| |
Stromatalites are fossil domal structures formed by microbial colonies. Evidence suggests they have lived on earth since the Mesoarchean,
3.1-3.5 billion years ago. This example is a fossil algae from England. Stromatalites may have played a significant role in changing the chemical
composition of the atmosphere by increasing oxygen levels, setting the stage for the Cambrian explosion.
Today there is renewed interest in these ancient signs of life, see these possible
stromatalites on Mars!
The beautiful tree on a windswept hill in this ancient fossil made me want to set it in an undulating environment with beach stones and a fossil ammonite
negative. The labradorite beads match the fossil nicely. Labradorite is a bit of a sleeper-- the material is dull until the colorful shiller is observed glowing on the surface. This play of light is called labradorescence. The labradorescence in these beads ranges from typical blues
and violets through greens, with bits of yellows and oranges. The color display is due to lamellar intergrowths inside the crystal.
When a ray of light enters a layer it is refracted back and forth by deeper layers
producing a light ray coming out that has a different wavelength than when it went in. Labradorite is supposed to promote the wise use of
psychic abilities.
Shall I tell you how this piece started life with three stromatalites? How I couldn't stand it and took it entirely apart? This is the reason
the professional photo is cropped-- she shot a different piece! My own photo (below) shows the form of the completed necklace. The centerpiece is
strung on cable for strength, the other strands are hand knotted on silk.
LOVE BEADS: This piece includes "love beads," beads given to me after the
fire by friends
and strangers. The necklace carries the energy of their loving concern.
|
Stromatalite (England) cut by Eidos