Pinolith Cabochon

Pinolith, also known as Pinolite, is a black & white metamorphic rock composed of dolomite, magnesite, & graphite. It is a graphite-pigmented dolomitic marble that contains small lath-shaped crystals of white to yellowish brown magnesite. It got its name because the magnesite crystals in Pinolith are shaped like pine nuts from the European stone pine tree (Pinus pinea). Pine nuts are small edible seeds from pine trees common to Europe and Asia. Additionally, the suffix -lith is from the Greek lithos, or stone.

When Pinolith is examined with magnification, each pine nut is a single crystal composed of either white magnesite, sparry magnesite, or sparry magnesite heavily included with graphite. Metasomatism (a change in the composition of rock caused by intrusive hot, reactive fluids) transformed Limestones into Magnesite & Dolomite. Small amounts of Pinolith & metallic ore minerals are present in these rocks.

Pinolith promotes a positive attitude to life. It is known as a stone of optimism & balance, that may soothe & calm emotions. It may assist with the development of serenity & release of emotional stress. Pinolith may also ease feelings of hurt, fear, loneliness, sorrow & anxiety.