Nickel by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Nickel

Chrysoprase Agates are a rare crystalline occurrence of the element Nickel. To discover this bright metal's origins and place in the Universe, one must travel back through the stars to the birthing of planets.

As a celestial body forms, geologists believe that two process work together to facilitate its birth; gravitational differentiation and chemical fractionation. These processes are relevant to Nickel's story because it is a heavy and shy element.

In the earliest days of our Universe (some 4.6 billion years ago), most of the celestial bodies we now know were nothing more than large molten bodies of elemental goo. As these bodies grow and gain gravitational pull the various elements begin separating. Light elements like Silicon, Oxygen, Calcium and Magnesium rise to the top forming the outer crust. Heavier ones such as Iron, Gold and Nickel sink. This separation of elements by the force of gravity is called gravitational differentiation.

While gravitational differentiation is occurring, atoms of elements desperately seek to bond with the atoms of other elements hoping to form molecules. Chemical fractionation is easy for some atoms (oxygen and silicon) and they quickly bond with others. Some of these new molecular relationships will eventually form exquisite gemstones and crystals. Many of Earth's most stable minerals are born during this process (Quartz is the bonding of one silicon atom with two oxygen atoms).

Other atoms do not fare as well during fractionation. Nickel and Gold rarely bond with other atoms, and most of Earth's resources of these minerals are inaccessible. They are found with all the other heavier elements deep in Earth's mantle and core. However, whenever Nickel did reach out and bond with other atoms it has given us beautiful crystals like Chrysoprase and Millerite.

Some celestial bodies are not large enough to exert a gravitational force and will never become planets or moons. Though, they could become asteroids. Other planets explode or are destroyed sending their inner cores with all their precious metals soaring through space. It is quite possible that more of the of the Nickel retrieved from the Earth's surface comes from meteorites (asteroids that have landed on Earth) than from terrestrial sources.

The Earth's largest source of Nickel is found in an area of Canada where an enormous asteroid collided with Earth millions of years ago. The Sudbury Astrobleme also yields other rare metals in the Platinum group which are separated from the Nickel during years of weathering.

While terrestrial Nickel rarely grows into crystal formations, Meteorites often reveal crystal etchings when polished. If it does manage to form a crystal, they are usually isometric or rounded nodules. One of Nickel's most beautiful crystal's is the Millerite found in Arkansas. This brassy crystal fans out in thin needles and is a rare surprise found in geodes from Nebrasa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Nickel source for these unique crystals is believed to be meteor debris.

Most Nickel found on the surface and in the Earth's crust has bonded with Sulfur to form the Nickel Sulfides (Pentlandite, Chalcopyrite, Magnetite). Some Nickel has bonded with Iron to form Laterites, the third largest source of Nickel on the surface. Meteorites are number one, followed by the sulphides and finally the Nickeliferous Laterites. Pentlandite is the single largest resource for earthbound Nickel.

The second largest producer of Nickel is Australia. In contrast to other Nickel deposits, almost all of Australia's resources of this rare metal are of earthly origins. This island country's violent geological history has left significant deposits of this and other rare elements closer to the surface than anywhere else on Earth. The majority of the deposits are found in the Western portions of the country in basement Archaean and Proterozoic rock formations. These ancient rocks have been pushed and folded upwards over many millennia of plate Teutonics and volcanic activity.

Nickel's physical properties make it invaluable in many modern applications. It has one of the highest melting points of any metal. It also exhibits great strength and toughness, resists corrosion, conducts electricity and shows magnetic qualities. As an alloy it imparts all these valuable traits into the new material.

At least 67% of the Nickel mined is used in manufacturing stainless steel. However, it is even more valuable in high stress; high heat applications such as jet engines, chemical equipment, electrical wiring and thermal conductors.

For a rare and beautiful metal, Nickel has surprisingly little history or magical traditions. No land was ever exploited, nor lives lost to any "Nickel Rush". In fact, its place among humans is fairly recent. Partially due to its rare occurrence and the difficulty in separating the mineral from host ores.

Astrologers and those that seek answers from the Stars may find Nickel a powerful ally. As a base element, it has been around since our Universe took its first breath. Plus it has journeyed among the stars and keeps the secrets of the galaxies within its heart.

If you find that you wilt or withdraw during stressful situations, carry a Nickel or Chrysoprase companion with you. You'll find your "melting point" is much higher when you draw from your inner strength to endure and work through life's little pressures. Nickel appears to work very well with the Crown Chakra, helping to open your mind so that you receive and understand the power of Universal Truths. It allows you to see the truth and perceive how it can lift you up from your mundane struggles.

Due to its rarity, Nickel is not used to set jewelry. However using this metal with different gemstones assists you in more quickly discovering each crystal's individual intent for you. It is an excellent facilitator, helping you more easily access and utilize a new crystal's energy.There are no health traditions associated with Nickel. Its toxicity to humans is still in question, so it is wise to not use it in elixirs or waters. Healers may find it useful in boosting the strength of certain healing crystals. Or for guiding a patient in discovering their own inner healing powers.