Moki Marbles

In southern Utah there is found a true geological curiosity called moki or moqui marbles. They are named in reference to a native american tribe that used to populate the southwest United States, and who used them for games, ammunition for their slings, and shaman stones.
The stones are concretions of iron ore formed around a center of sandstone. They are trapped in the softer Navajo sandstone, and as the cliffs erode they are freed and gather in "puddles".


There seem to be many theories on how the concretions were formed. Minerals being deposited by groundwater, meteorites hitting the earth, or volcanic venting are the most popular. Some scientists believe they were formed millions of years ago during the Jurassic era when this area was under a sea. Similar stones, nicknamed "blueberries" have been found on Mars.
The following photo taken by Lane's dad shows hundreds of moki marbles being exposed as the sandstone weathers away

Click on the picture below to better see another curiosity Lane discovered on our hike

The Art of Ebru

I love old books. I love the quaintness of both the information and the illustrations. I love the character of an aged, and well-worn volume.

A handful of the books in my possession have beautiful marbled edges. The Turkish name for marbling is ebru, or cloud art.

I enjoy researching the history of art forms I find intriguing. If you find history at all interesting, the following synopsis may entertain you. Otherwise, I bid you adieu.

Turkish marbling seems to have originated in either 15th century Turkistan or Persia, and it spread along the trade routes.
Marbling was introduced to Europe in the 16th century by travelers returning from Turkey. It made it's way to England by the 17th century.

Bookbinders used it for decorative purposes, and to hide the edge wear on reference volumes that would receive a lot of use. Ledgers were often marbled as a security measure because any removed pages would be noticeable in the design.

Early artisans were secretive of the process until the late 19th century, when at least two tell-all books were published in England.

To give an overly simplified explanation of the technique;
Color is floated on water that has a thickening agent added. Designs are created using tools such as feathers, combs, straws, and needles. The paper is then dipped to pick up the color. Each dip produces a unique monoprint.

The concept sounds simple, but the intricacy of the designs that can be created by a skilled artisan is amazing.
Click on this link to Google images to see more.