Commission. A glass model of the original Dresden Green resides in the British Museum in London. Russian czars loved collecting these brilliant gemstones. One of the largest cut Diamonds in the world is the 189 carat Orloff that is mounted in the Russian Imperial Scepter. Peter the Great is said to have given his queen, Catherine I a crown decorated with 2500 Diamonds. The largest cut Diamonds in the world are in the possession of the British. A 530 carat pear shape called Cullinan I, aka the Great Star of Africa and a 317 carat stone decorating the Imperial State Crown called the Cullinan II. "Uncle Sam" is the largest Diamond ever found in the US. It was recovered from the Murfesboro Crater of Diamonds in 1924, weighing 40.23 carats before cutting. The slightly rose colored crystal was cut into an emerald shape weighing 12.42 carats. First Lady, Hillary Clinton wore a natural, uncut Arkansas Diamond crystal set in a Gold ring to the 1992 presidential inauguration. This perfect, 4 carat specimen has such a brilliant natural luster that is was set in its original state, without any alterations. Another rather famous Arkansas Diamond is the Searcy Diamond. This pale yellow, 27.21 carat gem quality crystal was found in a cotton field by a young working girl. Pellie Howell later sold the uncut stone to Tiffany's for $8500. The stone remains in the company's possession and has still not been cut. Today the Diamond crystal is an important tool for geologists in trying to unravel Mother's past. As one of the oldest things on Earth, approximately 3 billion years old, this crystal is one of the few survivors of our planet's violent birth. The pressure needed to crystallize Carbon can only be achieved deep beneath the Earth's surface. Just like any other crystal, Diamonds capture elements in their vicinity as they crystallize causing inclusions. Microscopic studies of inclusions have revealed that many contain minerals like Garnet, Olivene and Pyrrhotite. Studying these inclusions is giving geologists new insights into the planet's core and in determining probable past events. You might find yourself unraveling the answers to many of the Universe's mysteries through meditations with the Diamond crystal. This crystal's clarity is very effective at opening up the Third Eye and Crown Chakra. Its influence on these important points can assist you in achieving a higher level of self-awareness and your part in the chain of creation. It can also be highly useful in clearing blockages along the Chakra pathway allowing the Kundalini to be stimulated and energized. Use this gem to give you a clearer insight into the workings of your life. It will assist you in seeing compromises and choices that you've made, but may not be benefitting you. You'll find it easier to overrule unnecessary restrictions that you have put on yourself and those around you. Diamonds promote courage, both spiritual and physical, and with courage you'll find the freedom to be your very best, without the need to judge others. When you have a set back in your goals, or your plans don't work like they should Diamond makes a good companion. The crystal will help you get past the depression and fears that come from alleged failures. It allows you to analyze flaws and expectations without emotional influences. This ability to have a cold, clear perspective of your plans and dreams can improve not only the execution of them, but to know which ones are worthy of your pursuit. Students may benefits from Diamond's influence as well. Clearer, more analytical thinking allows for quicker absorption and application of lessons. The gemstone can assist with problem solving, something I could have used help with when tackling those awful word problems in math. You know, the ones with trains, speed, people and miles. There doesn't seem to be a great deal of agreement on the Diamond's true health benefits. Although it does improve mental health, and a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Some of the older traditions recommended as a protection against poisoning, though other texts cited its use as one. Diamond's ability to keep the Chakra clear of blockages probably benefits your body's hormonal and glandular system. Since the Chakra directly influence the main glands that produce the hormones you need. It is sad that the fate of this lovely and talented crystal is controlled by greed. Still, I am a strong believer that when you work with a gem or crystal it is not the size of the stone that matters, but the size of your intent. If you are lucky enough to welcome a Diamond into your life, regardless of size, you have a powerful Gem Spirit that will inspire dramatic changes in your path. --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL: FREE Small Quartz Crystal! Receive a small Quartz crystal with any purchase from Ozark Rock Exchange. You can shop on line at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart You can also place your order by email at 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 August 31, 2004 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 October, 2004. Remember you never pay extra for shipping at Ozark Rock Exchange! --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SKY NOTES Labor Day, Monday September 6 -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- Sycamore's Story On a bicycle ride I thanked him It was about a time He was much younger First came a farmer So they gathered for council His story takes me Pieces of the meadow still show -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Three Questions Contest - WINNER! Congratulations to Patti D. of Indiana, her name was drawn as the winner of the If I Were The Owner contest. Patti will be receiving a Chakra Gemstone set with a Silk Pouch: Chakra Pouch: Thanks to everyone that sent in their entries. Watch for the next contest in October, when we celebrate ORE FEATURES fifth birthday!! -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange? THE BEAD GALLERY!: On Labor Day Ozark Rock Exchange will be opening the Bead Gallery in the online catalog. Amethyst, Carnelian, Chrysoprase Lepidolite, Rose Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Tiger Iron, Tourmaline and Zeosite are just some of the beads that will be available in the Gallery. I will send an announcement out on Labor Day with the link and more details on this new section in the ORE catalog. If you live in the Ozark's you can visit the Bead Gallery in person. At Glenstone Avenue, just South of Grand (next door to Papa John's Pizza). Or email stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com for directions. If you'd like to sneak a peak at the new beads while I'm getting everything done, here is the link: https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart/index.php?cPath=38 I should be adding beads everyday, except for Saturday. ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY PAGANFEST: This Saturday is the very first Arkansas River Valley Paganfest in Russellville AR. I am so excited to be a part of this first time event (of course I always love being outside). The Paganfest is in the Old Post Park just outside Russellville at Pavilion 3. Admission is free, there will be lots of fun activities, including things for the kids to do, readers, vendors and a drawing for a television! The Arkansas River Valley Paganfest is from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm Saturday. Please email me if you'd like directions (you can reply to the newsletter and ask). GAEA GODDESS GATHERING: Is September 16th through the 19th. This will be my second year for the annual Gaea Goddess Gathering at Camp Gaea just outside Kansas City. This is a wonderful retreat that is exclusively for women. There are classes, dancing, rituals, lots of fun and great vendors. Even the food was wonderful! If you'd like more information on the gathering, here is their website: http://www.gaeagoddessgathering.com NICKEL DEALS: Ozark Rock Exchange is celebrating our Fifth Anniversary all year long with Nickel Deals! This month's nickel deals are: purchase one Rose Quartz bead (8mm) for just a Nickel, with any other gemstone purchase (one bead only please)! Or purchase a download of Stone Power Volume 1 for only Five Cents with any $50 purchase: https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart/index.php?cPath=34 MOBILE ORE STORE Arkansas River Valley Paganfest Gaea Goddess Gathering |
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