Gallic Acid Stone

[carat-top]

OK...here is another one that is totally WIDE OPEN for jokes (but my question is serious).

I am not up to the whole metaphysical properties of stones nor am I a chemist. So I need some back-up here because some clients of mine are totally into this metaphysical thing, and I respect their needs.

I have a client that wants me to find a stone with gallic acid properties. As far as I know, gallic acid comes from plants. I know this because I used to make iron-gall ink for art. Anyway, she insists that there is a stone that has gallates. She does not offer any names for this stone so I am at a total loss.

Personally, I think she has been misinformed by someone wanting to "cash in" with folks who can sometimes be gullible. Nevertheless, just because I never heard of the thing, does not mean it does not exist. 

So then, this is it in a nutshell (ha-ha pun-pun because nutshells probably have gallic acid properties too): Does there exist a rock/mineral that has gallates or similarly related compounds?

[juliebeth]

so from my extensive google-search, the only thing i've found is that they've synthesized "gallate garnets" for various chemical and physics experimentation.  along the lines of YAG (yttrbium-aluminum-garnet), or something iike that.  if gallic acid is produced biologically, i'm not sure how it would show up naturally in a non-biological system, really.  maybe some rock that has some ancient fossilized plant or fungus in it?  although seems like it certainly woudln't withstand the chemical transformation to rock or crystal.

hmmmmm.  it's a mystery to me!  i can't believe i don't know the answer - it's galling, really.  leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

[Voltaire]

I think Julie is trying to say Gallium Gadolinium Garnet (Spelling?) I.e. GGG.

Maybe the client is thinking more along the symbolical lines? I.e. some things are good for the heart bla bla bla.
So, I'm thinking if i.e. gallic acid is good for, lets say the teeth, she wants a stone that is also good for the teeth? 

[juliebeth]

oooh, good thought, and yes, GGG is what i meant.

but along those lines, is she looking for something with astringent and antimicrobial properties, like Gallic Acid?  hmmmm.  perhaps some clays, like they use in face masques would be considered astringent.  or heck, something with a name like willow creek jasper (is there such a thing?) or walnut shell or tree bark jasper (i think there is such a thing)?

wait, here's montana bark jasper:  http://www.greatslabs.com/slabs_jasper_montana-bark.shtml

in a metaphysical way, that could do it, right?

or on one site (pick one, any one will do) i found that malachite is "cleansing." 

here's an astringent, oft used in dyeing chemical found in minerals: alum.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alum

which can be vaguely associated with garnets, chemically, i suppose.

here's a garnet facial cleanser:  http://organicglow.com/products/garnet-exfoliant/

ok so it's probably not garnet.  it's just one of the rabbitholes i ran down.

[Gaylon]

When I looked for it the only thing I came close to was the "stone" of a fruit or vegetable.The stone being I think the hard part of a nut or seed.Like Gimmee said, it's an organic compound

[Jim A.]

Clam shell opal, Abalone, Mussel shell, Pukka, etc....

[Gimmejewels]

Like Gimmee said, it's an organic compound

'Twas JB said it...Gimmejewels was out of town.

If the shells have it and qualify as stones by your customer's definition then you've got it made, CT.  And if shells do, then maybe pearls also??

[rocks2dust]

And there are always "bezoar stones" (gallstones and other digestive-tract concretions). Their great repute was as an antidote to poison, which might be similar to the "antimicrobial properties". But I wouldn't recommend putting one to a test (or using any gem in place of medical advice and attention), however. And they get my vote as the ugliest (though likely not the most disgusting) materials ever considered to be gemstones.

That image is from wikimedia, and one of the more attractive bezoars I've ever seen (most are absolutely disgusting). Somewhere I have a nicely done case for a bezoar, but without the "stone"

[Jamey S.]

Yuk, never liked gallstone and such, just gives me the heebie jeebies, lol!

I do remember way way back when I was younger about a gentleman who was using some sort of acrylic to encase quail droppings in and then using them as gemstones and making jewelry out of them, lol! Was all over the news and was real big at the time!

[carat-top]

Groovy! Thanks for all you do for me everyone. I think I am going to go with the "bezoar stones" and see if she likes that choice. I saw them in a mineral museum in LA just last month too so that makes it "kismet"!

[the3beersus]

Heck! If I'd a known they would be made into "gemstones"! I would have kept my mom;s!!! My 9th grade science project was her gall stones and x-rays!!!!!

[rocks2dust]

 

[gingerkid]

Heck! If I'd a known they would be made into "gemstones"! I would have kept my mom;s!!! My 9th grade science project was her gall stones and x-rays!!!!!

ROFL!!

[hag916]

See and I used to get in trouble if my folks helped me with my science projects 3Beers!  I'm crying "foul"!

[the3beersus]

hehehe!!!!  Mom was surprised when I told her..she did'nt know "they" had gone to school!!!! LOL!!!
Great to see you around again..always thinking of you......