Aquamarine is a gemstone that carries a reputation for its beauty. Named for its colour (the term “aquamarine” is Latin for sea water), its literal aqua-marine shade of blue or green has earned it a place of esteem in the gemstone world. In fact, aquamarine comes from a family background of some exalted gems and enjoys not only a place of respect because of its beauty, but also because of its impressive metaphysical properties.

About the Mineral

To understand aquamarine one must first understand Beryl, the mineral family to which aquamarine belongs. Beryl is a beryllium-aluminium-silicate, generally formed deep underground where beryllium-bearing gases react with aluminium and silica. It is usually found embedded in coarse granite known as pegmatite.

Pure beryl is actually colourless, however, on account of its crystalline structure, it is able to store traces of other minerals within it. It is these foreign minerals that give rise to the various colour forms of beryl.

Pure, colourless beryl is known as goshenite. When beryl is invaded by impurities of chrome or vanadium the end result is an intense, green coloured gem, famously known as emerald. When it is manganese that occupies beryl crystals the outcome is either called morganite, if the colour is a soft and delicate pink gem, or bixbite, if the colour is an intense red. Traces of iron and uranium produce heliodor, a golden yellow-green beryl.

Finally, it is traces of iron (Fe) in different concentrations and stored in different parts of beryl’s crystalline structure, which results in the shades of blue and green quintessential to aquamarine. Without getting too technical, when iron Fe3+ replaces the aluminium component in the ‘octahedral site’ of the crystal, a yellow colour is produced. When iron Fe2+ is present in the ‘interstitial channel’, a pure blue colour results. When both are present, a blue-green mix results.

Colour and Appearance

Aquamarine is found in varying shades of blue, aqua, blue-green, sea-green and even teal. One can also expect the clarity of aquamarine to vary, from totally transparent to opaque. Some specimens show the characteristics of chatoyancy (shimmering in the light) with either a cat’s eye effect or asterism (the appearance of a star in the stone)

It is possible to heat aquamarine in the lab to remove the green hues from the stone, leaving a more intense blue. This process is reversible through irradiation. Both these techniques are considered as acceptable by many in the gem and jewellery industry.

Metaphysics

Aquamarine is credited with metaphysical properties that are beneficial both for worldly life and for those who are committed to higher spiritual pursuits. Aquamarine is a mover and a moderator. It encourages us to foray into unchartered territory and prepares the infrastructure we need to cope.

Historically it was used by sailors as a charm for protection while at sea. It was referred to as the treasure of the mermaids and would be immersed in water to strengthen its power. It has also been worn into battle as a protection against injury and is said to provide a shield for ones aura. It is considered as a stone of Courage.

Aquamarine is said to be very beneficial for married couples. It helps husband and wife to work out their differences and to maintain harmony, integrity and happiness in a long and fulfilling marriage. It is also suggested that similar benefits in business relationships can be enjoyed.

The energy of aquamarine is one of gentle force and form combined. It is a dynamic energy yet structured, bringing order and balance to projects that may otherwise be overwhelming.

It is a great friend in learning, fortifying the intellect, accelerating intellectual reasoning and strengthening one through knowledge, as it enables one to delve deep into a subject and work through all the related complex issues while keeping them ordered, facilitating easier interpretation.

For the spiritual seeker it supports the journey inward, providing the emotional and intellectual stability required to peel away the layers of emotional baggage, prejudices and value judgements that keep us from our higher selves.

Aquamarine, which helps us to be so thorough in our search for knowledge, makes us accountable and impeccable. The lessons we learn about our environment and ourselves cultivate both foresight and insight, making us prepared for anything. But its energy is a gentle one, promoting tolerance and compassion toward others and inspiring us to perfect our world.

Aquamarine activates and cleanses the throat chakra, facilitating communication of a higher quality. It has been used as a treatment for swollen glands, to improve eyesight, and maintain healthy teeth and bones. It has also been credited with curing hiccups and insomnia.

Aquamarine is the anniversary gemstone for the 19th year of marriage.

It corresponds to the astrological signs of Pisces and Scorpio and vibrates to the number 1. BlueTurtles.

Ammonite

Between 65 million and 250 million years ago, the ammonites ruled the seas.

These mollusks, which belonged to the class of cephalopods, were very abundant the world over, until they took their leave and slipped into extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period along with the dinosaurs. During their reign, however, they showed an amazing ability to adapt and evolve to maintain their worldly presence. Indeed, even after death and extinction, they have managed to leave their mark in the form of one of the world’s most prevalent and well-preserved varieties of fossil.

The Living Ammonite

Though no one alive today will have seen a living ammonite, one could imagine that it resembled modern day cephalopods such as squid or cuttlefish, except that it lived in a shell, like the modern day nautilus. Its shell was composed of aragonite (a substance which makes up the composition of modern day mollusk shells too) and was divided into separate chambers. As the creature grew, new chambers were added, the living organism inhabiting the newest outer chamber.

By filling its chambers with a mixture of water and gases the ammonite was able to swim at varying depths. Similar to all other present day cephalopods it was most likely a predator that hunted fish and other sea dwellers, propelling itself in hot pursuit of its prey by squirting water through a tube and grasping its victim with its tentacles and powerful jaws.

Ammonites ranged in size from 1 cm to more than 1 metre in diameter.

The Ammonite Era

In the close to 200 million years that the ammonites lived on Earth, they showed a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve into countless genera and species, evidenced by the huge variety of shapes and forms of their fossil remnants. Species would evolve and die off relatively quickly (within a few million years) as newly evolved forms superseded them. At least two catastrophic events, which caused mass extinctions on Earth, hit the ammonites hard and reduced their populations, but they would soon recover and return to their teeming numbers. Finally, at the end of the Cretaceous era, every species of the genus was wiped out, and the ammonites became extinct.

The Fossilization Process

It is remarkable to consider that the right mix of very specific conditions have resulted in the preservation of once living creatures in their original form, many millions of years after they died. It would have started with a freshly dead ammonite sinking and settling on the sea floor. Scavengers would have consumed the soft tissue, leaving an empty shell. Silt and sand buried the shell, protecting it from weathering and erosion by the sea. In this low oxygen environment the process of decomposition will have been slowed considerably. Over time, water rich in minerals seeped through the layers of sediment, bringing very fine granules of mineral in contact with the gradually decaying shell. As these fine granules built up and fused around the shell, they gradually replaced the decaying organic matter, eventually leaving a mineral replica of the original shell.

Earth movements, falling sea levels and erosion have led to the eventual exposure of ammonite fossil deposits.

Mineral Composition

In different locations worldwide, ammonite fossils have formed from different minerals such as Silica, iron, calcite and also pyrite. Often, the hollow internal cavities will be encrusted in fine crystals known as druzy. In the vicinity of Simbirsk, Russia, simbircite ammonites display combinations of pyrite, calcite and silica in a single specimen.

Ammonites that are preserved in clay usually display their original mother of pearlcoating intact. Others will be characterized by patterns of fine lines known as suture lines that can be used to identify different species. In some cases the suture lines are very elaborate.

In Canada and the USA, ammonite fossils have been found with a surface displaying a most striking iridescence, similar to opal. This surface material is known as ammolite. Somehow, geological conditions prevented the aragonite content of the ammonite shell from being replaced by calcite. Aragonite consists of many layers of platelets known as lamellae. When light hits the lamellae it produces an iridescent sheen, as one sees on pearl, abalone and other mollusk shells. In the case of ammolite, the fossilization process has left traces of minerals embedded between the lamellae that actually diffract light and have somehow exaggerated the magnificent iridescence. Intense colours of the full spectrum flash across the fossil’s surface.


Ammonites through Human History

Having enjoyed such a widespread distribution in life, ammonite fossils have surfaced all around the world and have worked their way into the folklore of cultures far and wide.

The early British referred to them as snakestones, believing them to be beheaded, coiled snakes. According to legend in Whitby, England, St Hilda (614-680 AD) beheaded all the snakes in the region and turned them to stone. Relics of ammonites with carved snakeheads have been found.

The ancient Greeks were quite taken by their resemblance to the coiled ram horns of the god Ammon (Zeus) and thus considered them sacred, calling them Cornu Ammonis, the “horns of Ammon”. It is from this association that the name “ammonite” was derived. They also believed that ammonites provided protection from snakebite, cured blindness and increased fertility and virility.

The Romans used pyritized ammonites to predict the future. They also believed that placing them under ones pillow would produce sweet dreams.

In India they are referred to as Saligrams and are considered sacred symbols of Vishnu because of their resemblance to the chakra disc, which represents the eightfold path, held in Vishnu’s hand.The Australian Aboriginals often carried them as magical amulets. In parts of North America, certain Indian tribes considered them as an omen of good fortune. The Blackfoot Indians referred to them as buffalo stones and used them in ceremonies preceding the hunting season.

Its Metaphysics

Ammonites carry in them a connection to the past and a strong sense of stability in the present. It is said that working with them may help to reveal past life and karmic issues whilst fostering the stability and calmness to work through those issues.

 

Structure seems to be the mantra of ammonite. The superb geometric structure and durability of its multi-chambered spiral shell underscore the properties attributed to it. It is said to be stimulating for those in the fields of architecture and construction. It is also said to facilitate structure in ones life. Like the slow, even spiral from its centre outwards, the ammonite engenders a sense of calm stability and form, a clear path to travel toward ones goals.

It is also said to sharpen the instincts, including ones survival instincts. Again, given the ammonites’ remarkable ability to adapt and evolve against the odds for nearly 200 million years and then for their fossils to cheat decay for millions more, it is easy to see why the ammonite personifies survival. For one facing a treacherous challenge, pyrite ammonite embodies this attribute combined with the protective, shielding qualities of pyrite.

Ammolite is considered a powerful luck stone that engenders prosperity and positivity, and is even said to facilitate miracles. The colours are produced by the diffraction of light, meaning that light actually changes frequency in contact with ammolite.

It is highly regarded by practitioners of feng shui, who believe that it promotes the free movement of chi energy through the body and is thus excellent for health. Also placed in one’s environment, it can accomplish many benefits, depending on the colour displayed.

Pyritized ammonite embodies all the qualities of ammonite and pyrite combined.

Ammonite is also said to assist in the birthing process and to alleviate depression. It has apparently been used to treat disorders of the lungs and limbs.

Ammonite corresponds to Aquarius and vibrates to the number 9.

Chrysophrase owes its name to the Greek words chrysos, meaning “gold”, and prason, meaning “leek”, an obvious reference to its bright and translucent green colour.

The bright, vivid green of Chrysophrase is almost too much to believe, but it’s real and natural, forming in ribbons of apple-green not far below the surface of the Earth. Read about how eons of rainfall helped Chrysophrase to form, and why it is known as a stone of the heart.

About the Mineral:

Chrysoprase is a variety of Chalcedony, a member of the quartz family. Chalcedonies are microcrystalline quartzes, meaning that they are composed of very fine crystals arranged in a pattern that doesn’t repeat itself for a long enough distance to be seen as distinct crystals under normal magnification or by the naked eye.

The colour of chrysoprase results from the presence of nickel in its structure. It forms through a process known as lateritization, a gradual weathering of rocks through heavy rainfall, which causes soluble elements in the rock to dissolve whilst the insoluble elements are slowly washed down through the weathering rock to settle and concentrate in veins and nodules. In chrysoprase’s case, serpentine and other ultramafic (low silica content) rocks rich in magnesite are subjected to the lateritization process. The insoluble silica and nickel settle together where other elements such as magnesite have dissolved, to form veins of green chrysoprase.

Today chrysoprase is mined in various countries but by far the greatest output comes from Australia. Both Western Australia and Queensland produce chrysoprase.

Its Colour:

The highest quality gem-grade chrysoprase is a semi-transparent, glowing, apple green colour. It is often mistaken for high quality jadeite and has been marketed in China as Australian Imperial Jade, a bit of a twist on the truth. Chrysoprase can be found in various shades of green, from pale to dark, and may be either translucent or opaque. As the material is often pock-marked with little cavities, it is difficult to find a flawless stone.

When exposed to sunlight or heat the colour of chrysoprase may fade and the stone loses its translucency and lustre. This is the result of dehydration. Chrysoprase contains a silicate in its structure called pimelite, which readily traps water when exposed to moisture, or conversely releases water in dry conditions. To restore colour, stones can be immersed in water or wrapped in wet towels.

Lemon Chrysoprase
This light yellow to pale-green, opaque stone with brown webbing is not, in fact, the same chemical composition aschrysoprase, although both minerals are borne from the same material. Lemon chrysoprase is a magnesite (magnesium carbonate), which is produced by the hydrothermal leaching of magnesium from serpentine. Though magnesite is of itself white, the presence of nickel causes the green to yellow colour.

History

Chrysoprase is recorded in history as far back as 23 A.D. The Egyptians made beads and other jewellery and the Greeks and Romans carved cameos and signets from it.

In Europe it was first mined commercially in 1740 in Poland and was in very high demand until the mines were exhausted and the price became prohibitive.

Prussian king Frederick the Great was particularly enamoured with chrysoprase and used it extensively to decorate his palace and other important buildings around Prague. He also wore it as a ring, and a knob of chrysoprase adorned his walking stick.

In the Book of Revelations (21:20) chrysoprase is mentioned as the tenth of twelve stones that make up the foundations of the wall surrounding the “New Jerusalem”.

In the Middle Ages thieves held a piece of chrysoprase in their mouths in the belief that it would render them invisible.

The Ancient Romans attributed to chrysoprase the power to enable communication with lizards.

Its Metaphysics

Soothing and emotionally uplifting, chrysoprase is a stone of balance. It is considered a youthful stone, imparting and promoting a youthful spirit. It encourages a connection with nature and appreciation for the Earth’s natural beauty.

Chrysoprase is very much a heart stone. It opens, balances and energises the heart chakra and helps one to be centred in the heart at all times. It is attributed with helping to heal “broken hearts” and aiding one in recovering emotionally from abuse, clearing the way for new relationships. In current relationships, chrysoprase may help to identify disruptive patterns, thus providing the space required for healing and reconciliation. It promotes compassion, acceptance and forgiveness. Chrysoprase is said to attract new friends to the wearer.

Placed on the solar plexus, chrysoprase assists in releasing emotional stress and tension. As the solar plexus is the seat of the will, chrysoprase empowers the heart to harness the will to manifest the heart’s desire.

Lemon chrysoprase is said to induce deep meditative states and encourage a sense of being a part of the Divine All. It energizes both the heart and base chakras and is said to attract positive energy and lift depression.

Physical Healing

As a physical healing stone, chrysoprase’s principal role is to help one accept healing energies. It can be used to prepare one to be open to the healing properties of other crystals.
As much as it is beneficial to the heart emotionally, chrysoprase is also credited with strengthening the heart physically and is said to help relieve heart disorders. It is also said to relieve gout, increase fertility treat eye disorders. It is even documented in the 11th Century Byzantine manuscript of Michael Psellius that it strengthens vision and relieves pain.

Chrysoprase relates to the astrological sign of Libra  and vibrates to the number 3.

Eudialyte is a strikingly beautiful mineral of vivid reds and crimsons, born from the unlikely meeting of rare elements in rare circumstances. Read about this rare beauty and how it helps us to live our lives in the direction of our dreams. 

Its name is derived from the Greek words “eu” and “dialytos”, meaning “well” and “decomposable” respectively – a reference to it readily dissolving in acid. Eudialyte was first discovered and described in Greenland in 1819. It is also found in Norway, Madagascar, Arkansas in the USA and Mont Saint-Hilaire in Canada, but the most notable current source is the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

Connected to both the base and heart chakras, eudialyte helps to balance the emotional and physical bodies – it harmonizes the instinctual drive to survive with the urge to fulfil the heart’s desires. It helps us to choose the path in life that leads to our true fulfillment.

Eudialyte can help to engineer situations in our lives that ensure we get on all right in the physical world, yet satisfy our emotional selves. It helps us move in the direction of our dreams.

Emotionally, eudialyte is grounding. It helps us to overcome self-doubt, depression and fear and to take action. It helps us to abandon negative notions about our selves, as well as those about others.

Spiritually, it opens our hearts to live our lives true to ourselves. It is said to stimulate the energy of higher love. Eudialyte can be used to fine-tune clairaudient capabilities and initiate extra sensory perception (ESP). It increases both Alpha and Beta states of the brain.

The black inclusions found within eudialyte offer protection and neutralization of negative energies. Physically, eudialyte helps to calm the nerves. It is said to help with disorders of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and even Alzheimer’s Disease. It has a stabilizing effect on the critically ill, and can help ease the dying process.

Eudialyte relates to the astrological sign of Virgo and vibrates to the number 3. 

Herkimer Diamonds sparkle with their characteristic clarity and many natural facets. Though not really quite what their name suggests, these little jewels constitute an unusual mineral occurrence, created slowly over 300 million years. Their attractiveness and purifying nature have endeared them to many.

Herkimer Diamonds are not in fact diamonds, but a unique, double terminated, stubby formation of quartz crystal. "double-terminated" means that the crystals form with two naturally faceted ends.

Generally, crystals grow with one end anchored to the host rock, and the other end terminating in a faceted point. In this case, both ends of the crystal are free and thus end in points.

Herkimer diamonds earned their name because of their resemblance to diamonds, thanks to their often-extraordinary clarity and the sparkle caused by their 18 natural facets. The adjective, "Herkimer", refers to the limited range of Herkimer Country in New York State. USA and surrounding area where they are found. There have since, though, been deposits of similarity double terminated quartz found in other regions, including Arizona USA, Mexico, Spain, Tibet and Afghanistan, but only specimens from the Herkimer vicinity can rightly be called Herkimer Diamonds.

History

The Mohawk and Iroquois people, indigenous to Herkimer County, knew about Herkimer diamonds and considered them to be “spirit stones”. They fashioned arrowheads and tools from specimens they found in streams and fields.

The first modem record of Herkimer diamonds was an article written in the “American Journal of Science” in 1819. Stories tell of people who had thought they struck it rich, until their finds were analyzed and were revealed to be quartz.

Vast quantities of Herkimer diamonds were unearthed when a road was cut into the region, and it was common for roadsides and driveways to sparkle with crystals that otherwise attracted no great interest.

Over time the crystals became better known and coveted by collectors. Today the mines are very active, and some of them are open to the public, so collectors and enthusiasts can try in their own hand. History

Metaphysics

The energy of Herkimer diamond is one of purifying, calming and restoring balance. It is said to emanate the brightest crystal light.

Like quartz crystal in general, it came as an amplifier of the energy of other stones. Herkimer diamond is attributed with helping us to clear unconscious fears and alleviate tension in the physical body, down to the deep tissue level, creating a sense of deep and true relaxation and wellbeing. It also activates the third eye and crown chakras, facilitating focuses meditation. This makes it an excellent preparation stone for self-realization.

In activating the third eye, it increases ones clairvoyance and psychic ability and facilitates access to the astral plane. It is credited with improving the lucidity and recall of dreams, and is often kept under the pillow or worn while sleeping.

Herkimer diamond is suggested for those in the field of visual creativity – it inspires the imagination and triggers the flow of ideas. It is also considered a tool of manifestation.

Referred to as an “attunement stone”, one can use Herkimer diamond to keep attuned with a chosen person, a group of people or even a location. Herkimer diamonds will retain information, if one meditates with them and uses intent. Two or more people meditating together with the same intent, while holding a Herkimer diamond each, are said to remain attuned to one another even when separated. Doing the same with two crystals and leaving one behind in a chosen location is said to maintain a connection with that location.

The degree of clarity or the types of inclusions in Herkimer diamonds are said to have specific impacts on the energy of the crystals. Clear stones will clear blockages and debris, restoring ones aura with high frequency energy, included crystals help to cleanse the physical body, and lend stamina. Enhydro Herkimers (containing water inclusions) have a healing effect on the emotional body.

Healers use Herkimer crystals to unblock the flow of energy between chakras. Physically, Herkimer is attributed with helping to rid the body of toxins, boost the immune system and balance the metabolism. It is also used to dissipate radiation.

Herkimer Diamond relates to the astrological sign of Sagittarius and vibrates to the number 3 

Introducing Hemimorphite, a curious mineral of unusual structure. Read on to learn about this unique and often very beautiful crystal, and why it is known as a stone of transformation, good fortune and creativity.

Hemimorphite is known for the sense of joy, good fortune and spirit of creativity that it encourages.

It is a stone for wellbeing, balance, and personal evolution and is said to aid one in acquiring self-knowledge and developing self-acceptance, leading to a state of egoless self-confidence.

As the joy that Hemimorphite engenders is born of self-acceptance, it is a joy that is balanced with the reality of ones life, meaning one can face grief or sorrow without resistance and still feel the undercurrent of joy. Hemimorphite encourages us to be practical and resourceful. It helps us to look beyond negative traits and emotions such as anger, to understand the root causes of these traits and to nip them in the bud. In the space created, we are free to develop more advantageous ways of being.

It enables effective communication of our feelings without heated emotions clouding our judgment, thus it may be beneficial for healing rifts in relationships. For those with a propensity for clairvoyance, Hemimorphite is said to aid development of ones talents. It may attract spirit guides to those who are ready.

Practitioners of healing may find that it encourages empathy for the patient. As Hemimorphite ranges in color significantly, one may notice different energetic outcomes between specimens.

White and colorless Hemimorphite will activate the higher chakras and assist in integrating higher or subtler frequencies of energy. Blue Hemimorphite will activate and energize the heart, throat and third eye chakras, and can facilitate clairvoyance and other visionary abilities.

Brown specimens will ground and integrate light energy in the physical body, promoting physical healing. Brown Hemimorphite is excellent for working with nature spirits and other such elemental energies.

For physical healing, Hemimorphite has been attributed with soothing ulcers, pain control, combating herpes, dealing with hormonal changes, easing PMS symptoms, aiding with weight loss and getting into shape.

Hemimorphite relates to the astrological sign of Libra and vibrates to the number . 

The beautiful blue stone Larimar is a form of Pectolite discovered only in The Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Its known range is limited to 1 square kilometre of remote, mountainous terrain, making Larimar a truly rare stone.

Larimar vibrates to the number 6 and the master number 55.

Other names by which Larimar is known include “Dolphin Stone” and “Atlantis Stone.” It is believed by some that certain islands in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Dominican Republic, are remnants of the lost continent of Atlantis, and according to a prophesy originating in nearby Trinidad and Tobago, a blue coloured stone with healing properties would be found in the region. One could easily be forgiven for believing that Larimar is that stone.

Essentially Larimar is a healing stone that promotes harmony and balance between one’s materialistic and spiritual realities. It does this by helping us to see ourselves from beyond our personal and limited perception of reality and to be our true selves in the material world.

Integrity, objectivity and truthfulness are hallmark characteristics of the energy of Larimar. It helps us to see the bigger picture and put things into perspective. It helps us to look at our own selves objectively, which in turn makes us aware of our self-imposed limitations and allows us to work to be free of those limitations.

Larimar is said to embody the elements of both air and water, symbolic of thought and emotion respectively. Consequently it plays a role in achieving balance between one’s emotional and mental states. It stimulates all of the chakras from the heart to the crown.

Larimar is also attributed with attracting soul-mates to the user and customers to the salesperson. It cultivates a sense of calm and peace and may be beneficial for those who are under stress.

It is said that Larimar has healing applications for ailments of the cartilage, hair and feet. Reflexologists may find it useful as it opens acupressure points in the feet. Spiritual healers have used it to purge entities.

The benefit of self-realization that Larimar brings to the individual may be a precursor to something greater, as Larimar is considered an Earth healer. With the self-realization of individuals comes the self-realization of the planet. 

Lodolite. The truly unique and relatively little-known lodolite is a sight to behold. One could be forgiven for thinking that it is not a stone but a living organism…a bubble with its own little world inside, a glass terrarium containing a miniature garden or a tiny coral reef in a fishbowl. Lodolite is, in fact, inorganic and is made up of a combination of minerals. Read on to learn about lodolite, one of the quintessential healing stones.

Lodolite exhibits the combined properties of quartz crystal and the minerals that form its inclusions.

In brief, quartz crystal can act as a rejuvenator, an amplifier of the energy fields in its vicinity and a purifier of the physical, mental and spiritual bodies.

Calcite shares similar energy amplification properties with quartz and enhances greater awareness of the world and appreciation of nature, and is useful for those studying the arts and sciences.

Chlorite is considered as one of the most powerful healing stones. It is credited with purifying and cleansing the aura, chakras and meridians and deals deftly with and dissipates the energies of anger and hostility. It is said that combining chlorite with amethyst and introducing them to ones energy field will remove negative energies and protect against their return. This same combination will also protect one from psychic attack. Chlorite is also credited with helping the body assimilate calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamins A and E, and with removing growths from the outer layers of the skin.

The amplifying nature of quartz combined with the powerful healing properties of chlorite make chlorite-included quartz such as lodolite a very powerful healing tool.

Lodolite is also attributed with enhancing ones psychic abilities and retrieving knowledge attained in past lives. It is also said to facilitate manifestation of ones desires.

It is suggested that wearing lodolite around the waist will ease menstrual pain. Lodolite is associated primarily with the crown chakra but it is suggested not to place it there unless sufficient work is done to cleanse and balance the lower chakras.

Quartz vibrates to the number 4, Calcite to the number 8 and Chlorite to the number 9.

Malachite’s name is said to be derived from any one of three Greek words: “Mallow”, a green herb, “Malakos”, meaning “soft”, and “Mahle”, meaning grass.” Malachite can be found in a variety of forms in nature; as a mat of thin hairs or a carpet of green velvet, as a crust over minerals or as stalactites, tufts and botryoidal configurations, to name a few.

Its bands and striations of light and dark green swirl and radiate in any number of ways and directions, creating unique and often very beautiful patterns. This banding result from subtle changes in oxidation states, but the exact mechanism is still not well understood.

Malachite sometimes occurs in combination with other minerals for stunning effect. Examples include Azurite and Chrysocolla.

History & Uses. The mining of Malachite began as early as 4000 BC in Ancient Egypt, though even older cultures had learnt that placing the green coloured rocks into a very hot fire would yield copper. It was also ground down and the powder used as cosmetic in a similar way to mascara. Malachite powder was, and still is, used to produce paint. To this day Malachite is a source of copper ore.

The Ancient Greeks made amulets of Malachite for their children and it was worn in the Middle Ages as protection from black magic and sorcery. It features in Native American Southwestern jewellery to this day. Malachite is the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage.

Metaphysics. Malachite is said to aid in the regeneration of body cells and is believed to help in the treatment of arthritis, swollen joints and torn muscles. Some suggest that it can also help to dispel the symptoms of vertigo. It is attributed with creating calm and peace and aiding one’s sleep, either by gazing at it or holding it.

It is sometimes used as a children's talisman (as it was by the Ancient Egyptians) to ward off danger and Illness. It is attached to an infant’s cradle.

Known as a stone of transformation, it is said to assist when one is experiencing change, and aids in the transferring of sacred knowledge leading to spiritual growth.

Though it has a clearing effect on all chakras, it particularly stimulates the throat and heart chakras and may open the third eye.

A very particular stone, it helps achieve balance and stimulate reasoning. Malachite aids in recognizing and releasing negative experiences that may exist only in the subconscious and thus clears the way for accepting responsibility for one’s own thoughts and actions, enabling one to “move-on.” This frees one to achieve one's goals, be they material or spiritual. Make sure you are ready for this!

Malachite vibrates to the number 9 and the astrological signs of Capricorn and Scorpio.

The mysterious. Glassy green Moldavite has long fascinated the starry-eyed. With stories that it came from the heavens. The manner in which it came to be is, indeed, a very interesting story. But it is its illustrious reputation as a stone of enlightenment and spiritual awakening that has earned moldavite so many admirers.

Moldavite is a transparent, vitreous substance that occurs in various shades of green and exhibits a very distinctive surface patterning of creases, pockmarks, wrinkles and furrows. It was named alter Moldauthein, a town in Bohemia (The Czech Republic), where it is found.

Fakes.  It is reported that glass manufactured in China is now being marketed as moldavite. It is being cast from moulds taken from natural stones. Buyers need to beware.

Metaphysics. Moldavite is a product of transformation, born of the powerful confluence of Earth and the heavens. It is literally a fusion of the extraterrestrial with the Earth-bound.

There is perhaps no other stone in this age that epitomizes personal transformation as much as moldavite. This is the quintessential stone of spiritual evolution. Simply holding it to the light and gazing into it is said to shift ones consciousness. It works its special magic by accelerating the natural process of ascension.

It is said that moldavite conveys to us information stored in the Akashic Record and helps us to connect with the Ascended Masters. It is highly regarded for its ability to facilitate inter-dimensional connectedness with higher realms of consciousness and extraterrestrial civilizations. It appears that Moldavite's purpose is to catalyze the spiritual evolution of individuals, for the good of our planet as a whole.

Moldavite often surprises the uninitiated because of the ease which it can be physically felt. A sensation of heat or tingling in the hands and sometimes in the chest is often reported. Use Moldavite as a tool of transcendence. It can help us to detach from the insecurities and fears of everyday life, such as those that revolve around career and money, and allows us to integrate out mundane lives with our higher purpose. Through helping us to be aware of our deepest memories, it allows us to pay attention to belief systems that no longer serve us and make the choice to no longer be bound by them.

The powerful vibration of moldavite opens, clears and balances all the chakras, and inspires us to think outside the square. It empowers the heart to reach its full potential. Placed on the Third Eye, it helps transcend the concept of time, allowing us to see past and future potentials in the present. On the Crown chakra, it opens us to spiritual guidance. On the throat chakra, it facilitates communication with other dimensions.

One may find when using moldavite that meditations are intensified, dreams are more vivid, and incidences of synchronicity are more frequent. Moldavite also provides some protection in the sense that it distances us from negative influence and attracts people and circumstances that are beneficial for our spiritual progress.

There is also a grounding aspect to moldavite. It is said to help very sensitive individuals adjust physically and emotionally to the realities of life. A combination of moldavite and either smoky quartz or hematite is suggested for "star children", who may feel particularly ungrounded and vulnerable in to the world.

Generally, Moldavite is excellent when combined with other crystals, as it will enhance the energy of the accompanying crystal. Combined with Seraphenite, it becomes a powerful healing tool. With Herkimer diamond, it intensifies visions. Faceting moldavite is said to magnify its energy, whilst combining with clear quartz will have a stabilizing effect.

As a healing tool, Moldavite allows us to see the underlying causes of disease, which gives us the opportunity to work through the issues and ultimately lead to healing. It is sometimes also used in diagnosis — people with an aversion to its green colour are said to suffer emotional blockages and trauma.

Moldavite relates to all astrological signs and vibrates to the numbers 2 and 6.

Introducing Mookaite, a quartz mineral from Western Australia, which actually owes its existence to billions of long-gone life forms. This is a fascinating mineral, attributed with grounding and promoting open-mindedness and intuitiveness.

Mookaite is a grounding and stabilizing stone whose specialty is broadening horizons. It creates an attitude of open-mindedness and flexibility and inspires one to strive for new experiences whilst maintaining a sense of calm. This combination of qualities helps one to be innovative and decisive.

Mookaite opens and clears the base, solar plexus and third eye chakras. It helps bring our attention to the present. As a spiritual aid, it promotes active meditation through every living moment.

By increasing our awareness of and assisting us to harness the Earth’s electromagnetic energies, it helps us to enhance our personal power. In times of emotional stress mookaite is said to be fortifying and protective.

The open-mindedness that characterizes mookaite’s influence on us extends to a sense of intuition of our selves and of those connected to us. Helping to understand children is such a quality attributed to mookaite. It helps one to intuit and understand the issues that may be affecting a child, thus allowing parents or other carers to better communicate and deal with a child’s welfare and behaviour. This attribute apparently extends to unborn children as well, allowing parents to better prepare for the arrival of a new baby. Similarly, it is claimed to facilitate communication with animals.

This intuition reaches beyond our own generation as well. Mookaite helps us to tap into our genetic memory, to understand and break free of emotional and behavioural patterns inherited from our ancestors and thus to clear ancestral karma for ourselves and for generations to come.

Physically, mookaite is attributed with healing wounds and strengthening the immune system, and is said to be beneficial for the body’s nervous system, glands, stomach, liver and spleen, and may help in treating water retention and hernias.

By creating an acute awareness of one’s beliefs about ageing and providing the space to change those beliefs, mookaite is even said to actually slow the physical ageing process.

It is said if you give your lover a moonstone necklace when the moon is full, you will always have passion with each other. Moonstone is a highly valued gemstone for these reasons:

1. Brings good fortune

2. Assists in foretelling the future

3. Enhances intuition

4. Promotes inspiration

5. Brings success in love as well as business matters

6. Offers protection on land and at sea.

The moonstone is associated with the moon. The most powerful time to use the moonstone is in a full moon. It has been worn as an amulet to bring good emotions to the wearer, while protecting those of a sensitive nature. It can reunite lovers who have quarreled. Moonstone is also considered a good luck stone.

Moonstone is a very personal stone. It is a reflection of the person who owns it. It does not add or detract, only shows how it is. This is why the moonstone is said to perceive that which "is". Moonstone is an excellent stone to use in meditation to understand oneself. Placing it in the moonlight of a moon reaching its fullness, not a full or waning moon, can revitalize it. This is a particularly good gemstone for women. It is a good stone for young women or teenagers.

Healing properties of Moonstone. Moonstone stimulates the functioning of the pineal gland and balances internal hormone cycles with nature's rhythms. Moonstone is a stone of inner growth and strength. Though often considered to be a woman's stone, it can be beneficial to men in opening the emotional self.

Sources of Moonstone. There are two moonstones. Adularia moonstone is an almost transparent pale gray or silvery white or blue shimmer. It is mainly found in Sri Lanka, Burma, India and Madagascar. Albite moonstone is in the feldspar group. It is semitransparent with a pale, shimmering reflection. It may be a little dull. It comes mainly from Canada.BlueTurtles.

Introducing Pietersite, a mineral blessed with the geological gift of "chatoyancy" and subjected to a violent transformation that only served to enhance its extraordinary beauty. Read on to learn the secret to its beautiful light play, and why it's known as the "Tempest Stone". . .

Beautiful, shimmering Pietersite first became known to the world in 1962 when Sid Pieters, a prospector from Windhoek, discovered it on a farm in Namibia, and the mineral was duly named after him. It wasn't until 1993 that it was found elsewhere in the world, when a deposit was discovered in Henan Province, China. Still, Pietersite is considered a relatively rare mineral, its known range restricted to these 2 localities. The reported recent closure of the Chinese mine due to groundwater flooding has led to increased scarcity of the mineral.

About the Mineral

To understand Pietersite, it is best to become acquainted with its very close relative, Tiger Eye, for Pietersite is essentially the same mineral as Tiger Eye, except that it has undergone a transformation.

It begins with the presence of crocidolite, a fibrous, bluish, iron-bearing form of asbestos. Up until recently it was widely believed that Tiger Eye and Pietersite were pseudomorphs of crocidolite (a pseudomorph is a mineral form produced when one mineral replaces another, but the outward form and structure of the original mineral is preserved). In this case, quartz was said to have replaced crocidolite when silica-rich hot water dissolved the crocidolite.

But recent research by Professor Peter Heaney of Pennsylvania State University suggests that in fact, the crocidolite and quartz formed together, the quartz permeating the crocidolite, resulting in a mix of both minerals in unison.

Instead of crocidolite, Pietersite from China is formed from torendrikite, a very similar, magnesium-rich asbestiform mineral.

Thecat's eye effect observed in Tiger Eye, a phenomenon known as chatoyancy, occurs because the microscopic fibres of crocidolite or torendrikite lie in straight, parallel lines, closely packed to each other. These needle-like fibres capture the light between them and reflect it outward. The ability to capture and reflect light depends on the orientation to the light source. From one angle, light will be absorbed and the mineral will appear dark and lifeless. But from another angle, it will be captured and reflected, producing a dazzling flash of light.

In the special case of pietersite, though, severe geological movements have caused trauma to the mineral. The once straight fibrous structure has been warped, folded, stretched, fractured and broken into myriad pieces. The fragmented bits of mineral have subsequently silicified - reformed and cemented into one mass by the presence of silica. As the mass of warped, fractured and broken pieces reformed, it no longer displayed the once uniform catseye effect of Tiger Eye. It was now a literal mosaic of multiple patterns and hues, chaotically and beautifully fused together. This violent process of destruction and reformation is known as brecciation. BlueTurtles.

Presenting the love stone, Rose Quartz, sadly often criticized and overlooked simply because it is common, yet ironically offering something we could all use a little it more.  Read on to learn more about this heart healer and why embracing her could teach us to view the world through rose-coloured glasses…

About the Mineral

Rose Quartz is a macrocrystalline variety of the mineral Quartz (SiO2). Quartz is the most abundant single mineral found on earth, making up about 12% of the earth’s crust, occurring in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Rose Quartz normally occurs as massive, meaning it forms as large chunks of rock whose individual crystals have poorly formed boundaries, as opposed to forming well-formed, individual crystals. However in 1959, beautiful transparent rose quartz crystals were found in Brazil and to this day Brazil is the only known source of such well-formed specimens.

Its Colour

Rose Quartz’s colour varies from pale pink to rosy red and from opaque to, in rare cases, translucent. It is generally believed that it lends its colour to traces of iron, titanium or manganese and some have even suggested gold, though recent research also indicates that much rose quartz contains microscopic inclusions of a fibrous mineral resembling dumorturite. Because this mineral resembles, but isn‘t exactly, dumorturite, it suggests that it is an as yet new and unknown mineral, a mystery of the mineral world.

Occasionally,rutile needles are found it rose quartz. The effect of these inclusions is a beautiful phenomenon known as asterism, the appearance of a star of light in the stone, similar to that found in star ruby and star sapphire. Such specimens are known as, of course, star rose quartz.

Uses of Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz used as both an ornamental stone and a gemstone. In its ornamental applications it is not uncommon to find large, glistening, pink boulders of rose quartz in someone’s garden. Obelisks, pyramids, statues and spheres of rose quartz are common as tabletop and mantel piece ornaments or are strategically positioned by those who believe in their metaphysical properties.  Higher quality stone is carved into cabouchons for jewellery and in the case of higher quality transparent stones, rose quartz is beautiful when faceted.

Metaphysics

Rose Quartz is the stone of Gentle Love, said to open the heart centre and help one attune to the energy of love; both love of self and of others. For the broken-hearted or those experiencing emotional crisis, rose quartz is like a warm, soothing, caring hug, helping with the release of emotional stress, bringing a sense of wellbeing and calm and restoring self esteem and confidence. It also softens the hardest of hearts, addressing one’s aggression and resentment and promoting compassion, patience and forgiveness.
Rose Ouartz is also the stone of artists and beauty. It renews the way we view the world, deepening our appreciation for nature, art, music and writing. Wear it to stimulate the imagination and enhance artistic expression.

There are various physical healing benefits attributed to rose quartz. It is said that it can help to soothe bronchitis, bums and blistering and aid the proper functioning of the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands and genitals. It has been used in the treatment of vertigo and depression, and even to assist with weight loss. When used as an elixir it is said to clear and soften the skin and prevent wrinkles.

The astrological signs of rose quartz are Taurus and Libra.BlueTurtles.

Introducing the rare and pleasingly blue Shattuckite, the copper-based "Stone of Truth".

About the Mineral

Shattuckite is a relatively rare copper silicate, named after the Shattuck Mine in Bisbee, Arizona (USA), where it was first discovered in 1915. It is a secondary mineral, which means that it was created when a pre-existing mineral underwent chemical changes and transformed into an entirely new one. Shattuckite will form from other copper-based minerals such as malachite, cuprite, ajoite, chrysocolla or azurite, and usually occurs in conjuction with these. It ranges in colour from light to dark blue, and can be difficult to tell apart from other accompanying minerals, particularly chrysocolla.

Shattuckite also forms as a pseudomorph - a mineral, which has replaced a pre-existing one, but where the shapre of the original minerals remains unchanged. Consequently, the mineral outwardly looks like the original one, but with the chemical composition and colour of the new one.

Shattuckite will form with either a granular crystal structure or as fine fibrous crystals. Some specimens from Namibia and the Congo are particularly striking, with a display of short, felt-like, intense blue crystal fibres.

Metaphysics

Referred to as the Stone of Truth, Shattuckite helps us to align with our own truth. It causes us to be aware of and understand our actions, and the reasons for those actions. It effectively helps us to unlock our subconscious so that we may know ourselves and realign with our inner or higher truths.
Shattuckite is an excellent stone for communication, particularly in its light blue form. It is recommended for public speakers and others in the public domain, such as politicians and lawyers, so that their communication remains both truthful and effective.

In conjunction with the third eye, this stone is also excellent for making sense of information received from inner, higher or other realms, particularly in its darker blue form.