[Jewelry making - Article 00300] - Re: [Orchid] Rainbow Calsilica - natural or manmade?

[Wayne Emery]

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Noel,

>     I believe Rhona meant that calsilica is *made* of stone, not that
>     it is natural product. But in any case, I think you could express
>     your views in a less offensive manner without diluting your
>     meaning, and I think it would be appropriate to do so (to be
>     blunt, also) 

    You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Having spent well in
    excess of 30 years in the lapidary and custom jewelry trade, I am
    acutely aware of the advantages of having a medium like Orchid
    available as an educational tool, among other things. It is a
    wonderful tool for the speedy dissemination of information.
    Unfortunately, the medium has other characteristics, as well. Some
    will use it in the way a lazy child uses a parent....as the quick
    source to satisfy the lazy demand. Some parents will always
    accommodate that child, and, IMO, are contributing to the lazy mind,
    which expects others to always answer their question, and quickly. I
    would suggest that there might be a lot more meaningful exchange of
    erudition here if folks would accomplish a little research on there
    own before fostering an opinion, that's all. Doing otherwise simply
    adds to the confusion of those who might be late to the conversation
    (some of us have a life beyond Orchid, one which requires our
    attention) or are truly wondering about the facts. 

    In the case of Calsilica (sic), a quick survey of published
    information via Google would reveal that The Lapidary Journal and
    Gems & Gemology have de-bunked any theory of this materail being
    natural some time ago. What else is there to say about it....that
    because it might contain some natural substances there might be some
    excuse to call it natural? This is nonsense; fallacious logic at its
    worst, and should not be permitted to persist because it CAN BE
    damaging. We are talking about science here, not popular opinion, and
    I find it disheartening that the educational level of some who enter
    this craft is not built on a firmer foundation of fact. Lacking that
    education is not a personal shortcoming, but it is, nevertheless an
    educational shortcoming. If you view accuracy and a lack of tolerance
    towards the ongoing dilution of knowledge as "offensive", I feel
    sorry for you. I know that the world has become extremely liberal and
    politically "correct" in the last 25 years. It's a great loss, the
    results of which can be seen all around us. Diminished test scores
    all through our society, a generation self-centered beyond belief, a
    growing tolerance for lifestyles that undermine the family and
    society in general, a permissiveness that encourages zero personal
    responsibility. 

    I'll keep speaking out for the more conservative side, unpopular as
    it may be. It took a lifetime, but, Noel, I am not responsible for
    how others may "feel" about my statements. They may discard them, be
    angry about them, laugh at them, or consider them seriously. I have
    no control over how others choose to "feel", and I have no
    intention, now or in the future, to tolerate inaccurate and
    misleading statements which might serve to further generate an
    atmosphere of confusion when none should exist. 

    Fragile egos should be cautious when making inaccurate statements. 

Wayne
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