Amber was more valuable than the cost of a slave during the time of Roman Emperor Nero who apparently valued this organic gemstone, and ownership regulated by law some centuries later. Amber sold today is mostly heat and chemically treated, fake or something in between. The fossil remains of tree resin, this unique piece of antiquity dates to about 100 million geologic years ago.

The photo shows the same slice of amber that we photographed in both natural light and ultraviolet light, showing its unique blue color in a different world of “UV” minerals.

We have been working with some of the amber we acquired and have it here at the Joshua Tree show: Natural, not treated in any way. Come see these museum quality pieces that weigh several hundred grams each.

We are excited to be setting up for the Gem and Mineral Show, here in Joshua Tree at the Sportsmen’s Club. The show is outdoors, 50 dealers, and fun for the entire family, starts Wed, Sept. 29, five days, through Sun, Oct. 3. Hope to see you here.

We recently opened some cases of amethyst pieces – treasure to explore. We set them out on a table in preparation to sort, clean, cut and prep as specimens for upcoming shows. A thief? If you look closely at the lower right of the picture you will see a hand. That is Sherry’s hand. She could not even wait for me to take this picture before she reached in to snatch a piece she just has to have for her collection. Don’t worry, there are still many specimens to see at our Joshua Tree Show this week at the Sportman’s Club, Wed-Sun, Sept 29 to Oct 3.

50 dealers, all safe and outdoors. Fun for the entire family. Hope to see you there.

I finished slabbing the blue sodalite and decided the 24″ slab saw was long overdue to be mucked out and have its cutting oil changed. The process involves a pipe wrench, 5 gallon buckets, squeegee and scraper, newspaper and rags – lots of rags. I finished completely soiling my oil by slabbing some Death Valley Indian Paint Jasper. Wearing old clothes and a messy job – sparing you the details – I added 5 gallons of new mineral oil after the saw was clean(er). (Now a plug for a friend, Kevin who sells stellar lubricants. You can find him on the web.) I like Kevin’s oil because it cuts well, is affordable and smells nice as he adds a citrus fragrance and other stuff to his oil – it smells really nice.

Now the picture – look closely. I have clamped a crystal between the two jaws of the saw, as seen through the viewing window on top of the saw. It glistens as it is coated with the oil that lubricates the saw blade – a steel blade impregnated with diamonds to facilitate cutting. After cutting the ragged base off of this quartz crystal, it will literally double its value.

Joshua Tree Sportsmen’s Club is the host of this awesome Gem & Mineral Show of over 50 dealers. Rough rock, slabs, minerals, crystals, fossils, pewter jewelry and beautiful glass art – and that is just OUR booth. Imagine what the other 49+ dealers have. Five days, Wednesday, September 29 through Sunday, October 3. This outdoor event is safe and fun for the entire family. Hope to see you there.