Minerals & Geology | Earth Gallery https://www.earthgallery.com Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:41:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.13 Why We Love Lightning Ridge Opal https://www.earthgallery.com/lightning-ridge-opal Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:32:58 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2122 By Neville Ryan – EarthGallery.com Lightning Ridge is a small opal mining town in north-western New South Wales near the border of Queensland in Australia. It is home to the world famous black opal. This opal is the rarest and most expensive opal found in the world today. How rare? Some miners persevere for years […]

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By Neville Ryan – EarthGallery.com

Lightning Ridge is a small opal mining town in north-western New South Wales near the border of Queensland in Australia. It is home to the world famous black opal. This opal is the rarest and most expensive opal found in the world today. How rare? Some miners persevere for years and may never strike any high quality black opal. The dark base makes a magnificent contrast to the red, yellow, green, gold and purple broad flash colors found in the best opal.

Lightning Ridge Opal
Rough Lightning Ridge Opal

The opal is mined by drilling a shaft then tunneling and may proceed to open pit mining depending on the amount and quality of the opal found. The material is extracted and transported to a washing plant which is typically an agitator made from a converted concrete mixer and is used to wash the opal bearing clay. Water is pumped in to revolving barrel and breaks down the clay without damaging the opal. Generally this washing process takes about a week then the sludge is emptied onto a sorting table where the opal is separated. Lack of water during periods of drought can severely affect opal production. 

Lightning Ridge Opal
Lightning Ridge Opal before cutting.

The finest quality rough opal is usually cut into cabochons in town and then sold individually or in jewelry. Medium to lower grades of opal are sold as rubs. This is where the miner will polish or face one side of the stone to show the color and then sells it to a cutter to complete the finished product. Medium and lower grades of the opal are used in carving and although some carving is done in town most is shipped to Asia for processing. Beautiful opalized fossil specimens have also been found in Lightning Ridge. 

Lightning Ridge Black Opal ring
Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring

Melody, in her book Love is in the Earth states that “black opal can be used for gazing, providing insights into matters of the past, present, and future”. The fire colors are “a catalyst for the inner knowing, inner seeing, and inner reconciliation of the information”.

Between its beauty, its rarity and magical qualities, we love this type of opal. It is one of Mother Nature’s finest works of art!

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What’s the Scoop About Lapis Lazuli https://www.earthgallery.com/whats-the-scoop-about-lapis-lazuli Sat, 28 Jan 2023 01:14:01 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2115 By Neville Ryan Until recent years it was almost impossible to obtain large pieces of top quality Royal Blue Lapis because of the difficulty of mining and export from Afghanistan. The easing of restrictions means that large polished pieces are now possible. How long will it last? No one knows! For most of its history […]

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By Neville Ryan

Until recent years it was almost impossible to obtain large pieces of top quality Royal Blue Lapis because of the difficulty of mining and export from Afghanistan. The easing of restrictions means that large polished pieces are now possible. How long will it last? No one knows!

For most of its history Lapis was only available in small rough pieces that were priced by the gram and were very expensive and so was mainly purchased by stone cutters for jewelry or by mineral collectors. A fist size stone was considered to be a large piece. Nothing was available for those people looking for a beautiful large mineral art piece for their home, office or for a display piece in a public setting.

Lapis Sculpture
Beautiful Lapis Lazuli Sculpture

Lapis is one of the very few blue minerals where it is possible to create large sculptures. Although Lapis can be as small as a tumbled stone weighing a few grams it can also extend to sculptured pieces that weigh over 100 pounds. Not only can size and weight differences be dramatic but color variation is also a feature.

Colors can vary from the full color of the highly desirable Royal Blue Lapis, which is reminiscent of the deep blue waters of the Pacific ocean, to what is known as Denim Lapis which has a lighter blue tone with a high concentration of white calcite. Small inclusions of minerals in the Lapis such as pyrite and calcite also add to the mystique of the stone.

There are a large variety of Lapis sculptures available, with each piece being unique. These sculptures are created by carving the stone into a variety of designs and shapes. Many times the Lapis sculptures have been made by simply polishing and smoothing the stone, following the natural shape that nature created.

Besides being beautiful, the stone has a metaphysical side as well. Many people use it to help create feelings of peace and harmony and to help in stressful situations in the home, office or an individual. Therapists use it in their offices as it supports speaking ones truth.  It is also used to open ones intuition, balancing and supporting the 6th (or third eye) chakra. It is used in stone healing sessions as well.

Lapis has a rich history dating back to 3000 BC. It is mentioned in the Bible: “Moses and many other leaders of the people ascended Mt. Sinai. There, “they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself” (24:10). Favored by Egyptian royalty, it was crushed and used as makeup by Cleopatra and was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

Whether you are attracted to Lapis for its beauty or for the peaceful energy and intuitive support it brings, it is a wonderful addition to any home or office. 

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Marra Mamba Tiger Eye https://www.earthgallery.com/marra-mamba-tiger-eye Mon, 13 Jul 2020 22:56:03 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2010 Marra Mamba Tiger Eye Marra Mamba tiger eye is regarded as the finest quality tiger eye available. It is highly sought after by cutters, jewelers,  and collectors around the world. Marra Mamba tiger eye is famous for its intense tiger eye colors of red, orange, blue, copper and yellow. Tiger eye isn’t the only contributor […]

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Marra Mamba Tiger Eye

Marra Mamba tiger eye is regarded as the finest quality tiger eye available. It is highly sought after by cutters, jewelers,  and collectors around the world. Marra Mamba tiger eye is famous for its intense tiger eye colors of red, orange, blue, copper and yellow. Tiger eye isn’t the only contributor of color. The interplay of red, blue, orange and yellow jaspers with hematite is typically interspersed throughout the stone. 

Not only do you have the fabulous color but many stones have scenes, or pictures, created by the sheen of the tiger eye with the jasper influence and streaks of hematite. Many look like nature scenes, waterfalls or river scenes. Because of this, Marra Mamba tiger eye makes stunning custom jewelry pieces. 

Marra Mamba is known for its pictures and scenes.

The original material was found in the Mt. Brockman area in the North West of Western Australia, but was mined out in the early 1970’s. The material is mined in rugged desert country in winter due to extreme summer temperatures. All fuel, machinery, food, and water was trucked in from Perth approximately 1,000 miles to the south. 

Many metaphysical properties are connected with this stone. It helps mentally clarify the mind as well as helping replace the darker aspects of mental “darkness” with light and positivity and allows one to revel in life and to flourish.

It promotes calmness, stability and peacefulness and has been used not only to stimulate wealth but help maintain a vibration to keep the acquired wealth.

Beautiful colors and pictures.

It can be used to enhance the psychic abilities and can assist in the gentle attunement of the third-eye activity – this stone being best adapted to “earthy” people. “Melody – Love Is In The Earth.”

It increases awareness and perception by balancing both hemispheres of the brain. The awareness includes not only ones personal needs but the needs of other people and the peaceful vibrations help calm turmoil.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Rare Louisiana Sand Opal https://www.earthgallery.com/rare-louisiana-sand-opal Sat, 04 Jul 2020 00:21:03 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2004 Louisiana Sand Opal showing a range of colors. Louisiana Opal was found in the Catahoula Formation in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. The only commercial producer was the Hidden Fire Opal Mine which operated on leased land and was closed down in the early 1990’s. Only small quantities were mined and rough material, in quantity, is very […]

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Louisiana Sand Opal showing a range of colors.

Louisiana Opal was found in the Catahoula Formation in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. The only commercial producer was the Hidden Fire Opal Mine which operated on leased land and was closed down in the early 1990’s. Only small quantities were mined and rough material, in quantity, is very difficult to find. This rarity combined with the mix of colors in the stone means it is regarded as a precious opal. Louisiana Opal, on the Mohs Scale of hardness, is rated as 5.5 to 6 but can be rated higher almost to a 7 on individual pieces.

Louisiana Opal is formed in sandstone where the sand grains are cemented together by opal. This means that the opal is very stable and can be cut into cabochons without the need for any protective backing or treating. When the polished stone is seen under light, either natural or artificial, it will show the the full play of colors previously hidden within the stone.  

Blue, green and purple light up this rare opal.

Most of the rough Louisiana Opal has a light gray or brown base color but it also occurs in a dark gray to black color which highlights the opal colors to a greater degree. These colors can include purple, green, red, blue, teal, gold and aqua. Louisiana Opal is now used mainly in cabochons.  Spheres and some carvings were made when the supply of opal was more plentiful but are now few and far between.

Louisiana Opal’s metaphysical properties are similar to Andamooka Rainbow Opal Matrix in that it releases inhibitions, helps to release anger, brings comfort during fear or grief, strengthens memory and encourages freedom and independence. It also increases creativity and original thoughts and aids in stimulating intuition and insight. It helps you work towards fulfilling  your deepest desires, dreams and ambitions and to work with your spiritual and animal guides.

 Louisiana Opal is now a very rare stone which will grow even more scarce as time moves on.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal https://www.earthgallery.com/andamooka-rainbow-matrix-opal Thu, 11 Jun 2020 19:35:31 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1999 Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal Andamooka is a small mining town in the desert of South Australia and is the only area that produces Rainbow Opal Matrix. This type of opal is found in minuscule pores interspersed throughout its limestone host rather than in seams such as found in Coober Pedy. The limestone is white and […]

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Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal

Andamooka is a small mining town in the desert of South Australia and is the only area that produces Rainbow Opal Matrix. This type of opal is found in minuscule pores interspersed throughout its limestone host rather than in seams such as found in Coober Pedy. The limestone is white and chalky and because it does not refract light the color of the opal appears to be faint and barely discernible.

To bring out the play of colors the opal has to be treated. Treatment consists of cooking the stone in sugar and then carbonizing the sugar which turns the sugar black. This turns the base rock black and highlights the opal found in the stone. It does not increase the color, just enhances the ability to readily see whatever color is there. A great advantage of this material is that it is very stable, will not craze and the colors of each piece will amaze you.

This opal is well named “rainbow.”

Rainbow Opal Matrix is coarse grained and it is difficult to obtain a high end polish obtainable on other opal types so it is typically finished by the application of a clear coat product. This coating does not increase the color of the opal and is only the equivalent of a final polish to highlight the magnificent combination of colors in this opal.

Rainbow Opal Matrix releases inhibitions, helps to release anger, brings comfort during fear or grief, strengthens memory and encourages freedom and independence. It also increases creativity and original thoughts and aids in stimulating intuition and insight. Rainbow Matrix Opal helps you work towards fulfilling  your deepest desires, dreams and ambitions and to work with your spiritual and animal guides.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Rare Ellensburg Blue Agate https://www.earthgallery.com/rare-ellensburg-blue-agate Wed, 10 Jun 2020 23:32:08 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1993 A Large Specimen of Ellensburg Blue Agate The Ellensburg Blue agate is regarded as the third rarest gemstone in the world. It is the only blue agate regarded as a “precious gemstone.” Ellensburg Blue agate is only found in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains northwest of Ellensburg, Washington, USA. Volcanic action, millions of years […]

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A Large Specimen of Ellensburg Blue Agate

The Ellensburg Blue agate is regarded as the third rarest gemstone in the world. It is the only blue agate regarded as a “precious gemstone.” Ellensburg Blue agate is only found in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains northwest of Ellensburg, Washington, USA. Volcanic action, millions of years ago, has created a unique chemical reaction combining titanium and forty-two other trace elements which in turn gives it the color and hardness found in Ellensburg Blue agate.

Unfortunately only a very small percentage of the agates found are blue and an even smaller proportion are suitable for use in jewelry. What is unique about this gem is their beautiful blue sky color. These gems range in color from a light sky blue, cornflower blue, and royal blue and are sought after by collectors, jewelers, stone cutters and jewelry lovers alike. Researchers believe that the blue color comes from refracted light from tiny particles in the stone, which is similar to why the sky is blue itself.

Ellensburg Blue Agate

One aspect that makes Ellensburg Blue agates different than other agates is their hardness. Ellensburg Blue agate has a Mohs hardness scale of 7.5 to 8.3 compared to most agates having a Mohs scale 7 hardness. 

Melody, in her world renowned book “Love is in the Earth” writes, “Ellensburg Blue agates can enhance one’s stature and bring happiness through self understanding. It provides the energy to allow one to fully appreciate one’s abilities, characteristics and situations. It is useful for opening and activating the throat chakra. It provides assistance in communication and speech. Ellensburg Blue agate has been used in the treatment of disorders of the throat and to improve eyes”.

Even though blue agates can be found around the world the Ellensburg Blue agates hold a special place because of their rarity and beauty. Top quality Ellensburg Blue agates are sold by the carat for hundreds of dollars.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Boulder Opal https://www.earthgallery.com/boulder-opal Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:09:57 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1987 Queensland Boulder Opal is mined in the desert regions of the state of Queensland in Australia centered mainly around the towns of Winton and Quilpie. As is implied by the name the opal is found in or nodular or boulder ironstone formations, in vertical and horizontal cracks, which are cut open to see what gems […]

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Queensland Boulder Opal is mined in the desert regions of the state of Queensland in Australia centered mainly around the towns of Winton and Quilpie. As is implied by the name the opal is found in or nodular or boulder ironstone formations, in vertical and horizontal cracks, which are cut open to see what gems lay hidden within the stone. Colors may vary dramatically and can include red, orange, green, blue, purple and just about any combination of colors you can imagine.

Australian Boulder Opal

Typically the opal is very thin so cabochons are cut with the ironstone as a natural backing. Not only does this mean that every piece is unique but it also explains why Boulder Opal is considered the strongest and most stable of all the opals. In some boulders the opal has a tendency to cleave so miners will use that to create split faces which happens when the stone is split in two and produce mirror images. 

Boulder opal doublets are very popular. This is when thin slices of opal are attached to a backing, typically natural ironstone. This makes the stone much less expensive than a solid opal and looks just as good when set in jewelry. It is also possible to find matching pairs or sets which is almost impossible with regular Boulder Opal.

Boulder Opal Pendant

Boulder opal jewelry is beautiful, showing a variety of colors against the dark matrix background. And each piece is one-of-a-kind. They are made into rings, bracelets, and necklaces. 

Boulder Opal is a grounding stone which helps with the transfer of information from spiritual to physical.

It helps in communicating with your guides. It clears the mind of confusion and provides clarity in our physical world. It also enhances well being and healing on the mental and physical plane.

We carry a variety of Boulder Opal, as well as Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal, Louisiana Sand Opal, Lightening Ridge Black Opal, Mexican Opal and more.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Opals https://www.earthgallery.com/opals Thu, 07 May 2020 22:55:40 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1977 Opal comes in many different forms from countries throughout the world. Australia has been the biggest producer for many years and includes boulder opal from Queensland, black opal from Lightning Ridge, crystal and white opal from Coober Pedy and crystal and matrix opal from Andamooka. The mining town of Mentabie used to be a major […]

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Opal comes in many different forms from countries throughout the world. Australia has been the biggest producer for many years and includes boulder opal from Queensland, black opal from Lightning Ridge, crystal and white opal from Coober Pedy and crystal and matrix opal from Andamooka. The mining town of Mentabie used to be a major producer of dark based opal but has now been closed down by the state government. Other countries include Ethiopia which has become a major producer, Mexico, U.S.A. (Virgin Valley Nevada and Spencer Idaho), Brazil, Honduras and Peru.

Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal
Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal

Opal is an amorphous form of silica, chemically similar to quartz, but containing 3% to 21% water within its mineral structure. Gem grade opals usually have 6% to 10% water content. Opal is a sedimentary stone. Under the proper conditions, water percolates through the earth, becoming rich in dissolved silicates. When water enters a cavity, it deposits the silicates as microscopic spheres, forming opals. If the spheres are uniform in size and shape and neatly stacked, they will diffract light. These stones are called precious opals. If the spheres are random in size, shape, and arrangement, the results are common opals.

Opal is generally sold in 4 ways: 

Solids or natural stones are cut from pieces of rough opal thick enough to form cabochons. This type of stone regardless of origin is regarded as the most expensive form of opal.

Doublets are produced by cementing a slice of opal onto a backing. This is particularly common where opal is backed by natural ironstone and sold as Queensland Boulder Opal doublets. These doublets are sold at a fraction of the cost of equivalent solid opals and also provide matching pairs of bright colored opal that is difficult to do with solids.

Triplets are made by cementing a very thin slice of opal to a black backing and then covered by a quartz cap to simulate a domed cabochon.This is the least expensive form of opal.

Be aware that because of the glue used on doublets and triplets repeated dunking in water can cause the stone to become water-logged and cause the stone to fade or become milky in color. 

Australian Boulder Opal
Australian Boulder Opal

Rough opal is also sold in its natural form. After the opal has been trimmed and cleaned to seams with little or no potch it is then sold in parcels to interested cutters. The price of the parcels depends on the quality and volume of opal found and can vary dramatically.

In the metaphysical world opal helps create joy, optimism, creativity and amplifies joy and love. It aids intuition and is a stone for deep meditation. Opal brings to light our most negative thoughts and aids in letting them go while enhancing one’s positive emotions and helping to fulfill our greatest potential.Opal stimulates originality, creativity, memory and spontaneity. It reminds us that what we put out to the universe will be returned. 

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Malachite https://www.earthgallery.com/malachite Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:48:46 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1970 Malachite is a copper based mineral and can vary between botryoidal, fibrous, stalagmitic or massive forms. The color varies through bright green, dark green, blackish green with some being almost black. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently the largest producer of Malachite but it is found worldwide including Australia, France, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, and […]

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Malachite is a copper based mineral and can vary between botryoidal, fibrous, stalagmitic or massive forms. The color varies through bright green, dark green, blackish green with some being almost black. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently the largest producer of Malachite but it is found worldwide including Australia, France, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, and southwestern USA (mainly Arizona).

Malachite is a beautiful decorative stone that has been used for many centuries and has been spectacularly featured in palaces and public buildings throughout Europe and Russia.  Now it is mainly used for jewelry which includes cabochons, earrings, pendants, necklaces and beads. Moh’s Scale of hardness is 3.5 – 4, so it is especially suitable for carving. It is made into beautiful spheres, eggs, obelisks, animal shapes, boxes, and sculptures.

People throughout the centuries have worn Malachite as a talisman for good health. Many healers use malachite as it is a strong physical healing stone. The ancient Egyptians believed that after death they would be transported to Paradise which was known as  the “Field of Malachite” where they would live their life with no pain or suffering. 

As stated by Melody in her wonderful book, Love is in the Earth, “Malachite is a stone of transformation assisting one in changing situations.” It can release long forgotten bad experiences and help find the way to proceed to a desired end result. Malachite can help you look inward to discover the emotional cause of illness and help release inhibitions. Historically, it has been worn for protection. 

Malachite is a beautiful stone with a great variety of patterns and shapes. Each piece is unique. Clearly one of natures master pieces. You can probably guess it is one of my favorites.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Chrysoprase https://www.earthgallery.com/chrysoprase Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:24:48 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1963 Chrysoprase is a beautiful stone that is often sold in Asia as Australian Jade. It isn’t! The stone is a form of chalcedony that has been colored green by the inclusion of nickel and is formed mainly in veins and nodules.  Chrysoprase is found in various countries including Russia, Brazil and Tanzania but the finest […]

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Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is a beautiful stone that is often sold in Asia as Australian Jade. It isn’t! The stone is a form of chalcedony that has been colored green by the inclusion of nickel and is formed mainly in veins and nodules.  Chrysoprase is found in various countries including Russia, Brazil and Tanzania but the finest quality comes from the Australian states of Queensland and Western Australia. Having a hardness of 7 on Moh’s Scale means that Chrysoprase takes a beautiful polish and is highly desirable for use in jewelry,  in the form of cabochons, pendants, earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, bead, tumbled stones and is highly desirable for carving.

Chrysoprase occurs in a range of green colors. These range from a pale yellowish green to a deeply saturated green. The abundance of nickel determines the strength of the green color. Pale yellowish green specimens can contain between 0.2 and 1.0 weight percent nickel oxide. Deep green specimens can contain up to 5 weight percent nickel oxide.

Australian Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is a stone that encourages a more positive outlook on life and is excellent in helping cope with anxiety, heart break, depression and stress. It is an aid in promoting love and  abundance and helps provide joy and happiness. It helps you to feel joy and love that is heart based. Chrysoprase energizes the heart chakra and through heart energy supplies the physical body with energy.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com


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