(from Ash, age 12)
Marjorie answers:
Dear Ash,
Iron Pyrite—or what I called a “sunstone” in my novel—comes in various sizes. When I was exhibiting artifacts and authentic tools (owned by UCLA) during presentations to classes, I used three very small marble-sized pieces. When one of them went missing—the only item that was ever stolen in over twenty years of teaching—I searched for a larger one and bought a piece from Peru the size of a ping pong ball. Because iron pyrite is bright gold in color (California miners called it ‘fool’s gold’), this larger piece was more dramatic and could be seen more easily in a classroom. Only when iron pyrite is struck against flint are sparks produced that can ignite a fire. My guess is that this was an accidental discovery and totally unknown to Toreg’s clan. He wanted one so desperately that he willingly exchanged his spear-thrower for Dar’s sunstone. Dar’s clan had long ago found out where to look for the mineral so Dar knew he could find a replacement.
Ash, I hope this answer your question.
Marjorie Cowley
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