3 - Star - 007 - Maalavya Gneiss with natural carvings

3 - Star - During its creation, this Maalayva Gneiss metamorphic rock was formed around higher temperature levels and pressure than a lot of other rocks. This type of rock is very unique. It works well in fish tanks by filtering bacteria. It is also a very decorative rock. Found in the Piedmont in Central North Carolina. Sections of the stone show cartoon-like characters on each side. Best to view the thumbnail picture because the close-up is distorted.  To view this stone best is to be at a distance. Arm's length at least. Turn the rock clockwise slowly to catch every etching. Medium light is suggested but play with the shading and angle at which you look.

Keep in mind that viewing these etchings so vividly is done with a camera.  Over time paintings fade. Cameras capture lights and darks that our naked eyes cannot. This is portable rock art, meaning it was carried by someone to bring strengths they believed the rock held in its artwork. A totem. If you will.

• Effigies, carvings, etchings, and sculptures appear in different shades of light. (100%, 50%, 25%)
• Tilt the stone North, South, East, and West to see something different, even on diagonals.
• Try looking from different angles.
• Keep the rock at a distance (arm's length or further).

A conversation piece for the Curiosity Cabinet.

weight: .095 oz   

height: 1.5 in.

Width: 1 in.

Length: 1.75 in.

L, W, and H vary depending on perspective.

About the star count - I grade each rock that comes to be sold with three, four, or 5 stars. Three stars indicate three attributes present in the rock. Four means four attributes and five means five. See the list of attributes.

1. The profile of the rock is sculpted as an animal, human figure, or cartoonish character.
2. Sculpted images or shapes.
3. Etched petroglyphs in the rock surface.
4. Faces within faces - meaning that when you spot one image, look elsewhere and then back. The image looks different and may be difficult to see again. Also, when a section of a drawing or painting is gently touched. The face may turn into another color or a different face altogether.
5. Holes in the rock or depressed area count as well. Usually, there is a small figure or two crafted in the depression.