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Dallasite; Victoria B.C's Dramatic Gemstone
Dallasite is a checkered rock with a checkered past.
It is thought to have formed when ancient rocks were shattered by the explosive force of hot magma
from a deep sea volcano hitting cold ocean water. The resulting fragments were coated with magma and quartz to produce the dramatic patterning of this
Breccia. Geological uplift later caused it to became deposits on
dry land where once again it was sometimes altered by
weather and water erosion to become rounded cobbles of
green, white and black checked patterning.
It was named Dallasite because it was
first identified as distinct and extraordinary from specimens found on Dallas Road Beach in Victoria
B.C. It is also found on beaches along most of the Eastern side of Vancouver Island. Dallasite pebbles are an occasional find on the beaches of
Saltspring Island.
Now officially recognised
as a gemstone, Dallasite has been adopted as the club
stone of the Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society and
prime Dallasite specimens are used by
several of British Columbia's Artisan jewelers.
Often my vases are
purchased as gifts. Vases with Dallasite are
particularly suitable for a person from Victoria,
British Columbia, who likes items that use local
materials. Or as memento of a visit to Vancouver Island.
These vases are sturdy
and stable and their textures are enjoyable even to the sight
impaired.
The vases are all
waterproof and watertight. They can be washed without
problem. The glass liner ensures that no water seeps onto
furniture.
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