James Allen News Center

San Diego, California – A teardrop-shaped gem has been discovered in Lake County, and is said to contain a very clear image of the Virgin Mary cradling the baby Jesus.  The man who found the gem is Rev. Dr. Douglas Van Dyke, D.D., who discovered it by accident while out looking for "Lake County Diamonds". 

Lake County, in Northern California, is home to gems that are not found anywhere else in the world.  These are the famed "Lake County Diamonds", which are, in fact, not diamonds, but rather a very rare volcanic glass made of almost pure silica.  Although the stones are quartz, they do not contain the typical crystalline structure of quartz, allowing them to appear almost completely clear.  They are the result of the ancient eruption of Mount Konocti, and are covered in basalt until, over time, it is worn away to expose the quartz on the surface.

These gems are commonly used in jewelry, and, when faceted, give off a sparkle comparable to that of real diamonds.  They rank usually between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale (diamonds are a 10), and are capable of cutting glass like real diamonds.

This particular gem, however, is something altogether different.  According to Reverend Van Dyke, "We believe this to be a miracle from God.  The gemstone has a very strong, positive energy which can be easily felt by hold or even touching the stone." 

The Reverend intends to put the 1" x 5/8" piece up for auction soon, with all proceeds going to his non-profit caregiver organization, the Lake County Care Group.  There will undoubtedly be tremendous interest in seeing the stone at auction, and a large crowd is expected.