CL SPRING16 WEB V2

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“And from out of this world as well, in the case
of meteoric gems, like Moldavite!”
What a fitting transition – from Shells to Stones!
From the ‘sea’ to ‘Heaven and Earth’.
STONES OF NEW ZEALAND
AND THE COROMANDEL
I was also able to find out more about the large
bright red rocks my family and I had found
while hiking up a stream in Whangapoua.
More plentiful in the Coromandel than
anywhere else in NZ, Red Jasper is an opaque,
microcrystalline variety of quartz.
“I’m always seeking new and interesting
gemstones,” Robert continues. “On our first
trip to the Coromandel, before any plans to
relocate, we happened to stumble upon the
Mineral Museum in Thames. When I saw the
Coromandel Quartz Crystals from the old
goldmines, unique to this area, it was love at
first sight.”
The peninsula is quite a treasure trove for
rockhounds and fossickers. Not only for Quartz
Crystals, but also for Carnelian, Amethyst,
Jaspers, Rhyolite, petrified wood, Chalcedony,
Chert, fossils and Kauri gum.
“Our love for the stones of the Coromandel was
a big factor in our decision to migrate to NZ.”
Some are unique to only one place in the world,
and this is especially true in this area.
“In our gallery, both visitors and locals can
discover the land’s natural heritage”. Wandering
in the shop is quite the educational experience
– you’ll learn heaps from the staff, and many of
the rarer stones have cards telling their stories.
The array of over 100 different types of silver-
wrapped gemstone pendants also come with
helpful info cards.
FUN FOR KIDS
We could tell that Robert and and Kathy have
a special passion for engaging young people.
Stepping into their shop transported us to a
space of childhood enchantment, just seeing
all those treasures in one place!
“Just about everyone collects stones in
their childhood, and most kids love tumbled
gemstones and natural crystals,” says Robert.
“In our shop, we have a special ‘Treasure
Chest’ where youngsters can fill a bag with
stones for as little as $10.” (See above.) They
also plan future talks, and even fossicking trips,
so kids can learn and have the experience of
finding their own stones.
ROCK TUMBLERS AND BOOKS
The couple distributes the best line of rock
tumblers available from the US – from small,
inexpensive ones for kids and hobbyists, up to
bigger rotary and vibratory tumblers for serious
lapidarists. Robert says there is always one
running at the shop, to demonstrate how they
work. “Many items are made here in Tairua by
local craftsmen who work with us using our
lapidary equipment.”
They offer a book selection as well, including
Robert’s The Book of Stones, The Pocket
Book of Stones and Stones of the New
Consciousness. These books have sold over
250,000 copies internationally.
Robert’s first book (written with Kathy) was
Moldavite: Starborn Stone of Transformation.
This meteoric stone fell from the sky about 15
million years ago over what is now the Czech
Republic. He shares. “We were among the first
to bring moldavite from Eastern Europe, and
we’re excited to introduce it here.”
CLASSES AND HOLISTIC FAIRS
Both will offer classes. Kathy explains, “I am
Native American (Ojibwa) and practice traditional
healing methods. Some of what I teach is
shamanic journeying – for personal growth and
healing – and collage as spiritual art.”
Robert’s classes focus on stones and
fossicking. Last June, Robert’s seminar, The
Alchemy of Stones, was presented to nearly
200 crystal enthusiasts in the USA. Robert is
now writing a book by the same title.
Heaven & Earth will periodically offer Holistic
Fairs held in the conference room and
courtyard at the gallery. Kathy says, “We want
to reach out to the holistic community in the
Coromandel, and all of NZ. We look forward to
hosting other presenters who offer workshops,
classes, meditations, music and more.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
For info about classes and venue opportunities,
contact Robert or Kathy at 07 864 8875, or
email
Check
for the latest news and schedule of events.
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Understandably, these ‘silver fern’ fossils,
in all shapes and sizes, have already
proven very popular.