Not this time...but we gotta do the IRL bonding thing. Also have to have time to scrounge the beaches around Aransas and get down and dirty in Arkansas (who said the Prez was the only one who is allowed?!)...*grin* Of course, there is always the scenario of meeting in Austin and scaring the place out of its wits. Or, remember, John and I have promised you the grand tour of the Island here. If you tell us in time we can try to schedule and earthquake with your eruption. ...so much to do and only one life time...*sigh*

*sigh* here too.....

*Hugs*

Wonderful gem information. Marcia, I hope you do get to see your son this year, and get an alexandrite, too. Well, if you don't get the alexandrite maybe you'll find that Arkansas diamond. I have a question on birthstones, their folklore particularly. Are they intende to ward off evil spirits away from the wearer? Or do they enable the wearer the ability to control and overcome the negetive spirits in the vacinity? In the Middle Ages it was believed that different gemstones had specific influences, over health and such. Does anybody know anything about this?

stones are still held to that belief, they will enhance the wearer's ability to ward off bad-luck. this site (posted way back when) goes into the different stones for each month. http://www.jewelrymall.com/birthstones.html some stones require the wearer to have it close to their skin, like jade and amber. crystals are said to house the same supernatural properties.

Thank you, thank you, Wolf.

Stones, Lore and Energy http://www.spiritone.com/~cbdv/stones.htm Agate: Named after the Achates River in Sicily (now known as the Drillo River), agates have been valued by people since 3000 BC. They have even been found on fossilized remains of Stone Age humans dating from 20,000 - 16,000 BC. They come in a variety of colors. Amber: Amber is not literally a stone, although we often treat it as one. It is actually fossilized resin or tree sap, and often contains visible fragments of insects. To test if amber is real and not a plastic imitation, pour salt into warm water until it will hold no more salt. If the beads float, they are most likely amber. Amber floats in salt water, while plastic sinks. Amethyst: Named by the ancient Greeks, this is one of the best known gemstones. Ancient Greeks believed that Bacchus (the god of wine) gave it its name after pouring wine over a woman the goddess Diane had turn to stone. Its name originally meant "not drunk" and the ancients believed that anyone wearing this stone was unable to become drunk. Aventurine: In its green form, aventurine looks similar to jade. In fact, ancient Chinese held it in higher esteem than green jade (which also comes in many colors) and carved bowls, vases and other ornamental objects from this stone. In ancient times, even the imperial seal was carved from aventurine. Bloodstone: Bloodstone varies from green to red and brown. It is named bloodstone because the color of the stone resembles blood drops. Carnelian: For centuries, carnelian was used for insignia seals because it does not stick to wax. It is said to bring the wearer good luck. "Favoured by the Arabic peoples, the Carnelian is one of the stones of Kings. The rich, warm colour of the stone has often linked it to the energies associated with fire. Projective, proactive energy, the beast of fire being the Lion, the King. It is also a stone to lend courage to those in need, and very helpful to wear whilst speaking publicly (roaring)" (Baird "Gem Lore 2"). Citrine: This stone is close relative of amethyst, and in fact, citrine can be created by heating amethyst. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore citrine as a talisman and thought that it aided in digestion and cleansed the body of toxins. It also symbolized lightheartedness and joy. Garnet: When worn on the body, garnets are believed to protect from skin disease. Garnets are also an important symbol of fidelity, faithfulness and protection. Supposedly, they lose their brilliance when danger approaches. These stones were considered so powerful that armies often imbedded them in their arrows so they would fly straight into their enemies� hearts. Hematite: Hematite is said the keep the wearer grounded, so it is a good stone for people who tend to be absentminded. Jasper: Jasper comes in numerous colors and with a variety of markings. It is mostly commonly recognized in its red form, although it can be black, brown, or even green. This stone is said to help ward off bad dreams, to help control bleeding, and to help with pregnancy. Jet Glass: This coal derivative and its cousin, faux jet, were originally formed into beads during Queen Victoria�s mourning. When their husbands were away working or fighting, Irish women burned jet to protect bring them home. Labradorite: This stone is related to opals and moonstones, as evidenced by its iridescence. It is believed to help the wearer find their true self, and to make them feel at home, whatever the situation. Lapis Lazuli: This stone has so much lore associated with it, it is impossible to describe in a few sentences. Egyptians wore ground lapis as eyeshadow. Kings believed that sharpening their weapons with Lapis would make them invincible. People believe that the wearer of lapis carries God in them and that this stone gives the wearer an uncanny ability to see truth. Malachite: Ancient peoples believed this stone was alive and fed it water and iron filings once a week. Later people took it to Mass, believing it drove the devil out. It is also believed to ease sadness, help improve memory, and to relieve arthritis pain in the extremities. Moonstone: This is the lowest grade of opal. When worn on the neck, moonstone is thought to protect from epilepsy and sunstroke, and is used to cure headaches and nosebleeds. In India, the moonstone is still a sacred gem. It is the symbol of the "third eye," or our higher consciousness. Peridot: Peridot has been believed to cure liver disease. It also is said the free the mind from envious thoughts. Its magical power is best released when used with gold. Tiger Eye: This stone is often associated with courage and persistence. Topaz: Its name comes from Sanskrit "tapas", to glow. Turquoise: Turquoise is generally blue or green and may or may not contain dark lines or sections known as matrix. Turquoise is believed to protect from poison, and reptiles. People have adorned their horses with turquoise to protect them from falling. The Navajos believe turquoise protects from evil and embed the stones in their Hogans.

also check out the encyclopaedic site at http://home1.gte.net/mskelly/2library.htm This new age place covers downloads from things Arthurian through Zircons. http://www.alternatives.com/libs/relnewa.htm

thanks for all of that marcia! (btw, how do you know if the water won't hold anymore salt?)

It sits on the bottom and will not go into solution. Decant the clear liquid off if you want no sediment.

Wolfie - it is here! It is a pretty little thing. The sphere is about the side of a small marble and is a pale pinkish tan. It has the fibrous inclusions which are very attractive but it is heavy for fluorite...more the weight of glass. It is lovely and even the resident male liked it. The porpoise is tiny and a little hard to see, though...but for $20...I love it!

Actually, the sphere is very like the marble wallpaper in here. *smile*

ooo, sounds pretty!

It is...but if you are abundantly endowed and on the zaftig side, it will be lost on you...I am modest in all things so I think it'll be ok *smile*

It is almost flesh-toned, so it would probably look best on a white sweater or T-shirt.

or up against your upper chest. since i'm not heavenly endowed in that area (it all sank, *laugh*, not that you needed a visual!!), i could wear something small, but even my most delicate jewelry seems lost. mayhaps that's the point, like perfume, you don't want to get poked in the eye with something when we're a room apart!!

QVC Tanzanite show, 23 Apr (that's tomorrow) at 2PM Eastern (1PM CST)......

8am for Hawaii. I will try to catch it, but we are scheduled to hide Easter Eggs for the pre-softball game festivities.

that's early for you (not the easter eggs). i will let you know if i purchase anything! and you know QVC does specials for birthstones each month but i'll be they use pearls instead of alexandrite for june!

(should be "bet" not "be")

I am modestly endowed so things do not get lost but neither do they poke eyes out unless you are closer than I usually let people get...*grin* I would look pretty (my little Dolphin) on bare skin...

The double header starts at 11am and all of the eggs have to be found by then. Walmart has a nice selection of Tanzanite as does Liberty House (like Neiman Marcus Hawaiian style) and some at Sears. Betcha Zales does, too. Their fliers have lovely pieces in pale lavender.

I am usually up by 6 am or before. Have gotten online as early as 5am...

Clue me in - what's tanzanite?

it's a gem that's mined in Tanzania Africa. it has a nice purply-blue color and is often mistaken for a sapphire or amethyst. but it has nice color changes when you move the stone around. marcia, i gave in to temptation but am fighting with the thought to cancel the order. (fear of the AM). i ordered a band ring with two rows of pear-shaped tanzanites. it's two months of $91. 14K and over 1K in stone weight. it also has diamond accents. lemme get that pic out for you.

here's the ring in all it's glory:

do you see why i was tempted? it's beautiful. and it has a low gallery so it won't stick up to much on my hand (good thing since tanzanite is a 6 on the mohs scale)

Oh Wolfie, you are worth it!!! Shall I send you a contribution?! Get it - it is your earnings and you may do so - (tell AM to come talk to me if there is a problem...*grinning menacingly*)

i told him i was bad (he was napping) and he asked me what i did. i gave him the "you know what i did" look and he grinned. so wolfie is in the clear until the bill comes in!! (but you're right, marcia, i bring in half the pay check and after my rough week at work, i deserve a reward *grin*) i'm so glad you like it.

Excellent news, My Dear Wolfie! I like that sort of ring because it does not swivel around on your finger like solitaires are prone to do. That color will go with just about anything. Next, you NEED stud earrings to go with it *grin*

Yup!! (1.5 carats of tanzanite and .05 of diamond mounted in rhodium)... the studs sold out. in fact, this ring and a pendant were the only things left of a 3 hour show, which, for obvious reasons, lasted maybe 1 1/2 hours!!

Oooh...lovely! What color are your eyes?

(If they are blue the Tanzanite will sparkle more but if they are brown it will make them more intense...)

If your eyes are green or hazel you have to send them to me *grin*

they're brown with green and gold streaks....

Guess you won't clash with your tanzanite, then. It was the middle of the night when i wrote that from the Living room laptop, and I was feeling a little weirder than usual *grin* Mine are sort of an amber brown (reddish) like my hair was when I was little.

i've seen a couple of people with reddish eyes. they're not quite brown. reminds me of cats.

Mine are more like chestnuts than reddish, but I know what you mean. I am a hybrid. My oldest sister had blue eyes, the middle one had hazel and I got the brown...*sigh*

Mine are blue.

I know....beautifully clear blue...I noted that. Very becoming...*sigh* (It is So good to have you posting in here. I am a happy girl today *yippee!!*)

me too! tanzanite would enhance and be enhanced by the color of your eyes. do you wear an earring?

*lol* bet he might have in his younger bell-bottom days...! His eyes are the color of the sky in Hawaii at midday - blue like my dad's

how pretty!!

If there were any way to get the shot of him off that video he'd occupy all of drool as close as I can tell. Pretty and unforgettable

The ring is beautiful Wolf. Are you going to get those earrings? As to eye color, I always wished I blue eyes. I have eyes like a white tail deer -- wide, dark brown, and myopic. Did you know deer are nearsighted? Anyway, the advantage of having dark hair and eyes is no color ever clashes with them. I also look pretty much the same in black and white photos as I do in color.

*sigh* I always wanted to be a green-eyes geologist. Instead, I gave birth to one and fell in love with another...and another... I really like green eyes!

Hazel-green, actually... *big sigh*

no earrings this time, cheryl, they all sold out! have always been told that my eyes are pretty (despite the shitty brown color). you can't see the gold unless i'm in the light. certain colors bring out the green in them. but they're predominately brown.

Even though I have hybrid brown eyes, they are my best feature...and I can get into trouble with them...*sigh*

Lance could tell you better about my eyes, but he did not remember the color!

oh no!

my daughter and husband have even brown eyes. chestnut color and they have such depth. but my eyes give me away. couldn't play poker!

Mine are chestnut (or did I say that already), too. Some think I am good with my fingers. My eyes are right in the same league. I cannot get away with anything either, so I avoid those games which make me be secretive unless I am involved in real stuff in which case I can do it.

me too!

would you like my green eyes???? Sorry, but they're getting to longsighted these days to manage without glases all the time.

Ah yes, Presbyopia...lots of us have it, including me. I guess my coloring is best for my chestnut eyes so I think I'll let you wear the green ones =) You can always get violet contacts and look like Liz Taylor! I had a friend who had a whole range of colors from turquoise to indigo.

Well, that is a local phone number and it IS 15% off during Merrie Monarch... Talk about wishful thinking...!

those are pretty but too big for me!

How did I manage to get them over here on the inorganice gems?! Auwe. Should I scribble and move them?! Sheesh! I have a swan neck and need stuff to use up some of the length (nibbling room is not compromised in any way *grin*)

no, don't move them!

I did - mostly because Lance does not come in here much yet and he goes immediately to 18 where the pearls are. *sigh* It has been a weird day on Spring. Are your gifs back? All I can see is those boxes "where an image should be."

i've not had a problem seeing the gifs. in fact, right before i logged on over here, i took a gander and they're there.

And, you can see them on the front page of spring, as well? I can only see them on the W 3.1 laptop which uses the most rudimentary of programs...but I did see the globe! And the Jaguar! And terry's buttons at the top of the page. Must be my Netscape. You use IE?

i'm using IE right now. a friend of mine at work can't see my gifs either. hmmmm.....will check the spring frontpage.

yup, i can see them.....

I can't except with IE in the living room...*sigh* It is distressing since Netscape works better for me in most applications, and I was not told to change. For years the ladies in Drool have been having terrible posting problems using IE. They are exclusively now using Netscape. I wish one of the magicians would let me know if I should change... (but, how do I do the Vulcan web page then?!

Oh, Marcia, you poor thing, suffering with that swan neck. It makes me think of the story of Consuelo Vanderbilt, whose father, Cornelius, had an extraordinary multi-strand pearl choker made to show off her swanlike neck. All Consuelo could do was complain about how uncomfortable it was.

What can you expect from women not skilled in the social graces. I would not have complained...not in a million years! Nouveau riches! (spelling?!)

long necks are an attribute in at least one tribe in africa and girl children wear rings around their necks from day one. a new ring is added periodically to allow the look of a long neck. (however, it does significant damage to the clavicles, which, IMHO, are much sexier than a grotesquely long neck).

My clavicles are intact, and except for my ex who claimed I looked like a harpy in one of his less generous moments, I am not out of proportion and more than one has nibbled his way to glory - one way or another.

*giggle*

You're gonna have to take my word for it unless Lance enters the discussion. He's seen me! For a while, he was the escort of choice for me by O'O...*sigh*

well, i'm definately out of proportion but we won't go there. *laugh*

Well, Liz thinks her legs are too short...

it's always something, huh?

like we were saying...in another life *=)

well, the ring from qvc came in this weekend and i didn't like it. it's really square and i didn't care for the setting. for some reason, the stones aren't set evenly (as far as height) and it's not on purpose (i.e., graduated heighth). it's really pretty, as far as the sparkle factor goes but not impressive to me and didn't look that great on my hand.

Send it back! It seemed to be set by small children in a 5th world country (which it probably was) and that is unfortunate. They showed a real tight shot of it and I caught it on our BIG tv screen. I was hoping my eyes were deceiving me.

Will they let you send it back?

yes for any reason. and it's repackaged and going out tomorrow.

marcia, i got the color enhanced mystic fire topaz today. it's the trillion and it's absolutely gorgeous! (what a surprise. he actually told me to pick something out)....

here's a website offering the stone: http://www.dalmar.net/Mystic.htm

How lovely! I am delighted for you. How is the stone set and what shape and size is it - in other words, can you scan the new jewel in your crown? I know Topaz is 8 in hardness, but the Mystic Fire is a coating put onto a clear white topaz. This coating is much softer and will abrade, so do not plan to do the gardening while you are wearing it. Want to see it!!!

My Precious Gem, David, sent me a book on everything there is to know about Yosemite...rocks, newts, fishes, trees, birds and everything else. As the cover says, Yosemite: A Visitor's Companion. History, plants, ecology, Geology, Wildllife and Road Guide...I want to go back to see Yosemite!

He inscribed it "For Mom, Who lives rocks." He knows his Mom! The second best thing today was when John was reading the Mother'sDay dedications for a song, he included his mom and "my friend, Marcia" I am all warm and fuzzy now! House male gave me a handblown glass rose - it is very lovely!

It is trillion set with 3 diamonds on two sides (6 total). it is draped looking and i will scan it tomorrow night. glad you had a good Mother's Day, Marcia!!

Well, it has been very quiet, but I saw what I needed to see and was appreciated in places I did not expect to hear from *grin* Hope yours is good, as well!

Your ring sounds LOVELY!!! I love the trillion cut. Bet it sparkles like mad! Wear dark glasses when you take it out into the sunlight!

already viewed it outside and it turns dark. and it changes colors when i move the stone around. very pretty and unusual. also, the salesman i spoke with knows his gems and we were talking at length and i made sure this stone was not a tavalite. it's not (thank goodness). and he invited me to a used tanzanite jewelry sale this coming friday and saturday. because the mine in tanzania is flooded, these gems are sure to rise in value due to their rarity. amazing that only one area has these beautiful stems.

he also said he was at an estate sale and saw an alexandrite in an antique setting for $100. not being familiar at the time with alexandrite, he passed it up and could kick himself for it.

Yikes! Alexandrite for $100?! Kick him for me, too! Get the Tanzanite you want now. They are gonna be gone soon! I am delighted to hear it is not Tavalite!!!

they didn't have any dark ones. just the paler varieties without much color change.

and here's my mystic fire topaz ring. left large so you can see the colors:

ok, let's try again...

OOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh That is stunning! The color is much prettier than the one on the website!

*grin* knew you'd love it!!

If it belonged to anyone else, I'd be tempted to be petty and mean-spirited about it, but since it is yours, I am just happily envious!

I read an article in the Smithsonion Magazine yesterday about a couple in N. Carolina who bought the land around an abandoned emerald mine because he felt that there was more there. The rented the equipment to do the digging and the last week before the lease was up they found a cave filled with crystals and emeralds. Hanging from the ceiling and sticking out of the walls. The emeralds are of as high quality as Central Americam emeralds and many of them are even better.