ORE FEATURES
A Monthly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL #9: Issue #1, October 3, 2008
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Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >>Ocean Jasper | |
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| ORE'S Featured Gemstone: Ocean Jasper (Orbicular)
Ocean Jasper keeps its secrets close. Born from the ancient lava flows of an unknown geological event, this enchanting gem hid itself for millennia below the Ocean's tide. Even its journey to reveal itself moves slowly and the crystal's entire story is yet to be told. The written tale begins in 1922 when the first published accounts of an unusual jasper like material of unknown origins start to appear in various journals. In 1955 a specimen of this mysterious beauty is brought to the Museum of Sciences in Paris. The dealer that presents the piece explains that it was purchased from a prospector in Madagascar, but can not give a precise location. Madagascar is not a small island; 1,000 kilometers long and 300 wide. Paul Obeniche is a very young Frenchman studying at the museum. When the entrancing stone is presented, he is already planning a trip to Madagascar. Struck by the coincidence and the captivating beauty of the Ocean Jasper, Obeniche vows to find the source of the new gemstone. Despite failing in his early attempts to locate the source of Ocean Jasper, Obeniche will spend the next four decades in an unrelenting search for his mythical muse. A photograph of the crystal is published in the 1977 edition of Grund's Mineral Encyclopedia. The caption reads "Unknown". Even with the extra publicity the morphed Rhyolite will not rush its debut. In 1998 Obeniche begins planning his final expedition to locate his elusive Ocean Jasper. He is over 70 years old. Knowing the locals have been collecting the colorful gem in tidal pools, he plots a systematic search of the island's Northwestern shore. Over 45 days his team plans to examine every village, outpost and inch of coastline to find the stone. On the 21st day their boat is nearing the tiny, remote fishing village of Marovato as the tide is going out. Marovato sits on the Ambolobozo Peninsula of Madagascar. There are no roads, you can only reach the village by boat. On that day, everything is finally in the right order at the right time for Paul Obeniche to discover the birthplace of his beloved Ocean Jasper. The not so young Frenchman introduces his exotic beauty to the world at the 2000 Tucson Gem and Mineral show. Ocean Jasper is an immediate success, though it continues to keep much of its history and nature secret. Despite its shyness, Ocean Jasper does share some of its story. In the beginning the stone was a Rhyolite. Rhyolites form from liquid magma or lava that cools quickly. They range from feather light Lava Rocks to rock hard Obsidians. Madagascar guards its geological history jealously (recent findings conclude the island may have Gold and Diamond reserves), so the source of Ocean Jasper's lava flow is unknown. Geologists know that over hundreds of millions of years the Rhyolite is slowly, quietly replaced by Silica (Quartz). Essentially becoming petrified, if a rock can be petrified. However, they can only speculate as to what inspires the enchanting swirls, bubbles, sprays, orbs and bursts of white and green crystals that make Ocean Jasper so beloved. Perhaps the flow of lava buried a primal Coral bed that is petrified (replaced with Silica) along with the Rhyolite. Though some orbs reveal Feldspar and Quartz growing needle thin crystals in a radiating pattern. We will have to watch to see if Ocean Jasper will tell us more of its story. The original Orbicular Ocean Jasper comes from Madagascar. A variety of Rhyolite Jasper with similar colors and markings has recently been found in Hawaii. Little of this material is available yet, the majority of gems on the market today comes from Marovato Madagascar. Colors in this unique gem are without equal. One specimen can be yellow, green, pink, white, blue or red, at the same time. Occasionally there are white druzy areas that seem to resemble the ocean's spray. Green crystalline druzes also form amongst the swirls, orbs and waves in the Ocean Jasper. Locals in Marovato named their gemstone Snake Agate. Magical or romantic names like Moon Jewel Stone, Snake Agate, Atlantis Stone and Kabamba Jasper have also been attached to the orbicular Ocean Jasper. Ocean Jasper is probably the youngest crystal that I have every studied. Its short history has not held it back from gaining a reputation as a powerful healing and creative tool. You may discover your own unique uses for this entrancing beauty. Meditating with your Ocean Jasper will reveal hidden truths, allow you to see what is to be discovered if you just look below the surface. It can provide an anchor during astral travels and assist you in bringing back the knowledge you gather during your explorations. Lovers can use the gemstone to enhance their communications. Discussing difficult issues without hurting feelings is a challenge in any relationship. When it is time to cover sensitive topics with your partner, use an Ocean Jasper as your talking stone (whomever holds the stone gets to talk - make sure you share your talking stone equally). Words that make a positive difference come easier, as will saying "I love you". This brightly colored Jasper is quite curious, making it an excellent travel companion. It will inspire you to try the road less traveled, arousing your spirit of adventure. Ocean Jasper offers protective energies that can prove valuable while visiting new places. Its Quartz content will sharpen your intuitive skills, keeping you safe from dangerous choices. If you must perform in any type of team situation, adopt an Ocean Jasper as your mascot. It promotes a harmonious environment while teaching the power of cooperation. Ocean Jasper seems to be able to clear and balance any of the seven main Chakra, but not all at once. It will cleanse them one at a time as you focus your intent on each Chakra. Healers may get the greatest benefit from the volcanic gemstone. Give one to your patient to hold as they are discussing their symptoms. The stone will help them to communicate more effectively and the healer will also hear the words they are hiding. Gemstone elixirs from Ocean Jasper may prove beneficial in clearing your body of toxins. Bathing with the crystal will bring deep relaxation to your spirit and your body's aching muscles. Pictures of Ocean Jasper ^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^ SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL: FREE small Jasper Surprise Receive a FREE Jasper surprise 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 3, 2007 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. This Subscriber Special expires November 7, 2007 ^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^ SKY NOTES Columbus Day (observed - US), Monday October 8 ^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^ Crystals For Divination Crystals for Divination As the Wheel turns into the season of harvest it is believed that the veils which separate the different realities/dimensions become very thin. This thinning of the veils allows you to see beyond your immediate situation into what may be waiting down the path you are walking. It means those that you love that have left this life will be easier to reach, easier to communicate with. During this Quarter your psychic senses will be at their peak. Now is a good time to sharpen your divination skills through gazing, scrying or meditation. As you seek to see beyond today, remember that the future is a fluid place. Simplest choices in each moment can dramatically alter any aspect of the next. Like leaving five minutes late for your appointment, thereby missing a tragic accident. Here are some crystals that have been historically popular as divination tools. Each can be used in any of the above methods (gazing, scrying, meditation) or one that you are comfortable with. Remember these are traditional choices, not a strict list you must adhere to. QUARTZ: This pure, clear crystal has the longest history as a divination tool of choice. Perhaps because the crystal is so plentiful around the planet, nearly every culture has looked into the future through this crystal's eyes. Then again, maybe it is the ease with which the Quartz connects with us. An energetic gem, the Quartz crystal puts out its own electrical impulses that a highly sensitive individual can tap easily. For those of us with less skill and practice, the Quartz crystal is infinitely patient in guiding us toward our most perfect point. AMETHYST: The majority of Amethyst's traditions for prophecy and dreaming come from the Americas (both North and South). European traditions tend to assign attributes of love, restraint and protection to this purple Quartz. As a powerful Crown Chakra tool, Amethyst works to open your sub-conscious mind in order to tap the knowledge of the dimensions beside ours. This is why it has a strong history for prophetic dreaming. Meditation and gazing are the two most preferred methods of working with Amethyst, though you may find just sleeping with the crystal to reveal the the signposts you need along your path. OBSIDIAN: A fascinating family of volcanic crystal that has been popular as a scrying tool through out the meso-American cultures. Most Obsidian used for divination has been worked into some sort of finished tool. Usually a polished mirror or plate, gazing ball or ceremonial knife. Scrying and gazing are very difficult divination practices. The reflective qualities of a highly polished Obsidian tool assists in easing the transition into an appropriate mental state to see. Unusual Obsidians like Rainbow and Sheen Obsidian play with the light across the surface of the gem, further easing your move into the next dimension. As a strong grounding tool, Obsidian allows you to work with a foot on each side, so as not to get lost or tricked. Obsidian knives helps an experienced psychic to slice through the veil and peer quickly into the other side. BERYL: Clear beryllium crystals have an old history as "eye" tools. Before the science of grounding glass lenses, clear Beryl crystals were used as magnifying glasses and eye glasses throughout Europe. Among those that practiced the craft in Western Europe, Beryl crystal balls became popular gazing tools. You are probably familiar with Beryl crystals like Emerald and Aquamarine, but it is the clear (and less expensive) varieties of the gem that have been most desired for divination. While a nice large ball of clear Beryl could prove costly, with practice, you can achieve excellent results with a small polished or natural crystal. After all, it is the size of your intentions that matters, not the size of the tool. MOONSTONE: Ancient alchemists studied with Moonstone with great intensity. Many believed that the crystal's shimmer would wax and wan with the phases of the night guardian. It is the crystal's association with this night sky entity that has enhanced its reputation for opening doors into other realms. Moonstone's dance with light makes it an excellent tool for capturing the eye and relaxing the mind. Gazing and meditation are two of the most effective methods for working with the crystal, but don't be afraid to experiment with your own methods. You Moonstone may have an entirely different way of lighting the path ahead for you. Be open to the individual lessons it may have for you This is by no means a complete and absolute list of crystals you can use for divination. Many gems and crystals in clear, dark blue, purple, white or gold can be utilized for peering beyond our side of the Universe. Or you may find a stone in your own backyard that whispers to you more clearly than any giant over-priced crystal ball from the store ever will. ^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Birthday Subscription Contest! ORE FEATURES is celebrating its 8th birthday with this issue on Ocean Jasper. As part of our Birthday Celebration, ORE is hosting a Subscription Contest. Invite your friends, family, acquaintances and other rock hounds to subscribe to this free, informative ezine. At the end of October, the name of one of the new subscribers will be drawn and the new subscriber, along with the individual that invited them will both win a one month membership in the Stone Power Circle at Ozark Rock Exchange! 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 November 2nd, 2007. The winner will be drawn shortly after Midnight and announced in the November 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 information on the prizes and contest at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/highlights/events/index.shtml ^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^~~~o<>o~~~^*^ What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange? BIRTHDAY GIFTS: In celebration of ORE FEATURES 8th birthday, during the month of October you can receive birthday gifts with qualifying purchases. FREE! Rose Quartz with any purchase (plus your subscriber's special - a free Jasper) --+--+--+-- ©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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