why anhydrite?

["Stacy Shure" <shurefamily@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Gary:

I can't speak for others, but for me it's part curiosity, part aesthetics.
Sometimes I have a design in mind that I know will translate well to a
certain stone.  Or the mood will strike me and I look at a piece of stone,
rough edges and all, and I see something in the color, the texture or the
shape that just calls to me.  I've never found two stones to be alike, even
ones from the same quarry.  And that's the beauty of stone carving.  As much
as we carvers think we are in control of what we are doing, it's the stone
"talking" to us, that directs us and brings out the beautiful image.  At
least this is what it is like for me.

Chlorite is a lovely stone. Beautiful and rewarding to work with - a very
deep dark black that does take a beautiful shine.  It's relatively soft
(much more than anhydrite) and will also take texture treatments well.  It
will hold a beautiful edge and it's depth allows for beautiful angles and
luxurious curves.  However, this is just how I feel.  I'm sure many other
carvers out there have their own viewpoints about different stones and what
attracts them to which.  I hope they will respond and share their thoughts.
It would make for some terrific reading!

Stacy Shure
Los Angeles, Ca.