Blackwater, Missouri

Mozarkite takes its name from a combination of the names, Missouri and Ozark. It is found in the Missouri Ozark Mountains and as far north as Marshall, MO. When found in the rough, Mozarkite is not very attractive. But when sawed with diamond saws, one can see the variety of colors. Many rocks are sliced before finding one suitable for jewelry. Philip Widel tried to find naturally formed pictures, such as faces, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls in the ones he chose to finish.

The rocks are held to grinding stones to get the desired shape. As the rock becomes the desired shape, finer sanders are used. The final finish or 'shine' is put on with a polishing buffer. Lastly the stone is set in silver to create jewelry. Widel used sheets of sterling silver for backing and silver wire twisted and soldered to the backing holding the stone secure.

The late Philip Widel was born in 1891 and raised near Blackwater, farming for a living . Later, he drove the Blackwater School Bus for 8 years, moving to 201 Doddridge Ave., Blackwater in 1944. He became attracted to Mozarkite in the 1950's.

As a hobby, he had worked with other gem rocks such as Jade, Tiger Eye, Obsidian and Agate. He traveled over a large part of the United States attending rock shows, displaying Mozarkite and trading it for other gem rocks. He mounted a collection of the best pieces on a leather satchel with a wide shoulder strap also covered with finished pieces of Mozarkite, and carried it with him.

As his collection grew, he became inspired to have Mozarkite as the Missouri State Rock. He made several trips to Jefferson City to the Capitol to make talks and to present his rocks. On July 21, 1967 the 74th General Assembly passed Senate Bills #216 and #217, making Mozarkite the Official State Rock and Galena the Official State Mineral. This came just after Widel suffered a stroke, confining him to a wheelchair. He received a letter telling of the passage of the bill and that he had been given the honorary title of "Mr. Mozarkite".