"To give without expectation is truly giving from the heart" ~Misty Morning Star
The Lost Opal
Creator / Artist : Misty Saldana
Opal is my birthstone. I live on the Mountain foothills in the Mojave. It got so hot one year that I prayed for rain and it rained to me, Opals!
Opals, Opals, Opals!
I sell, trade & prospect; not necessarily in that order. I also received donations. (I rarely buy)
I scout, hunt & dig for my gems. Working my fingers to the bone, I bring them to you.
Wire Wrapping Offer
Most folk have held onto that one stone that's been laying about in a box, drawer or elsewhere, getting beat up. Like I did for this Rose Quartz, I will bring it back renewed.
Basic, Simple, Fancy or Full Wrap $15-$30.
My Artwork
Each piece is wrapped artistically for I let the stone tell me how to wrap it. This makes my jewelry a one of a kind. You will only find THAT piece here. Here today, gone tomorrow!
Gemstones, Your Stones!
Obsidian vs Apache Tear
Obsidian is a beautiful black glass created in the Lava. It has a slow cooling process that gives it that melted glass look.
Apache Tear comes from the volcano as well however, it is shot put of the fire pit high up into the cold air and has a faster cooling process.
What is the difference in the gemstone? The heat, gasses, air speed and temperature changes the Tear's structure slightly enough that it forms a matrix the transparency becomes YELLOWISH!
About Opal
Opals... So much to know. The makeup is SiO² (Silicon Dioxide). Silicate fills in gaps within minerals, spreads and absorbs moisture. When water is absorbed... Beauty.
Opal is found in many types of stones as it spreads, (grows) it envelops the stone.
The difference between Opal and other Silicate base stones is only a slight composition. Some stones have a clear gel within them nothing more; lifeless like.
I like to think it's the water and oxygen that gives Opal its life!
Gem care
Most stones, as a natural cycle of physics, will eventually dry up and crumble without water, minerals and oil. Left in a hot house or environment, they die. Yes, I believe stones are alive.
So, put your stones in a container near sinks and showers. Handle them that the oils from your skin may feed them.
For opals, it's okay to shower with your Jewel as long as water is clear of damaging agents. If not, leave water out for 24 hours before soaking your Opal. The water will heal it if it is sick.
Although they are strong, they are not shock proof. As a gift of light from the Heavens, they should be treated as such.
Gem Value
Anything is only worth what one will pay. Do not discount the value of a barder.
Opals can run in variances due to a wide variety and quality. Here's a basic guide per Gram:
Pink, Milk & Common $50
Moss, Dendritic $75+
Fire $1000
Crystal $2500-15000
Light $500-$2500
Dark $5000-$15000
Black... Well, it's off the charts!
Petrified Wood
The fascinating mystery of Petrification: Imagine, a tree fell, a mudslide buries it deep; cutting off all Oxygen. Temperature changes aide to it's everlasting existence. With rains come slight exposure and let's in water, (H2O) then Silicate forms, grows, spreads and Opal thrives inside.
That is why many fine Opals are found in Petrified Wood!
What is it?
Sometimes it's about the Wrap, sometimes it's about the stone and SOMETIMES, it's both!
Some folks don't know what their stone is but just want the piece. For those wondering, I will do my best to enlighten.
Studying a stone
It's not easy to figure out what a stone is from a picture. ..."I saw a picture of a stone on the net so that must be what mine is..." Ok, I don't advise this method.
Rather, I suggest geology apps to get a direction, books, collections, rock shops... Research
Furthermore, just the stones name is not enough. Learn a bit, at least about how it forms. You will appreciate it more.