Mineral Content Analysis - A Sculpture Commemorating The Healing Waters of Soap Lake

The Vision

The man is calling the healing waters
His expression suggests he's calling the Healing Spirit with a knowing expectation

The woman is the vessel, the receiver
The bowl suggests portability
Perhaps to take the healing waters
To the needy

Together they become givers of the gift of healing

(©Raymond Gravelle 2007)

"Mineral Content Analysis"

Soap Lake, a body of water unlike any other on this planet is famous for its healing properties, ancient in its composition, containing the highest diverse mineral content of any natural body of water. Its unique properties are compared to the famous Baden Baden Springs in Germany.

Soap Lake is a meromictic lake in formed by the Missoula Floods at the foot of the Grand Coulee. The lake gets its name from the naturally-occurring foam that gives its water a soapy appearance and because the lake's mineral-rich waters have a slick, soapy feel. The lake is approximately 2 mi.² (5.12 km²) in area and 70 feet (21.2 m) deep. (Wikipedia)

Artists depiction of Ice Age Flood

Soap Lake water also contains ichthyols, an oil-like substance sold over the counter in Europe to treat infections and abrasions. The icthyol in Soap Lake water most likely come from decomposition of tiny brine-like red shrimp that flourish in the water from late spring to mid-summer.

The alkalinity of the lake is similar to that found on the moons of Jupiter. Because of this, in 2002 the National Science Foundation awarded a grant to researchers from Central Washington University to study the lake to learn about the possibility of life on Mars.

The mineral content of Soap lake water has been analyzed many times throughout the last 95 years. Concentration of different minerals has changed throughout this time. The most recent analysis was conducted in 2000.

The result of the analysis is as follows:

Minerals	Milligrams/Liters
Sodium Bicarbonate Sulfate Carbonate Chloride Potassium Organic Nitrogen Fluoride Ortho-Phosphate Nitrate Calcium Magnesium	5760 2480 2540 3840 2290 504 .9 7.2 6.3 0.7 2.5 2.9

Less than .01 of Aluminum, Iron, Copper, Rubidium, Lithium, Strontium,
Barium, Chromium, Lead, Manganese, Titanium, Vanadium, and Boron.

There is also a high concentration of organic substances such as ichthyols suspended or dissolved in Soap Lake water.

Tradition holds that the lake was known by at least two Indian names — Smokiam, which means "healing waters" and Let-to-to-weints, which is said to mean "healing water springs." This would indicate that they were aware of the healing properties of the water.

It is said that rival Indian tribes would call a truce when they came to Soap Lake to relax and heal themselves and their animals. This is verified by recorded history and the number of Indian artifacts found in the area over the years.

From the many testimonials of those it has helped, there is no doubt that the water of Soap Lake has curative powers.

It is the only known successful treatment for the rare Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangitis Obliterans). Men using the water have been able to arrest or slow the ravages of the disease. Documented testimonials can be found here: http://www.soaplakewa.com/testimonials.html

Skin, circulatory, digestive, and joint problems seem to be the disorders most commonly benefited by drinking and bathing in the water.

Be a Part of History

Memorial Stone
(5" x 10")
for Promontory Plaza

Here is a rare opportunity to be connected to something greater than yourself and make a permanent statement for history to see. We’re not talking ethereal stuff like data on a computer but stones sandblasted with your message. You can memorialize a loved one, commemorate an event or make your own statement of significance.

Ideas are limited only to your imagination. Some have strung together more than one stone for a longer message. Others offer messages of healing and peace and thought provoking questions.

Pallet of finished stones at International Tumble Stone