Hypogymnia Phys...Waitaminit!

Day 293: Hypogymnia physodes is a fairly common lichen in the Pacific Northwest. Like other Hypogymnias, its lobes are tubular, and distinguishing the particular species sometimes involves separating the grey-green top surface from the black bottom surface so that the medullary ceiling can be observed. A member of our Morris dance side handed me a small brown box containing a specimen at Monday's dance-out, and I recognized it immediately as a representative of the tube lichens.

Seriously, though...when Tink handed me a tiny package, I was puzzled. There was no special event to commemorate. What could it possibly contain? I lifted the lid and found this darling lichen pendant which she had picked up at a craft fair. "I knew you had to have it, Crow," she said. If not H. physodes (shown here growing on a fir tree in my yard), it is certainly a member of the genus and as such, is destined to become one of my favourite pieces of jewelry. Thank you, Tink!

December Blues

Day 71: If you were born in the month of December, you are more fortunate than most when it comes to a selection of birthstones. There are three choices: blue zircon (if your taste runs to faceted stones), turquoise (for a more earthy look) and the classic elegance of lapis lazuli.

I bring this up because a friend just asked me if I could verify that a piece she owns is in fact lapis. I have not seen it yet, but I did advise her that there are a number of imitators (most notably, dyed howlite), but all lack the telltale flecks of pyrite which distinguish much true lapis. Lapis aficionados will argue whether or not pyrite is desirable and to my way of thinking, it's a matter of personal preference. I like it. On the other hand, the stonecutter is more likely to say that good lapis excludes pyrite because it makes it more difficult to grind and polish due to undercutting of the softer material.

I sold my rockhounding gear years ago after deciding that creating cabochons such as these was not worth the hours spent with wet, cold hands, but I kept much of my more valuable rough including a stash of genuine lapis. In any event, I seldom wear jewelry and get more pleasure from seeing the raw minerals in my collection.