Hypersthene Feldspar

This arresting stone reminds me of a summer thunderstorm at night when the inky blackness is suddenly lit by flashes of lightning. That's what happens as you move and turn this stone: Beautiful patterns of repeating stripes or streaky clouds are lit up, then disappear into patent-leather black, then reappear again.  Under halogen light, these pieces have a distinctly warm, almost bronzy sheen. All of the front faces are polished, but most still retain a slight texture characteristic of this stone, which looks soft but is actually very hard and durable. From the collection of Gary Wilson. Unpolished backs.