Apologies for the logo over the picture, but this is the type of picture that if I did not do this, it would be stolen and posted in unauthorized web locations.
I have been putting some time in recent weeks wading through a stash of Thomsonite from the North Shore. I purchased a collection from an estate that was collected back in the mid-60’s in the old diggings near Grand Marais, Minnesota. This was all gem grade material, much of it the most coveted dark eyed variety, as well as lovely pieces of Pastel Thomsonite.
Thomsonite belongs to a group of minerals called Zeolites. This group of Minerals contains the popular gemstone, Tanzanite. The biggest use for Zeolites is in laundry detergents, but these Alumino-Silicates have 40 natural occurring frameworks and many more synthetic frameworks. These varied frameworks allow Zeolites to have many uses and applications. The Thomsonite Framework is of interest to Lapidary types and jewelry makers, for it includes the beautiful chatoyant Gemstone everyone seems to love.
This dark Thomsonite is so unusual. It resembles an agate, but the material is not Silica. Indicating a mixture of Zeolites, and possibly other things.
Thomsonites (and other Zeolites) often mix together, forming striking and unusual patterns and colors. The Thomsonites from the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Thomsonites from the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, seem to often co-mingle with other Thomsonites and minerals. It is possible to see Copper, Natrolite, Mesolite, Calcite, and many other mixes in Thomsonite.
Sometimes Prehnite resembles Thomsonite or Ocean Jasper. This is why you have to know where you found it.
A form of Zeolite known as Mesolite, and closely related to natrolite (another Zeolite) often has a “feathery” appearance; hence, I call this “feathery Thomsonite”. Because I am not that picky on exact material a Zeolite has in it, I still, in my jewelry, say these are Thomsonites, even though they may be another Zeolite (or mixture thereof). Most of my jewelry buyers could care less about the exact make-up of a Thomsonite-like Zeolite. Some people prefer feathers over eyes in their Zeolites! Sort of like some prefer dark Turkey over White Meat.
I do not find fault in my friends that say something may be more Mesolite than Thomsonite, but I just call any eyed or feathery Zeolite, Thomsonite. If customers are interested in the details, or what exactly I think is in a Thomsonite, I can expound on that for them.
This could really fool someone into believing this is Thomsonite, when it is actually Prehnite (AKA U.P. Thomsonite)
Proof that beauty comes in a small package. What a great Thomsonite.
The pattern, variety, coloration, and inclusions are vast in Thomsonite. It’s common to hear people comment on the unusual nature of the Thomsonites we set into our pendants. Often, customers are surprised at the prices quality Thomsonite demands. The reality with Thomsonite is the same with many other gemstones. The highest quality demands higher prices. Thomsonite lovers understand this reality.
If Thomsonite “pollutes’ Isle Royale Greenstone, it increases the value of the Greenstone. Everyone seems to want one of these amazing mixes that often look like pink flowers among green foliage.
Some minerals and rocks resemble, and are therefore sometimes mistaken for Thomsonites. One common “fooler” mineral is Prehnite. Prehnite is sometimes found in the same vicinity as Thomsonite making identification more confusing. Just because a stone has “eyes” is no guarantee you have a Thomsonite.
Feathery, variegated, eyed Prehnite was originally thought to be Thomsonite until it was tested by Michigan Tech and found to be Prehnite. Locals often refer to Prehnite as “U.P. Thomsonite“.
Copper sometimes appears in Thomsonite. This is a beautiful pastel Thomsonite with Copper Inclusions
Thomsonite is not closely associated with Copper, but Prehnite is. Much of the Prehnite found in the Keweenaw has Copper inclusions in it, and indeed pink Prehnite’s coloration is caused by microscopic copper particles. Prehnite saturated with micro copper is commonly referred to as Patricianite.
To finish this blog I’m going to tell you a recent Thomsonite Story. Many of you know my retail outlet for Snob Appeal Jewelry, in the Upper Peninsula, is Copper World in Calumet. I am proud to have CW represent my jewelry. Tony and Tim Bausano are experts in the rocks, minerals, and gemstones of the Great Lakes, and represent and present my jewelry very well. Plus, they are fun!
Many Copper World customers, and in particular, one lovely, bubbly, lady from Lima, Peru, love my jewelry. She came into Copper World on her weekly visit and spotted a beautiful dark-eyed Thomsonite, but had to check with her husband (who teaches at Michigan Tech) before investing in this nice piece. Unfortunately, when she returned a couple days later, her choice selection had been sold. She was so disappointed, but heard that I would be up doing in-store demos the next weekend. This gave her great hope of finding a suitable replacement.
I was doing in-store demonstrations on a Saturday and Sunday, and had already been alerted by Tim of the Thomsonite tale. She entered the store Saturday on a refreshing breeze; so happy and full of life. After careful consideration, a gorgeous, new dark-eyed Thomsonite cabochon was chosen.
We talked about her vision for the piece, and metal choices were made. She seemed surprised and delighted when I told her I knew exactly what she was looking for. I guaranteed she would like her new pendant, or I would make her another one. I just felt I needed to match her bubbly outlook, but also design an elegant, yet simple piece of jewelry that matched her joyful personality and obviously discriminating tastes.
Here’s the Pendant that got me some hugs.
I got to work on her pendant, and had it done by closing on Saturday. Sunday she bubbled in, and when I showed her the pendant, she was so delighted, I got a big hug. She danced around the store in a state of pure ecstasy. She gave me another me another hug; gave Tim a hug, gave me a hug, and I really expected her to run outside and start hugging random people on the sidewalk. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anyone so eternally blissful.
She spoke with a fairly pronounced accent, and I could not understand everything she was saying while in this state of glee, but it was obvious she was in another plane of enjoyment. Customers generally appreciate my Pendants, but this was at another level entirely. She really made my day, and many other people in the store were also smiling. I ask Tim if she was always like this, and he replied that, yes, this was her normal state. “Sometimes she’s even worse”, he said, smiling. I can’t even imagine her being more hyped.
When she left on the same, fresh breeze she came in on, I walked across the street to a coffee shop. I needed coffee after this encounter; even though any amount of caffeine would not put me in a mood even approaching what I had just witnessed. Guess what? She was in the coffee shop showing everyone her new pendant and just gushing about how delighted she was. “Oh”, she said, smiling “here’s the artist”, as she saw me smiling and standing in line behind her. The owner came over later and bought a Turquoise pendant. Someone, like this vivacious lady will sell more of my jewelry than any amount of advertising I could ever buy.
She already possesses a few pieces of my jewelry, and this piece augmented her collection nicely. I’m sure I Copper World, and I, have long time habitué.
My days of making jewelry are not always as eventful and delightful as this one Saturday was in Calumet, but it’s days like this that convince me I just may be doing something worthwhile in my life!
Thanks for reading my blog. If you like my story, please share with your friends!