Rock Appreciation Day

Hey folks!

Its been QUITE awhile. I can't even recall when the last of these rock appreciation days occurred, but the desire sparked after acquiring some of these lovelies...this month we have:

MEXICAN FIRE AGATE.

You know. The mesmerizing stones that look like fire spewed from a Phoenix and then solidified? Because well, they kind of are. Formed in volcanic activity that is.

DSC_0689

Mexican fire agate is formed in volcanic activity in the Tertiary Period, and found in the Southern USA and northern Mexico. It is actually a form of layered chalcedony quartz (agate is in the quartz family). This type of agate is rare because of its iridescent qualities that give it the look of fire and flame. It ranges 6.5-7 on the MOH's hardness scale, and like other quartz can be polished to a great reflective waxy shine. My favourite pieces are ones with solid white or semi transparent quartz as a host rock to the fire agate. Iron oxide is what gives the fire agate its browner colourings. Rarer types include rainbow colour patterns to their shimmer from specific minerals. Metaphysically Mexican fire agate is used for calming, grounding, healing, and creativity.

DSC_0660

Past Mexican Fire Agate pieces:

DSC_1265

DSC_2129

DSC_0298

^these two stackers available at Arcana Healing Arts in Portland, Maine.

************

Two rings with Mexican fire agate have been made for the shop, to be included in Sunday's update. A little twisted band stacker, and this glorious mini shadow box inspired piece:

DSC_0686

****** Stay tuned for July 4th news, and thanks for reading!

If you have any requests for stones, gems, or minerals for the next Rock Appreciation Day, comment below!

xx Stray Arrow

New Stones, Peer News!

New stones scored yesterday at a gem show!

At the bottom of the post find new goodies by a friend and fellow artist, perfect to pair with crispy Fall weather...

*

STONES ARE:

Shattuckite (very high grade), Native silver in Cobaltite (very high grade), rainbow moonstone, porcelain jasper, merlinite dendritic opal, pyrite in clear quartz, kyanite (two gems), green tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline slice, carey plume agate, agua nueva agate with druzy pockets! (collector quality), light pink agua nueva agate.

Any of these can be used for custom orders. The darker native silver piece in the bottom left of the first photo is being held for a piece I'm using in a Winter collection...

*

photo 1-3

photo 2-2

photo 3-3

photo 4-2

photo 5-1

photo 1-4

photo 2-3

photo 5-2

******************

Miss Tory of ToryNova has officially released printed leggings of deliciously soft and stretchy lycra featuring more of her own illustrations. These are great and stylish for staying warm in Fall. I've already got the Sea Voyage babies to pair with my new heeled ankle boots!

il_570xN.494372665_f9o7

il_570xN.494324540_iewp