ORE FEATURES: Rainforest Jasper

I have been following the trail of this colorful green Rhyolite from Australia for at least seven years. It is a difficult trail, frequently mismarked and occasionally misleading.

First there are so many names for this one gemstone; Rainforest Jasper, Rainforest Rhyolite, Spherulitic Rhyolite, Orbicular Jasper and Marine Agate. Second, the crystal itself sort of defies normal definitions. It is like a Jasper with its vivid colors polishing to a sprightly shine, but really its a Rhyolite, except the presence of macroscopic Quartz and Feldspar grains makes it more like a Granite.

It is pretty safe to say that Rainforest Jasper came from a molten flow of magma. Specifically it came from a now extinct volcano about 120 million years ago. The thick rhyolitic magma that escaped from deep within the volcano was heavier and had a tendency to sink through lighter magma. As it settled to the bottom it would cool slower. Allowing spherical and phenocryst crystalline grains to grow together.

The final result of this magma dance is a Rhyolite that contains macroscopic crystalline grains like a Granite and was eagerly adopted by the Jasper family. Rainforest Jasper can only be found around Mount Hay (today's name for the ancient volcano) near Queensland Australia.

This same process also caused gas bubbles to form which cooled quickly maintaining their shapes. These Rhyolite "bubbles" are called Thundereggs and often reveal some fabulous mineralogical treasures when cracked open.

Rainforest Jasper is a very young gemstone. Bert Kayes is the founder of the mining company that first brought to stone to market in 1986. The company had been mining Chrysoprase nearby since 1963. Discovery of Thundereggs and the unique Spherulitic Rhyolite at Mount Hay propelled the company's profits.

A luscious color of green with splashes of red, brown, yellow, creams and oranges reminiscent of a rainforest is how this Rhyolite got its name. While the gem may not have any relationship to a rainforest, you will find it is easier to ask for than a Spherulitic Rhyolite. The name that best describes the crystal.

Youth has not stopped Rainforest Jasper from quickly spreading its influence. In no time this joyfully colored Rhyolite has been carved into beads, fetishes, cabochons for jewelry, bookends and dozens of other decorative uses. Its many patterns and colors make it a visually appealing material to work with.

You can use the stone to bring to help bring more clarity to your dreams and goals. Working with Rainforest Jasper will teach you to recognize your full worth, capability and power to manifest your deepest desires. You'll also find it easier to persevere through the roadblocks that could divert you from your final goal. Rainforest Jasper will help you keep your eyes on the prize.

An excellent gemstone for protection. Set one at each of the four corners of your property, envisioning a loving green shield around your home that repels harmful energy. Carry one in your pocket as you travel through your day. Not only will you feel safer, but you'll find yourself less prone to angry reactions when confronted with an unpleasant human. Which, is a powerful form of protection, unnecessary anger is very bad for our physical health.

When you have difficulty achieving a meditative state, try working with a Rainforest Jasper. It assists with breathing, helping you reach a calm and relaxing level more quickly. Meditations with the special Rhyolite can open up communication between worlds. Many celebrate their ancestors as part of Halloween or Samhaim traditions. Rainforest Jaspers will work with you to make a more meaningful connection with loved ones and ancestors that have crossed over.

Do you have a tendency to avoid responsibility, putting off the things you know you need to take care of? Rainforest Rhyolite gently reminds you of the importance of taking care of business and provides guidance in completing tasks that aren't any fun, but have to be done. Like getting that new Tennessee driver's license.

Rainforest Jasper works very well on keeping the Heart Chakra clear and balanced. Not only does it help to promote a healthy heart, but it also protects your heart from harmful relationships. If you have a tendency to gravitate towards harmful relationships, this bright Rhyolite will keep you safe from unhealthy choices in love.

It also seems to promote a healthy flow of energy through all Seven Chakra, aiding in removing emotional issues from your past that are creating physical blocks. Rainforest Rhyolite may also benefit your immune system helping you to fight of disease naturally.

If you are dieting, the gemstone will assist you in balancing your nutrition. Helping you make wiser choices in what you eat, and more importantly, how much you eat. Rainforest Jasper teaches the important food lesson that half a chocolate candy bar really tastes as good (or even better) than a whole one.

Receive a FREE Rainforest Jasper with any purchase from Ozark Rock Exchange. You can shop on line at https://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 an ORE FEATURES subscriber as of October 4, 2006 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.

Be sure the check out ORE FEATURES' Birthday Gifts to receive other bonuses with qualifying purchases. The Subscriber's Special will expire October 31, 2006. Remember you never pay extra for shipping at Ozark Rock Exchange!

Full Moon, Friday October 6 11:13 pm ET
Sukkot begins, Saturday October 7
Fourth Quarter Moon, Friday October 13 8:25 pm ET
Sukkot ends, Friday October 13
New Moon, Sunday October 22 1:14 am ET
Ramadan ends, Tuesday October 24
Second Quarter Moon, Sunday October 29 4:25 pm ET
Daylight Savings time ends, Sunday October 29
Halloween, Samhaim, Tuesday October 31
All Saints Day, Wednesday November 1

A Pyramid In Memphis
By Stephanie Pflumm

I knew there was a pyramid in Memphis before I moved here, just never gave it much thought. It looks very spectacular, shining above the delta as you drive into the city. My daughter and I drove down to see it the first time she came to visit. Still, my daily Memphis thoughts are focused on finding my way, counting the many trees and reveling in the musical energy the city offers.

It is that joyful energy that music turns up in me that brought my attention back to our Pyramid recently. I was singing loudly with the radio and really feeling the "vibe" from one of my favorite rock songs. As is my practice, I was "throwing out" those good feelings to the Trees and other relations along my driving route, when the Pyramid crept into my mental images. In this mental vision the good vibrations I was sharing were flowing up through the glass pyramid downtown and spilling across the Delta, Plains and up the continent.

The visual was enticing and certainly raised my energy level even higher as my song crescendoed to its ending. In the final notes I imagined joy, light, hope and promise just pouring out the Pyramid's point into the whole universe. Now I am very curious about pyramids, why did all these different civilizations build them? What did they use theirs for?

Memphis Tennessee is named for the ancient capital of Egypt, Memphis. Which is one of the reasons why the city fathers built a pyramid in Memphis. Of course there was more to it than creating a dramatic connection to the city's namesake. These wise city fathers also expected to make a lot of money with a dazzling pyramid rising above the delta. Selling tickets to the basketball games, booking concerts, conventions and attracting more tourists than Elvis (maybe).

The pyramid was built in 1991 copying the design of the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Giza (which was a necropolis of the old Egyptian capital, Memphis). It is 32 stories high, each side of the pyramid measures 180 meters at the base. Approximately 22,000 people can be seated in the arena for various events.

Memphis Tennessee's Pyramid is the third largest one in the world today. The Cheops pyramid, from which it was copied, is the only surviving artifact from the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. That pyramid stands 481 feet high (some 30 feet have eroded off the top over the millennia) and was the tallest structure on our planet for 43 centuries.

Today many modern cities can boast about their own pyramids. The TransAmerica building in San Francisco. At the California State University in Long Beach they play basketball and volleyball in the Walter Pyramid. An 180 feet tall blue pyramid. Visitors to the Louvre in Paris enter the museum via 70 foot glass pyramid. Las Vegas has the Luxor hotel which features a light beam streaming from the point of the 30 story pyramid.

Things went well for the Memphis pyramid for its first few years. Then in 2004 Fed Ex opened a beautiful new forum where the NBA Grizzlies could play. Now no one watches basketball at the Pyramid. The conventions go out East to the big Ag Center. However the tourists do come to see the Pyramid and ride the rail car over to Mud Island.

Wise city fathers met again in 2005 to discuss the fate of their mostly empty pyramid. They considered an aquarium, shopping destination, a casino, indoor theme park and are even discussing a lease with Johnny Morris. The Bass Pro Shop owner from Springfield, MO. From the sounds on the news, everyone is still just talking.

For now, this amazing site sparkles in the far distance, drawing the curious visitor to Memphis. A giant man-made crystal that allows me to imagine a stream of healing, loving light pouring out across the planet.

(Learn more about the history and mysteries of pyramids in the next issue of ORE FEATURES)

ORE FEATURES is celebrating its Seventh birthday this month! Perfect timing for a contest, and this one is super easy. Simply email me at webmaster@ozarkrockexchange.com with your name and location and you'll be entered to win!

ORE FEATURES Birthday Rose Quartz Collection: This collection of my favorite crystal includes one each:
Raw Rose Quartz
Carved Rose Quartz Round Cabachon
Polished Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz Pendulum
Rare Rose Quartz Elestial Point

Just send your name and location to webmaster@ozarkrockexchange.com and you'll be entered in the drawing. You must answer the ORE FEATURES Birthday Roll Call by midnight October 31st, 2006 to be included in the drawing.

You'll find a picture of the prize and details on the contest here:

NEW ARRIVALS: Bronzite, raw Leopardskin Jasper, Poppy Jasper and beautiful new premium picks from Blue Lace Agate to Tiger's Eye. Check out all the newest beauties at Ozark Rock Exchange here:
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ORE FEATURES ARCHIVES: The archives for ORE FEATURES have been updated to include the most recent issues like Larvikite and Aventurine. Visit the archives anytime to review articles from past issues:
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ORE'S POET PAGE: In November, I am going to launch of a new page at Ozark Rock Exchange, ORE's Poet Page. Help me get started by sending me your poetry, prose and short essays. There are so many wonderful wordsmiths out there, I'd love the chance to share your efforts. Send your submissions to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com - be sure to write "Poet Page Submission" in the subject line. I'm looking forward to reading all of them, though, I have a feeling that choosing is going to be very very hard.

ORE FEATURES BIRTHDAY GIFTS: Ozark Rock Exchange is celebrating the seventh birthday of ORE FEATURES. Enter the birthday roll call contest, receive special birthday gifts with qualifying purchases or share your favorite issues with your friends.
ORE FEATURES Birthday Gifts:
FREE Rose Quartz with any purchase (in addition to the Subscriber's special!)
FREE Silk Pouch with any gemstone pendant
FREE stone of your choice when you purchase any seven small stones
FREE Stone Power Prayer Pouch when you purchase three at the regular price
FREE download of Stone Power Volume 1 when you join the Stone Power Circle for at least three months
FREE Rose Quartz sphere (small) with any $50 or more purchase!
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ORE FEATURES Birthday Contest:
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT OZARK ROCK EXCHANGE? The answer is at
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©Copyright 2006, 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.