Turquoise jewelry, native american turquoise jewelry, turquoise beads, navajo jewelry, indian jewelry

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This page continues previous "Topic of the Week" features from our What's New Page in case you missed them or would like to revisit the subjects. It begins on April 15th, 2002 going forward in time as you scroll down the page. We add to it weekly on the bottom.
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Monday, April 15th, 2002
Opalized Fluorite - New Carving Stone
A few months ago we came across a new carving material and are having it carved into Zuni fetishes. The stone is called Opalized Fluorite, or "Tiffany Stone", named by the miner for his daughter. These unique "opalized" Fluorite nodules are only found in the Southwestern USA and only within one mountain range. The blending of colors and webbing patterns are wild and naturally-artistic so it's a lot of fun for the carvers to work with it. The pieces coming out are very exotic and exciting to look at (see pictures of finished carvings below). Amounts of this stone are limited and access to the mine is currently cut off so the stones are quite valuable and are also being used for cabochons and inlay in jewelry abroad.
They form from low temperature solutions (water) that have circulated underground, eventurally penetrating nearby volcanic tuff layers and precipitating out as fluorite-rich siliceous "nodules" or pods. They consist mainly of quartz, chalcedony, agate and opal. These circulating ground waters also contain numerous other elements that were literally "picked-up" or dissolved as the solutions passed through other rock units within the area. Only 75% of the siliceous nodules contain Fluorite, and the nodules that do contain it vary considerably in total fluorite content. It is this variation in particular that makes these nodules so exciting, forming a wide variety of aesthetic and colorful "patterns" within the nodules that essentially makes every carving (or cabochon), unique.
The color of the fluorite varies from a light blue to a deep reddish-violet color to pink and red. Occasionally these nodules have hollow areas, or "vugs" (like geodes) that contain either quartz crystals, fluorite crystals, hyalite opal or a variety of other minerals. The size of the nodules vary from less than 1 inch to more than 3 feet in diameter. An interesting fact regarding this material is that it fluoresces a bright green color under short wave ultraviolet light (black light). (Anyone out there have a black light in their garage from the 60's we can borrow, or buy, to take a picture of how the stone glows green?)

Top-left is a picture of various sizes of Opal Fluorite nodules in the rough. A unique specimen of a nodular crystal formation encased in an outer shell of opal fluorite. The smaller stones are what are given to the carvers (they're not very impressive to look at in the rough). The larger pieces are sliced into carveable sizes. The other shots are of a small purple nodule, a one-foot-long specimen with purple-to-pink coloring and fabulous black webbing, and a closeup of some rare red-orange shades.

Two cut slices (slabs) of large nodules showing the variety of colors and patterns that make this stone so beautiful. We see petroglyphs in the purple one and a southwest mesa scene in a thunderstorm with a horse at the right end on the two-toned one that also has a crystal vug in it. Each piece is beautiful all by itself just to look at. There is an incredible Zuni Maiden carved by Claudia Peina (that has a purple front and pink back) shown with one of the slabs. This is the first Zuni fetish ever carved from this stone (that we know of).

Opalized Fluorite finished in Zuni fetishes. A Ricky Laahty frog, and a Lynn Quam Buffalo, a Dee Edaakie Eagle and a large old-style mountain lion by Thelma Sheche.

Some other shots of the Ricky Frog and Fred Bear on eBay right now.

Monday, April 29th, 2002
Blue Ridge Mine -- Orvil Jack Turquoise from Nevada

Orvil and Bessie Jack in 1936
Orvil Jack discovered and developed the Blue Ridge Mine which consists of 9 mining claims, in the Bullion Mining district, in Lander County, Nevada. One of those mining claims is the Orvil Jack Mine.
Some background history on Orvil and the mine: In 1956 Orvil & Bessie moved from Colorado to Nevada. They staked mining claims in Lander County, (Orvil somehow just chose the site) naming their mine "Blue Ridge." A small cabin (which still stands) was built on the claims, and the family lived at the mine for a few years. Orvil worked at a nearby gold mine, later moving from the turquoise mine to work as a mechanic at a ranch--mining turquoise in his spare time. The mine produced a number of different colors and types of turquoise but Orvil's personal favorite was a beautiful blue spiderweb turquoise in nugget and vein form (with a small amount with iron pyrites in the matrix).
In the 1970's Orvil retired from the ranch. With more time to mine, he was able to captalize somewhat on the turquoise boom of the 70's. During this period Orvil and his family generally mined blue nuggets and the beautiful blue spiderweb.
In the early to mid 1980's Orvil located a beautiful green turquoise, of which he only mined a small amount. To Orvil, turquoise was his "beautiful blue spiderweb" and he wasn't really interested in mining the green. So it is rather ironic that the green is what bears his name. That is true of many miners in the early days, they only considered the blue worth mining and tossed aside the green.
Turquoise produced from this mine has a large variety of colors & types: solid blue nuggets and vein, spiderweb nuggets and vein, bluish/green nuggets and vein, blue vein with a brown matrix, yellow and a brillent neon green. Even the green comes in different shades. The yellow-green turquoise is what is referred to as "Orvil Jack" to differentiate it from the blue turquoise that comes from this same mine. Nobody is sure how that began, it could have been as simple as a turquoise dealer forgetting the name "Blue Ridge" and calling the yellow by Orvil's name because he couldn't think of anything else, and the name stuck. Nevada is an incredibly-rich source of high-quality turquoise, nowhere on earth is found such a rich, beautiful yellow-green turquoise.
Orvil Jack is a "faustite" turquoise. Turquoise is a hydrous basic phosphate of copper and aluminum which is formed as water trickles through a host stone for about 30 million years, gradually leaving a deposit. This "water" can percolate up or down through the rock layers absorbing minerals from the rocks it is passing through. It is the other minerals that combine with it that create the different color shades. When Zinc replaces the aluminum in the molecules to the extent that the turquoise turns yellow-green, it is called "faustite." It's a hard material that stays together and takes a high polish. Orvil isn't ordinarily found with webbing, but with black "churt" matrix.
When asked if they find the different colors in the same pit, Grace answered "we find the geen and the blue apart from each other, it just depends on the mineral makeup of the stone. For instance, the blue spiderweb and the bright neon green are not found in the same pit while the green vein can run into a bluish color, in the same pit. The different colors of brown, yellow and green all come together. The green and yellow we have always found in a vein, not in nugget form. Years ago my father mined some green nuggets, but Jay & I have never found any."
Although turquoise must consist of copper, aluminum and phosphorus, other elements can replace various percentages of these and thereby change the molecular structure, which then changes the color. A great many variables can and do exist in turquoise and it can still be turquoise. That's one of the aspects of this stone that makes it so fascinating and fun to learn about. No one factor makes it more or less desirable, it's more a matter of personal taste. Some people are attracted to "the green" and some to "the blue," for some people (like Julia) the attraction to a specific color can change with the seasons and moods. ;-}
When Mr. Jack passed on in 1986, his daughter Grace Jack Wintle and her husband Jay took over the mining claims. With their sons Curtis 18, and Ryan 17 completing "the crew," they only work the mine for a week or so each summer. It is a labor of love and tradition, something that has been a part of the Jack Family for many years and a legacy they leave to us. If it wasn't for the ongoing efforts of the Wintle Family to keep this gemstone available and on the market, we wouldn't have this beautiful turquoise to enjoy. It is one of the most unusual turquoises to wear and does attract attention due to it's "zat" and beauty. It's not unusual to be stopped and asked "what IS that stone?"
Below are pictures of the actual Orvil Jack/Blue Ridge mine along with examples of this turquoise in various forms from rough material to finished. Orvil was a staunch believer in selling only natural, untreated stone and would never consider treating any of his turquoise. Fortunately for the rest of us, this tradition continues today assuring us that only Natural, rough turquoise comes from their mine.

Above are shots of the Orvil Jack Mine showing the wide open terrain and the pit where the turquoise is mined. A vein of bright yellow-green faustite inside the matrix rock. Since 1987 the Wintle's have mined only the green stone.

Turquoise in the rough. The top two images show Blue Ridge blue turquoise nuggets, the bottom images show two examples of Orvil Jack green turquoise. The specimen on the bottom-left is only usable as a specimen as it is too porous to be usable but is an excellent example of how the turquoise formed by "percolation."

Rare Blue Ridge Turquoise spiderweb specimens.

Cut cabochons of Blue Ridge and Orvil Jack Turquoise showing the wide variety of blues, browns and greens present in this turquoise.

Orvil Jack and Blue Ridge turquoise in "finished" form. Showing on top is a 5-Stone Orvil "specimen" bracelet shown on Julia's wrist, four bracelets made by Albert Jake and Andrew Cadman (both Navajo) with gem-grade Orvil Jack set with Carico Lake Turquoise in one bracelet and Orange Coral from the pacific in the other. Jay Wintle's bolo with Orvil Jack and Australian Crystal Opal, Lapis and Red Coral hand-fabricated by Don McCoy of Anza, California. A gorgeous hand-made blue and green turquoise bead necklace strung with Lapis and Coral and finished with gold findings by Lee Louden. An inlaid heart pendant by Benny & Valerie Aldrich. A large buffalo sculpture carved by Craig Bacarak, Arizona.

Jennie Vicente Zuni cluster link bracelet set with hand-cut lime-green Orvil Jack Turquoise and Purple Sugilite from South Africa. All of the jewelry shown is in private collections and not available for sale.
** Special thanks to Grace Jack Wintle for her cooperation in sharing pictures and her family history with all of us for this special topic.

Monday, May 5th, 2002
Fred Bowannie - Zuni Warrior Kachina, ca 1980

Fred Bowannie 2002

While Fred Bowannie is best known within the last six months for his Zuni fetishes, he has been a respected kachina carver in Zuni for almost thirty years. After first consulting with Fred, we've been given permission to show two kachinas that he made about twenty years ago. We're showing the Warrior this week, we'll show the Deer Dancer next week.
The kachina pictured below is "Welatuque" (pronounced wee-la-tuk-way) who is the Head Warrior of the Apache Dancers who come out during different times of the year. He keeps everyone in line and gives instructions on what prayers are to be sung and danced to.
Fred made everything you see on the kachina himself including the silverwork in the jewelry, his buckskin clothing, real feathers, braided headpiece, special war shield, manta sash and moccasins. He was carved from dried cottonwood and has red body-paint, a spear in his right hand and a red rattle in his left. He's wearing a silver and leather concho belt, a turquoise bow guard and turquoise bracelet, all made to scale. His (yarn) hair was originally black but at some time was exposed to sun so is now a unique shade of purple. His face is painted with the colors of his mask and finished with special feathers on his head and a fur, talon and turquoise necklace. He measures 5" wide x 10" high and is not signed. We hope you enjoy seeing another facet of Fred's artistic talent. Next week we'll show his extraordinary Deer Dancer.

Monday, May 13th, 2002
Fred Bowannie - Zuni Deer Dancer Kachina ca. 1980

Fred Bowannie 2002

While Fred Bowannie has become known to the public for his Zuni fetishes, he has been a respected kachina carver in Zuni for almost thirty years. After first consulting with Fred, we've been given permission to show two kachinas that he made about twenty years ago. We showed the Warrior last week, we're showing the Deer Dancer this week.
The kachina pictured below is the Deer Dancer, who comes out during the mixed dances which means a variety of dancers are present. He represents the Deer and dances to insure their continued propagation as well as proximity to the Pueblo. The deer plays a sacred part in Zuni society for spiritual reasons as well as a source of food and other important items needed for continued prosperity in Zuni. This Deer Dancer was carved from dried cottonwood and set on a rough piece of cottonwood as though he's walking over a rocky mesa top. (The addition of cornmeal, turquoise and crystals were added by us and are always with him.)
Fred made everything you see on the kachina himself including his turquoise bracelet, turquoise bow guard and turquoise joclaw-type necklace, his cotton painted clothing, manta sash at his waist, white pelt tail hanging down behind him and turquoise and white leather moccasins. The long staff in his right hand has two feathers and a fur pelt at the top and a whole ear of corn wrapped to it at the center. He's holding another ear of corn in his left and wearing leather fringed leggings. His amazing deer head is complete with (deer antler) antlers in a fur headpiece decorated with turquoise and an elaborate feather bundle in the back of his head attached with a large turquoise manta pin attached to colored ribbons. The Dancer himself measures 10" high x 3 1/2" wide, the wooden base is 10" long and is not signed. We hope you enjoy seeing this very special piece as it reflects the talent and attention to detail that Fred brings to his work.

Monday, June 3rd, 2002
Ron Laahty Zuni Opal "Wind Woman"
The artistic Corn Maiden pictured below was carved three months ago by Ron Laahty of the Zuni Pueblo (he's the nephew of Ricky Laahty). She is a "concretion" carving, meaning that Ron then followed the natural ripples and colorful opal veins in the stone to create the end-piece allowing the original shape and character of the stone to remain intact. He started carving her hair and said that "it just kept getting longer". :-)
Ron has been carving turtles for many years with great success but has felt called recently to carve Maidens. He certainly has a gift for them and much to express as each one he makes has her own individuality and character. Hair up in bundles, adorned with eagle feathers or extra-long as in this piece along with olla pots (both broken and unbroken), butterflies, dragonflies, maidens in all forms (tablita, corn, shawled) are showing themselves in his work; it's an exciting time to be watching Ron Laahty's new direction in fetish carving. He enjoys carving these new maidens and it shows.
She was carved from high-grade natural Boulder Opal in Ironstone Matrix rock from Australia, has turquoise inlaid eyes, mouth and dots at her neck and measures 2 3/8" long x 2 1/8" high x 1" thick. We call her "Wind Woman" and are pleased to share her with you. The diversity and quality of the art coming out of Zuni continues to evolve as reflected in this exciting, unique piece.

Monday, June 10th, 2002
Legend of the Rainbow Warriors --New book on the site!

First, it is graduation time in Zuni, a very big deal there when many celebrations are held to honor the graduates. For all the graduates out there, of school and otherwise, we offer the following:
"I wish you the joy of a purposeful life.
I wish you new worlds and the vision to see them.
I wish you the decency and nobility of which you are capable."

Spoken by Jonathan Daniel, Valedictorian of Virginia Military Academy in 1961.

LEGEND OF THE RAINBOW WARRIORS by Steven Mcfadden

We'd like to introduce Legend of the Rainbow Warriors to you. It is a journalist's account of one of the core myths of America, and an electrifying exploration of how that myth is playing out in real time.

As drawn from historical accounts, the Legend of the Rainbow Warriors relates that �when the Earth becomes desperately sick, people of all colors and faiths will unite, and rise to face the overwhelming challenges with insight, honesty, caring, sharing, and respect.�

Veteran journalist Steven McFadden weaves the headlines and the myths together seamlessly in a book that is both eye�opening and soul�inspiring.
Steven interviewed elders and respected members of the aboriginal tribes of Turtle Island (North America), Australia and Tibet. He brings these fascinating people, and the important messages they have to share, together in a way that leaves one with a (renewed?) sense of connection with the Earth and the awareness of the part that we all can play in creating harmony and peace on our planet. If this speaks to you, you can READ THE PROLOGUE on Steven's website.
We're offering the book on our website for the list price of $19.95 or $17.95 if included with an order, 180 pages, photographs. Shipping is $2.00 on a single book. All books ordered through the site are signed by the author. Steven is also the author of "Profiles in Wisdom, Native Elders Speak About the Earth" and "Farms of Tomorrow Revisited". For more information about Steven, his workshops or to communicate with him directly, you can visit his website at
www.chiron-communications.com
You can also purchase his book on Amazon.com

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