Harvesting Rocks

We purchased our property, 4 decades ago, because of it’s rolling character, and distant southern-facing views. Our solar home was set into the highest slope in the area.  We built our Solar Home into this big hill.  We refer to our property as “Lodi Heights”. Lodi proper, is a place well known to locals for it’s famous Trading Company, and a gas station/store. That gas station used to have a roadsign that said “Lodi”; That’s how big it was when we moved there.

At the edge of our Red Pine Plantation, grows a group of White Pines.  Bonnie discovered the head of a rock peeking out, next to one of those White Pines. It was about the size of half a piece of paper. She dug around a bit with a shovel, and decided to let me bring my tractor, since it might be to big for her shovel.

I’m always on the lookout for landscape rocks, so I grabbed the Kubota tractor, and attempted to extract this rock. The Kubota was not big enough to “pop” it out, so we (mostly Bonnie) tried to dig it out more. We found the boulder to be large and encased in White Pine roots. 

I have a good buddy, Dave, with a tracked Bobcat. That Bobcat (and Dave), with help from us and others, have retrieved hundreds of rocks from piles around our property. Dave loves to build rock walls from fieldstone. We hired Dave (and his minions) to constuct remarkable retaining fieldstone walls on our propery. These walls added class and eye appeal to our landscaping (especially Bonnie’s amazing gardens).

Dave brought his Bobcat over last week to spread a new load of gravel on our drive. I said; “Dave, can you dig up a rock for me?” There is nothing Dave likes more than digging, moving, and building with fieldstones. Dave gets as excited about digging rocks as I do when I find a bonus fry in the bottom of a McDonalds’ bag. Both Dave and I love rocks. I prefer little ones to make jewelry, and he prefers monster ones for rock walls. 

Dave took his machine down to dig up that rock, AND COULD NOT BUDGE IT!  NOW WE ARE PISSED OFF! Dave is upset that his trusty Bobcat had failed to fetch that rock, and me because I WANT that rock. His story is that, while I was gone on an errand, that root encrusted boulder. made his Bobcat do headstands; Dave and his grandson dug around that rock even more, and it still would not “pop”. The rock had a skull of White Pine Roots gripping it.

The Next Day

While we like trees, we have a lot, and we really love ROCKS, so it was decided that Dave should take his machine, and “do whatever it takes”, to dig out that rock from under that Big White Pine; even if it meant cutting the tree down!

After some serious sand removal, that big glacier-transported boulder, was finally extracted. We never would have gotten that stone out with hand digging, or with my Kubota. We had no idea how big that granite boulder was!

Root damage was sustained by the White Pine, but it may come back. if it has sustained too much damage, I’ll cut it down and sell it for lumber.

Not only was that large boulder extracted, but 30 other sizable stones were also under that tree.  This indicated that this was origionaly a farm stone pile, containing rocks removed from fields. They couldn’t move the big rock, so just added more smaller rocks to it.

Now, that stone proudly sits in a place of enjoyment, with several of its’ buddies. It has to remain where if is. It’s too big for the Kubota. These rocks present an opportunity for a new flower garden, or a structure for kids to climb on.

The challenging Boulder is Granite with a fine seam of Quartz running around it, like a seatbelt (or like the tree roots that had it secured). Dave has hauled larger Boulders, but this was his most challenging rock ever.

The next step is a good power washing of all those new beauties. Some of the pictures may be out of order, but I think you can figure it out.

I recently purchased some Megalodon Teeth at our clubs’ show in Jacksonville. Sharks’ teeth are available from dealers and divers in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. All sharks shed their teeth, and a new tooth rolls into the open place.

Many of the Southern rivers and the Atlantic Ocean provide the opportunity to find or dive for these fossils. Different sharks have specific teeth, and when you find a sharks tooth, a knowledgeable person can identify the species of shark that the tooth came from.

The most exciting find is always a Megalodon Tooth, especially a large, perfect tooth. Most sharks’ teeth are broken and/or may have flaws in the Enamel. The perfect tooth is very scarce, and when found they fetch top dollar. I bartered a top of the line meg tooth many years ago to a fossil dealer in Tucson. My tooth is perfect in every way. It has perfect saw-like edges, and has Pyrite in it, that shines in the sun.

I occasionally purchase Megalodon teeth from divers. Eliminating any middle man is always better for me and I can pass along the savings to my customers.

How big was the Megalodon? The analogy I use when I speak to kids is; “Do you know how big a school bus is?” All kids know how big a school bus is, of course. “THINK OF A SCHOOL BUS WITH TEETH!!” That is how big a Megalodon was. Some were known to be over 50 feet long, and they had a mouth that a normal person could stand inside!

You just cannot imagine just how big a Megalodon was, unless you actually saw one. Well, guess what?: You can see a model of a Megalodon, at the Tennessee State Aquarium in Chattanooga, and there is one in the Smithsonian. Pictures are on line.

Researchers have determined that a baby Megalodon was born alive at over 6 feet in length. The question is how did th baby get that big at birth? That baby Meg ate up the embryos and its siblings IN THE WOMB!

Even as a baby, the Megs’ cannibalistic habits were apparent. When this baby was born, it had to be protected. Other Megalodons could easily eat baby Megs. Megalodons fed on whales, Dolphins, and anything else, at the rate of 2,000 pounds a day for an adult Meg. Sometimes I tell the kids that they would be a small snack for a big Megalodon. Megs could eat a Killer Whale in 5 bites! “Chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp.” Orca gone.

You know, do you not, that kids love Dinosaurs and Megalodons?

I am far from a shark expert, but if I find someone that knows about sharks, I pick their brains for shark trivia, that I can pass on to the kids, or you.

Over the years, I’ve developed a wire wrap for Sharks Teeth and arrowheads. Using my shark wrap, I can wrap any size tooth. Guys seem to like the BIG Meg Teeth, and ladies prefer a more toned down, not so much “in the face” version; perhaps a “Baby Shark” (It’s OK to sing). Baby Megalodon teeth are less expensive than big Mega-teeth, and are often preferable for the ladies. To be sure, the big ones are hefty! You’ll want a suitable chain, I use two 4mm gold fill chains together.

Enjoy my recent Shark journeys.

The Twelve Pendants for Christmas

I’m not sure why I was so eager to make some fancy pendants this Holiday season. My normal pendant production is already really nice, but I just wanted to move some pendants to the next level, and challenge myself; Experimenting and doing things I seldom, or never, have done before. I also think that there’s a lot of negativity right now. Happy pendants are a small way that I try to counter gloom and doom.

The first new pendant I made was a double stone flexible/swinging pendant I named “Mythical Illusion”. It’s a white Aurora Druzy Quartz on the top and an oval shaped Yellow Optical Quartz on the bottom. Little smooth sterling silver beeds between the top stone and the bottom stone add even more flash. My artsy brain had a vision that this combination would look phenomenal, and it does. Loads of muti-colored sparkle in the Druzy and cats eye effect in the Glass. Who do you know who would look glamorous in this shiny special piece?

The second feel good pendant is a Biggs Picture Jasper that remind me of the Joshua Tree National Park in California. That park is like some aliens came and stacked giant boulders on top of each other, I think the Flintstone town of “Bedrock” is in there somewhere, so I named this pendant “Bedrock”. Scenic stones like this are fascinating to wear and show off, as people enjoy seeing images. A great gift.

The third pendant, of a bright and happy nature, is a rare Green Victoria Stone. Victoria Stone ceased production in around 1980. It’s a man-made gemstone with an brilliant chatoyant effect. This dark Green has always a favorite Victoria Stone color. I decided to bling it up with some Bicone Swarovski crystals of Indicolite color. “Covenant of Beauty” is the moniker on this one; because it is! A splendid choice for the Christmas season, when you need some special bling, or if you have an Irish heritage.

The fourth Happy pendant was a Petoskey stone that reminded me of our daughter’s little dog. I named that one “Dexter”, the name of this cute Maltese/Pomeranian. If this reminds you of your pet, please feel free to change the pendant name to your own dog! A cute, smaller Petoskey stone with a nice pattern, a great piece whether you see the dog or not!

The Fifth Pendant is a red Ammonite shell from Alberta. The picture really does not do justice to the flashy reds in this fossil. “Fossil Fire” is its’ name. It really shimmers with bright red/orange/yellow fire. A great choice for someone partial to red, again a bright choice for Christmas wear, or to wear with white and black.

Sixth is a Koroit Boulder Opal from Australia. The superb colors share the spotlight of the sheen of the hematite, various browns, and yellow opal in the center. Careful examination under a light will also surprise the owner with rare purple, lavender and green . The colors are so much more pronounced in person. “Sumptuous Sprinkle” has sprinkles of color hidden throughout the matrix.

The Seventh new pendant is a delightful piece of Copper Ore from the Keweenaw Peninsula. A greenish back suggests it came from a mine in the central part of the Keweenaw. The Prehnite matrix hints of the Cliff mine. I sealed this one to prevent tarnishing. It has just the right amount of Copper in it. I named it “Sublime”. Large enough for a bold person!

I think the Eighth Pendant could be my favorite of this group. An exceptional Green Variscite, from Utah, featuring Jade beads and Swarovski Crystals. “Green Fantasy” was an obvious name. This should be for your favorite fancy lady. It would look great at Christmas, but also for a wedding or anniversary occasion. Its luscious, and so will she look!

A Copper Agate was added to a set of Ocean Jasper Eyes, to create this whimsical character. He’s number nine in this collection. My vision here was a cross between a “Droid” from Star Wars and an Owl. I named this pendant “Friendly Stare”, because, well, just look at those eyes!. Wouldn’t someone you know really like to wear him?

A Silver-Copper Nugget, found on a beach in the Keweenaw, is my 10th new Pendant. For over a hundred years, we referred to these as “Halfbreeds”. This seems to be a negative term anymore, perpetuated by non-Native Americans, who think it is a negative term. I do not think it to be negative in any way, as it refers to a chunk of Copper with Silver in it, and not any indigenous peoples. These rare pieces are highly valued, and fun to wear. I called this Pendant “Heavy Metal”. This is my tenth happy/anti-negativity pendant.

This carved Unakite horse was found at the Tucson Shows a few years ago. These carved Equines are very much appreciated by the horse lovers, each one a bit different. I named this guy “Green Steed”. Unakite is common in the Glacial Tills in the Great Lakes region. My eleventh Festive Pendant.

Pink Petoskey Stones are a real treasure.. Some of them are real “Shiners” even in the rough. This was one of the best PinkPets I found this year. While hunting in the rain on a gravel road, this stone really stood out. A fine pattern, exceptionally Pink, and hard enough to take a glass-like shine. My 12th new pendant, Now I’ve covered all 12 days of Christmas. I’ve named this pendant “Holiday Pink”.

Since you have waded thru all the 12 days of Jewelry, you deserve a bonus; A Bakers Dozen, so to speak. A rare and beautiful Centennial Blue Datolite. About the only place you can find these are in old collections. I named this Datolite Pendant “Happy Blues”,

Not being interrupted by snow removal, makes it easier to up my jewelry creations. When this blog is published, all these pendants should be posted on our websites. If you do not find them, contact us, and refer to the name I gave each pendant.

Merry Christmas and Happy New year everyone. If you celebrate another Holiday; Happy that one also. We do not care what Holiday you celebrate , as long is Snob Appeal Jewelry is involved! Stay Merry!

Unless I have a specific Lapidary Project, things are pretty random regarding what rocks, Mnerals, or Fossils I make jewelry from. Heres some new things you’ve not seen.

How do I know you’ve not seen this jewelry? It involved my camera not working, Logically if my camera is broken, I cannot take jewelry pictures. It’s reasonable to presume that by not having any pictures of some new work, it would be impossible for you to see it.

A different camera was the ticket to taking some new pictures. This array of jewelry pictures shows what I go through. I see something that attracts me; it can be any stone at any time. In the middle of the night (often) an inspiration overtakes my brain, and I pop out of bed to make a new piece of jewelry. Here are a few recent art pieces.

Sometimes my wife, Bonnie, goes searching around our buckets, boxes, and bins. She often finds amazing things from back in the day. If she finds something rare and amazing, she’ll bring it into my shop. “Bonnie Treasures” are often cut and polished right away.

Top right clockwise: Lake Superior Agate, Copper Nugget with Chlorite, Quincy Datolite with Copper inclusions, Megalodon Tooth, and Delaware Datolite with copper inclusions,

Other times I go in search of things near my Genie (Lapidary machine). I often pile much things up around that machine and others, then forget I left it there. Searching though these near materials in also often rewarding.

As a celebration of Valentines day, I want to introduce you to a longtime couple (Mark & Mildred Trilobite), celebrating 537 Million years together. That’s a true Love Connection! They became a couple in the Cambrian Seas, near what is now known as Delta, Utah.

It was not love at first site, but eventually a close bond was formed; a very strong bond indeed; a bond not broken until mid 2015, when these lovebirds were extracted from a fossil pit on a hot desert day. They were given a bath and a quick cleanup, then carried to Tucson, Arizona, where I discovered them in a hotel room, at a fossil show, still cuddling.

The pair were not quite a heart-shape, but close enough for a bond of this strength.

As I wire wrapped this stunning Trilobite couple, tears formed in my eyes thinking about how they were together in life and death; a true love story.

My wife said this was such a great true love story I had to share it.

Here are a few other Trilobites for you to enjoy.

You can visit Mark & Mildred as well as other Trilo family members on our Trilobite page. You may see some other unusual love couples there.

Some stones confuse or surprise rockhounds by looking different from the norm. For April Fool’s, let’s take a look at some of these Rock Foolers!

If you have ever attended the Tuscon Gem Shows you know how massive they are. 50 some shows with hundreds of dealers at each. Anyone experienced at Tucson knows that many times the same stones are sold by different dealers, but have different names. This is done for marketing purposes and fools many unwary buyers. Blue Pectolite, for example is sold as Larimar. A picture jasper might be sold under three different names even though it is the same thing.

Sometimes these deceptions are intentional, but sometimes a dealer might not know or remember what it is, and randomly gives it a name. You can be fooled at the shows! I have also benefited from dealers not knowing what they have. One time in a major dealer show in Tucson, I purchased an amazing Black & Red Kentucky Agate because a facetted gen dealer did not know what she had.

In my own barn I have come across material that has fooled me into thinking it was something else. In this blog I show you a few surprising variations, that might fool us into thinking it is something other than what it really is!

In my business, I won’t sell something that I’m not sure what it is. Sometimes it takes a lot of research to discover the identity of a stone.

I know that turquoise is somewhere in the turquoise range. Sometimes people say they have white turquoise, but there is no such thing. There is white buffalo which is sometimes sold as Turquoise.

Snob Appeal Jewelry has made many people happy this holiday season. Santa was busy delivering gifts, made by us, throughout the Land.

Two Christmas gift pendants stood out from the crowd. The first was made for the Jewelry Makers Wife (Bonnie). The idea formed while cutting a piece of Fairburn Agate from Teepee Canyon, South Dakota. This was old stock, containing yellows and reds.

Although Bonnie has a fantastic jewelry collection, there are not many yellow gemstones in it. I cut the Teepee into a Teepee shape. I had a very fine piece of Citrine nearby and formulated an idea. This whisper of an idea all formed around May. Now that’s thinking of Christmas early!

Cutting and polishing was no problem. The problems were keeping the stones safe and secret for the better part of a year, AND remembering where they were while secreting them from Bonnie. Still, there was one more component the pendant needed. I developed a ploy to enhance the proposed pendant with facetted Gemstones, and initially made this piece while she was gone to a Garden Club Meeting.

The “Gem Strip” as I called it contained an Imperial Topaz, flanked by a pair of Peridot’. I put all three components in a little zip-lock envelope and hid them in the RV, in a sock drawer. I knew I’d re-find them. I did pretty much forget them until we Snowbirded to Florida, and I looked for socks.

I was inundated with custom orders before Christmas and finished them all up a couple weeks before Christmas. it took another week, off and on. to finish the pendant. The finished pendant was one of my best, fitting for a Jewelry Makers’ Wife. She was very happy when I gave it to her on Christmas Eve.

The second Pendant I Custom made for one of best buddies’ wife. Andy sometimes helps me with minor RV repair issues. He installed a Wi-Fi extender unit and said “I don’t want money. I need you to make something for Whitney” (his bride). “She loves Turtles, and Greenstones”. Almost instantaneously an idea formed.

I cut a turtle-shaped piece of Petoskey Stone for the body. I always have a good supply of Isle Royale Greenstones and I picked out four matching legs, a tail shaped Greenstone, and I saw I had another Greenstone shaped like a Snapping Turtle’s head; PERFECT!

The challenge was attaching the appendages to the turtle so they would not get knocked off while wearing the pendant. This was solved by cutting a thin Jade backer. Jade has the ability to be cut almost paper thin, yet still maintain strength. My diamond bandsaw made quick work of this.

The pendant glued together perfectly and a Prong setting also increased the integrity of the Pendant. The bail was hidden behind the head of the turtle, and I “Collared” the turtle’s neck. Now he’s “Whitney’s Pet”.

Whitney is delighted. This was really an amazing and fun piece for me to make.