ORE FEATURES
A Monthly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL 5: Issue 7, April 7, 2004
 |
||||
|
|
Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> 2004>> Rhyolite | |
|
ORE'S Featured Gemstone: Rhyolite My curiosity about Rhyolite was first aroused last Summer when I was researching the Jasper articles. Certain Jaspers, in particular Rainforest, Ocean and Leopardskin came up in references sometimes as Jasper and sometimes as Rhyolite. I knew enough about the Rhyolite family of minerals to know that they are not exactly (though close) the same. So, of course I had to know why these Jaspers were sometimes called Rhyolites or why these Rhyolites were sometimes called Jasper. This poor inquiring mind just had to know. The most common and well known member of the Rhyolite family is Obsidian. Another member I recall from my childhood, as my father was fond of placing them in our flower beds, is Pumice. Unlike other stones, this Rhyolite is so light that it floats on water. I can confirm this as we tested a number of our Pumice stones in our swimming pool (much to my father's dismay). Rhyolites are igneous stones (stones formed by volcanic or plutonic magma or melted rocks) that cooled rapidly, inhibiting or preventing the growth of crystals. Rhyolites can contain Quartz, Feldspar, Biotite, Hornblende and Magnetite and have also been referred to as Felsite. Rhyolites frequently serve as the host matrix for a variety of other crystals and rare gemstones. Rhyolite flows are rich with silica (Quartz). As these fluid minerals cool, gas cavities form, especially in the upper zones of the flow. Steam produced by the extreme heat caused the silica and other minerals to dissolve out of the Rhyolite, but remain trapped and insulated inside the cavity. Over the long span of time these dissolved minerals begin crystallizing (because the "egg's" insulation kept them warm longer) inside the Rhyolite cavities, which are also known as Thunder Eggs. Rare red Beryls, Opal and a variety of Chalcedonies (Jasper and Agate specifically) have been found inside the solidified gas cavities. Some of the Agates and Jaspers that grew inside Rhyolite Thunder Eggs are among the most beautiful in the world. Multi-colored plumes, flowers and intricate bands mark these Chalcedony treasures. The Rhyolite-Jasper gemstones like Leopardskin and Rainforest Jasper are a bit of a mixed breed. The eyes and orbicular patterns on these stones are caused by high amounts of silica remaining in the Rhyolite. Thus, the term Jasper in referring to these gemstones is not entirely incorrect. They are a sort of mineral or geological half breed, part Jasper and part Rhyolite. Of the three Orbicular Jaspers (Leopardskin, Rainforest and Ocean), Ocean Jasper has the most legitimate claim to the Jasper name. Somehow during its life cycle, perhaps through the influence of the ocean, this Rhyolite became (by some definitions) petrified. The original Rhyolite material was completely replaced by pure Quartz. Does that make it a stone fossil? Rhyolites are found all around the world. Many cliffs and huge stone formations are ancient Rhyolite flows. Tower Mountain (in Idaho?) is almost entirely a red Rhyolite with numerous deposits of Obsidian available in the same area. Fire Opals are found in flows in Central and South America, Idaho, Oregon and Nevada. The Jasper Rhyolites are found in Utah, Australia, Mexico and Madagascar. Ocean Jasper, which comes from Madagascar, is found along the shore line and can only be located and mined during low tides. Like so many gemstones and crystals, Rhyolite's name comes from the Greeks. Rhyx, which means streams of lava, is root word for this stone. Some members of this gemstone family have a rich history, both magical and practical. Obsidian is one that has been a constant companion in our lives, it has been utilized as a tool, weapon, decoration and for seeing into the future. Others, such as Tower Mountain have been dedicated as natural wonders. It is difficult to make specific recommendations for using this gemstone in your creative and spiritual practices. I worked with a Rainforest Jasper (as I've become very fond of this soft green stone with its delightful and colorful markings) for researching this article. I found its energies to be very different from Obsidian, though not exactly like a Jasper either. The Rainforest Jasper seem to take much of the edge off my nervousness over my upcoming changes. Even though I know moving will be a good thing for me, I have been quite stressed out about the project and fighting off depression about leaving my little mountain. Over the month, working with my Rainforest stone, I felt my resistance to the change easing up and have actually found myself, on occasion, becoming eager to complete the move and begin my next adventure. It also exhibited many of Jasper's characteristics, especially giving courage under stress and protecting from potentially dangerous situations. I also found myself "knowing" situations were about to happen, just seconds before they did. One particular event occurred while I was driving. My mind and attention became focused on a driver that was coming up from behind me and I seemed to "know" that this individual was going to cut me off to make their exit. Instinctively I eased off the accelerator, and sure enough, this vehicle came zooming up beside me, then, swished over to my lane and just barely made the approaching exit. From my observations, it would appear that the Jasper/Rhyolites can perform as either Jaspers or Rhyolites. Other Rhyolites, such as Obsidian or Pumice offer completely different energies so it is difficult to make generalizations about working with this group of minerals. Both types of Rhyolites that I have worked with (Rhyolite/Jaspers and Obsidian) seem to heightened your intuitive skills and have strong protective energies. There are articles in the archives on both Obsidian and Jasper; Archive Alphabetical listing Pictures of Rhyolite --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SKY NOTES Good Friday/Orthodox Good Friday, Friday April 9 -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- Woman Who Walks: Goddess Eyes' Story The last thirteen miles to my little mountain home is through some of the prettiest country in Missouri (at least in my humble opinion). Just East of the Oldfield Post Office, you drop off the Springfield Plateau (giving you a dramatic view of the Ozark Mountain's foothills) into Swan Creek Valley. Lush round hills and ancient carved bluffs guard the North and South flanks of this lovely valley. You wind out of the valley up the first significant hill (Keltner Hill) as Mark Twain National Forest grows more dense and the stone bluffs more intimidating. Each hill you make it up offers a different sweeping vista of the supple Ozark Mountains and their tight, swift valleys. There will be many things I am going to miss when I leave my mountain house, but none more than those last thirteen miles and Woman Who Walks. Today I go to her house to say goodbye. I promise myself not to cry. After all, it will still be another month or two before I go, there will be plenty to visit about in that amount time. It is a beautiful day and I will walk. It will put off those inevitable words that make everything permanent a little longer. Enjoying the beautiful day, the sad thoughts stay away. I am almost to the smaller road that leads back to Woman Who Walks house when I see her walking towards me. Eyes sparkling with Grandfather's fine warmth and her smile as bright. "Someone wants to meet you"! She announces as we greet in a huge hug. "Who?" I ask. "Walk with me. She's waiting just ahead." Woman Who Walks starts down the small road, but after just a few dozen steps turns down a path I had not noticed before. "Woman Who Walks, I need to share something with you." I am ready to be rid of the words that are haunting me. The burden of waiting to say them is too heavy. "Yes, you do." "I am leaving. I will not be able to live out here much longer." I let the words just tumble. Never did have a knack for dressing up what needed to be said. "Yes, this is true. You are too far away from where you are suppose to be. Your time on our mountain is finished, it is now time for change. So, we will celebrate your change today." I had to laugh at the joy that spilled out of Woman Who Walks voice. I struggle to drink in the joyful moment of a beautiful day, with my Mother's heartbeat warm and flowing beneath me and Father's bright spirit soaring above me. Allowing the tears that are falling to be both sad and jubilant. Walking is soothing and I don't notice how far along the path we travel before stopping in a clearing. The area is familiar and different. It is the daylight, the last time I was here it was dark and rainy. Today's bright Sun shine and greening trees create a totally different scene. This is where the Council met last October. A somewhat organized pile of logs and branches is probably the remains of my small shelter. I start to voice my recognition as Woman Who Walks raises a finger to quiet me. She pulls a blanket from her pack and lays it on the ground, then asks me to join her in saying a blessing to the Four Directions. Finishing her greeting to North, she motions for me to sit beside her in the center of her blanket. As I lower myself, a shadow seems to take sudden form from the East side of the clearing. Getting closer, I realize the shadow is actually a deer, a doe I believe, and I need no direction from Woman Who Walks to remain utterly still. The doe continues to cross the clearing, approaching us with a tentative confidence. Finally beside our blanket she hesitates, and I imagine her fear, so close to one of Earth's most dangerous predators. Woman Who Walks extends her hands, palms upward and the doe lowers herself to join us on the blanket. Woman Who Walks seems to be the only one that is comfortable in the next few moments of silence. She is the first to speak. "I would like to introduce you to Goddess Eyes of the Swan Creek Deer Clan, daughter of White Eyes and Seventh Son. Goddess Eyes remembers you from the Council meeting and has asked me to arrange this visit". Of course, I do not know how to respond. I choose silence. "I am told that you tell our stories". At first I thought Woman Who Walk's voice had changed, but quickly I realize that I did not actually "hear" a voice. "I try" is my response, which I speak out loud. "I wish to ask you to tell my mother's story. She instructed me many times to remember everything she told me, that some day I would have to share it with the two-leggeds. Until the Council, I did not understand what she could have meant". I am not sure what the doe means either. "My mother was an albino deer, an outcast from her clan. She did not know her parents. Her first memories of "parents" were a two-legged couple that had found her when she was just hours old, trembling in the tree line that bordered one of their grazing fields. The couple named the baby deer White Eyes, because her unusual blue eyes were so pale against her white coat. "White Eyes stayed with the two-legged couple until she was two years old. The couple were very fond of the four-legged families (dogs, cats and a great number of birds found shelter there as well) and showered the young mutant with affection. My mother grew quite healthy and strong in their care, stronger than she would have ever been if she would have had to spend her childhood in the wild. She told me many times, that the hard truth was, if it had not been for Harvey and Mary (the couple), my mother probably would never have seen her second year. "During the second year, my mother became restless. While she felt safe and loved with her two-legged parents, there was a call in her heart that tore her away from their safe keeping. "At first she would just wander the woods near their pastures. Eventually White Eyes was gone for more and more days at a time, until eventually she did not return. Harvey and Mary missed their snowy four-legged friend, and until Harvey died, there was always fresh hay or feed of some kind waiting along the Southern edge of their grazing field, where White Eyes sent her final farewell. "Through many of her first years, mother would visit that spot, often bringing companions she had "adopted along her journeys. Especially during some of the colder Winters and hotter Summers. "In the beginning White Eyes tried to join other deer herds, hoping she would stumble into her clan and learn more about her parents. A curiosity that burned constantly within her. None of the herds would accept her. The albino mutation made her dangerous to the clan. She would glow in the dark and any child that she birthed with her heritage would only double the danger to everyone else. "While no clan would allow her to stay, eventually she was able to learn or at least hear some of the tales surrounding her lost family. Many of the elders that she met told her stories of an unlikely union between a lightening bolt and a young virgin deer. How her mother had died shortly after trying to birth her and how her clan had abandoned the newborn misfit almost immediately. "She learned that her clan was just a few hills away, residing in a rich valley with a small creek the two-leggeds called Swan Creek. She was also warned not to try and reunite with them. The elders were not shy about explaining to White Eyes how she created fear in the weaker hearts of Deer. Though many clans extended warm invitations to return or to celebrate certain Moons with them, all of them made it quite clear that her visits should be short. "Mother became resigned to her solitary life, and always extended genuine gratitude to those clans that at least welcomed her visits. "Between her third and fourth year, White Eyes began to have dreams. At first she did not understand what was happening. Most four-legged's do not dream like the two-legged's do and it was frightening. The images were vivid, often gruesome and cruel in nature. Her lack of understanding for the images would often keep her awake for several days, avoiding sleep and the dreams. "In her tenth year, the dreams became such a burden, that she had gone almost a full cycle of the Moon without sleep. White Eyes' dreams were always violent, with great explosive bursts and scattered mutilated bodies of two-leggeds, usually men dressed in a similar fashion. Sometimes there were children, burning, screaming or calling out for a lost mother or father. In this year, the dreams came almost every time her eyes closed. Even if it was just a blink. The ghastly images hid constantly just behind her eyelids. "Hungry, tired and confused, mother eventually found herself back along the Southern edge of Harvey and Mary's grazing pasture. In the distance (she had incredible eyesight, even in the darkest night) she saw her parents waving goodbye to a young man. He looked confident and proud in the dark green clothing he wore (which looked familiar to White Eyes). Happy voices were singing (my mother learned later the voices came from a two-legged magical tool called a radio) . . . ' we won't be back 'til it's over over there . . .' "White Eyes shuddered with the sure knowledge that the confident young male two-legged was headed to the land of her dreams, and that he would not be back, not even when it was over, over there. "Mother ate the bucket of oaks sitting just inside the tree line, and stumbled away from the couple's farm. Too tired to travel far, she almost fell to the ground and was instantly sleeping. No more dreams came, at least for a while." to be continued . . . -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Anniversary Subscription Contest! Ozark Rock Exchange turned five years old on April 5th. As part of our Anniversary Celebration, ORE is hosting a Subscription Invitation Contest. Invite your friends, family, acquaintances and other rock hound friends to subscribe to this free online ezine, ORE FEATURES. At the end of April, one of the new subscribers will be drawn and the new subscriber, along with the individual that invited them will both win a Rhyolite Collection that includes: • 36" Leopardskin gemstone strand Two winners, two prizes! Be sure your new subscribers tell me that you are the one that invited them. Have them send their subscription requests to subscribe@ozarkrockexchange.com or they may subscribe from any page of the website, http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com Subscribers must send in their subscription requests by Midnight Tuesday May 2nd, 2004. The winner will be drawn shortly after Midnight and announced in the May issue of ORE FEATURES and on the website. Please do not invite anyone to subscribe without their permission. New subscribers will receive a confirmation, bouncing addresses or unconfirmed subscription requests will not be entered in the contest. You can find pictures of the prizes and more information on the contest at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/highlights/events/index.shtml -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange? ON LINE PARTY!: I've joined with a group of ladies who are planning an all-day, 63 Days of Spring party online. There will be prizes, games and way too much fun for everyone. Join us anytime Friday April 16th - I'll be hosting in the room between 10 and 11pm (Eastern times). Here is the address for the party: http://directsalesmoms.com/online_bash BRAND NEW MY STRANDS: I've just finished another wonderful batch of beautiful gemstone power strands. Introducing this month: Feminine Power, Magic, Bright Lessons, Prayer Chain, Joyful Heart and Mystery Seeker. You can see these new My Strands by Stephanie Pflumm at: https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart/index.php?cPath=23 ALSO JUST ARRIVED: Beautiful gem quality Kyanite carved into a point with a sterling silver loop for attaching to a chain or string. Perfect as a pendant or make your own pendulum! Only FIVE available, check them out at: https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart/product_info.php?products_id=237 BACK IN THE CATALOG: Finally, back in the catalog, Amethyst, Turquoise. Snowflake Obsidian & Rhodonite 36" genuine gemstone chip strands! https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart NICKEL DEALS: Ozark Rock Exchange is celebrating our Fifth Anniversary all year long with Nickel Deals! This month's nickel deals include a Grab Bag or a Gemstone strand for only five cents! You'll find details on April's Nickel Deals at: https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart/index.php?cPath=34 HEARTLAND PAGAN FESTIVAL: Ozark Rock Exchange will be at the Heartland Pagan Festival for the very first time this year! This wonderful annual event is held at Camp Gaea every Memorial Weekend, in Western Kansas about an hour outside of Kansas City, MO. GEMSTONE BULLETIN BOARD: Is temporarily closed. |
||||
| << Top >> | ||||
 |
Copyright © 1999-2008, Ozark Rock Exchange Memphis, TN 38118 Phone: 901-496-2434 |