Mike Duncombe's Personal Rock Journey

 

Mike Duncombe is part owner of the amazing business, Sun Spirit Gems.  You may already know that he creates the shape of each personal cut gemstone for all the pieces that go into each healing creation from Sun Spirit Gems.  Mike cuts, shapes, polishes, and wraps each piece for your love and enjoyment.  But, what you may not know is how Mike got started on this journey.  Below is a bio of his life as a little boy, and how he got interested in his passion of gemstones. 

Mike's words:

"I started collecting rocks when I was 8, a friend showed me some rocks that his dad brought him home from a business trip.  I believe they were just some polished stones that looked really cool.  After bugging my mother a bit she finally took me to a local rock shop that wasn’t too far from where we lived. 

The rock shop was called Mary’s Rock Shop owned and operated by Mary and Larin Nalder.   They were an older couple that didn’t have any children.  After visiting a few times and seeing a spectacular collection of crystals, minerals and just plain cool rocks that they had collected I was definitely hooked on rock collecting!  The following summer was filled with day trips to the rock shop.  As soon as my mom would leave for work I would get up and wait for 10 a.m., that was the time that the rock shop would open.  I would usually have a sandwich in the fridge that I would put in a bag and get on my bicycle and head to the rock shop.  These trips become daily excursions that would last all day.  When I wasn’t home my mom knew the first place to look for me was the rock shop.  After a while my mom would just stop at the shop and pick me up because it was on a main street and there was a lot of traffic. 

I look back now and think I made a nuisance of myself that first summer because I spent so much time there watching Larin cut and polish rocks.  He set me up a chair that I would sit on and just watch what he was working on with amazement and dedication.  When the summer was over I didn’t get to go everyday, but we had made friends and my mom would take me once a week to visit.

The next summer as soon as school was out I was there again.  That second summer Larin surprised me by setting me at the cabbing machine and showing me how to make a cab.  I knew he had work to do so I didn’t always ask to make one but he had me doing other things in the shop.  I started cutting and spent numerous hours just looking through the lid of the saw and watched it cut.  Today I still find myself staring through the windows of the saws and get lost in the cutting.  He taught me how to use a viber-lap, a machine that is used to polish large flat surfaces of rock and the basics of tumbling stones.  That year I got a tumbler and started polishing my own rocks.  

The Christmas that year, I was 9, I got a combo cabbing and trim saw machine.  I immediately went to trimming out my own stones and polishing cabs for belt buckles that my mom would take to work and sell.  It wasn’t long before I had wore out the wheels and they needed to be replaced.  Larin found some diamond wheels and belts and recommended that I start to use them rather than the old style carborundum grinding and sanding wheels.  That same summer, Larin said that he had someone asking for him to cut rock for fireplaces.  He didn’t have the time to accommodate the customer and he talked to my mom about buying an 18 inch saw and cutting the rock to this customer.  Larin helped us buy a brand new 18 inch Lortone slab saw, and I went to work cutting rock for fireplaces. 

This brought a whole new light to my new hobby.  We needed to find specific rock for the orders that we were getting.  Larin again was our go to guy and he told us that we could go with them on a field trip.   Unprepared as we were, we followed Mary and Larin on our first field trip in a tent.   We went to Orderville, Utah to collect Septarian Nodules.  I had now been bitten by the rock hounding bug!  We joined the Tooele Gem and Mineral Club and met some super nice folks that help nurture my ferocious need to know more about rocks and minerals.

A lot transpired over the next 35 years, learning how to silver smith, cut spheres and bought more equipment and acquired more rock to play with.  I met my wonderful wife that also has a love for the treasures that the earth has to offer and a unique talent putting them together.  Together we combine our talents and love for the rock to make jewelry that is beautiful and one of a kind."   



Making each jewelry piece is truly a passion for Mike and Melanie Duncombe, they believe that creating these positive and energetically healing treasures is what each person in life deserves.  No person should have to deal with the difficulties that can come with life.  The thing that Sun Spirit Gems brings to the world is exactly what is made from the world.  You can count on the best raw material and gemstones to be used when they are creating each Sun Spirit Gems piece of jewelry.  If you would like to know more, visit their website at www.sunspiritgems.com. 

 

The Top Ten Most Toxic Rocks & Minerals



When you think of healing gemstones, rocks, and minerals you may not think of the potential of toxicity or the harmful deadly makeup of some substances.  There are some gorgeous rocks and minerals on this planet that you need to stay away from and not wear on your body.  We will be discussing the top ten rocks/minerals that can be very harmful for you and your family.

10) Coloradoite – this crystalline mineral was just recently discovered and originates in magma veins.  The mineral is a mercury telluride compound.  It holds a double threat to anyone that dares to handle it.  If the mineral is heated or chemically altered, deadly vapor and dust are released to anyone within breathing distance of it. 

9) Chalcanthite – these beautiful blue crystals are composed of copper, combined with sulfur, other elements and water.  The arrangement of its contents turns the copper, which is necessary for the body but can be toxic in excess quantities, into an extremely bio-available crystal.  What can happen is the copper can become water soluble and can be hurtful and deadly to any plants or animals that come in contact with it.  When the contents enters an organism it shuts down the body processes.  Releasing this blue crystal in ponds has killed algae, and caused greater environmental issues.

8) Hutchinsonite – Hutchinsonite is a hazardous mixture of thallium, lead, and arsenic.  The three poisonous metals form a deadly mineral that should be handled with great caution.  Thallium is the “dark twin” of lead.  This thick, greasy metal is similar in atomic mass but is more deadly.  This mineral is found in mountainous regions of Europe.

7) Galena – Galena is the principle of lead, and it forms glistening silver cubes with unnaturally

perfect shapes.  Lead, as you may know, is usually very flexible, but the sulfur content of galena makes it very brittle.  Galena is capable of taking its toll on workers and amateur researchers who are exposed to it.  If a worker comes in contact with the substance it can result in lead exposure.  If galena is struck with a hammer it will shatter and it is more difficult to contain, resulting in inhalation exposure.

6) Asbestos – Asbestos is not a manmade product, but one of the most terrifying minerals on the planet.  Where other minerals act as toxins while causing sickness, and accidental poisoning of the people who come in contact with them, asbestos conducts a full on sabotage to the lungs.  Asbestos deposits consist of thousands of tiny, fibrous crystals that become airborne and lodge themselves in the human lungs.  Carcinogenic effects develop from the irritation to the human lungs which leads to scarring.

5) Arsenopyrite – Arsenopyrite is also known as “fool’s gold”.  Handling the substance can be

harmful, arsenopyrite is arsenic iron sulfide, which is the same type of mineral as pyrite (fool’s gold, iron sulfide, but with a heavy addition or arsenic.  If heated or altered in any way, a strong garlic odor will be produced and can be lethally toxic.  If you even just handle the mineral you are in contact with the unstable sulfuric arsenic salts.  Would you like to be able to identify the substance?  Strike it with a hammer and a powerful garlic smell will be released briefly as sparks fly.  I wouldn’t suggest tampering with it though.

4) Torbernite – this is the mineral from hell.  The green prism shaped crystals are composed of

uranium.  The substance is formed through a complex reaction between phosphorous, copper, water and uranium.  Many collectors are taken by the minerals beauty and will collect a specimen for their shelf collection.   Lethal radon gas capable of causing lung cancer is released from these rocks.  You will definitely want to leave this one alone.  Be careful though, torbernite can occur in granite, so your stone countertop just might have traces of this deadly substance.

 

3) Stibnite – stibnite looks like silver, but is antimony sulfide.  For that reason, the huge, shining metallic crystals were fashioned into eating utensils at one point.  But, this lead to death for those that used them.  This mineral caused the worst kind of food poisoning you could ever imagine.  Even for those who have collected the substance should handle it with great caution or avoid it all together.  If you do happen to touch or hold a stibnite sample make sure to wash your hands well.  The largest samples of stibnite has been found in Oksaku in Japan, and measured up to one foot in length.

 

2) Orpiment – the only thing worse than arsenic is a rock made of arsenic and sulfur.  These lethal

and chemically reactive crystals are found growing below the surface near hydrothermal vents.  The colors can be attractive, but if held it can release carcinogenic, neurotoxic arsenic powder.  Like cinnabar, the Chinese used the substance for harm.  Arrows would be rubbed into the crushed substance and launched off to poison the enemy.  It has a strong garlic odor due to the arsenic content.  The mineral was used in ochre paint and was likely to cause of many artists being poisoned.

 

1) Cinnabar – cinnabar is the single most toxic mineral to handle on Earth. The name of the crystal means dragons blood.  Formed near volcanos and sulfur deposits, the bright red crystals are a sign of danger.  Cinnabar can release mercury if disturbed or heated, causing tremors, loss of sensation or death.  Cinnabar was used by the Chinese for ornamental food dishes and intricate carvings were created from chunks of it.  It was also believed by ancient medical practitioners that cinnabar held healing powers. 

If you ever have the opportunity to come in contact with these ten substances use not only great caution, but I would avoid them all together.  You would be happy to know that none of the jewelry that Sun Spirit Gems make have these substances in them.  So feel comforted with the jewelry you buy from Sun Spirit Gems. 

What are chakras and what do they do for the body?



What exactly is a chakra?  A chakra is a wheel of energy that is localized through the body in alignment with the spine.  There are seven chakras to be exact.  Each one having a color associated with it, a special name, a purpose, and ways to stimulate it.  Keeping the chakras energetically moving keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive.

Think about a chakra as a drain in a sink.  It keeps things (energy-Prana) moving throughout the body to keep it healthy.  When that “drain” or chakra is clogged or stagnant that keeps things from moving throughout the body, which can cause illness, discomfort, or other negative symptoms. 

Let’s talk about each of the chakras and what is associated with them so we can better understand how they help the body.

1^st Chakra (Root/Base Chakra) – Located in the base of the spine (coccyx), is associated with the color red and the name of Muladhara.  Its prime lesson is survival – the right to exist.  Deals with tasks related to the material and physical world.  Helps give you the ability to stand up for oneself and security issues.  If there is an imbalance or blockage you can experience fatigue, lower back pain, sciatica, and depression.  You can also experience frequent colds, and cold hands and feet.  Ways to stimulate the 1^st chakra is by getting physical exercise, restful sleep, and by doing gardening or pottery.  Red food and drink can stimulate the chakra, and so can wearing red clothing or red gemstones.

2^nd Chakra (Spleen Chakra) – Located below the navel (lower abdomen), is associated with the color orange and the name of Svadisthana.  Its prime lesson is feelings – the right to feel.  It connects us with our sensing abilities and issues related to feelings.  If there are imbalances with the chakra you can experience, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, depression, low back pain, asthma and allergies, or urinary issues.  Ways to stimulate the 2^nd chakra is by taking hot aromatic baths, water aerobics, and massage.  Orange food or drink can help balance the chakra.  So can wearing orange clothing or orange gemstones.

3^rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra) – Located above the navel (stomach area), is associated with the color yellow and the name of Manipura.  Its prime lesson is personal power – the right to think.  It connects us with the balance of our intellect, self-confidence, and ego power.  Also, to our ability to have self-control and humor.  If there is an imbalance or blockage you can experience digestive problems, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, constipation.  Nervousness and poor memory can also be a factor.  To stimulate the solar plexus chakra you can take educational classes, do mind puzzles and spending time in the sunshine.  Yellow food and drinks will help balance the chakra, and also wearing yellow clothing or yellow gemstones.

4^th Chakra (Heart Chakra) – Located in center of the chest, is associated with the color green and the name Anahata.  Its prime lesson is relationships – the right to love.  It connects us with love, forgiveness, and compassion.  Acceptance of oneself.  If there is a blockage or imbalance you can experience heart or breathing issues, heart and breast cancer, chest pain, high blood pressure, and immune system problems.  To stimulate the heart chakra you can take walks out in nature, and be around friends and family.  Eating green foods or drink is very beneficial.  Also, wearing green clothing or green gemstones is very helpful.

5^th Chakra (Throat Chakra) – Located in the throat region, is associated with the color blue and the name Visuddha.  Its prime lesson is relationships – the right to speak.  It helps us to learn to express oneself and your beliefs, and your ability to trust and loyalty.  It you have a blockage you may experience thyroid imbalances, swollen glands, fever, flu, infection, hyperactivity, mood swings, bloating, and menopause.  To stimulate the throat chakra you can sing in the shower, poetry, and have meaningful conversations.  Wear blue clothing or gemstones to stimulate the chakra too.

6^th Chakra (Brow/Third Eye Chakra) – Located in the forehead, in between the eyes, is associated with the color indigo and the name Anja.  Its prime lesson is intuition – the right to “see”.  It helps us in trusting our visions and insights.  Helps develop your psychic abilities, and releasing repressed or hidden negative thoughts.  If the chakra is blocked or out of balance you can experience learning disabilities, sleep disorders, thyroid imbalances, swollen glands, flu and fevers, neck and shoulder issues, hyperactivity, or hormonal issues.  To stimulate the third eye chakra you can star gaze, meditate, or eat indigo foods or drinks.  Wearing indigo clothing or gemstones will also help.

7^th Chakra (Crown Chakra) – Located at the top of your head, is associated with the color violet and the name Sahasrara.  Its prime lesson is knowingness – the right to aspire.  It helps us to be dedicated to the divine consciousness and to trust the universe.  Helps to learn about your spirituality and our connection with God.  If unbalanced you may experience headaches, photosensitivity, mental disorders, varicose veins and blood vessel issues, and skin rashes.  To stimulate the chakra focus on your dreams, write down your visions, and eat food and drinks that are violet.  Wearing violet clothing or gemstones is important too.

Living each day with intention of well-being and self-love can also help.  Make sure to pay attention to your body and what it may be telling you.  If you would like to know more about chakra jewelry, contact Sun Spirit Gems at www.sunspiritgems.com.

Moonstone – The Personal Gemstone

 

 



When you think of Moonstone you may think of its strong connection to the moon and how it is at full power when it absorbs the moons energy.  Something you may not know is that Moonstone is a very personal stone.  It actually is a reflection of the person who owns it.

Moonstone is an excellent stone to wear to get in touch with your true self.  It does not add or detract, it only shows how it is.  Using Moonstone during meditation is a great idea because it will connect you with your inner self more quickly.  Giving you full and true identity of who you are and what is best for you at that time.

If you need a calming and soothing gemstone to balance your emotional being, Moonstone is a great choice.  It will help control emotions instead of helping suppress or expressing them.  If you are unsure of certain emotions you

may be having and not understanding where the feelings are coming from.  Use Moonstone, it brings things to consciousness so you can better understand you and your emotions. 

Another interesting bit of information.  If you can’t sleep well or are having nightmares, Moonstone can help.  It even used to treat sleepwalking.  It is especially useful with children. 

If you would like to know more about Moonstone or have a piece of jewelry made just for you or a loved one, visit our website at www.sunspiritgems.com, or visit our Facebook or Twitter page. 

How Blue Amber is Made & the Benefits of Amber.

 



Blue Amber is a rare and amazing creation coming from the amber mines of the Dominican Republic.  Amber, a fossilized tree resin, has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty for quite some time.  But, what makes Blue Amber so different?

Blue Amber is made when there is a forest fire and the amber absorbs the smoke. When you see the Blue Amber under a black light it will glow.  Amber, being very lightweight, has so many healing qualities, it is fascinating that it comes from a tree.

So what exactly are the healing qualities of Amber?  Amber is a powerful healer and cleanser of the body, and can promote tissue revitalization.  It can absorb negative energy and change it into a positive that stimulate the body to heal itself.

Mentally, Amber stimulates the intellect, clears depression, and promotes a positive state of mind.  It brings balance, patience, and helps with decision-making.  Emotionally, Amber encourages peace and develops trust.  Spiritually, Amber brings wisdom to the wearer.

When you are using Amber for healing it can be used for many purposes.  Amber resonates with the throat, treating goiters and other throat problems.  Amber can treat stomach, spleen, kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder, alleviates joint problems, and strengthens the mucus membranes.

For gaining the highest benefit, wear Amber around your throat or wrist.  If you would like a jewelry piece made from Amber give Sun Spirit Gems a call at 801-628-6424 or visit our website at www.sunspiritgems.com.