User:Rokkratt
I want to introduce everyone to dracocite, a locally named variety of magnesian marble, with emphasis on its beauty as objects of art, its history and legends thereof. The name dracocite is broadly used for varieties of this stone by a stonecarving studio called Dreamolith.
The Beastmaster of Dreamolith’s favorite stone is the mysterious and beautiful Dracocite. Translated from ancient tongues it is literally “The Stone of the Dragon”.
Most who hold it in their hand agree Dracocite “talks” to them, many saying it speaks of exotic places and Atlantean times. It was brought to Dreamolith’s attention decades ago by an old weatherbeaten nomad from northwestern Australia who also called it naga bantung. Unfortunately, the secret of its source was buried with him when he died. Luckily, the old Aussie’s entire store of hoarded Dracocite was acquired by Dreamolith, who has kept it locked away until now. Many objects of curiosity are transformed from raw stone by the Beastmaster’s hands.
Once bathed by red hot magma, Dracocite’s doubly metamorphosed genesis masks its eons-old sedimentary origin, the muddy bottom of a saurian infested sea. Legends hint of its mystical properties, endowed during its magical transformation from ordinary stone by the fiery breath of a dragon. Throughout history, many cultures and civilizations have attributed most of Dracocite’s constituent minerals with specific healing properties and other special characteristics.
Dracocite occurs in an amazing variety of colors and patterns. It may imitate the grain of common wood or the beauty of fine translucent jade. Colors range from the sparkling white of fresh snow to the dark green of the jungle. Spots, stripes, squiggles and sparkles in endless combinations make every piece of Dracocite unique. You may find portholes through layered shimmering veils that serve as windows into its heart. Tiny black magnetic microcubes often pepper its palette of wonders.
Composition of Dracocite: A trained geologist’s analysis of Dracocite shows that it is closely related to magnesian marbles but hosts a broader variety and greater percentage of included minerals such as periclase, diopside, and forsterite, possibly peridotite (all green colored), magnetite (small black cubes), calcite, wollastonite and dolomite (white to gray), quartz, magnesite, hydromagnesite, huntite and other altered magnesian minerals. Most of Dracocite’s constituent minerals are frequently attributed with possessing mystical and/or healing powers. None of Dracocite’s constituent minerals are radioactive nor are they toxic. Heating within possible user range of temperatures causes no alteration products or gaseous emissions. If left outdoors exposed to the elements, the stone slowly weathers by absorbing carbon dioxide and water to form a light colored hazy or chalky rind, which is also non-toxic.
Relatives of Dracocite: “Stones of Magnesia”, from a region in ancient Anatolia, were similar in composition but with a higher percentage of magnetite. The words magnet, magnetism, magnetite and magnesium all arose from the locality's name, Magnesia. Dracocite is not related to soapstone (steatite) except by one common outward characteristic, a tendency toward green colors. Dracocite is much harder than soapstone and has a silken feel, unlike soapstone’s soapy or greasy feel.
Care and feeding of Dracocite
Bruising and breakage: Dracocite is made up of many minerals, some harder than others. It is durable and tough but due to the nature of some constituents the stone may be prone to bruising upon impact, similar to alabaster, marble or onyx. The bruise will show as a white spot, the white being the color of crushed mineral grains. Its depth will be proportional to the force of the impact.
Repair and refinishing of Dracocite: No stone is unbreakable. Keep in mind where most sand comes from; the disintegration of rocks by natural impact. Even light impact upon a thin area of the carving may result in breakage. Unlike soapstone, the much harder Dracocite can be successfully repaired with superglue or epoxy (not recommended for smoker’s art that may actually be used).
Most pieces of Dracocite can be worked with ordinary metalworking tools. Final finish work and buffing can usually be done with manicure tools, helpful in repairing bruises, scratches and dull areas. Always use respiratory protection from dust when working the stone; breathing any type of rock dust should always be avoided. Dracocite takes a high polish, therefore sealants and coatings are not necessary. A satin patina can be maintained by frequent handling or light oiling with Vaseline or mineral oil followed by a thorough buffing with a clean soft rag. Do not oil or use furniture polish on the white weathering cortex areas such as sculpture bases or luminary plaque foregrounds. Use of furniture polish may result in a sticky buildup.