I don't know much about the conflict going on in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), but as I read news stories and listen to news reports, I understand that in the year 2007, it is ashame that oppression still exists in our world. Between the terrorist factions and dictator regimes, it is apparent that evil has attained a foothold and is prepared to battle to the end.
As a "rockologist" (a term given to me by a local pastor of a church where I recently gave a presentation on rocks, minerals, and geology), my interest was originally spurned towards the events in Myanmar because of its region being the source of the greatest "jadeite" in the world; Burma Jade. As a rock and mineral dealer I am unclear as to how the turmoil, which has been evident for some time but has progressed to its current status, will effect the availability of this absolutely beautiful, translucent gem.
To speak of jadeite in this manner, is to recognize the rarity of Type A Burma Jade. Jade is mined and collected
in vast quantities, but Type A, translucent, gem quality jadeite is rare and rightly so. Not only does it occur in a small percentage of mined material, but the translucent, gem quality that is so highly prized among collectors, is a rarity in itself. So would I be so bold as to say that with the escalation of events in Myanmar contribute to the rarity of availability of this prized gemstone? Will the price for this gem jump to extremes? For the sake of reputable collectors, I hope not. I hope and pray for an end to the corruption and violence. I will commit to daily reading and following the headlines concerning this challenge of pro-democracy versus oppression and tyranny.
As a person who believes in the rights of freedom for all in this world, I have begun to take a look at the battles within our world of good and evil. Unfortunately, I don't believe that the people of "rights and freedom" will ever succeed in overcoming the "forces of evil" under the current nature of this world. But the "forces of good" can rise to the occasion to always keep the "forces of evil" "in check" to minimize its effect upon the people of this world. Not until a new day dawns and a new earth is formed, will we see the end of dehumanizing behavior from our fellow man.
Click here to read a great story about the history and events in Myanmar!
You may view specimens of "Type A" Burma Jade at the CabinHouse TradingPost website!
Gary Godfrey
CabinHouse TradingPost
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