Photo: Clinohumite, a rock that often surfaces after volcanic eruptions
In our geological world, we are not really privy to the cosmic soup of minerals flowing and clashing into formation under the surface. It is the destruction of earthquakes and mudslides and volcanic eruptions that bring minerals to the surface. It is from these chaotic events we discover new materials, uncover more of the hidden history of our planet, and imagine new possibilities for what might come next.
Clinohumite is a golden to red hued mineral; it often surfaces as volcanic ejection. It was in the rubble of Vesuvius where it was first discovered. Clinohumite is a part of the story, a marker for just how extensive the blast, and just how deep this eruption reached. Bits of this mineral are found all over the world where deep eruptions occur, a shiny shrine for wounds in the earth. Strong eruptions like Vesuvius aren’t typical. In these cases where either blockages occurred or cooled magma sealed vents; pressure builds until it bursts. Materials are dragged from the depths, sometimes from miles deep. Those impact craters yield minerals rarely seen or studied. The discoveries become a light, brilliant even in the rubble of the mess that brought it to us.
Still other minerals like zircon, with its dazzling brilliance, come into being as the crises ends and the magma cools. Zircon, thanks to its tag-along inclusion uranium, is fairly easy to date and therefore is an incredibly useful tool in chronicling events on the earth. We’ve found zircon as old as 4 billion years old. The inclusions and formations give us insight into what the world looked like as a young planet. Zircon is also a remarkable storyteller because of its resilience. Formed of cooling magma, it withstands heat and pressure that would crack most other minerals. In jewelry making, it’s one of the few gemstones that can withstand the heat of the kiln; making it a favorite for metal clay enthusiasts. It’s no surprise then that it survived the continental shifts and consequential natural disasters; remaining steadfast and brilliant so that we might know a little better the story of our Mother Earth.
Chaos is destiny reconfiguring. There are only so many combinations of ways we can try for peace under the circumstances we’ve allowed. Chaos introduces new elements of information and levels of reality. We don’t get to control when disasters strike or how impactful they are, but we can be good storytellers. We can give the history of us and our world to those who can listen. Choosing to live authentically and lovingly in the face of tyranny is the truest reflection of nature. If you can do more than that, be like clinohumite. Project and protect the voices of those who are being stifled. Stand as a record keeper and reminder that joy might come in the morning, but right now we are each other’s light. Or maybe it’s time to find your own voice in the storm like zircon; ensuring your truth is heard. You can make it, I will endure, and together we shall overcome. In any case, do not despair. It is always darkest before a dawn.
