Volume 2 Issue 9
September 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

As the autumnal equinox quickly approaches, we realize the summer is passing. With two small girls in our care, our summer focused on Florida excursions. We explored Venice Beach and collected many shark teeth specimens. We snorkeled with the manatees in Crystal River. We visited Epcot and found the girls enjoyed the pool at the hotel more than “Disney”. In watching them experience these simple wonders, we found optimism and hope.

Montana Agate Clasp and a Garnet Necklace

An agate is a form of the mineral quartz. This form of quartz is called Chalcedony. It formed below the earth’s surface and arrived to us by way of the volcanoes. Most agate is banded and usually found in the form of nodules. The majority of the agate material comes from Brazil. Other interesting specimens come from Russia and even Montana. The Yellowstone River is a good place to search for agates, when the water is low. The glaciers pushed the agate nodules, broken from their host rocks, the lava.

September begins with Labor Day. We’d like to acknowledge Tammy, Lornie’s Goldsmith Apprentice. She just completed two years of study here at Lithos Jewelry. She exemplifies a dedication, talent and love of jewelry seldom seen. She has driven 50 miles each day for her studies. She always has a smile. Her glass is always half full.

Thank you again for your patronage and friendship. We appreciate all of you.

With love,
Lornie and Rose