Friday, February 15, 2019

Have You Ever Heard Of Paramagnetic Rock? How About Andesite?

A black volcano erupting in red lava with a purple electrical charge.Photo by Marc Szeglat.Before I go on any further with this topic, I’d like to clarify what Paramagnetism is. It is a simply a form of magnetism that is influenced by internal and external magnetic fields. Paramagnetism was first named by the famous physicist and chemist Michael Faraday way back in 1845. Since that time, it has been thoroughly and exhaustively studied by scientists and is accepted as a scientific fact.

Paramagnetic rocks are natural rocks that contain paramagnetic qualities. Many types of rocks can have these attributes, but for the purposes of this blog, I’ll focus on Andesite. This rock comes from ancient lava beds and it sources its power from the electrical charges in those long-ago eruptions. Paramagnetic levels can be tested using a Phil Callahan Soil Meter (pricey but effective). These levels are measured in CGS (centimeter/grams/seconds), with 9,000 being at the top of the spectrum.(the Andesite Mineral Complex we carry has 8,000+cgs). Soil levels can be as low as 25 – a seriously ill soil.

A blue shovel in rich black soil with bright green plants sprouting in the background.Photo by Markus SpiskeWe know that soil can be depleted over time, either by overuse, misuse or general human use. In the distant past, volcanoes were the agent for re-mineralization. Many of those minerals are still locked in that ancient lava. We go straight to that source for our Andesite Mineral Complex. The result is a soil amendment swimming in essential minerals and trace elements.

The use of paramagnetic rock as a soil amendment is where the “controversy” begins. There is little doubt that adding Andesite (or another paramagnetic rock dust) is beneficial to the soil and, thus, the plants that grow in it. However, how it achieves this is questioned by many. Some people are adamant that the main benefit is derived from the minerals inherent in the rock, while others credit the electrical charge with stimulating microbial life in the soil (which translates into healthier soil and bigger, better plants). Dr. Thomas M. Dykstra of Dykstra Laboratories was motivated enough by this question to study it in detail. His results indicate that the paramagnetic energy stimulates the plant roots, leading to more robust growth.
   
A colorful salad with a fork in a white bowl and vegetables surrounding it. Photo by Nadine Primeau.Whether paramagnetic rock provides minerals or stimulates the soil and roots, it works wonders in soil. It can offer things like:
Better nutrient uptake to plants from healthy, happy, thriving roots
An increase in earthworm and microbial activity which serves to aerate the soil and in the breakdown of organic materials
Stronger plants that are more able to resist disease and environmental stresses
Better water retention
A vibrant and stable soil ecosystem that encourages optimal seed germination
More flavorful and beautiful food to eat and enjoy

If you are interested in further information on paramagnetism, I suggest you begin with the work of Dr. Phil Callahan. He developed the aforementioned soil meter and is considered by some to be the Godfather of paramagnetism.

Glowing lava in the shape of a smiley face in a grey volcanic crater.  
Smiley Kilauea


All things on Earth have an electrical charge. By adding a little paramagnetism to your garden, you can plug into this cosmic hum and provide your plants with the deeply natural minerals and elements they crave. The Universe will thank you.

Submitted by Pam




2 comments:

  1. What minerals are present in Andesite? I would like to know the breakdown of which minerals and how much of each. Is this higher in calcium or something like silica or granite?

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    Replies
    1. I am not a geologist, so I am unqualified to answer such a detailed question. However a simple Google search has the answer for you from the United States Geological Survey (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vsc/glossary/andesite.html#:~:text=Andesites%20contain%20crystals%20composed%20primarily,lava%20may%20also%20contain%20olivine. )

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