Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Manley Natland, and What is Natlandite?
Refer to the article Miracle at 6th Street and Flower by Dr. M. L. Natland.
Is There More Natlandite?
What was unearthed at that location was approximately half of 1% of what is in existence yet not easily attainable. What exists is a bed approximately 3,000 feet long by 500 feet wide and one foot thick I,53,571 cubic yards. Refer to the article Miracle at 6th Street and Flower by Dr. M. L. Natland.
Where Can Natlandite Be Found?
It can be found approximately 2,000 ft below sea level at 6th and Flower in Los Angeles, CA 34.050799°N. 118.258986°W.
Refer to the article Miracle at 6th Street and Flower by Dr. M. L. Natland.
Can Natlandite Be Found Anywhere Else in the World?
It is known to exist only at the location where it was found.
Why Did Dr. Natland Choose to Send the Rock to Italy to Get Cut and Polished?
At the time, Italy was better equipped in cutting and polishing marble than anywhere else.
How Much Does It Weigh Per Square Foot?
Same as most marble, approximately 13.34 lbs. per square foot.
Why Was It Epoxied?
The percentage of shells embedded into the surrounding marble was so great that to strengthen the structural integrity, it was found necessary to epoxy the cut slabs.
Where Can Natlandite Be Seen?
As of 1992, it was on display at The White House, The Smithsonian, Mayor Tom Bradley's office and the Los Angeles Natural History Museum.
Has Natlandite Been Appraised?
YES. The tables sent to the White House and to the City of Los Angeles were appraised; see documents on appraisals.
How Did Natlandite Get the Name "the Gemstone of Los Angeles"?
Proclamation by Mayor Tom Bradley during the Bicentennial Celebration of the City of Los Angeles in 1981.
What Was Made From the Product?
Table tops, furniture, stone displays, jewelry boxes, tumbled stones, ashtrays, book ends, pen sets, bowls, etc.
What Makes Natlandite Unique and Different From Petrified Wood or Marble?
Petrified wood was once wood; with time and the precise surrounding conditions, the wood changed composition (through metamorphosis) and is no longer wood. The same goes for marble. Natlandite is unique in that the shells still remain as shells, yet all the surrounding material has undergone a metamorphosis. Nowhere in the world has the fossil shown its face but at this precise location.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship, and How Long Will It Take for It to Arrive?
Priority shipping in the 48 contiguous states via USPS is included in the price and usually takes 2–3 business days.
Do You Ship Internationally or Outside the 48 Contiguous States?
We do not ship internationally. If you are outside of the 48 contiguous states, please email us at natlandite@gmail.com or use the contact form to get shipping costs.
Do You Offer Expedited Shipping?
Please email us at natlandite@gmail.com or use the contact form to get expedited shipping costs.
How Can I Clean the Natlandite Slab?
Natlandite can be dusted with a dry or damp soft cloth.
How Can I Clean the Natlandite Display?
The display holder is made from Poplar with a gray satin wax finish, and it can be cleaned with any type of furniture polish.
Are There Other Sizes Available?
YES. There are various sizes that are available for your custom designs. The largest pieces are 24" X 60". Please contact us for prices and details.
FOB: Los Angeles, California
Will I Receive the Exact Product as Pictured?
NO. Each piece of Natlandite is beautifully unique.
Are There Any Voids in the Natlandite?
Epoxy has been filled into the voids where a shell or rock has slipped out during the cutting process.
Are Both Sides of the Natlandite Slab the Same?
NO. The Natlandite slab is polished on one side, including the edges. The back is the raw saw cut finish.
If these FAQs do not answer your question, send us a note via the contact form or to natlandite@gmail.com, and we will respond to your request.
Feel free to text or call (626) 201-7881 as well.