LIZZADRO
MUSEUM of LAPIDARY ART
Elmhurst, Illinois
Virtual Tour
October 29, 2008
As we have consistently seen photos
and articles about this museum, we stopped in on our way to Wisconsin and
were not disappointed. Two floors, tastefully arranged, about all
you would want to see in an afternoon. The lower floor has displays
but also a classroom for school groups to come to learn about rocks &
minerals. We recommend this as a destination if you are ever in the
Chicago area. It is in a suburb of Chicago, easy to locate off the
main freeway.
Below is a memorial portrait of
Joseph Lizzadro, Sr. made of 1300 pieces of gemstones without using grout,
created by Bruno Lastrucci of Florence Italy. The tecnique is called
"commesso di pietra dura" (the joining together of hard stone).
![liz142.JPG (143834 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz142_small.JPG)
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RAW
GEMSTONES & BOULDERS |
Petrified wood trunk at the
side entrance, 2300 pounds, from Arizona
![liz1.JPG (163010 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz1_small.JPG)
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Moss agate boulder, 1300
pounds, from India
![liz2.JPG (166640 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz2_small.JPG)
![liz3.JPG (165720 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz3_small.JPG)
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Michigan copper/silver
"Half breed", 1091 pounds
![liz5.JPG (161253 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz5_small.JPG)
![liz6.JPG (163018 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz6_small.JPG)
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Nephrite jade from the
Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
![liz7.JPG (164871 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz7_small.JPG)
![liz8.JPG (172954 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz8_small.JPG)
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Jadeite boulder, Burma
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Petrified palm wood, Texas
![liz12.JPG (139922 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz12_small.JPG)
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Petrified oak, Washington
State, a beautiful "butterfly"
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Palm wood tree trunk, Texas
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Angel wing Calcite, Mexico
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Float jade, Wyoming
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Itacalumite
Ever hear of a rock that bends? Flexible sandstone is called The
Bending Rock. Some of the cementing material between the grains has
weakened, and mica particles between the grains allow for minute slippage
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Copper, Michigan
Botryoidal Hematite, Brazil
![liz199.JPG (128539 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz199_small.JPG)
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Ruby
in Zoisite slice, the color was unforgettable. The close up photos
are great screen savers
![liz155.JPG (156488 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz155_small.JPG)
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Ilya
Schar GEM PAINTINGS
(Moscow born artist), uses ground gemstones to
create these unique paintings |
School of fish
![liz109.JPG (155228 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz109_small.JPG)
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Peacock
![liz141.JPG (155888 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz141_small.JPG)
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Beaks
![liz151.JPG (141672 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz151_small.JPG)
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GEMSTONE
CARVINGS |
Jade (Jadeite) bowl,
China. A delicate green/lavender, this is an exquisite carving
![liz20.JPG (157022 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz20_small.JPG)
![liz21.JPG (161588 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz21_small.JPG)
![liz22.JPG (156683 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz22_small.JPG)
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The Harvest, Amber from
Italy
![liz23.JPG (157358 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz23_small.JPG)
![liz25.JPG (157589 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz25_small.JPG)
![liz24.JPG (156088 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz24_small.JPG)
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Madonna, Rutilated smoky
quartz, Germany
![liz26.JPG (138814 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz26_small.JPG)
![liz27.JPG (151873 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz27_small.JPG)
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Intarsia Boxes,
Nicolai Medvedev
Memorial Box
![liz44.JPG (156671 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz44_small.JPG)
![liz162.JPG (121548 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz162_small.JPG)
Box of rhodochrosite, malachite, etc.
![liz43.JPG (156608 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz43_small.JPG)
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Rose quartz bowl, Germany
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Amethyst bowl, Germany
![liz32.JPG (159938 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz32_small.JPG)
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Nephrite Jade bowl
![liz33.JPG (149645 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz33_small.JPG)
![liz34.JPG (160985 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz34_small.JPG)
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Rhodochrosite
bowl, Germany
![liz36.JPG (153659 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz36_small.JPG)
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Bowl in Ruby zoisite,
Germany
![liz37.JPG (151962 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz37_small.JPG)
![liz38.JPG (151992 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz38_small.JPG)
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White Nephrite
Jade, Ceremonial Vase, Moghul-style carving
(descendants of Tamerlane and Genghis Khan, combined Persian and Hindu
influences); the walls are 1/16" thick
![liz40.JPG (163664 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz40_small.JPG)
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Agate & Obsidian carving, Glenn Lehrer
![liz41.JPG (142372 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz41_small.JPG)
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Ornamental bottle, Rock
Crystal, China
![liz127.JPG (141584 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz127_small.JPG)
![liz128.JPG (149575 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz128_small.JPG)
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Polar jade, Polar Mine, British Columbia, Canada
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Turquoise, from the collection of Cheng Kong Man Ying
![liz57.JPG (144210 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz57_small.JPG)
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Chloromelanite Jadeite,
China
![liz136.JPG (141536 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz136_small.JPG)
![liz137.JPG (134351 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz137_small.JPG)
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Guan Yin or Guanyin (Godess
of Mercy and Compassion, and Protectress of Children), Coral, China's most
popular deity. Created from a single jadeite boulder in the 20th
century
![liz138.JPG (135383 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz138_small.JPG)
![liz139.JPG (155018 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz139_small.JPG)
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Rare Hanging Bottle,
Nephrite Jade, China
![liz144.JPG (159726 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz144_small.JPG)
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Rare blue jadeite imperial
pagoda, China, made during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795), used
t burn incense in the Imperial Palace in Beijing, China. The blue
jade was mined in Burma
![liz145.JPG (138665 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz145_small.JPG)
![liz146.JPG (152195 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz146_small.JPG)
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Glacier's Edge;
bears-dolomite, ice-quartz
![liz193.JPG (116216 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz193_small.JPG)
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Large Nephrite
Bi
This large prayer disc is the oldest piece in the Museum, made to honor
the birthday of Emperor Zhu Gong who lived about 600 B.C. The bi
symbolized the visible sun or moon disc, used in the worship of the
heavens. This large size indicates the high station of the
owner. The unusual color is due to the presence of iron oxide as the
nephrite jade was forming.
![liz201.JPG (113459 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz201_small.JPG)
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POLISHED
GEM CABOCHONS |
Oregon jasper
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Hematite, Brazil
![liz117.JPG (155402 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz117_small.JPG)
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Thomsonite, Michigan
![liz118.JPG (134086 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz118_small.JPG)
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Bruneau Jasper, Idaho
![liz119.JPG (130127 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz119_small.JPG)
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Snow Mountain Jasper,
Colorado
![liz120.JPG (140588 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz120_small.JPG)
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Gingko wood, Washington
State
![liz121.JPG (155910 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz121_small.JPG)
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Poppy Jasper, California
![liz122.JPG (154057 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz122_small.JPG)
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Laguna agate, Mexico
![liz123.JPG (142424 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz123_small.JPG)
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Marcasite agate, Michigan
![liz124.JPG (159980 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz124_small.JPG)
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Moctezuma agate, Mexico
![liz125.JPG (155690 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz125_small.JPG)
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CASTLE
LIZZADRO
This gemstone creation turns 360 degrees to
music |
Dedicated to the memory of Chris Lizzadro (grandson of
the Museum's founer) and to other children whose lives ended with dreams
unfulfilled. Crated by William Tolliday of London England in 1984 on
Brazilian agate, the 18k gold castle rises from specimens of amethyst,
malachite, azurite and vanadium. Faceted diamonds sparkle in the windows,
giving the appearance of an occupied residence, ready to welcome weary
travelers.
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EIGHTEEN
LOHAN, disciples of Buddha, Ivory
![liz166.JPG (112573 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz166_small.JPG)
shown in exaggerated
realism to emphasize their denial of earthly pleasures.
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![liz168.JPG (115630 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz168_small.JPG) |
![liz169.JPG (120879 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz169_small.JPG) |
![liz170.JPG (120204 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz170_small.JPG) |
![liz171.JPG (108127 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz171_small.JPG) |
![liz172.JPG (111219 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz172_small.JPG) |
![liz173.JPG (115139 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz173_small.JPG) |
![liz174.JPG (113981 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz174_small.JPG) |
![liz175.JPG (119565 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz175_small.JPG) |
![liz176.JPG (120570 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz176_small.JPG)
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![liz177.JPG (107887 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz177_small.JPG) |
![liz178.JPG (117232 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz178_small.JPG) |
![liz179.JPG (113304 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz179_small.JPG) |
![liz180.JPG (112225 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz180_small.JPG) |
![liz181.JPG (121890 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz181_small.JPG) |
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![liz183.JPG (109235 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz183_small.JPG) |
![liz184.JPG (114789 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz184_small.JPG) |
![liz185.JPG (123003 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz185_small.JPG) |
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IVORY
CARVINGS |
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Last Supper, Italy, 19th century, based on Leonardo da Vinci's painting
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![liz188.JPG (129072 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz188_small.JPG)
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![liz189.JPG (120378 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz189_small.JPG)
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![liz191.JPG (113916 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz191_small.JPG)
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Ivory, Japan
![liz55.JPG (142006 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz55_small.JPG)
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Ivory balls within balls
How ivory puzzle balls are made
![liz114.JPG (152134 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz114_small.JPG)
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Ivory balls
within balls, 24 spheres, all move independently inside each other, carved
in late 19th Century China. Elegance, delicacy, and intricacy are
the requisite characteristics (ya, hsi, and fan)
![liz130.JPG (156724 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz130_small.JPG)
![liz135.JPG (136498 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz135_small.JPG)
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CAMEOS
It is believed the first cameo was made in Alexandria
in 332 B.C. and the art peaked in the Roman Empire 70 A.D. Sardonyx stone
from India & Arabia was later used due to the contrasting dark & light
layers.
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SHELL CARVED
CAMEOS
Full shell carving
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Mother of Good Counsel
(Council?)
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Holy Child
![liz60.JPG (151818 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz60_small.JPG)
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Madonna
![liz61.JPG (146790 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz61_small.JPG)
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Priest & holy child
![liz62.JPG (152157 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz62_small.JPG)
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Madonna & child
![liz63.JPG (148659 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz63_small.JPG)
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Praying child
![liz64.JPG (149778 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz64_small.JPG)
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Wise man with holy child
![liz65.JPG (148388 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz65_small.JPG)
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African portrait
![liz66.JPG (148702 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz66_small.JPG)
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Elizabethan style woman
![liz67.JPG (151393 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz67_small.JPG)
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Will Rogers
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Richard Wagner
![liz69.JPG (151511 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz69_small.JPG)
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Giuseppe Verdi
![liz70.JPG (145669 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz70_small.JPG)
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AGATE
CARVED CAMEOS
Stages of carving cameos on agate, on a slab of natural slab of agate.
![liz72.JPG (150038 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz72_small.JPG)
Cameos with 3 or more layers of color are rare. These cameos are
natural in color.
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![liz79.JPG (151841 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz79_small.JPG) |
![liz80.JPG (156670 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz80_small.JPG) |
![liz81.JPG (154811 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz81_small.JPG) |
![liz82.JPG (148065 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz82_small.JPG) |
![liz84.JPG (142684 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz84_small.JPG) |
![liz85.JPG (158000 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz85_small.JPG) |
![liz86.JPG (155014 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz86_small.JPG) |
![liz87.JPG (151077 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz87_small.JPG) |
![liz88.JPG (151244 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz88_small.JPG) |
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OTHER
GEMSTONE CARVED CAMEOS |
Tiger eye
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Bloodstone
![liz76.JPG (139169 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz76_small.JPG)
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Malachite
![liz77.JPG (130531 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz77_small.JPG)
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Amethyst
![liz78.JPG (142150 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz78_small.JPG)
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ANIMAL
CARVINGS
The dioramas were created in Idar-Oberstein,
Germany, a lapidary center in Europe. |
Woodpeckers in Jasper and
tigereye, feet 14k gold
![liz10.JPG (157832 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz10_small.JPG)
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Bears, mahogany obsidian
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"Ziggy", an Asian
bull elephant in sheen obsidian, replica of him in Cage 1974, Brookfield
Zoo; he lived till 1976. The ivory tusks were carved from a piece of
his own broken tusk
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Aquarium of fish
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Diorama, The Holdup, Mahogany Obsidian
![liz164.JPG (128345 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz164_small.JPG)
![liz165.JPG (121447 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz165_small.JPG)
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Robins, jasper, obsidian,
chalcedony
![liz48.JPG (156723 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz48_small.JPG)
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Tyrannosaurus
Rex, Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Pteradactyl and others
![liz92.JPG (149728 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz92_small.JPG)
![liz95.JPG (149122 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz95_small.JPG)
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Bear in Nephrite Polar
jade, British Columbia, Canada
![liz149.JPG (163047 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz149_small.JPG)
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Parrot
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SNUFF
BOTTLES |
Black Opal
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White opal
![liz99.JPG (148168 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz99_small.JPG)
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White opal
![liz100.JPG (145762 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz100_small.JPG)
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Tourmaline
![liz101.JPG (139641 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz101_small.JPG)
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Amber
![liz103.JPG (155333 bytes)](Rocks%20Photos/liz103_small.JPG)
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