Stones of Calsilica

Rainbow calcilica is a fine from Chihuahua, Mexico and South America, multi-colored, layered stone composed of I calcite-Allophane (both blue and green) and silica with various trace metals that cause the other colors. Some people theorize that this stone formed as a result of the runoff of mining or oil-drilling chemicals, and has only formed in the last 30 to 50 years, however this still remains uncertain. It is layers range in colors from red, brown, green, tan, blue, yellow, and white just to name a few.

While there is still some that believe it is not a natural stone, it has been verified as one. It is stabilized just like Turquoise, which makes it easy to cut and polish. The original Geologist who did a scanning electron microprobe study of an untreated piece with Rhyolite matrix attached, maintains that it is a natural stone and he could not detect anything that would suggest this is man made. GIA has published an article in Gems and Gemology (April 2003) stating that they tested a treated piece obtained in France, using Raman Laser Spectroscopy and it was found that the blue and yellow colors matched a man made pigment.

They also said it had polymer and a paraffin-like substance. Since then many treated and untreated samples as well a piece of the acrylic they use to stabilize it, were tested at the Geologist/Chemist, University Back East. Their preliminary findings clearly show that the blue and yellow does not match any man made pigments and no traces of paraffin were found.

It will forever be a beautiful stone with a mysterious background, wild for conversation and research.

Mineraloids

And so our lesson continues on the different gems, minerals and rocks. Mineraloids are a few solid substances that occur naturally in the Earth, but do not quite confirm with the basic properties of minerals. They fit into none of the chemical families, rarely form crystals and are typically organic in origin, evolving from fossilized or compacted living matter. One of these mineraloids is Amber, which is fossilized pine tree resin.

Amber is often regarded as a gem, but is not a mineral, but a solid organic material. It is a form of tree resin that was exuded to protect the tree against disease and insect infestation. This then hardened and was persevered for millions of years. Amber slowly oxidizes and degrades when exposed to oxygen, so it survives only under special conditions.

It is almost always found in dense, wet sediments, such as clay or sand formed in ancient lagoon or river delta beds. It is typically found embedded in shale or washed up on beaches. Most amber deposits contain only fragments of amber, but a few contain enough to make it worth mining, such as those found along the shores of the Baltic seas where amber formed in sands 40-60 million years ago, and those from the Dominican Republic.

Amber can form nodules, rods and droplets in various shades of orange, yellow, red or cognac, deep green, and brown. Milky-white varieties are called bone amber. Modern analysis techniques are beginning to indentify the detailed composition of ambers and link them to modern resin-making trees. Mexican amber, for instance is linked to the Hymenea tree. Up to 3,000 different inclusions have been found in amber objects. These ranges from beetles and flies to spiders and water drops attached to the resin in primeval times and then petrified with it.

It is staid that for 7,000 years amber has been used to stimulate the metabolism and treat skin ailments caused by metabolic imbalance. It is also said to have soothing, calming, and cleaning powers. Because of its warmth it is also used in the treatment of asthma, allergic respiratory problems, and is good for treating rheumatism and strengthening the heart muscles. Mystically, gold-colored amber symbolizes success; it is the Star sign of Geminis, Leos and Virgos. Amber should be cleansed under lukewarm running water and never leave amber in the sun, this will make it brittle.

*Re-printed from various mineral, gem and rock books.

Igneous Rock

In its most natural state a natural volcanic glass, Obsidian forms when lava solidifies so quickly those mineral crystals do not have time to grow. The name Obsidian simply refers to the glassy texture and technically obsidian can have any chemical composition. However, most obsidian is similar in composition to Rhyolite, and is commonly found on the outer edges of Rhyolite domes and flows. Like rhyolite, obsidian can show flow-banding.

It is also found along the rapidly cooled edges of dykes and sills. Obsidian is typically jet-black, although with the presence of hematite (iron oxide) the color change can vary from red to brown varieties; with the inclusion of tiny gas bubbles it can create a golden sheen. The appearance of ‘white snowflakes’ in obsidian are caused by spherulites, spherical aggregates of needle-like crystals.

In the Stone Age obsidian was used to make weapons and blades. It has been used in magic rituals since time immemorial and in fortune telling it was used as a mirror. The stone helps alleviate pain, reduce tension and release energy. Some people wear it to improve circulation and it is said it can be used to treat trauma, shock and anxiety attacks. It is the Star Sign associated with Scorpio and Sagittarius.

To care for obsidian it must be discharged once a month under warm water and then recharged in the sun or among rock crystals. It is said to also bring clarity, deflecting negativity, protection, and healing powers to those who use or wear the stone.

*Re-printed from various mineral gemstone books and websites.