artist of interest: Carly Waito

Smokey Quartz, 2011

Carly Waito is a Toronto-based artist who is obviously in love with gemstones. Her oil on masonite paintings of crystals and minerals are gorgeous and so realistic. They are also quite small, some only 7 x 6".

Sphalerite, 2011

Check out her blog, where she writes about her work and her nature travels.

 (images via Narwhal Art Projects) 

Today's Gems: Sandstone

sparkling sandstone ring and necklace

Sandstone is the second  most common sedimentary rock and consists of two parts: a grain component of quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments; and the space between the grains which fills with silica or calcium carbonate during the lithification process.

Rocks called Moqui Marbles, named after the Moqui Indians of the western United States where these are commonly found, are compacted balls of sandstone encased in iron compounds. Geologists have several theories about how the stones are formed, some believe they are meteoric or even extraterrestrial in origin. The baseball shaped stones, sometimes referred to as "Shaman Stones," were used by Native American shamans for vision quests and other types of out-of-body journeys. They are still used by contemporary practitioners to release emotional blocks and stimulate Chi energy throughout the body.

Moqui Marbles (via canyoneeringusa.com)

Because sandstone is very resistant to erosion, it makes for a very durable building material. The Treasury building of Petra, modern day Jordan, was carved directly into the rock. It dates from the 4th century BC and still stands today. Other notable sandstone carvings are the temples of Abu Simbel, Egypt, built by Rameses II and carved out of a cliff on the west bank of the Nile.

The Treasury of Petra (via Google Images)

The Painted Desert in Arizona is a great example of cross bedding in the sedimentary rock. This occurs when strong forces of wind or water deposit the rock at a high velocity. It's easy to imagine the sandstone being swept and shaped over the Earth's surface.

The Painted Desert in Arizona (via britannica.com)

References: Smithsonian Rock and Gem by Ronald Louis Bonewitz; Gems of Wisdom, Gems of Power by Teresa Kennedy

Read related posts: Today's Gems

Crystal and Gem Blogs

In my everlasting internet searches for crystals and minerals, I've come across some really great gem and geology blogs. Here are a few of my favorites.

Gem-myriad
This blog provides a brief description and history of each mineral, as well as metaphysical characteristics and uses.

FUCKYEAHCRYSTALS
Lots of gorgeous pictures of raw crystals, geological wonders, and crystals in jewelry. The blogger answers readers questions and also has an informative section About: Crystals - Meanings & Facts.

Mineralia
This blogger posts a lot of rare and unusual photos of minerals.

Geology Rocks
To quote their about section: This blog is about all things geology. Landmarks, minerals, sedimentary deposition, pretty pictures, and humor all fall into this category.


In Love With Geosciences
Described as: Mineralogy. Petrology. Paleontology. Volcanology. Glaciology. Seismology. Structural Geology. Sedimentology. Speleology. Stratigraphy. Astrogeology. Evolution. Those last two are my favorite!

Some other notable science blogs:
Mi(ni)Geo
GENETICIST
Scientific Illustration
Fresh Photons
Fuck Yeah Volcanoes
American Museum of Natural History
National Geographic Daily

Or just check out what's in Tumblr's science spotlight here.

GEM IT UP

gems of fashion: Jewelry of the Internet

(via fuzzmk)

(via HERE'S THE DEAL)

Today's Gems: Amethyst & Quartz

The most common mineral associated with the word crystal is Clear Quartz. It is the most popular crystal for healing and is very easily obtained, often found in granite deposits or sedimentary rock. It comes in many formations, from large six-sided crystals to tiny clusters of needle-like points. Rose quartz, amethyst, and citrine are all quartz crystals that have been colored by impurities.

Clear quartz is typically used to cleanse and focus energy levels in the body, clearing impurities and psychic debris. In some ancient civilizations it was referred to as "holy ice," incorporated in jewelry, and used in religious rituals in the form of crystal skulls. Quartz increases concentration and refocuses the body, mind, and spirit toward clear goals. The powerful energies of quartz are essential for protecting oneself during astral travel, or out-of-body experiences. It can also be programed to cleanse or amplify specific energy levels, or cleanse other stones of impurities.

Amethyst, a crystal which varies from dark purple to pale lilac, is a form of quartz. The difference between amethyst and other quartz varieties is the oxidation state of impurities in the crystal. Amethysts can be found in geodes or in crystal form. The word amethyst comes from the Greek amethystus which means "not intoxicated." In Greek mythology, the amethyst represents wisdom. During the Middle Ages, it was associated with celibacy and prominent in decoration of churches.


The stone is also associated with the crown chakra, the highest level of enlightenment, and is said to open the third eye to enhance spiritual awareness. Amethyst calms the nervous system and creates a healing effect on ailments such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, headaches, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Placing an amethyst under the pillow is said to help cure insomnia. Wearing the crystal helps to calm mental stress and ward off negative influences. Amethyst is commonly used in crystal meditation and psychic practices to put oneself in touch with their own inner knowledge. Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.

(sources: Gems of Wisdom, Gems of Power by Teresa Kennedy; Crystals by Jennie Harding)

Today's Gems: Agate & Moonstone

I collect a lot of jewelry that contains crystals & gems, and I thought it would be a cool idea to write a post about the different crystals I wear day-to-day. So without further or due, here's what I'm wearing today:


Botswana Agate is a common agate found in Botswana, Africa. The stone varies in the color of Gray, Pink, or Apricot with fine white patterns of circles or ovoids. Usually, it is found in the form of nodules, similar to a geode. Botswana Agate is of the trigonal crystal system and it's chemical composition is silicon dioxide (SiO2).

Botswana Agate can be used to stimulate the exploration of the unknown and to further one's quest towards the enlightened state. Many feel that it has an anti-depressant quality. It can be helpful for those who are struggling to be genuine in their lifestyle, as it promotes an understanding of the need for deeper meaning. Carry Botswana Agate to promote creative ability in any project or goal. It encourages one to find solutions rather than focusing on negative aspects of daily challenges. Botswana Agate is also said to stimulate the crown chakra, encouraging eternal love and allowing for the recognition that eternal love is a constant in the ever-changing universe. (Reference: Healing Crystals)

Moonstone is a type of feldspar made up of potassium aluminum silicate. Moonstone is known for it's beautiful sheen called labradorescence, which is a light effect caused by parallel hairlike fractures within the crytalline structure that bounce light at certain angles, creating different colored effects.

In crystal healing, Moonstone is considered symbolic for enhancing feminine energy, bringing inner peace and calm. Helping one to fully relax and enjoy the moment, it is often used to alleviate sexual anxiety, in addition to helping one fully love and appreciate others. Although it is traditionally known for having female qualities, it is good for anyone seeking to strengthen their intuition, especially with regard to potential love interests. Moonstone energy can be of great use in ridding oneself of toxic relationships or people. It encourages growth and the abilitiy to "go with the flow," as well as acts as a guide to new love. (References: Gems of Wisdom, Gems of Power by Teresa Kennedy; Crystals by Jennie Harding)

girly pearls

I've had this obsession with pearls, lately. Not only because they are beautiful, but I love that they are considered a "gemstone," yet they grow from within a shellfish! It's literally the hardened secreation of a slimely little mollusc!

I've also been obsessed with looking up the healing and emotional uses for gemstones. Pearls emit peace and tranquility. They are symbolic of the moon and it's effect on the human body, balancing the hormones. Pearls also represent fertility and purity, as well as influence the wearer to more openly accept love (for themselves and others). I believe the pearl is also a great symbol of femininity and womanhood.

I had used pearls, or the idea of pearls, in my work in the past (see here and here). I recently felt the urge to continuing exploring pearls and femininity in my work. Out of nowhere I had this idea for a stop-motion video. I've never done stop motion before, nor have I ever wanted to.

Images of baby oysters on a beach, the birthing of a stream of fluid and pearls from a human womb, and a bird warming a pearl in it's gooey nest were flowing through my mind.

prototypes

New works in progress using rocks and gems.

Prototypes pictured above.

My artwork can be found here.

collection

This is only a tiny, tiny fraction of my grandfather's rock collection. I am slowly looking through, cleaning, & organizing all of the minerals. I'll be using a lot of the smaller pieces in my new sculptures.

mineralfest

Mineralfest

I was planning on attending one of the local shows today, but unfortunately it was canceled and I won't be able to update with all my wonderful finds.

rocks in light & motion

Music video featuring minerals from my grandfather's rock collection.
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