Moss Agate Free Forms

Montana Moss Agate is a second sister to her Lake Superior namesake and yet she has a beauty of her own. Recently I cut and polished a number of Montana Agates. They tend to have a lot of cracks which adds to the challenge of bringing out the beauty that is there, The above six pieces have been added to the counter at Plantiques. Modestly priced from $5 to $12 these should be snapped up…or at least I hope so.

Dendritic Sandstone

Dendritic Sandstone from Utah

“Dendrites are branched or tree-like inclusions, usually of manganese or iron oxides, that are caused by irreversible aggregation of small particles forming large clusters.

In other words, the metals in the dirt stain the rock. In this case Quartzite, in a random pattern (Chaos & fractal geometry) like water pressed between two panes of glass. This pattern is a stain that is formed when the seams are split open and the dendritic pattern becomes visible.

-from brochure by Zion Prospector Adventures LLC

I picked up a half dozen examples when I was in Tucson and expected them to be quick sellers on the rock show circuit. Sold one recently at Plantiques and this is the replacement one for that inventory. Only a few to be had so if you are in the area when Plantiques is open, stop on in.

Petosky Stone

Petosky stones are to Michiganers a little like Lake Superior Agates are to Minnesotans, a state favorite. Actually a coral from long ago these popular stones are found on the shores of Lake Michigan and polished to maximize their natual beauty.

We sold one of the three on-site at Plantiques and will be adding this particular stone today to maintain at least a little choice. I wish we had a lot more of these.

Cinnabar Page Added to Joanies Rocks Website

Joanies Rocks added a new page to its “Retail Rocks” tab on its main website. http://joaniesrocks.com/retail-rocks/cinnabar-a-mercury-ore-with-allure/

Cinnabar or HgS, Mercury Sulfide is the principal source of Mercury and has been widely used over the centuries. When crushed the fine powder was used to create vermillion pigment which was widely used in many different cultures. Its distinctive red color have attracted creative minds in many ways including its use in cosmetics and lipsticks, and rouges. However, such use has largely stopped due to recognition of the severe toxic nature of the Mercury which affects the nerves among other bodily tissues.

Most cinnabar is found in masses, and seldom as pure crystals.

Cinnabar Mass – Image found on Pinterest

Due to its toxic nature, it is seldom used in metaphysical healing practices except by experienced practitioners. Most people are warned away. However, when found in rare crystal format, it can be used carefully as the crystals are usually safely ensconced in a matrix rock which can be handled.

The most common way people hear of and see cinnabar is in the form known as China Red Lacquer. Even today you can find newer pieces from China that appear to be Cinnabar but are not true cinnabar. However, older items most definitely can and do contain mercury and exist in antique shops and museums around the world.

Folklore associates the stone with the production of wealth and has earned the nickname “the Merchants Stone.” Believers feel the stone helps draw prosperity to its owner and is also said to be a powerful tool to trigger mystic vision and help boost communication and brilliant thinking.

It is said to be useful in bringing all the chakras into line and can alleviate dread and bitterness.

Despite the toxic issue, it is a popular stone, especially if you can find crystals due to its color and perhaps even because of the implied danger.

The key thing to remember is to avoid handling the material with your bare skin, and especially avoid heating it, as heat can release mercury vapor. With proper precautions, it is a nice addition to any mineral collectors accumulations.

Earl’s father acquired a number of cinnabar crystals several decades ago from China. From that initial group, less than a dozen crystal items remain, although most have two or more crystals on each piece of matrix.

Cinnabar Crystal A
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal B
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal C
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal D
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal E
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal F
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal G
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal H
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal I
Cinnabar Crystal
Cinnabar Crystal J

Samples A-D are $100 each, and all of the rest are $80 each postpaid anywhere in the US. If interested, email enetwal@gmail.com and advise of your choice or choices. I will let you know if the item is still available and will suggest payment options. We tend to prefer Paypal as it offers both parties protection.