ORE FEATURES: Sodalite

Sodalite is actually a rare gemstone. There also seems to be a bit of inaccurate information available about this unique blue stone, largely due to its look alike competition, the Lapis Lazuli. However with a little close examination and study, one can quickly learn to discern the difference between these two blues.

Most notable is the lack of Pyrite inclusions in Sodalite (Lapis is known for its golden Pyrite sparkles). The white streaks in Pyrite come from Calcium inclusions, which tend to lower the value of the gem. Sodalite's whitish streaks come from a mineral known as Natrolite. Lapis Lazuli is almost always blue; Sodalite can be more colorful with orangish reds, greens, whites and even pink variations. Finally, Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli are barely even related in the mineral kingdom.

Sodalite's closest cousins in the mineral world are the Feldspars (Calcite, Moonstone, Labradorite etc.). The gem is a member of the Feldspathoids group. Feldspathoids are gems and crystals that would have become Feldspars during the rock forming process IF the mineral solution had been rich in Silica (Quartz). However, the zones in which Feldspathoids form tend to have little or no Silica (an unusual situation since Silica is the most prevalent mineral on the planet). So they become Sodalites, Nephelines and Hackmanites instead of Moonstones or Calcites.

High amounts of Sodium gives the crystal its name (it literally means salt stone). The gem also includes Aluminum, Chlorine (its most unique component - very few gemstones contain Chlorine) and traces of Silicate. The blues in the stone come from the Chlorine content; the more Chlorine, the more blue the Sodalite will be. The Natrolite veins are usually white, but can also appear in red, green or pink.

The majority of Sodalite was born from volcanic action that caused Sodium Chloride to mix with older stone formations resulting in the new gem. Actual crystals of Sodalite are extremely rare. The vast majority of the mineral is found in massive rock formations. When they do exist, crystals primarily form as dodecahedrons. Transparent Sodalite crystals have been found near the eruption zones of Mt. Vesuvius.

Bancroft Ontario, Litchfield, Maine, Ice River British Columbia and Brazil are where the largest and most commercial Sodalite deposits occur. It is also found in smaller quantities in Greenland, Russia, Montana and India.

Knowledge of the Sodalite crystal seems to be limited to the last couple of hundred years or so. Most likely this is due to Sodalite's very similar physical appearance to Lapis Lazuli. Until we were fully capable of distinguishing the difference between these two blue gems, their histories were most likely intertwined.

Commercially the gemstone began to make a real splash in the late 1800's when Frank D. Adams first discovered the huge deposits in Bancroft Ontario. In 1893 Ontario displayed several rough and carved specimens of their "new" gemstone at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

In 1905 the Prince and Princess of Wales (not Diana and Charles) visited Canada and became instantly enamored with the "new" stone. They quickly arranged to have some shipped to England and not long afterwards the quarry where the it was mined became known as the Princess Sodalite Quarry. Today Canadian Sodalite is still traded occasionally under the name Princess Blue.

Another famous London residence also utilized the blue gemstone. Marlborough House, home to Sir Ernest Cassell. One hundred and thirty tons were shipped for the construction at a commercial value of $6000 in 1906.

However the decorative use of Sodalite dates back thousands of years to the ancient South American civilizations. In the 1870s Alfons Stubel found Sodalite beads along with Quartz and Obsidian arrowheads in the ruins of Tiahaunaco, a pre-columbian city on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.

As we've become reacquainted this blue stone Spirit over the last hundred years or so, it has proven to be a powerful and life changing companion.

Truth can be elusive, especially when we try to hide it from ourselves. Sodalite can assist you on a journey to discover the true nature of yourself and the limitless power you have to create your life. Working with this gemstone can help you see through the deceptions that both society and you use to prevent your total potential from being realized.

Sodalite will teach you to trust the instinctive knowledge of what is in the best interest of your highest good. With this gentle teacher you will more easily recognize choices that are correct for you and the strength to choose them.

When you are facing a difficult decision, try meditating with Sodalite. It will allow you to observe what is happening without the drama emotions can cause. By removing the emotional element, the gem gives you a clarity that allows you to take a more rational approach to solving dilemmas.

The darker blue Sodalite specimens can be powerful Third Eye Chakra tools. Keeping your Sixth Chakra clear and balanced is essential for sharpening intuitive and psychic skills. You may also benefit from the blues in Sodalite if you have trouble speaking up for yourself, or honoring your spirit. When learning to say no or standing up for what you believe in is necessary, carry a Sodalite. You'll begin to discover the courage and the voice to speak the words you've been keeping back.

Students, double shift workers, moms and other rest challenged individuals will benefit from Sodalite's endurance energies. It can help to keep stress levels low, balance your spirit and mind and raise energy levels. Even during the most challenging schedules.

The gem's stress lowering abilities may also assist with related physical problems like high blood pressure, headaches and troubles with digestion.

Other health benefits of Sodalite may include a stronger immune and lymphatic system. It may assist the mind in tuning out clutter, allowing the body to fall into a more restful sleep. Wearing the gem near your throat may be beneficial in bring relief from minor irritations or hoarseness.

We seem to be rediscovering this rare blue gemstone. If you have any experiences or adventures with Sodalite that you would like to share, please send them to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com.

Receive a FREE Sodalite 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 a subscriber as of February 1, 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. The Subscriber's Special will expire March 1, 2006. Remember you never pay extra for shipping at Ozark Rock Exchange!

The Cedarbrook Fox Meets Buddha Cat
by Stephanie Pflumm

The Fox crept back through the drainage pipe that ran beneath Cedarbrook Avenue. On the other side he stays below the level of the middle lake making sure he is out of the two-legged's line of sight. Once he is sure there is enough distance and darkness between him and the voices to be unseen he turns to the West away from the three lakes.

The Cedarbrook Fox knowingly weaves his way through a maze of yards, fences, sleeping dogs and driveway lights. Finally he reaches the steel and wooden trail that the giant box of thunder rides. He tentatively touches one of the steel lines with paw, but it is cold, silent and dead. It is safe to hurry across the steel and wood trail to The Fox's favorite place in the city.

For several miles through the city is a wonderful splash of wildness. Somehow, to the Fox's amazement this space was spared from the spread of human buildings. Even though the two-leggeds built one of their hard asphalt trails through the space, it seems to be a very small and magical trail.

For one, all of the two-leggeds awful machines seem to avoid the trail. Then, as if by magic, none of the humans ever wander off the trail. Well almost never. Certainly never in the dark. For that reason, The Cedarbrook Fox loves to stalk the narrow wild stretch on dark nights, like tonight.

He stops at the creek for a drink, noting that the water had begun to taste a little sweeter since the humans had built their hard pathway. There have also been some new young Trees and Plant relations sprouting. Some offering food to the Feathered clans, bringing better hunting for him.

Leaving the creek, The Fox crosses the path and moves into an open meadow. Tall brown grass ghosts remind him of the Summer's meadow and how it glowed with fresh new grasses and flowers. And a very tiny thought pricks at the very back of his mind. Can something good come from humans touching a place?

Cedarbrook Fox allows this thought to wander because he feels safe in this dark meadow.

Buddha Cat stands ready. Years of living on top of a mountain that was home to many dangerous and hungry predators has sharpened his ears. He knows exactly how far away the fox is and how the dry grass will sound should it decide to pounce. Buddha is certain the fox will be too surprised to attack, but every muscle and tendon is poised to spring if he is wrong.

When the distance is just right, Buddha moves a paw, slowly, purposefully, making the softest noise. The Fox's ear alerts his wandering mind and his nose reassures him that it is only some two-legged's feline friend. Certainly no danger to a fox. Confident Cedarbrook Fox stalks forward listening for the sound of a frightened cat running away through the dry grass. He hears nothing.

Buddha takes another slow, purposeful step putting himself in full view of The Fox. The feline stops in the middle of his next step, standing as still as a dead stone he waits and watches for The Fox's next step.

The Cedarbrook Fox is stunned and his thoughts stall in confusion. Buddha does not move. Slowing The Fox assesses the situation. The cat is just far enough away to be out of his immediate reach. If he moved in to attack the feline, it may have just enough time to escape.

"You will not eat me"

The Cedarbrook Fox blinks, his confusion mounting. He has never understood anything a cat has said before. Then, he never really stopped to talk with a feline. "What"? He manages to bark back.

"You will not eat me" Buddha says again. "A time is coming when you are going to need the help of all who that reside around this meadow".

The Cedarbrook Fox barks out a bitter laugh. "I have no use for two-leggeds, and I especially have no use for a four-legged that would live in their buildings". The Fox's eyes glittered in the dark as an old angry pain flares. Again he gauges how quickly he could deliver a deadly blow.

"The time is coming and you must be ready. Come with me and I will show you the signs. It will take many relations to overcome what is in the signs".

The Fox is reluctant to trust this house feline, but curiosity is his constant companion. "How is it you speak with fox words"?

"I do not speak with fox words, I use the Universal Language of All, as taught to me by The Woman Who Walks. You hear fox words because it is a language that all can understand as their own".

Buddha still does not move. The Fox is not even sure he has seen the cat breathe. He tries to brush off the nagging need to know what these signs might have to say. Curiosity, concern and distrust wage a battle in The Cedarbrook Fox's thoughts.

"You will not eat me" Buddha says one more time. "You will follow me and see the signs". Now the cat moves, turning his back on The Fox he begins walking towards the large hard pathway along the West edge of the meadow. The Cedarbrook Fox follows Buddha Cat. Curiosity overtakes the fox's confusion and dissolves his distrust.

Dozens of tall poles line the asphalt pathways and Buddha stops by one of the poles and begins reading the sign: "Public Zoning Hearing Tuesday February 12". Following the pathway for a short distance the pair came across another sign that reads "Public Zoning Hearing". Buddha leads The Cedarbrook Fox along the street showing him six or seven more signs.

"What is public zoning hearing tuesday february 12"? The Cedarbrook asks, trying to understand these signs. Even in fox words they make no sense.

"The signs mean the two-leggeds want to make buildings back in the meadow" Buddha explains.

The young fox understands about two-legged's making buildings. How could he have ever allowed himself to believe his wild safety zone was really safe from the human's?

(to be continued)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Favorite Sweetheart Contest!

In honor of the tradition that celebrates love in February, Ozark Rock Exchange is hosting a Favorite Sweetheart Contest.

Sweet Hearts come in all shapes and sizes and perform a variety of deeds in our lives that make big and little differences. They might be a brother, uncle, aunt, sister, lover, neighbor or stranger that eagerly gives their heart with a face always lit by the sweetest smile. Whoever this special SweetHeart might be, if you'll share them and your story with Ozark Rock Exchange, you both could win:

Love Stone Power Prayer Pouch

One for each of you.

Don't worry about your writing skills, I will choose the winner by a random drawing. Just write down your thoughts, send them to webmaster@ozarkrockexchange and your email will be entered into the drawing. Entry deadline is Midnight Tuesday February 28, 2006 (CST). The winner will be announced in the next issue of ORE FEATURES on Wednesday March 1. You can see pictures of the prize at:

http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/highlights/events/index.shtml

What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange?

CATALOG UPDATE: On January 26, 2006 several price increases went into effect at Ozark Rock Exchange. The price of most gemstones and crystals was increased by five cents. There were a few gems that were not raised in price at all: bulk and experienced bulk stones will remain the same, Hematite, Pietersite, Rhodocrosite and Emeralds also stay the same price. The price of the grab bags went up, but I increased the number of stones in each of them. The prices on Turitella and Tree Agates, as well as polished Blue Tiger's Eye went down. And I fixed a couple of my goofs. Please let me know if you find any other problems or have questions about the new prices. stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com

SPHERE SALE: One thing I did not raise the prices on were gemstone spheres. In fact, starting February 14th I'm going to be having a Sphere Sale!! Watch for details.

MOBILE ORE STORE: Will be in Nashville TN on April 8 and 9. I'll have more details next month. Plus I'll be back at Heartland Pagan Festival over Memorial weekend at Camp Gaea just outside of Kansas City. I just can't wait to be on the road again.

2005 ORE FEATURES ARCHIVES: Have been completely updated. All back issues from 2005 are now online. The Alphabetical listing of the archives is also current and updated. You'll find that at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/ore_features/alpha.shtml

NEW ARTICLE SOURCE: Next month I will be featuring an article from a new resource, The Concrete Grimore. They in turn will be featuring an article from the ORE FEATURES archives. Watch for more information!!

©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.

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