Notes from the Woods

seeing · environment · exploration · photography

Primordial fire

Written by Mark

Born and raised in Detroit, c. 323 ppm CO2, Mark Graf is a Michigan photographer, naturalist, and diver whose muse is summoned by exploring the endless connections in nature; land, sea, and sky.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Pietersite abstract

Pietersite abstract

Pietersite fires

Pietersite fires

These macro abstracts of the rare stone Pietersite reminded me of the primordial fires that helped form this planet.  I can’t help but imagine that fire being frozen in time in these rocks.   Given it is found only two places in the world – Namibia, Africa – where this particular piece originated from, and from in China – you wonder if it is telling an ancient story.

The chatoyance of this rock can make it difficult to photograph.  Change the angle of light, and the colors and patterns shift before your eyes.   It is hard to capture its true reflectance and shimmering in a non-reflective presentation.   Believe it or not, I actually had to tone down the colors as captured by my camera.  The reds came through much too saturated, and I toned them down to keep them from overpowering the other intense colors.   I am fascinated, and perhaps a little haunted by this stone.

graf nature photo divider

this post is tagged with these subjects, you are invited to explore and wander …

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11 Comments

  1. Daniel Sach

    That is very interesting indeed.

  2. bob wong

    Now that, is a real precious stone, beats the heck out of diamond.

  3. edvatza

    Wonderful abstracts. I love the colors and textures.

  4. Lana

    Very cool! They do look quite a bit like flames! Thanks for the info on these magical beauties!

  5. Mark

    Thank you for the positive feedback. I was a bit worried these images would make people think too much about the fiery depths of hell and the negative associations with it. 🙂

  6. Anita Jesse

    I’m fairly certain that the creature in #1 is related to Gollum. Hades, indeed. I never get enough of these abstracts. Each time I return for another look, I see something different.

  7. Laurie

    Very beautiful flowing images. They seem almost alive. Wonderful stuff.

  8. Tom Whelan

    Striking textures and colors – lots of appeal.

  9. Paul

    Those look like lava flows. I smell sulfur!!! Excellent, as usual, Mark.

  10. Mark

    Earl, I usually screen his calls and send him directly to voicemail.

  11. Earl

    Hades called, they want their rock back 😉
    Fantastic abstracts! I can visualize “dragons” (fire breathing) in both photos.