The labs are in! This blog will summarize the reports and provide illustrations of each material that Mody has offered to date, as well as a brief summary of the metaphysical properties for each material. Since Mody is constantly sourcing new stones, it will be an ongoing project and updated as necessary. It is my hope that this will serve as a data base and reference to provide consistency for anyone curious about the rare unique materials Mody carves with.
A Little Background
Mody Ra is an Egyptian carver who has been carving for over 15 years. He sources his material from excavations and repairs made by the Egyptian government to various ancient sites and temples in Egypt. This process is very strictly regulated and the materials are typically only available in small quantities, since the goal is to make needed repairs or improvements with as little disturbance to the site as possible.
Here is a video of Mody in Egypt showing where some of the stones are sourced:
And here is an info session I gave in June (prior to lab testing) during a preview of Mody's work. I have added a chapter about 7 minutes in ( see the lower right corner of the video for this option) so you can quickly navigate to the info session:
The Stones
I have grouped the materials by location as much as possible, but bear in mind that in ancient Egypt the same type stone was often used in more than one location. A major quarry would have supplied several ancient sites when these temples and tombs were being constructed.
Details:
This red jasper was used to line the Sacred Lake at the Temple of Karnak in Luxor and also used at the Temple of Isis in Aswan. It is found in combination with the red limestone shown below that also comes from both of these locations. I have not seen the untouched stone, so I cannot say if the entire rock is a brecciated jasper or a combination stone, but it is enough to understand what the components are and that both come from the same rock.
Lab Report Summary:
This material is composed of jasper with a small amount of dolomite present, evidenced by the magnesium and calcium content.
Metaphysical Properties:
Red Jasper is know as the supreme nurturer. One of the key metaphysical properties of red jasper is its ability to ground and stabilize energy. By connecting with the root chakra, red jasper can help individuals feel more centered and secure, especially during times of stress or uncertainty.
Details:
Lab Report Summary:
This specimen is essentially a limestone with some white calcite veins. Some silicon, aluminum, and potassium indicate that a minor quartz and likely some mica species are also present. The texture is a typical limestone texture. It is not marble and has not gone through metamorphism.
Metaphysical Properties:
Red limestone is thought to enhance vitality and energy flow within the body. It is believed to stimulate the flow of life force energy, promoting physical strength and endurance. Other properties associated with red limestone are grounding and support of the root chakra, as well as enhancement of creativity.
Details:
Mineral content includes a scapolite group species, quartz, micas of the phlogopite-biotite series, and possible amphibole with high calcium content. It is likely a calc silicate or a skarn.
Metaphysical Properties:
Skarn is said to have a calming energy that can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making it a valuable tool for emotional healing and relaxation. Additionally, skarn is believed to enhance one's intuition and spiritual awareness, making it a powerful aid for meditation and spiritual growth.
Skarn is a metamorphic rock. Because of the intense heat and pressure metamorphic rocks have endured, they have many powerful metaphysical properties, among them transformation and grounding.
Metamorphic rocks symbolize transformation and growth, making them powerful tools for personal development and spiritual evolution. By connecting with the energy of these rocks, individuals can embrace change, release old patterns, and cultivate a mindset of growth and renewal. This transformative energy can support individuals in their journey towards self-discovery and self-improvement.
Details:
This Tan Dolomite was lining the Sacred Lake at the Temple of Karnak in Luxor.
This is a fine grained dolomite with white calcite veins common to this rock type. It shows a weak yellowish fluorescence due to manganese that is inhibited by iron content.
Metaphysical Properties:
One of the key metaphysical properties of dolomite is its ability to promote emotional balance and self-realization. It is believed to help individuals overcome negative emotions such as fear, anger, and stress, allowing them to find inner peace and harmony. Dolomite is also thought to enhance creativity and stimulate the imagination, making it a popular choice for artists and creative individuals.
For those seeking spiritual growth, dolomite is said to facilitate connection with higher realms and spiritual guides. It is believed to open the third eye chakra, enhancing intuition and psychic abilities. Dolomite can also help individuals tap into their inner wisdom and gain a deeper understanding of their life's purpose.
I cannot speak for all tan dolomite, but this particular material resonates with the heart chakra.
Details:
This gray material was also lining the Sacred Lake at the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, and comes from the same rock as the tan dolomite described above. The rock had a brown rind on the outside and was gray in the center. I do not have the report back on this one yet, but for now I am going to list it here as gray dolomite since it was the same stone. I will update if necessary.
Metaphysical Properties:
While the basic properties are the same as the tan dolomite listed above, there are some distinct differences! The gray is more resonant with the crown, and the tan is more resonant with the heart. These skulls like to work in pairs, a tan and a gray, which makes sense considering they are carved from the same stone. I believe it would be very beneficial to work with a grid of a pair of these skulls and an ankh, to facilitate heart and mind connection and right use of personal power.
Dolomite is often used in crystal healing due to its powerful energies. I am sure more will be revealed as we work with these allies.
Details:
This pink marble was recovered from the Temple of Isis in Aswan.
Lab Report Summary:
This specimen is composed of calcite, and the grain size and interlocking mosaic of grains is typical for the metamorphic rock marble. The pink color is caused by minor iron content. There is a small amount of manganese present as well.
Metaphysical Properties:
Pink marble is believed to have a calming and soothing energy that can help promote feelings of love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is often associated with the heart chakra.
Details:
This sparkling white dolomite marble has been recovered from three locations so far--The Isis Temple in Aswan, the Hathor Temple at Dendera, and from a tomb adjacent to the great pyramid of Giza. The material from the Hathor Temple has smaller sparkles overall than the other locations, and occasionally shows beautiful gray veining.
It is commonly referred to in Egypt as moonstone, and most who are familiar with Mody's work affectionately call it "Mody's Moonstone".
Lab report summary:
These specimens are both very clean and white dolomite marble. The color is similar and the trace and minor element contents are similar. It is probable they came from the same source.
Metaphysical properties:
White marble is said to have a calming and purifying effect on the mind, body, and spirit. It is associated with clarity, focus, and balance and makes a wonderful meditation stone.
Many people use white marble to enhance the flow of energy within a space, promoting a harmonious and balanced atmosphere. It is believed to cleanse negative energies and promote a sense of renewal and rejuvenation.
Details:
This is a beautiful green serpentine with gold veins and strong magnetic properties. It comes from the door of a tomb, located in Giza.
Lab report summary:
This specimen is composed mainly of serpentine and a chlorite group species such as clinichlorite with minor chromium magnetite, or in other words, an intermediary between magnetite and chromite with magnetite being more dominant.
Metaphysical properties:
Green serpentine is known for having a strong heart chakra connection and my personal experience with this material bears this out. I was surprised at how strong the heart resonance was was once I connected to the skull I was working with. Since this particular material comes from the door of a tomb, it also has a very protective energy associated with it.
Green serpentine is said to help release fear and promote inner peace and tranquility. It is believed to attract abundance and prosperity while also enhancing spiritual growth and wisdom. This stone is often used in meditation practices to connect with the energy of the earth and nature.
Many people believe that green serpentine can help to cleanse and detoxify the body, promoting overall health and well-being. It is thought to have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety. This stone is also said to support physical healing and boost energy levels.
Details:
This black basalt is from the same tomb in Giza that the green serpentine shown above is from. The walls were black and the door was green.
Lab report summary:
This specimen is essentially a pyroxine/plagioclase basalt. Ilmenite, titanium magnetite, pyroxene with high diopside content, and a calcium rich plagioclase are the main components. The dominance is plagioclase. No olivine was found.
Metaphysical properties:
Black basalt is a volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of lava, and its metaphysical properties reflect its fiery transformative nature.
One of the key metaphysical properties of black basalt is its ability to ground and protect. This stone creates a strong connection to the Earth, helping to anchor and stabilize one's energy. By fostering a sense of security and protection, black basalt can assist in shielding against negative influences and promoting a sense of balance and harmony.
Black basalt is also associated with emotional healing and transformation. It is believed to help release pent-up emotions, trauma, and negative patterns, allowing for a deeper understanding of oneself and promoting emotional clarity.
Furthermore, black basalt is said to stimulate creativity and enhance intuition. By clearing the mind of clutter and promoting mental clarity, this stone can help us tap into our creative potential and access deeper levels of inspiration. Additionally, black basalt is believed to strengthen intuition, making it easier to trust one's instincts and make decisions with greater confidence.
This stone is often used in crystal healing practices to alleviate physical ailments such as muscle tension, inflammation, and pain, and has specific applications for hot stone massage.
Details:
This gorgeous sodalite was recovered from a tomb in Giza. It has blue green and brown coloring and we tested them all!
Lab report summary:
This specimen is a sodalite syenite. Albite, sodalite, an aluminum hydroxide species (such as boehmite or norstrandite, etc.),and arfvedsonite are present. The sodalite is blue, the albite is white, the boehmite etc. is white grayish, and the arfvedsonite is black. The arfvedsonite is also showing green where agerine is present (which can be intergrown and has essentially similar composition or brown when it is weathering).
Metaphysical properties:
Sodalite is said to enhance intuition, creativity, and spiritual growth. It resonates with the third eye chakra, promoting deep meditation and enhancing psychic abilities. Sodalite is also thought to facilitate spiritual insight, emotional balance and inner peace.
Details:
This black limestone was recovered from King Khufu's mortuary temple in Giza.
Lab report summary:
This specimen is limestone with white calcite veins. This is limestone of sedimentary origin, which has not undergone noticeable metamorphism.
Metaphysical properties:
Black limestone is thought to have a connection to the past, making it a valuable tool for exploring ancestral roots and past lives.
Some believe that black limestone has the power to amplify intentions and aid in manifestation.
Meditating with black limestone can enhance intuition and psychic abilities, and facilitate emotional healing.
Details:
The alabaster that Mody uses in his carvings was quarried approximately 10 years ago at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. It is exceptionally fine quality and material from this location is not available any longer.
Lab report summary:
No labs were run on this material because it was not in question. There are two types of alabaster, a gypsum variety and a calcite variety. Egyptian alabaster is the calcite variety and is considered to be some the finest in the world.
Metaphysical Properties:
The following information was taken from Mody's Facebook page, and is open source from the Egyptian government. I have made some minor grammatical corrections but left the article unedited to preserve its authenticity. The second part is largely a paraphrase of the first, but there are a few extra points made and since this information comes directly from Mody I wanted to include everything.
Alabaster is a well-known crystal which heals its wearer against tension, headache, lack of concentration and problems related to painful joints. It is believed that these crystals can also be used to lighten up the hormonal imbalance in the body. Psychologically, it is considered that alabaster stones can prevent the wearer from outbursts of emotions and anger. This stone is also used for easing anxiety and nervousness.
Alabaster crystals have a strongly purifying effect on the vegetative nervous system. Controlling anger and diminishing temper are some of the beneficial traits of Alabaster crystals.
Alabaster is the pure form of transparency, as it symbolizes purity. It is used to encourage feelings of peace and calmness. The powerful energies of these crystals are used to increase flexibility and assist the wearer to be more adaptable. Alabaster comprises effective energies which enable the wearer to combat stress, heal arguments, and provide inner harmony.
This stone is used to lessen fear in the wearer and helps him to resolve disturbance and problems. Alabaster is known as the protective stone that teaches its wearer how to be calm and grow stronger.
While meditating with the Alabaster crystals, a person expands the ability to forgive others as well as himself. Alabaster inspires positivity when it is used at home. It is believed that if a person wears this crystal, a light of peace starts nurturing into the body of its wearer. Alabaster is considered beneficial healing stone for psychological disorders.
Alabaster stones are believed to stimulate Root Chakra and Sacral Chakra. To stimulate the root chakra, lie on your stomach and put the alabaster crystal on your lower back.
In order to harmonize or activate Sacral Chakra, relax on your back and put the alabaster crystal directly on the skin. Sacral Chakra is all about emotions and sexuality. Alabaster lets the feelings of wearer flow liberally and be expressed without any hesitation. This stones helpful for issues related to sexuality.
For hundreds of years, Alabaster has been used in naturopathy as conventional medicine. The Greeks and Romans had already recognized Alabaster’s special qualities, the ancient Egyptians called alabaster the stone of the “Sun Gods“. They believed if they were buried with it, the stone would draw their souls back toward the light. -Spirit Healing Magic of Alabaster
In meditation placing Alabaster a few inches above the head will help in the cleansing, clearing and balancing of all chakras. Alabaster can assist in the bridging of the conscious mind to the super conscious mind, allowing one to connect with one’s Spirit/Higher self. (A chakra median located outside the body and above one’s head).
Alabaster is a “drawing” stone meaning it has the ability to draw things to you or to draw things away from you, depending on what your needs are. It works wonderfully for drawing things of the Spirit to you--white alabaster summons the spiritual. Because alabaster is so soft, it does best with a sun’s cleansing. It can also draw forgiveness, whether it be you that needs self forgiveness or the ability to forgive someone that has done you wrong. It also draws energy from other stones as well, meaning you can “soak” up the energy of one stone and have the properties of both stones with you while only carrying the alabaster. It helps to draw anger out of a person and to release it.
Alabaster is used magically to symbolize purity, the whiter the stone the better. Encourages feelings of peace and calmness and can be used to combat stress, heal arguments or calm an angry household. A protective stone, especially for babies, children and anyone innocent at heart. Use in magic to increase your flexibility and make you more adaptable. Can be used to lessen the fear of change and help you cope with upheavals and problems. Alabaster teaches us that change is not ‘bad’ or something to be feared but is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Alabaster draws a forgiveness nature to a person and in wearing this stone or meditating with it, a person has the ability to forgive others and even himself. It helps in gaining energy. Using Alabaster at home inspires positive in a person. It controls temper and diminishes anger from inside. It grows the light of peace in an individual. It inspires a person to view things in a new manner. It is a fantastic healing stone for any mental disorders. – Spirit Healing Magic of Alabaster
Details:
This material is surface collected with permission from the Petrified Forest in Fayoum.
Lab report summary:
No labs were run on this material because it was not in question. The Petrified Forest of Fayoum is the largest petrified forest in the world. The fossilized remnants of the trees here date back thirty five million years.
Metaphysical properties:
Petrified wood is generally considered to promote patience, perseverance, and inner strength. It is grounding and calming and associated with the root chakra.