This page contains information that I have collected over the past years on stones and gems. You'll notice that several of the listings contain more information than others; this is because I am a rock collector and I love ROCKS. I will be adding to this list as time goes by. Please check the What's New page for updates. The "//" in the listings are seperators for information that has come from different sources.
For information on Charging Stones, Consecrating Crystals, their uses and loads of Correspondance information go to the Stones Misc Info page. )O(The Eclectic Wiccan)O(
See link at bottom of this page to get a copy of "Gemstones Healing Properties E-Book in PDF format".
STONES AND THEIR USES
ADVENTURINE:
General healing, dissolves unhealthy thoughts and reflects healing. AGATE:
For inspiration from the spiritual realms. AMAZONITE:
Other Name: Love Stone
Description: Amazonite is a mint green to aqua stone. As anhedral to euhedral crystals or massive, lattice (perthitic) intergrowth with albite is usually present, also rarely in a cuneform interpenetrating pattern with quartz known as graphic granite.
History: Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia, and Namibia. Amazonite is usually light green to blue-green, mottled and sometimes contains light striations. A semi-opaque stone that was used extensively by the Egyptians, the name Amazonite comes from the mistaken belief that it was found in the Amazon River. Amazonite is a relatively soft stone. Although it does occur in Brazil, amazonite has not been found in the vicinity of this great river. The name microcline comes from two Greek words meaning little and inclined, referring to the cleavage angle's slight inclination from ninety degrees. Feldspar is derived from the German word feld, which means field. Amazonite is used as an ornamental lapidary material.
Gender: Feminine
Astrological Sign: Virgo
Planet: Sun
Elemental: Throat
Chakra: Throat
Deities: Uriel and Baba Yaga
Powers: Communication, calming, creativity, success, and self-esteem.
Magical Uses: Amazonite is associated with the throat chakra. It is a communication enhancing stone. It can relieve stress and calm the nervous system. It is also a good stone for enhancing creativity. Amazonite lessens self-defeating behaviors and self-defeating talk. Held to the third eye (middle of forehead), Amazonite unlocks psychic vision. Inspires truth, sincerity, honor, self-love, communication, eloquence, integrity, trust, clairvoyance, clarity, prophecy and openness. Opens throat, heart, and solar plexus centers for self-expression, artistic creativity, healing. Throat, thyroid, nerve and brain paths. Reduces self-damaging behavior, increases straight posture of self-respect, confidence, grace, and self-assuredness with communication. Being a variety of microcline feldspar, amazonite is said to also possess all the properties of microcline as well: Microcline is said to be useful in the treatment of eye disorders and fevers, and to help control water retention and to help with ease of childbirth. It is said to stimulate clarity of thought, to enhance understanding, and to improve one's ability to cooperate with others. Amazonite vibrates to the number 5. The number 5 has to do with independence, travel and freedom. // Eliminates agravation, soothes emotional worries and fears, despels negativity, good for general health maintenance, provides balanced energy. AMBER:
Most people think of amber as a gemstone. It is really an organic gem as it is petrified resin exuded from trees that grew 30 to 60 million years ago. Gems derived from animals or plants are described as "Organic." Other organic gems include jet, coral, pearls and shells.
Amber comes translucent or opaque, with colors ranging from milky to red, brown, gold or even black, blue, or green. Each piece of amber is unique. As the resin hardened, it trapped bits of forest debris, lichens and insects. Boiling it in oil can clear opaque amber. To tell the difference between real and fake amber, stick the piece of amber with a hot needle in an inconspicuous place. The fumes produced will either smell like pine resin or melting plastic. Reconstituted amber will tend to be perfectly clear or swirly. It will not have the natural occurrences in it that real amber has. Amber is light in weight and warm to the touch. Amber is only slightly denser than seawater and large lumps can be carried across the sea. Amber is known to carry an electrical charge. The word "Electricity" is derived from the Greek name for amber, (elektron). Amber burns with a sweet smell and has been used as incense. Young amber, copal, is 10 million years old and found primarily in Africa. Amber as we know it is at least 30 million years old and found primarily in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. (Avoid amber contact with perfumes, hair spray and cosmetics. Warm water and soap is the best way to clean amber. It is also very soft, easy to carve or melt.)
The use of amber has been documented for at least four thousand years. Amber beads have been found in ancient graves dating back to two thousand B.C. Amber was believed to have talismanic properties and many ancient peoples buried amber objects and amulets with their dead to protect them in the afterlife and insure their immortality. Sacred to the Greek God Apollo, amber was once thought to be congealed sunlight. Amber was also viewed as tears by the Vikings, Freya's tears for Svipdag, and for the ancient Greeks, tears over the death of Phaeton. In some cultures amber was thought to be the solidified urine of the lynx. Some believe amber to be the tears that birds shed at learning of the death of Jesus. Amber has been hung on shields and fortresses because of its legendary protective qualities.
History: Amber has been thought to have medicinal properties, and is said to cure fevers, jaundice, deafness, blindness and other disabilities. A general prophylactic against diseases of the throat and belly and prevents poisoning. Even as late as the 20th century, amber was believed to cure sore throats and dissolve glandular swelling of the neck. Many Europeans still believe that wearing an amber necklace can cure goiters. When amber was too scarce to use in rosary beads the church encouraged physicians to use amber as a medicine. Though it has been said to cure depression and stop suicidal tendencies, the real beauty in amber is its antiquity in relation to mans short time on earth.
Metaphysical: Amber represents attunement to nature and an intellectual understanding of the mystery of life. It is purported to balance the body's chi energy flow and guides the healing process. It attracts the elements of nature to us. Amber is said to promote physical vitality. It has a protective quality and is deemed to be the bearer of good fortune. It offers strength, wealth, and fortitude, helping one to realize ones own potential. Amber helps one understand what is to be learned from the earth school and helps one to absorb the meaning of meditation and ritual. Amber is said to be good for opening up the chakras. // Aligns the physical and astral bodies, good for health maintence. // Cleanses space of negatiity. AMETHYST
Scientific: Amethyst belongs to the quartz family of minerals; Quartz is one of the most commonly found minerals in the earth's crust. The chemical Silica Dioxide (SiO2) forms an important part in quartz and of most other igneous (volcanic) rocks. Amethyst is usually blue or violet and sometimes occurs in shades of purple, lilac or mauve. The color is due to the presence of ferric iron and manganese. As much iron as would fit on the head of a pin can color one cubic foot of quartz. Amethyst is formed in silica rich liquids deposited in gas cavities (geodes) in lava. Amethyst occurs in crystalline masses, and when conditions permit, it forms hexagonal crystals. Crystals are usually grown from a base. The crystals are generally not well developed, therefore they are generally found as clusters of crystal points. Although it is usually found in geodes amethyst is sometimes found as a stalactite. Amethyst is the most valuable of the quartz group. Perfect crystals are rare. However, when they are found, they are cut as gems or collected as mineral specimens. Amethyst is dichroic, showing a bluish or reddish purple tinge when viewed from different angles. Amethyst has distinctive inclusions that look like tiger stripes, thumbprints or feathers. Deep tones of amethyst tend to be most favored. Rich sources of good quality crystals come from Russia in the Ural Mountains, Brazil, and Uruguay, though it is also found in over twenty countries around the world. There are some amethysts that loose color in daylight. Keeping amethyst out of direct sunlight will help maintain its color. The original color of amethyst can be restored by x-ray radiation. Next time you get an x-ray see if the technician will let you bring some amethyst along to test.
History: There is a wide spread history of amethyst crystals being used for healing and magnifying psychic energy. It has been called the long distance healer. Shamans of various tribal societies used amethyst crystals as power objects. Amethyst is traditionally thought to have strong talismanic properties. Amethyst crystals are still used in forms of natural healing. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, ground amethyst is prescribed for stomach pains and bad dreams. Amethysts were thought to induce a sober mind. The name is derived from the Greek word Amethystos, which means "against drunkenness." Amethyst is still worn as an amulet against drunkenness. Amethyst was a favorite gemstone of high officials of the Christian Church. Drinking vessels were sometimes made of amethyst. Water or watered down wine served in these vessels looked like wine but without the intoxicating effects. Even the most pious host remained sober while seeming to drink freely. Servants could serve water to already drunk guests who would not know the difference. Particularly parsimonious hosts could serve watered down wine and no one would be the wiser. Therefore the name "Bishops stone."
Myth: A 16th century French verse tells how Bacchus, the god of wine, declares in a rage that the first person he passes will be eaten by tigers. This turns out to be a beautiful maiden called Amethyst. The goddess Diana quickly turns Amethyst into a white stone to save her from the tigers. Regretting his anger, Bacchus pours red wine over the stone as an offering to Diana, so turning the stone purple.
Metaphysical: Amethyst keeps one in touch with the more noble and spiritual side. It helps to instill the highest ideals and urges one to do the best thing even if it is not the most self-serving. It enables one to discern the actions that would best serve all. Amethyst helps one remember there is time enough for everything. It enables one to stay in the present moment and truly connect with what is going on with oneself and others. Amethyst cures impatience, and alleviates feelings of victimization. Amethyst has a calming effect, balancing high-energy, highly driven or highly creative people. Amethyst eliminates chaos, and helps keep one grounded. Amethyst is said to help with diseases associated with any form of drunkenness, as well as giving aid and healing to those who are alcoholics. Claimed to have the highest vibration of all gems, amethyst can bring about the well being of the entire planet. Amethyst allows in only positive energies, deep purple or very pale being the most powerful. Amethyst is said to be highly protective, to be carried or worn when around negative or hostile people. Amethyst is excellent for meditation and aura work. // Induces meditation and devotional state. Develops inner mind. Tranquilizes and inspires peaceful dreaming. Helps with addictions and mental disorders, especially depressions. Mental and spiritual balance. AMONITE:
Provides insight on where to start a project, good for protection, survival. Architects/construction workers stone. APACHE TEARS:
Physical and spiritual protection. // Aids in removal of limits, soothes grief. provides insight and acceptance at times of death. APATITE:
Stimulates intellect, dissolves aloofness and negativity. Helps results manifest quickly. Provides insight and expansion of knowledge, also supresses hunger. APOPHYLLITE:
soul level healing, knowing and inner wisdom. Astral travel. AQUAMARINE:
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl. Other beryl family members include emerald, morganite, goshenite, bixbite, heliodor and green and golden beryl. Aquamarine's crystal structure is hexagonal (six sided). Crystallized prisms sometimes form vertical striated terminated crystals with small pyramidal faces. These crystals have been found up to 39 inches in length. The most important aquamarine is found in alluvial deposits in Brazil. Aquamarine is found on every continent; however, some large deposits (Russian) have already been mined out. Other deposits of some commercial significants are in Queensland Australia, Myanmar Burma, China, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the USA. Aquamarine (Latin for water of the sea) is so named because of its seawater color. It is dark to light blue to blue green, with a vitreous luster. The coloring agent is iron. In the 19th century sea green aquamarine was the most popular but blues are more valued today. Aquamarine can also be distinguished from other similar stones by its Pleochroism. When viewed from different angles, it shows different colors. It is possible to confuse aquamarine with blue topaz, euclasite, kyanite, blue tourmaline, zircon and glass. Sometimes synthetically produced aqua colored spinel is sold as aquamarine. Aquamarine's total lack of any traces of gray can help distinguish it from other similar stones.
History and Lore: Aquamarine has been mentioned in the ancient literature of many cultures as having been used in the foundations of sacred or holy cities. In the Bible it is one of the foundation stones of the "Heavenly City." In Exodus, the high priest of the second temple of the Israelites wore an aquamarine on each shoulder, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes. Six were engraved on each shoulder stone.
Myth: In medieval times this stone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples. It has been called the "Stone of Courage." It was thought to guard against injury during battle and render soldiers invincible. Aquamarine was known as the "Sailors' Gem." It was said to make sailors fearless and safe at sea and protect anyone on or near the water.
Metaphysical: Due to its history as a "Sailors' Gem", aquamarine is said to help with motion sickness. It is also known to be a very soothing and balancing stone. Perhaps there was something to all the old sailing lore. Aquamarine is excellent for the 5th, or communication chakra. It can help singers and orators get the full quality of expression by releasing emotions that get blocked in the throat. It strengthens the throat, teeth, ears, neck and voice. It enhances ones ability to come up with rapid intellectual responses. It not only elevates our communication skills, but it helps us to assimilate knowledge. People who are drawn to aquamarine are said to be those souls whose spiritual patterning holds a memory of... trauma, from past or present life birth experiences. Those attuned to this stone are often very humble and more critical of themselves than of others. Aquamarine can help heal the trauma.
From 'Gem Magic', by Cornelia Parkinson: "What aquamarine bestows on its wearer are added sensitivity and awareness of emotions and feelings of oneself and others. The sea-green aquamarine signifies moderation and control of the passions, and the perfect operation of prophecy. If you dream of seeing an aquamarine, it presages a happy love life for you. It is always a fortunate omen to give or receive an aquamarine in a dream. Should you dream of an aquamarine in water, you will know abundance of all good things. If you wear an aquamarine ring in your dreams, it indicates your willingness to help others. Dreaming of an aquamarine pendant on a silver chain shows that you have a clever sense of humor."
More Mystical Uses: A water stone for cooling and soothing agitations, infections and pain. Can help induce sleep. To increase psychic powers. // Stone of courage, enhances ability for rapid intellectual response, helps to attune to a more spiritual level of awareness, also good for tolerance and compassion. ARGONITE:
positive change AVENTURINE:
Gamblers stone, wealth, creativity, imagination, prosperity, and career success, helps us see out potential. AZURITE:
A third eye opener for awakening of psychic abilities. Stimulates visual images and the throat chakra, for communication of ones visionary experiences. Is said to stimulate one's intellect, creativity, self-confidence and love. BLACK ONYX:
Other Name: Different colors of opal
Description: Black onyx is a black stone that can be very shiny or have a satiny finish. Onyx is a chalcedony quartz that is mined in Brazil, India, California and Uruguay that has a fine texture and black color; however some onyx also displays white bands or ribbons against a black or brown background.
History: Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. The name comes from the Greek word onyx, which means fingernail. The legend is that one-day Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus while she was sleeping and left the clippings scattered on the ground. So that no part of Venus would ever perish, the fates turned them into stone. In Greek times, almost all colors of chalcedony from white to dark brown and black were called onyx. Later, the Romans narrowed the term to refer to black and dark brown colors only. Onyx, which is reddish brown with white and lighter reddish bands, is known as sardonyx. Onyx is a very good stone for use in carving. Most Black Onyx that is commercially available today is color enhanced (heated and dyed) to increase its depth of color. In the Middle east, onyx was used as a worry stone because they believed the stone absorbed negative energy, a belief that may have been produced by the Chinese miners who feared it and pulled the material out of the mine and immediately sold it outside the country. In India it is worn to protect against the evil eye. It is said to have a trapped demon within it.
Gender: Feminine
Astrological Signs: Leo and Sagittarius
Birthstone Month: The Moon of Long Nights - (23 Nov - 21 Dec).
Planets: Mars and Saturn
Elementals: Fire and Earth
Chakra: and the Earth Element chakra (first/Base), and communication chakra (fifth/Throat).
Deities: Rhea
Powers: Healing, childbirth, control, regeneration, happiness, intuition, grounding, courage, luck, peace, visions, and guidance through meditation and dreams.
Magical Uses: This stone helps with wound healing, childbirth and increases stamina and self-control. It is a grounding stone that is beneficial for controlling and eliminating excess or unwanted energies. Black onyx assists with challenges in life, in particular those caused by a drain of energy. It prevents the draining away of personal energy. This stone promotes increased vigor, strength, stamina, constancy, steadfastness, permanence, tenacity, firmness, durability and self-control. Balances and grounds. Androgynous. Can't conduct or retain healing energy or programming very well. The more translucent or clearer ones are more effective. Self-mastery. Balances Yin and Yang. Reveals one's own duality. Helpful in treating glaucoma, epilepsy, and cell damage. The different varieties of onyx act differently according to their color but they all belong to the physical aspect of the personality. Black onyx would suit the absentminded person, chaotic, having difficulties to concentrate. One says about Black Onyx it would invigorate fingernails, skin and hair. Vibrates to the number 6. It is highly recommended that Onyx be used in conjunction with Pearl and Diamond - should always be worn on the left side of the body, or by an athlete down the center of the body on a long chord or chain so it lies in the solar plexus area. // Centering and alignment, banish grief, wisdom, intuition, guidance, memory, protection, assists in mastering your future. ((Do Not Sleep with this stone.)) BLOODSTONE:
Bloodstone is a dark green stone with red flecks. It is more properly known as green Chalcedony and it is a form of silica quartz. This form of quartz is masses of very tiny quartz crystals, which form in lumps. There are two types of bloodstone: plasma and heliotrope. Plasma is very deep green, opaque, with very little or no red in it, and may have yellowish spots. Heliotrope is lighter colored, somewhat translucent, and has red in it. Bloodstone was treasured in ancient times and long served as the birthstone for March. This attractive chalcedony quartz is also known as Heliotrope because in ancient times polished stones were described as reflecting the sun: perhaps the appearance of the gem reminded the ancients of the red setting sun reflected in the ocean. In Germany, bloodstone is still known by the name of heliotrope. Bloodstone can be found mixed in with other minerals, or as pebbles along riverbeds. It is most commonly found in India, Brazil, Uruguay, USA, and Australia. Bloodstone is considered a semi-precious stone. It is used for carvings, cameos, seals, men's rings or other ornamental objects. Today, finely powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. This is one of the reasons it is difficult to find fine specimens of bloodstone on the market.
History and Lore: Bloodstone has found it's way throughout history connected with the Christian religion. The bloodstone is said to represent the blood of Christ Jesus. The legend of the origin of bloodstone says that it was first formed when some drops of Christ's blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. Bloodstone gems have been embellished with a thorn-crowned head of Jesus so placed that the red of the bloodstone simulate drops of blood trickling down his hair and face. Such gems are especially revered as Christian amulets.
Myth: During the Middle Ages, bloodstone was believed to have healing powers. The stones were crushed into powder and mixed with honey and egg whites. In this form the bloodstone was believed to cure tumors and stop bleeding. Alchemists also used bloodstone to cure blood poisoning as well as draw out the poison from venomous snakebites. The Leyden Papyrus declared that "The world has no greater thing than bloodstone", it opens all doors for its owner, breaks down the walls of prisons and averts many disasters. In the plague of 1576, a Franciscan Friar gave pieces of bloodstone to Mexican Indians to stop their hemorrhaging. In 1675, Robert Boyle wrote of an acquaintance that cured nose bleeds by giving patients bloodstone to hold.
Metaphysical: Bloodstone is said to be able to heal all blood ailments. It has been used for everything from stopping hemorrhaging to curing anemia. Bloodstone is a good meditation stone. It suggests a connection between the red lifeblood of animals and the nurturing powers of the green plant world. It is particularly grounding, and can bring its wearer courage. Bloodstone is said to be a powerful tool for warding off the evil eye as well as driving away night demons, and guarding against deception. It is considered an enabling stone that brings the possessor the things he desires.
More Metaphysical: Powerful cleanser of blood and purifying organs. Discourages excess bleeding. Associated with Kundalini. Aligns Chakras, orgnization, smooths energy flow, removes blockages, creates abundance, and good fortune. Helps circulation, blood pressure, healing(especially post surgery or physical trama), creativity flows. BLUE LACE AGATE:
Good for peace and happiness, hold in hand or display on desk to help with stress. Helps mend broken bones and fractures. BOJI:
healing, channeling of energy CALCITE:
Calcite (It is also known as Iceland Spar, flowstone, lime spar, cave onyx, Mexican Onyx (but it's not onyx), nailhead spar, honey calcite, amber calcite, blood calcite (with hematite inclusions), and dogtooth spar (narrow pointed, fanglike crystals). The name "calcite" is from the Greek "chalx", which means "lime". Calcite can be colorless, yellow, brown, white or pinky-white, red, green and various other colors, including pale shades of gray, yellow, red, green, blue, brown to black when impure; vitreous, dull, and streak white. Kutnohorite (calcium manganese carbonate) is one of the more rare varieties of calcite. It is a delicate pearly pink similar to the pink of rose quartz, but it is opaque. Calcite crystals are sometimes hexagonal, trigonal and compact masses. It can also be found as large transparent, colorless, complex crystals or as prismatic crystals inter-grown with other minerals. Calcite is one of the most common minerals on the face of the Earth, comprising about 4% by weight of the Earth's crust and is formed in many different geological environments. While calcite occurs worldwide, outstanding crystals have come from the former Czechoslovakia, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. It occurs as crystals in many different shapes and shades of color. Compact masses of calcite such as cement, limestone, structural and ornamental stone are used in the building industry. It is also used in the making of metallurgical flux, fertilizers, fertilizer manufacture and in the chemical industry. Until recently, clear calcite crystals were used as prisms. Occasionally rough crystals are used in jewelry or as ornaments. Because it is soft it is generally considered to be too fragile to be worn. It is facetted only for the collector. Calcite will dissolve in cold hydrochloric acid with a brisk effervescence. Calcite is the principal component of limestones and marble and of most stalactites and stalagmites. Marbles and brown, banded calcite from limestone caves are used for both decoration and carving. Calcite is used in the manufacture of steel, cement and glass. Iceland Spar is a variety of calcite originally found in Iceland and formerly used in the manufacturer of polarizing prisms.
History: Inlaid calcite was used on the throne in the Tomb of Tutankhamun c.1340 B.C.E. - 1669 Erasmus Bartholinus (Denmark). Discovered double refraction in calcite. - 1828 William Nicol (Scotland). Invented a polarizing prism made from two calcite components. The device became known subsequently as a "nicol prism".
Lore: When you hold a square calcite over a line it will appear to double the line. This ability will help you by doubling the power in all spell work.
Metaphysical: It is an energy amplifier. It is said to help the mind and body to remember information brought to bear during astral travel and channeling. It is useful in multi-directional energy distribution; the energy forces directed at the mineral separate and return at double the intensity. It gives a polarizing prismatic energy, which produces a spectrum of energy to clear and to activate all of the chakras. The more transparent varieties of calcite make wonderful meditation stones because they often show interesting internal features and planes of iridescence. Attractive to the meditative gaze the character of each crystal seems to change with changes in the ambient light. CALCITE, BLACK:
Predicts and prevents problems. CALCITE, BLUE:
Balances emotions and removes blocked emotions. Reduces intensity and heals emotions. Opens, heals and unblocks all chakras. CALCITE, BROWN/GOLD:
Gives insight into truth. Opens mind to inner wisdom. CALCITE, GREEN:
Green calcite is sometimes considered a partner to osteopaths and chiropractors as it has been thought to help heal bone and ligament trauma, sports injuries, arthritis and tendonitis. It promotes healing, mental balance and communication between the intellect and the emotions. Heals allergies to toxic fumes and chemicals and helps remove them. // prosperity, growth CALCITE, GOLD:
Is said to deepen intellect, memory, wisdom, psychic abilities, astral projection, channeling and higher consciousness. CALCITE, GRAY:
Encourages calmness and serenity. It neutralizes the impact of karmic influences. Allows one clear vision and to remain neutral from a detached point of view. CALCITE, ORANGE:
Makes one feel happy and safe. Reduces inappropriate skepticism. CALCITE, RED:
Drains negativity from body. Makes one feel protected, as well as opens the heart chakra. // love, emotional connection CALCITE, VIOLET:
Peace and harmony with the universe. CALCITE, WHITE:
(also called Iceland Spar) -Fosters spirituality, and awakens feelings of love and connectedness to the entire universe. Helps make one feel worthy and gives a feeling of being protected. When a piece of Iceland Spar is worn by the celebrant or placed on the alter, it doubles the power of the ritual. // connection to the divine CALCITE, YELLOW:
Awaremess of life's purpose, happiness CARNELIAN:
Scientific: Carnelian, is a variety of chalcedony. The name is said to be derived from the Latin word "Carnis" which means flesh due to it's color. Carnelian is a brownish red to orange, translucent to opaque chalcedony variety. The coloring agent is iron, and it can be enhanced by heating. Most carnelians today are agates that are dyed then heat treated. When held against the light, the color variety shows in stripes, while natural carnelian shows a cloudy distribution of color. Deposits are found in Brazil, India, Australia, Russia, Madagascar, South Africa, U.S., and Uruguay. Because of its color, carnelian can be confused as jasper. Darker and browner carnelians are usually called sard. Carnelians are used for the most part as jewelry or in arts and crafts.
History: Carnelians were used as early as 1500 BC as talismans and beads in Egyptian tombs. Goethe wrote:: "Carnelian is a talisman, It brings good luck to child and man; If resting on an onyx ground, A sacred kiss imprint when found. It drives away all evil things; To thee and thine protection brings. The name of Allah, king of kings, If graven on this stone, indeed, Will move to love and doughty need. From such a gem a woman gains Sweet hope and comfort in her pains."
The Lapidario of King Alfonso X of Spain recommended the wearing of carnelians to those who have a weak voice or are timid in speech, for the warm colored stone will give them the courage they lack so they will speak both boldly and well.
Lore: It has been used for centuries to stop the flow of blood. It has been suggested that this stone will stop nose bleeding. - Some believed in the old Roman times that the darker Carnelian represented males and the lighter, females. - There were many ancient beliefs associated with this stone of which many centered around protection during travels after death and against evil. It is also believed to combat bad tempers. - Carnelian has long been associated with courage and cleansing of the blood. It was believed that the stone would improve one's outlook, making the individual cheerful and expelling fears. - Throughout the East, people were afraid of the envious. They believed if you envied a person for any good thing that he had, he would lose it in a short time. So, it was supposed that by wearing a carnelian, bearing the following prayer, other people's envy would do the wearer no harm. "In the name of God the Just, the very Just! I implore you, O God King of the World, God of the World, deliver us from the devil Who tries to do harm and evil to us through Bad people, and from the evil of the envious."
Metaphysical: Carnelians, like rubies, are said to be very healing of physical wounds and blood disorders because of their red color. They are very good for the first chakra, and are thought to bring passion to the wearer. It is recommended for infertility or impotency. Carnelians are very balancing stones; they calm those who are on hyper-driver, and they energize those who are mellow. Because of their ability to balance, carnelians are good for family areas of homes, as well as for in a bedroom where more than one child sleeps.
More Metaphysical Uses:Energy, creativity, individuality, courage, memory, aids in past life recall, finding a good mate, dispels negativity from other stones. Actors stone. CHRYSOCOLLA:
Communication with spirits, inner strength, eases one through stressful situations, helps one to refrain from verbalization when silence is needed. // Personal power stone, emotional balance. CITRINE:
For congestions, either physical or mental(aura/memory). Used to encourage prosperity. Unblocks energy flow. The prosperity stone. Abundance, strength, generosity, creativity, digestion. Merchants stone. CELESTITE:
To link with angels. COPPER:
Natural metal of Venus, charges and transmits energy. CROSS STONE:
Folk Names: Cross-Stones, Fairy Crosses
Energies: Protective, Receptive
Powers: Elemental Magick, Elemental Power, Luck
Magickal/Ritual Lore: Shamans often include a piece of this stone in their medicine, or power bags, and it is a favorite item to exchange with others during "giveaways."
Magickal Uses: The cross stone, apparently a form of andalusite, is found in coarse crystals. When these are broken open or sliced, they displayed a symmetrical cross pattern of alternating light and dark colors. Because of its shape, the cross stone is worn or carried by those practicing elemental magic or by those wishing to balance the four elements within themselves. It is carried, worn, or placed on the altar for power during magickal rituals of all kinds. As with all stones exhibiting unusual shapes or patterns, it is carried for luck. DANBURITE:
Stimulate memory, brings light. Known as Shaman's Stone. DALMATION STONE:
Balances energy. EMERALD:
For balancing. Heart problems, whether physical or emotional. Hypertension and to help balance blood glucose. FLINT:
Folk Names: Thunderstone, Elf-Shot, Fairy-Shot, Elf-Arrow, Adderstone
Energy: Projective
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Associated Metal: Silver
Powers: Healing, Divination
Magickal/Ritual Lore: Flint, a term vaguely applied to varieties of opaque quarts, was widely used in religio-magical rites by American Indians. Among the Cherokee, for instance, flint was invoked by shamans prior to medicinal treatments. One of the first trade articles of early peoples, flint was used extensively to make blades. Ancient flint knives, found throughout Europe, were and still are used as protective amulets. They were known as "Thunderstones" and "Elf-Shot", revealing that their origins long remained unknown. the Irish set flint knives in silver and carried them to guard against mischievous 'faeries'. In Scandinavia flint knives were sometimes honored as family 'gods'. Beer and melted butter were poured over the, much as holy statues are revered in contemporary India.
Magickal Uses: As mentioned above, ancient flint implements are protective amulets. It is thought to be particularly potent when placed above the door. If you obtain an ancient flint knife (or a modern replica), place it on the altar or hold during protective rituals. Flint is used in modern-day Brazil in divining gold, water, gemstones and other underground treasures.
A modern American flint spell: To cure a headache, strike a flint several times. As the sparks fly, visualize the pain traveling out from your head, into the sparks and dissipating with them. FLUORITE:
Enhances ability to concentrate. // Brings order to chaos, discernment and aptitude, concentration, assists relationships between individuals or groups and purification. // Centers the mind, connects to the soul realms. FOSSIL:
To link with earth wisdom. FOSSIL AGATE:
grounding and soothing. GARNET:
Energy: Projective
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Healing, Protection, Strength
Magickal/Ritual Lore: In the 13th century garnets were worn to repel insects.
Magickal Uses: The garnet, a fiery red stone, is worn to enhance bodily strength, endurance and vigor. It is worn or used in magic to tap extra energy for ritual purposes. Wear or carry one when exerting yourself (hiking a mountain, studying until dawn, heavy ritual workings, and so on). Because it is a projective stone, the garnet is worn for protective purposes. Five hundred years ago it was thought to drive off demons and night phantoms. Today, the garnet , in common with many other protective stones, is seen to strengthen the aura and to create a shield of highly charged positive vibrations which repels negative energies upon contact. Say you're wearing a garnet at night and have visualized it protecting you. A would-be mugger, for example, might suddenly decide to let you pass by, "spooked" by the "bad vibes" you are releasing. Garnets are particularly prescribed as protection against thieves. In the Middle Ages a figure of a lion was carved onto a garnet and carried to guard the health, especially while traveling. A healing stone, garnet is used to relieve skin conditions, especially inflammations. It also regulates the heart and blood. In the past garnets were exchanged between parting friends to symbolize their affection and to magically ensure that they meet again. //An energizer which is more gentle than ruby. For anemia, paralysis and cancer. Ancient Egyptians used this as a protective gem and symbol of loyality, passion and love. // Health, commitiment, abandonment issues, stimulates all Chakras by movement of the Kundalini, amphlifies emotional and mental. HEMATITE:
Pulls pain away from the body, legalities, brings balance and focus to any situation, reliability, promotes gathering of like-minded people, concentration. HERKIMER:
Dream stome. Helps promote out of body experiences. Helpful at childbirth. HOLEY STONES:
Stones with naturally occurring hole in them are considered good luck by many people. If you are so lucky as to find one, wear it around your neck by a cord through the hole. Silk or cotton cord is best, do not use a metal chain. Don't wrap wire around them or otherwise tamper with them. Looking through the hole is said to give on the power of second sight and the ability to see the incisible world of the fae. (Source:Magenta Griffith, Llewellyn Spell A Day Calendar) // Good for protection, anti-hightmare, and to increase psychic abilities. IOLITE:
Development of 3rd eye, star connections. IRON:
Energy: Projective
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deity: Selene
Associated Stones: Quartz Crystal, Holey Stones
Associated Metals: Lodestone, Meteorite
Powers: Protection, Defensive Magic, Strength, Healing, Grounding, Return of Stolen Goods
Magickal/Ritual Lore: Because iron is seldom found in pure form except in meteorites, the earliest iron available for use by humans was obtained from these strange celestial objects. Meteorites, which were observed falling from the heavens, were used to make simple tools, supplementing bone and stone implements by earlier humans. Throughout most of the world, humans eventually learned how to remove iron from its ore, which made it available for wider use. Once this occurred, it was soon limited to purely physical applications and was restricted in magic and religion. In ancient Greece, for example, no iron was brought into the temples. Roman priests could not be shaved or scraped with iron during bodily cleansing. Ireland, Scotland, Finland, China, Korea, India, and other countries have severe taboos against iron. Again and again in ancient rituals fire was made without iron, altars built without its use, and magical rituals performed only after divesting the body of all traces of the metal. Herbs were usually collected with non-iron knives, owing to the belief that the vibrations of this metal would "jam" or "confuse" the herb's energies. The Hindus once believed that the use of iron in buildings would spread epidemics, and, even to this day, a gift of iron in any form is thought by some to be unlucky. However, iron did have its place in magic. Specifically, it was worn or used in protective rituals. Its powerful, projective vibrations were thought to be feared by demons, ghosts, faeries, genii and other fantastic creatures. In China, dragons were thought to fear iron. When rain was needed, pieces of the metal were thrown into "dragon pools" to upset the creatures and send them into the sky in the form of rain clouds. In Old Scotland, Iron nails or knitting needles were thrust into every item of food --cheese, grain, meat and so on -- to act as a lightning rod, attracting the confusing vibrations that death may arouse within the living and thus sparing the food of possible contamination. Classical Romans drove nails into their house walls to preserve their health, especially during times of plague. Because of its protective effects iron was sometimes thought, conversely, to be sacred, and thieves in ancient Ireland wouldn't dare to steal it.
Magickal Uses: Iron -- pure protective power, active, seeking, blinding, confusing, guarding. For heavy protection, place small pieces of iron in each room of the house or bury at the four corners of your property. In earlier times, iron fences were sometimes used to halt the flow of negativity into the home. During protective or defensive magic, wear an iron ring engraved with the symbol of Mars. Or, obtain a three-inch thick white candle and eight old iron nails. Warm the nails by a fire (or in a red candle's flame), then thrust each into the white candle in a random pattern. Light the nail-studded candle and visualize yourself as guarded, protective, secure. Wearing iron or carrying a small piece of this metal enhances physical strength and is an excellent talisman for athletes. Iron is also used during healing rituals. A small piece is placed beneath the pillow at night. This was originally done to scare away the "demons" that had caused the disease but can be thought of as strengthening the body's ability to heal itself. Iron rings or bracelets are worn to draw out illnesses from the body. This dates back to at least ancient Roman times. A curious ritual from Germany to cure toothache: Pour oil onto a piece of heated iron. The fumes which rise from the iron will act on the problem. In Old Scotland, healing stones -- quarts crystals or holey stones -- were kept in iron boxes to guard against supernatural creatures who might steal them. Iron is also worn for grounding, for closing down the psychic centers, and for impeding the flow of energy from the body. This, of course, isn't the best during magical ritual but is fine when the subject is under psychic or emotional attack, is physically depleted or wishes to focus on physical matters. Iron horseshoes and the nails that attach them to the hooves are ancient magical tools. They might have first been used in ancient Greece, where they were called seluna and were associated with the Moon and the goddess Selene. A horseshoe hung in the home over the front door confers protection. While theories differ as to the "roper" way to hang the horseshoe, I always place it points up. Ideally, it is to be nailed with three of its original nails. An old iron horseshoe nail is sometimes bent into a ring (if you can find one long enough) and worn for luck and healing. If you have something stolen from you and have a fireplace handle, try this spell. Take a horseshoe nail that you've found by chance. Drive this into the fireplace, visualizing the stolen object returning to your home. It is done. There are still magicians and Wiccans who remove all traces of iron from their bodies before working magic, but this custom is fading into oblivion. JADE:
Folk Name: Piedra de Hijada (Spanish, Stone of the Flank)
Energy: Receptive
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Kwan Yin, Maat, Buddha
Powers: Love, Healing, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Gardening, Prosperity, Money
Magickal/Ritual Lore: Jade has been used to create musical instruments, including xylophones, gongs and wind chimes. When the stone is truck, it produces a resonant tone. Such instruments were used in ritual in China, throughout Africa and by the Hopi Indians. Jade was and is a sacred stone in China. Altars of the Moon and Earth were fashioned of jade, as were images of Buddha and various deities. The stone was often included in grave goods in China because it was thought to lend vitality to the deceased. Jade carved in the image of two men was exchangedbetween males as a token of friendship. In New Zealand, the Maori carve nephrite (a stone related to jade) into images of ancestral figures, usually set with mother-of-pearl eyes. Called hei tiki, these figures are worn on ceremonial occasions. The stone itself is considered to be fortunate. Jade is believed to have power over the weather. It was thrown into water with great force in order to bring mist, rain or snow.
Magickal Uses: Jade is an ancient love-attracting stone. Carved into a butterfly, in China it is worn to draw love, or is given to another in the hope of obtaining love. It was a frequent engagement gift from woman to man. Jade is also presented by a man to his bride before their wedding. The soothing green color of Jade is also healing. Wearing the stone helps the body to heal itself while working through the underlying, nonphysical problems which manifested the disease. It is particularly helpful for kidney, heart and stomach complaints. Jade can be used to prevent disease and health troubles. The ancient Mayans wore jade amulets to guard against kidney disease and bladder problems. The Chinese sensed in jade the power to prolong life. It was carved into images such as bats, bears and storks and worn for this purpose. Likewise, jade bowls were used in meals before the Chinese believed the stone's energypermeated the food before it was consumed. A piece of jade is worn while gardening to improve the health of the plants. Four pieces of jade buried along the garden's perimeter are also effective for this purpose. Wearing jade can bring money into your life. Charge a jade pendant or ring with money-attracting energies, then wear it and consciously allow yourself to receive money. Create a positive attitude toward money and visualize yourself using it productively, creatively. Gloomy visions of the "problems" money brings will effectively cut you off from it. When contemplating a business deal, hold a piece of jade in your receptive hand for a few moments. Be infused with its prosperous energies. Then decide which course to take. Jade is worn, carried or placed against the third eye to receive wisdom. Wisdom, by the way, isn't knowledge. It is assimilated knowledge rightly applied or withheld. Jade strengthens the mental facultiesand helps reasoning. This stone is also protective, guarding against accidents and mishaps which proper attentiveness can avert. It is also placed on the altar with purple candles or worn during defensive magick.
Just for fun, here's an old spell: Take a perfectly square piece of jade. Carve the numbers 1, 8, 1 and 1 on the square, one number in each corner. Mount the stone in pure gold. As the Sun rises, turn to face it and breathe on the amulet three times. Then say "Thoth" 500 times. Wait until sunset,then again exhale thrice upon the stone and repeat "Thoth" 500 times. Once this is done, the amulet is finished. Tie a red thread around it and carry with you to guard against others imposing their will on you. JASPER:
Balances, grounds. strengthens. JASPER, RED:
Intensfier, strength JASPER, YELLOW:
Development of memory, intellect. JASPER, SILVER LEAF:
Fertility, balance. JASPER, BANDED:
Versatility, grace. JET:
Protection, grounding. KUNZITE:
Opens heart chakra to divine. LABRADORITE:
Labradorite is a sodium rich plagioclase feldspar. It displays a particular type of iridescence on a dark to light smoke gray background. This effect is derived from a mosaic arrangement of platelets of different compositions and minute inclusions of ilmenite, rutile, and magnetite, which cause light diffraction. When light strikes Labradorite from a particular direction, it may display striking rainbow-colored reflections (violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) known as "Labradorescence" or "Schiller." It has been described as looking like gasoline laying on water or the delicate wings of a tropical butterfly. Labradorite's crystal structure is triclinic, however crystals are very rare and are usually golden yellow and may be translucent. Labradorite is usually found as a compact aggregate and is sometimes opaque. It has a vitreous luster and is sensitive to pressure. The yellow striations sometimes fluoresce. It occurs in metamorphic or igneous rocks in Labrador (Canada), Finland, Madagascar, Australia, Mexico, Norway, what used to be known as the USSR and the USA. The most spectacular rocks come from Finland and Madagascar. Spectrolite is a trade name for Labradorite found in Finland. Lesser rocks come from the USA and Mexico. The main source is Labrador, Canada for which it is named. It is considered a minor gemstone. It has also been called black moonstone. The value is rather low because it is hard to use and so abundant. Special skill in cutting can bring out the characteristic colors. It's main characteristic is the "Labradorescence" that makes it more valuable. It is cut into beads, gems or flat cabochons for use in jewelry. Sometimes it is carved into shapes or objects of art. It is also used as a flat ornamental material in decorative boxes or for engraving.
History: During the 18th century, Labradorite was one of the stones frequently used in jewelry in France and England. Pins, broaches, bracelets, etc. were often set with gems, the first letters of which formed a motto or expressed a sentiment. Labradorite was often used as the "L" in mottos like "Good Luck."
Lore: Labradorite is one of the gems of winter. The god of the mines picked diamond and Labradorite as the "Gems of Winter," because they both display all colors and tints of the universe. Both gems combine all colors of light in contrast to all other known gems. Labradorite typifies the sun as the gem of light. It is the "temple of the stars", it also symbolizes the moon advancing without constraint. It is the color of ice, as a drop of water from a mountain spring, like icicles sparkling in winter, or like the stars on a cold winter night. Labradorite, like white light, combines all colors.
Myth: Our planet is said to be divided into two groups of people; those that are drawn to Angelite (a light blue opaque mineral) and those that are drawn to the spectral peacock colors of Labradorite. Those that are drawn to Angelite are said to have roots in Limoria. Those that are drawn to Labradorite are said to have roots (genetic or past life memories), in Atlantis. The radiance of Labradorite is like ancient sunlight. It is said to have been preserved from the time when the earth was united with the sun. In people from Atlantis, it is said to awaken the sleeping powers of insight, clairvoyance, creativity and knowledge.
Quote From: Crystal Journey by Jane Ann Dow: "...This deep penetrating stone acts like a mirror to an inner light within us all... Labradorite is a stone that indicates Atlantis past lives, awakening that early memory of soul that is so important at this time. It stirs long dormant memories..."
Metaphysical: Labradorite is a kind of feldspar employed in magic, ritual and ceremonies. It is said to elevate consciousness and protect ones aura, helping to keep the aura clear, balanced, protected, and free from energy leaks. It is said to enhance psychic ability and can be helpful in psycho-navigation, shape shifting and in communication with the divine spirit. Labradorite unites the personal self with the understanding required to both realize and achieve the destiny of this life, relieving insecurity and apprehension, while enhancing faith and reliance in oneself and the divine. It is said to help one with originality and precision, and can eliminate judgment from ones contemplative patterns. Labradorite can reflect and facilitate transformations which are beneficial to one's existence on this plane. It also enhances patience and an inner knowing of "the right time". Labradorite is said to energize the body and enhance productivity. It can help us to work productively for long periods without tiring. It stimulates us to exercise and to dance. Labradorite balances and reenergizes those that have been overworking or over scheduling. LAPIS LAZULI:
Energy: Receptive
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Isis, Venus, Nuit
Associated Metal: Gold
Powers: Healing, Joy, Love, Fidelity, Psychicism, Protection, Courage
Throughout the ages, Lapis Lazuli has been regarded as the stone of truthfulness and as a strengthener of both mind and body. It makes us more open in all ways, including openness to psychic experience. This stone allows us to tap our own inner power and purifies the soul
and the thoughts. The dark blue Lapis bespeaks the power and the mystery of the night sky. The golden specks within the deep blue are expressions of starlight. Lapis, the Star Goddess of the mineral clan, knows the deep mysteries of night and space. It is she who understands the magic of the stars and brings a sense or power and wonder to all who befriend her. She opens the soul to spirit quests of the highest nature, teaching us to reach deep within our own great powers.
Metaphysical: Cleanses lens of third eye. Penetrate subconcious blocks. // Healing and soothing, touch the stone to body to improve mental health, joy, love, fidelity, psychism, protection, courage. // Wisdom, understanding, charisma. LARIMAR:
Atlantean connections. contact guides. LEPIDOLITE:
Scientific: Lepidolite is a type of mica. Lepidolite is from the Greek word lepidos, meaning scale, because lepidolite normally appears scaly. Lepidolite is also known as Lavenderine, Lepidolite mica, and Gem Lepidolite. Lepidolite mica is a lithium mica where an occasional lithium cation substitutes for some of the octahedral and tetrahedral aluminum in the mica crystal structure. It is made up of layers of hexagonal plates. It is accompanied by tourmaline, beryl, quartz, and morganite. It is found in granite pegmatites and zinc ore deposits. It is often found to have rubellite (pink tourmaline) inclusions. Mica (muscovite in particular) has a wide variety of uses as an insulating material in electrical equipment due to its strongly dielectric properties and to its good electrical resistivity and capacitance stability. Mica also has a low coefficient of expansion, and it has been used extensively because of its heat resisting properties. Mica is used extensively in paints to increase weatherability and to reduce running; it is also used in the manufacture of wallpapers to give them a silky or shiny luster. Mica is also used in the manufacture of lubricants and in dry-powder fire extinguishers. Gem Lepidolite is found in Zimbabwe. Lepidolite is also found in Sweden, Argentina, Quebec/Canada, Madagascar, Urals/USSR, California and Maine/U.S.A
History: Lepidolite has been used as a source of lithium. This stone is a by-product of the mining of lithium.
It does not have a rich folklore history but it is gaining popularity today. Not commonly found in jewelry because of the nature of the stone making it hard to cut. However, jewelers today are learning how to cut the stone and it is making a place for itself in the current market. The pink to violet shades of the stone are attractive to jewelers and buyers both.
Metaphysical: Lepidolite is said to be very soothing and to have a calming effect, relieving anxiety and tension. Lepidolite with rubellite tourmaline is said to bring happiness, joy and increased vitality, and to inspire love. Lepidolite connects the heart and crown to bring spiritual understanding of pain and suffering. It is also valuable in helping one to feel stable and grounded in the course of other stressful experiences, such as that of going through transitions. It helps people to reorganize their old ways of thinking and acting so that they can meet the challenge of change. Lepidolite is itself a transition stone in that its color, a pinkish-lavender, relates to both the heart and third-eye chakras. Thus, in a situation in which one's reasoning mind and one's emotions are in conflict, it could be helpful to meditate with lepidolite on both the heart and third-eye, and to pass a quartz crystal from one point to the other. LODESTONE:
Balances Yin & Yang, enhances receptivity, assists in relieving burdens and eliminates confusion. MALACHITE:
Malachite is a secondary ore that occurs in the upper levels of copper deposits. The hydrothermal action of atmospheric agents on copper mineral outcrops has combined copper with solutions of carbonated water to produce malachite. It is the copper content of malachite that gives it a green (like tarnish) color. More water in the copper makes it lighter and less water makes it darker. The absence of water makes it black. Crystals are rare, mostly dense, fibrous fine-crystalline aggregates. Malachite sometimes occurs in rounded (mamillated) nodules, botryoidal shapes, grape shapes, cone shapes, or stalactite and, rarely, encrusted slabs. Malachite forms relatively quickly. Bronze objects have been found at ancient Assyrian sites partially or wholly converted into malachite. Grains of sand bound together by malachite particles are a further indicator that it forms quickly. This formation is known as "Wheal Leisure." In fractures or when cut, malachite shows a banding of light and dark green with concentric rings, straight stripes, or oilier figurative shapes caused by its shell-like formation. The stratifications are curved (transverse to the length of the crystal), which are obviously successive layers of concretion, according to the outer surface of the mass.
As rough stone, it has a weak vitreous or mat luster; on fresh fractures and when polished, it has a silky luster. The cutter must work the malachite so as to show the decorative marking to its best advantage. Concentric eye-like rings are called malachite peacock's eye and are the most popular. Large mono-colored pieces are rare. In thin plates it is translucent otherwise it is opaque. Today Shaba (Katanga) in Zaire is the most important malachite producer. Other deposits are in Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Australia (Queensland, New South Wales), Chile, France and Arizona and New Mexico in the USA. It is found almost everywhere in the form of small encrustations, together with azurite. The name is probably derived from the green color (Greek-malache = mallow), or perhaps from its low hardness (Greek-malakos = soft). It is not often used as a gem and has a very low value in relation to precious and semi-precious stones. It is much admired, however, as an ornamental material and is quite highly priced for this category, especially when the attractiveness of the material is matched by fine workmanship. Because of its low hardness, malachite is easily scratched and sometimes becomes dull. The surface can be hardened with artificial resin. Malachite is sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia, and hot waters.
History: Malachite was popular with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for jewelry and amulets. It was also ground along with galena on slate palates. This powder mixed with water was painted on the eyelids. Malachite was being mined in the Sinai Peninsula in 4,000 BC. The most important deposits used to be in the Urals near Yekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk). The quarries delivered blocks of over 20 tons in weight. From there, the Russian tsars obtained the malachite for decorating their palaces; paneling the walls and for beautiful inlaid works of art.
Lore: Italians wear malachite to protect them from the evil eye. Malachite was considered to be a talisman particularly appropriate for children. If a piece of this stone were attached to an infant's cradle, all evil spirits were held at bay and the child slept soundly and peacefully. In some parts of Germany, malachite shared with turquoise the repute of protecting the wearer from danger in falling, and it also gave warning of approaching disaster by breaking into several pieces. The appropriate design to be engraved upon malachite was the image of the sun. Used as a talisman to protect the wearer from enchantments, from evil spirits, and from the attacks of venomous creatures. The sun was regarded as the deadly enemy of all creatures from the "Dark side."
Health: Malachite has a long history of health lore. (Because malachite has copper in it, which is toxic, I don't recommend ingesting or inhaling it at all.) - Malachite has been used to ward off danger and fight illness. It has been said to protect against falls, help with tissue regeneration and healing bruised and fractured bones. Try wrapping it in place. Malachite draws the energy of disharmony into and through its own energy vibration. It takes the pain into itself. - Holding a "Peacock's eye" in malachite over a physical area can alter the patterning and isolate and draw out pain. Light and dark green colors representing the earth give strength to face and conquer the pain. If it has been used a lot, place malachite on a clear quartz cluster to recharge it. - It has been said to be particularly beneficial to the eyesight. It was thought that by looking at malachite for a few minutes every day it would increase the oxygen flow to the retina and stimulate the optic nerve. The paste form smeared on the eyelids was thought to cure cataracts. - It has been used in elixir form to treat the teeth.
Myth: The hippo goddess Toeris wears a necklace of many beads including malachite. Malachite was admired by ancient followers of the Goddess Venus and thought to possess great powers. In Rome it was called "Peacock stone," dedicated to the Goddess Juno, who protects against lightning and other perils of nature.
Metaphysical: The essence of malachite is joy. Malachite amplifies the wearer's mood, whether positive or negative. It is said to help dredge up buried emotional pain and release it. This is wonderful for healing work, as well as work with chakras. Malachite can be used with the 4th chakra, and can be used to balance and heal all chakras. - A great formula for remembering past events or emotional trauma is:
Place malachite at the solar plexus, jade at heart and quartz crystal between. The swirls in the malachite are said to accelerate the clockwise spinning of the chakras. This positive effect will open blocked channels and release memories. - Malachite represents fidelity in love and friendship, loyalty in partnerships, and practicality and responsibility in business transactions. As jewelry it is said to help the wearer get in touch with their emotions. (It should be taken off on those over emotional days.) Besides self-knowledge, it can reflect the feelings of the wearer to others. It is said to calm and warm a cold heart, promote emotional maturity and positive transformation and healing. Malachite can be helpful in seeing why you allow others to use your creative power. - Malachite is said to produce purification and healing dreams and draw out the negative energy from nightmares. It also is said to unlock dream memory and understanding thus clarifying the information and making it available for solving everyday problems. - To dream of malachite in any form signifies sweeping changes in your life. Keep your eyes on your goal, and those changes will be for your betterment. - Malachite is said to be the stone of "Great fortune and wealth." It can help direct personal power in a beneficial way. It helps us to connect ourselves to the Earth's energy. This alignment with Earth's power can open the door to more abundance. - It can make what one desires, more achievable. Thought creates reality and energy follows thought. Start a malachite chain by giving a piece of malachite to someone and ask that they do the same. It can augment wealth and spread good fortune globally. //Draws to the surface that which is impeding spiritual growth so that work may begin. // Money, business success, fertility, realises negative experiences, assists reasoning, vertigo, arthritis, and mending bones. Pilots stone. // Heals the heart, brings true love. MICA:
Energy: Protective
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Divination, Protection
Magickal Uses: Mica, a general term for minerals exhibiting paper thin flexible sheets of crystals, is a common stone. Take a piece of mica at least an inch or so square. While visualizing yourself possessing complete control over your psychic powers, hold the stone in full moonlight. Capture the glow of the illuminary on the mica's shining surface. Gently moving the stone in your hands, let it shimmer drowse your conscious mind. Expand your psychic awareness and determine future events. Mica is also carried for general protection. MOLDAVITE:
Pleiadian connections. MOONSTONE:
Energy: Receptive
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Deities: Diana, Selene, Isis, All Lunar Goddesses
Associated Stone: Quartz Crystal
Associated Metal: Silver
Powers: Love, Divination, Psychism, Sleep, Gardening, Protection, Youth and Dieting
Moonstone is generally said to promote good fortune, nurturing, mothering, unselfishness, humanitarian love, hope and spiritual insight. It has been traditionally believed to ease childbirth and protect those who travel on water. It is also considered to reflect emotions
and feelings. Moonstone is the stone of the Mother Goddess. She imparts all that is feminine, mysterious, and loving in a gentle, nurturing way. Lady Moonstone reflects our feelings back to us so that we can get in touch with our emotions in order to use wisely our innermost feelings. An expression of the moon, this stone offers the hope of new beginnings just as the new moon offers the same. And as the full moon pours out the energies of abundance and fullness overflowing as mother's milk, so does Lady Moonstone. At the dark of the moon, the ancient wisdom of a wise old woman is poured upon the earth in a time to meditate, dream, turn inward, and accept the death of the old so as the make way for the new. Moonstone imparts all these energies to us. - When working with Moonstone, it is best to attune her subtle yet powerful energies to the moon's phases. Then her power will come to the fore. //Vibrates to the moon energy, new beginnings, hopes and wishes, confidence, composure, assists in fulfilling destiny, talisman of good fortune, swelling, insect bites, celestial communication. Travelers stone. // Represents the Goddess Energy and the feminine principal. Soothes and balance the emotions and brings peace of mind and hormonal equilibrium. For use with female problems. // This sacred stone of India is only displayed on yellow cloth, a holy color to the Hindus. It is believed to inspire passion and aid in foreknowledge if held in the mouth when the moon is full. The name moon stone might have come from an old legend which claims that the white line of this crystal waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Either way, this is a very suitable stone for any magick which marks the movement of the moon, or draws on moon related energies.
Metaphysical: Moonstone is associated with the moon and water. It is highly associated with all goddesses, but specifically moon goddesses. - Moonstone is a love stone, and is said to draw love to its wearer. It can help solve problems between lovers. If it is worn during sexual intercourse, it not only can make the woman very fertile, it is said to help impregnate her too. - Moonstone can help aid in sleeping disorders. Place a moonstone under your pillow at night, and it is said to help you sleep. - To dream of a moonstone is said to be a warning of impending danger. - Due to its affinity with water, moonstone is supposed to protect those at sea. - Moonstones are said to open a person's heart to nurturing qualities as well as to help one accept the experience of love.
Future Events Ritual: Can be performed up to at least 3 days after a full moon. Hold a moonstone in your hands while visualizing a possible future course for action, such as selling a house or accepting a new job. Then place the moonstone beneath your tongue and continue visualizing. After a few minutes, remove the stone and end your conscious effort to retain the image. If it remains, or if your thoughts continue to revolve around the possible act, it is a favorable one. If your mind turns to other matters then it is better to take a different route.
Weight-loss Ritual: Do not diet. Reprogram your eating habits. Eat lighter meals at regular intervals, avoid sugars and fats, get all the veggies and fruits you need, and wear a charged moonstone. Three nights after a full moon, stand nude in front of a mirror. Study your body closely, be honest, and be brutal. (To successfully perform this magic, you must know yourself, accept your faults, and then allow yourself to change.) Visualize yourself slimmer, in control of your food intake, and completely alive. Then, hold a moonstone in your projective hand while continuing to visualize the body and discipline you wish to have. Rub the moonstone over the problem areas of your body, visualizing them melting away. Finally, carry the stone with you at all times. When you feel the urge to eat cheesecake, take the stone in your receptive hand, breathe deeply for ten seconds, push the image of food from your mind, and then grab a juicy peach or crunchy carrot stick.
Lore: Folk law suggests that moonstone was supposed to awaken tender passions if placed beneath the tongues of lovers at full moon. In addition, it was recommended that holding a moonstone in the mouth would refresh one's memory. - This stone has always been revered because of its lunar attraction. It was believed that the shiller in the stone would follow the cycles of the moon. (Becoming greatest when the moon was full.) In addition, it has always been considered a "feminine, or Goddess" stone. - In the Orient, moonstone was believed to be the solidified rays of the moon, and the glimmering light within was the light of the good spirit that lived in the stone. Occasionally, under magnification, a peculiar flaw appears: a long inclusion resembling a centipede. - In ancient Rome, moonstones were thought to change their look during the lunar phases. They also thought that a picture of Diana, the Goddess of the Moon, could be seen in every moonstone. In the middle ages, people thought you could look into a moonstone, fall into a deep sleep that would tell you of the future. - Traveler stones was a name of moonstones because of the protection that travelers received at night from the gemstone. - The Asians point out that when there is a moon there is no rain and so the name, moonstone, means "no tears." According to legend, a moonstone placed in the mouth while the moon is full gives lovers the power to read their futures together.
*Superstition says it has the power to hypnotize the person who gazes at it as it moves back and forth. - Amulets of moonstone were hung in fruit trees to produce abundant crops. It was thought to protect against wandering of the mind, insanity and epilepsy. It was attributed to improving physical strength and reconciling lovers. If held in the mouth, a moonstone was supposed to help decide matters.
Scientific: Moonstone can be two minerals: Orthoclase Feldspar (Potassium Aluminum Silicate) or sometimes Albite Plagioclase Feldspar (Sodium Aluminum Silicate). This stone can be confused with selenite gypsum (selenite is very soft and can be scratched with a fingernail while Moonstone is relatively hard). Moonstone is potassium feldspar of the orthoclase (adularia) species with white shimmer, similar to moonshine (therefore the name) the so-called adularescence. Moonstone's cat's eye is also known. Deposits are found in Sri Lanka, which is often referred to as the "National Stone of Sri Lanka", Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the U.S. The other type is Albite moonstone, which is sodium rich. The two types of moonstones are very similar in appearance when cut in cabochon. In both cases, the composition is midway between that of the orthoclase and that of albite: albite moonstone can be defined as a microperthitic association of albite and orthoclase with a predominance of albite. These types of moonstone can be found mainly in Canada and Kenya, but also occurs in Sri Lanka and India. Moonstone generally has an almost transparent background, which is practically colorless, pale gray, or tinged with yellow, with a whitish to silvery white or blue shimmer. Incipient cleavage cracks may be visible inside the stone. Called Moonstone for it's resemblance to the silvery moon, it comes in iridescent white, peach, pink, gray and yellow. The Greeks believed the stone ruled by Venus (Aphrodite/Selene), calling it Aphroselene after the Goddess Selene.
History: The island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) has, from time immemorial, produced the most desirable and enchanting specimens of moonstone. According to tradition, in the Moonstone Temple of Anuradhapura, the steps of the altar are faced with mosaics of gleaming moonstones. The ruins of this temple, which was built about 100 B.C., still can be seen today. I did research this and found that the steps of the altar are made of a granite stone, and there are no mosaics of moonstone's left. Moonstone was used in Roman jewelry about 100 A.D. In India moonstone is still a sacred gem; East Indian tradition holds that moonstone is a symbol of the Third eye and clarifies spiritual understanding. Moonstone was very popular early in the 20th century and was extensively used in Art Nouveau jewelry. MOSS AGATE:
Earth healing. // Prosperity, success and abundance, congeniality and compatibility, starting friendships, fertility, healing, ego and self-esteem. // Grounds, calms and centers. ONYX: (See alsoBLACK ONYX above.)
Scientific: There are two kinds of onyx; black onyx and marble onyx. Onyx is something of a catchall term that usually refers to dyed black chalcedony ("black onyx"), but it is also used to describe other colors of dyed chalcedony. More strictly speaking, onyx agate is banded agate displaying straight and parallel bands of alternating colors, which has historically been used to produce cameos. True onyx, however, is a form of calcite, usually used in architecture and ornamental pieces. Black onyx is the more valuable of the two. It is a variety of chalcedony, which is cryptocrystalline (crystals too small to be seen even by a microscope) quartz, and is used as semi-precious stones and for ornamental purposes. This type of chalcedony is basically black and white agate. It is different than regular agate only in that the bands of which it is composed are parallel and regular. The name onyx has its origin in the Greek language and means 'fingernail', probably because of its weak transparency. A chalcedony with black and white bands is properly called onyx, but this name is often incorrectly used for grayish chalcedonies or agates that have been dyed black or green. When onyx displays bands of sard alternating with either white or black layers, it is appropriately called sardonyx. Onyx is a layer stone with the combination of a black base and a white upper layer, also called true onyx or Arabic onyx. Sard onyx is a layer stone with a brown base and an upper white layer. Cornelian onyx is a layer stone with a red base and an upper white layer. The layers in agate or chalcedony required for intaglios and cameos are not often found in nature in the colors of onyx, carnelian, or sard. Therefore, such stones are usually dyed. Black onyx is found worldwide but is most commonly from Brazil, India, and Madagascar. Marble onyx has many names; onyx marble, Mexican onyx, cave onyx, Oriental alabaster, and in some cases travertine. Onyx marble is a limestone formed by the minerals calcite or aragonite. It is incorrect to name this rock onyx without the word marble. Onyx marble is formed from lime containing water by layered deposits (therefore always banded) near warm springs or as stalactites or stalagmites in caves. Deposits are found in Egypt, Algeria, Argentina, Morocco, Mexico and the U.S. It is apparently illegal to harm cave formations in the United States. Therefore, all onyx marble that is on the market should be coming from other countries. Onyx is used in carved cameos and intaglios because its layers can be cut to show a color contrast between the design and the background. Onyx marble is used mainly for decorative items, some tiles, and has recently begun to be used for jewelry.
History: The ancient Greeks and Romans used various chalcedony types of onyx for cameos and intaglios. Ancient Mexicans used marble onyx as ornaments and beads. The "World's Largest Single Stalactite" is found in Diamond Caverns. Crystal Onyx Cave is noted for its rare crystal onyx rim stone formations.
Lore: Onyx is one of the 12 stones mentioned in the Bible as adorning the breastplate of the high priests. - The Arabic name for onyx is el jaza, 'sadness'. The following passage, from The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, offers an illustration of the prejudice against this stone which was said to come from China and the Magreb: "Those who are in the land of China fear this stone so much that they dread to go into the mines where it occurs; hence none but slaves and menials, who have no other means of gaining a livelihood, take the stone from the mines. When it has been extracted, it is carried out of the country and sold in other lands. Those men of the Magreb who are also gifted with any wisdom will not wear onyx or place it in their treasuries. Indeed, no one is willing to wear it, unless he be bereft of his senses; for whoever wears it, either set in a ring or in any other way, will have fearful dreams and be tormented by a multitude of doubts and apprehensions; he will also have many disputes and lawsuits. Lastly, whoever keeps and onyx in his house, or places it in a vessel, or puts it in food or drink, will suffer loss of energy and capacity." - In India, onyx was worn around the neck for the purpose of cooling ardor. This belief is closely related to the idea that onyx provoked discord and separated lovers.
Metaphysical: Black Onyx is used to help one change habits. It is also believed to be a valuable tool for helping concentration levels and aiding absentmindedness. Some think it makes the wearer more eloquent and thus is worn for public speaking engagements. This stone is used to banish grief and enhance self-control, encourage happiness and good fortune. It is an excellent stone to use too, for centering and alignment of the total person with higher powers. It furthers the awareness of the instincts, helping you see and feel the guidance. It promotes the recognition of personal strengths and assisting you in the understanding of the reality of the moment. It helps you to become the master of you own domain. Black Onyx is excellent for grounding negativity and releasing stress. It can be worn for protection, to banish grief, and to encourage happiness and good fortune. Onyx is a semi-precious gemstone of quartz variety with an extremely fine crystal formation. Marble Onyx speaks to the heart of happiness, brotherhood, and loving communication. It is a wonderful stone of friendship, and bringer of joy and tranquility. Because of its age, and how it was formed, marble onyx creates a bond between us and Mother Earth, thus enabling us to feel nurturing and caring of others and the environment. It gives us a connection to the Ancients. And, the energy of marble onyx is so good for meditative states and energy work that it is a good tool to use for tantric work. OPAL:
Energies: Protective, Receptive
Gender: Feminine with flashes of masculine
Planets: All Planets
Elements: All Elements
Deity: Cupid, Freya, Sekhmet, and Horus
Associated Herb: Bay
Powers: Astral Projection, Psychism, Beauty, Money, Luck, Power, Inner beauty, faithfulness, past lives, eyesight, dreams, creativity, and change.
Magickal/Ritual Lore: Too many, the opal is a stone of misfortune, sorrow, and bad luck. This is a modern idea, however, and is untrue. A reference by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Anne of Gierstein to the misfortune associated with an opal is the cause of this unfounded idea.
Magickal Uses: The opal contains the colors as well as the qualities of every other stone. As such it can be 'programmed' or charged with virtually every type of energy and used in spells involving all magickal needs. In the past opals were used to create invisibility. The gem was wrapped in a freshbay leaf and carried for this purpose. Usually, stones (and herbs) linked with invisibility were actually used to promote astral projection, and the opal is ideal for this purpose. Opals are worn during astral projection for protection as well as to facilitate the process. They are used to recall past incarnations. Hold the opal in your hands and gaze at it. Move your attention from color to color within the opal until contact with the psychic mind is achieved. Once this occurs, go into the past. The stone is favored by many to develop psychic powers and is often worn in jewelry for this purpose. Earrings are ideal. Opals are also worn to bring out inner beauty. A beauty spell: Place a round mirror on the altar or behind it so that you can see your face within it while kneeling. Place two green candles on either side of the mirror. Light the candles, Empower an opal with your need for beauty -- while holding the stone, gaze into your reflection. With the scalpel of your visualization, mold and form your face (and your body) to the form you desire. Then, carry or wear the opal and dedicate yourself to improving your appearance. //Magical Uses: Blue Opal opens communication between people, intensifies the need and ability to express emotions and creativity. Great for those who have a hard time with repressed emotions. Use to speak your mind, communication and expression. There are those who consider opal an "unlucky" stone. This may be because of the fact that opal can stimulate change to occur in your life - if you are not prepared for this, it may be better to choose another stone. If you are prepared for a change, opal can help to catalyze this, causing opportunities for growth to spring up around you. Opals foster love, passion, loyalty, faithfulness, emotional expressiveness, warmth, spontaneity and dramatic ability. Also associated with peace, and consciousness. Sometimes considered unlucky, but this is only because modern people fear their emotional side. Opals contain water, correlating with our emotions. Opals clarify by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions, desires (including love and passion). Less inhibition, more spontaneity. Visualization, imagination, dreams, healing. Easily absorbs, stores emotions and thoughts. Fragile. Some Opals cancel or negate other gems. (Backfires if not used for good of all) May change color with high energy or intense people. Opal helps fight infections, heals and clears eyesight, and balances the metabolism.
History: With "the fire of the carbuncle, the brilliant purple of the amethyst and the sea green color of the emerald, all shining together in incredible union" opal clearly impressed Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), Roman historian and author of the world's first encyclopedia. The Romans had been wearing opals for centuries and considered them a symbol of hope and purity while for the early Greeks they embodied the powers of foresight and prophecy.
The more fancifully minded Arabs thought that opals must have fallen from heaven in flashes of lightning thus achieving their unique play of color or "opalescence". Amazingly this opal escence is a result of the 5-10% of water trapped inside the stone in which rows and rows of tiny spheres of silicon dioxide are arranged, diffracting light in a unique fashion. Opal has also featured in literature with Shakespeare referring to it in Twelfth Night as "the queen of gems". A real queen had to intervene in the near destruction of the 19th century opal market when Sir Walter Scott's Anne of Geierstein started a superstition that opals were bad luck for people not born in October. The novel's heroine owned an opal that burned fiery red when she was angry and turned ashen gray upon her death. Queen Victoria finally dispelled the curse by giving opal jewelry as gifts at a royal wedding. Opal and tourmaline are the official stones for those born in October, and famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt rarely left the house unless adorned with her opalescent birthstone. The Romans first popularized Opal about 100 BC and gave it the name opalus (to see a change of color). They prized Opal above all other precious stones and believed the holder to be charmed with good fortune. The only European source of this rare and prized gemstone prior to the sixteenth century was the volcanic deposits of Czechoslovakia (previously part of Hungary). Later the Spaniards brought back fine examples of Aztec Opal from the New World. Beautiful Opals have featured in many of the Crown Jewels of Europe and they remain popular with heads of state and the rich and famous. OPAL, FIRE: (yellow, orange or red)
Often faceted and can resemble ruby. Are often used in drawing money. They can be carried or placed outside green candles which are burned during visualization. If you own a business, place a fire opal within the building after empowering it to be a magnet, to draw customers. // Fire Opals are thought to be very magical because of the distinct patterns of color, which seem to move while viewing. The color play includes: green, blue, yellow, red, and purple. The energy of the fire opal allows us to look deeply within to understand ourselves in a better way. A great choice if you are looking for your purpose in life. Some find the fire opal to be energizing, giving strength and endurance in stressful times. Other people like to meditate with fire opal; it is very easy to get into this meditative state by simply gazing at the incredible colors of this opal. OPAL, BLACK:
Are prized by magicians and Wiccans as power stones. They are often worn in ritual jewelry designed to increase the amount of power aroused and released from the body during magic. // Black is considered the most valuable as it enhances and accentuates the play of color. PERIDOT:
The name olivine is from the Latin oliva in reference to the mineral's color. Peridot is from a thirteenth century English word peridote. Peridot (pronounced pear-uh-doe) is the gem variety of olivine. The green color of peridot, the gem variety of olivine, is mainly dependent on the amount of ferrous iron present, this color then being modified by trace amounts of Fe3+, Ti4+ and Ni2+. The better green colors occur with a Fe:Mg ratio of about 1:8. Higher concentrations of Fe result in less desirable yellow-green or brownish green shades. Pure brown peridots are more rare. Peridot gems have a hardness of about 6.5, which makes them very suitable for use as gemstones in earrings, brooches and pendants. Their use as ring stones requires some extra care to prevent abrasion and loss of polish. Gem quality peridot comes from the ancient source of Zagbargad (Zebirget) Island in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt; Mogok, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma); Kohistan, Pakistan; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Eifel, Germany; Chihuahua, Mexico; Ethiopia; Australia; Peridot Mesa, San Carlos Apache Reservation, Gila County, Arizona and Salt Lake Crater, Oahu, Hawaii, USA. The best quality peridot has historically come either from Myanmar or Egypt. But new sources in Pakistan are challenging that claim with some exceptional specimens. The Arizona gem material is of lesser quality, but is far more abundant and is therefore much more affordable. An estimated 80 - 95% of all world production of peridot comes from Arizona. The Myanmar, Pakistani and Egyptian gems are rarer and of better quality and thus quite valuable approaching the per carat values of top gemstones. Possibly the most unusual peridot is that which comes from iron-nickel meteorites called p! allasites. Some are actually facetted and set in jewelry. The stone ranges in color from light yellow-green to the intense bright green of new grass to olive. Because of the way peridot splits and bends the rays of light passing through it, it has a velvety, "sleepy" appearance-a shining rich glow. Throughout time, peridot has been confused with many other gemstones, even emerald. Many "emeralds" of royal treasures have turned out to be peridots! And although peridot is distinctly a different shade of green, many jewelers refer to peridot as "evening emerald". Emerald is a dark green as opposed to a yellow green and always contains inclusions. Other green gemstones confused with peridot include apatite (which is much softer); green garnets (have no double refraction), green tourmaline and green sinhalite (both of which are strongly pleochroic), moldavites (no double refraction) and green zircon (significantly heavier). All of these gemstones rarely have as nice a yellow component to their green color as does most peridot, but! darker green peridot can be confusing when good crystal form is not discernible. Possibly the most unusual peridot is that which comes from meteorites called pallasites. Some have even been facetted and set in jewelry, the only extraterrestrial gemstones known to man. Peridot was positively identified on comet Hale-Bopp. Peridot is occasionally treated with colorless oil, wax, natural and synthetic unhardened resins into voids to improve appearance. Surface fractures are sometimes filled with a colorless hardened substance. Due to its relative softness, peridot jewelry should get special care and handling. Peridot is susceptible to attack by acids, particularly hyrdochloric and sulphuric acids that are commonly found at the jeweler's bench. These acids will remove a stone's polish surprisingly fast. Quick temperature changes should be avoided. As a gemstone, clarity is very important with peridot. Tiny inclusions that are not singly visible to the unaided eye can nonetheless in quantity impart a "sleepy" or hazy quality to the stone, and make the color, however slightly, more brownish (not desirable). Peridot is used as a gemstone. Mg-rich olivine is used in refractory sand and brick in the casting industry because of its high melting point. Peridot is not in such demand that imitators are rampant. However, practically any transparent green material, natural or manmade, could imitate peridot. Even until recently have jewelers used the term "chrysolite" (latin for golden stone) in refering to peridot gems for some reason.
History: Peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an estimated four thousand years or better, and is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of pitdah. Archaeologists have found valuable peridots in Alexandria, Egypt, which must have come from the original source, the island of Zebargad (zebargad being the Arabic word for peridot). It is located about 50 miles from the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea. Faceted stones have also been found in the ruins of ancient Greece and attributed to the same source. Zebargad, which was known for many years as Saint John's Island, may have been mined as early as 1500 BC The island was discussed in the natural history of Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.) as having been explored in the fourth century BC it was called "the Serpent Isle' " since its many poisonous snakes interfered with mining activity. Eventually, an Egyptian ruler had the snakes killed and kept the miners isolated at work on the island. Because the rich green stones were so coveted, guards of the deposits were told to kill any unauthorized travelers approaching the island. The Greeks and Romans referred to peridot as topazion and topazius respectively and this name was later given to topaz, to end the confusion with the two gems. Peridot was quite popular during the baroque era. It was originally introduced to Europe by the Crusaders during the Middle Ages, and was used for ecclesiastical purposes. The largest known faceted peridot (310 carats) is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Now a part of the Diamond Treasury in Moscow, Russia, is a yellowish-green 192.75-carat stone that belonged to the czars. A step-cut peridot of 146 carats is in the Geological Museum, London, England. The collections of the American Museum of Natural History in New York and the Chicago Museum of Natural History have included beautiful examples of peridot. Many peridots were taken to Europe by crusaders returning from the East and kept in cathedrals. Especially fine specimens are in the Cathedral in Cologne.
Lore: Some think that the "emeralds" worn by Cleopatra were actually peridot. Similarly, a large stone at the shrine of the Three Holy Kings at Cologne was thought to be an emerald until correctly identified as a peridot in the late 1800s. Ancient Egyptians called peridot "the gem of the sun," although they believed its seekers might not find it in sunlight. Because of their brightness in the desert sun, the stones were supposedly invisible by daylight. In darkness, however, they were alleged to give off a light of their own. By night, miners were said to mark their locations accordingly and return to recover their treasures by day. Peridot was believed to have the power to dissolve enchantments. Pirate's believed peridot had the power to drive away evil spirits (and the night's terrors), especially if set in gold. But as protection from evil spirits it must be pierced, strung on donkey hair and worn on the left arm. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. Holding a peridot under the tongue was supposed to lessen the thirst of a person suffering from fever. Hawaiian natives believe peridot is the goddess Pele's tears.
Metaphysical: Peridot is said to bring healing and vitality to the whole body. It is also said to increase patience, confidence and assertiveness. Peridot is said to help slow the aging process, physically and mentally. It is also said to be helpful in facilitating the birthing process. Peridot helps stimulate growth. The brighter, and more yellow the color, the more intense the experience. This is the stone of adventure. We never know what we will find, but it sure is a heck of a ride! If you want to start a growth period, meditate with peridot in your left hand (the receiving one). Visualize the bright color (and the energy that accompanies it) coursing through your chakras, clearing and grounding them. Then see it clearing and grounding your aura. Tell the universe that you are ready for growth, and trust the universe to do the rest. It's okay to then visualize your chakras returning to their normal colors, it is just more intense this way! //Marital harmony, slows aging, lessens anger and jealousy, assists in finding what is lost, healing(esp. ulcers and digestive problems). PETRIFIED WOOD:
Energy: Receptive
Element: Akasha
Powers: Longevity, Past-Life Regression, Healing, Protection
Magickal Uses: Petrified wood consists of ancient trees that, eons ago, were covered with mineral-rich water. The water slowly dissolved the wood and replaced it with various minerals. This process produced what we know as "petrified wood." It is a fossil and is ruled by Akasha. Because of its great antiquity (fossilized wood is millions of years old), it is carried or utilized in spells designed to extend the life span or, alternately, to increase our enjoyment of, and evolution within, our lives. Also, due to its age, petrified wood is used to recall past incarnations. The "stone" is carried as a protective amulet because of its hardness and strange appearance. In earlier times it was thought to scare off evil. Today we view it as setting up barriers of energy which deflect negativity. Petrified wood is also carried as a charm against drowning. //Strength in all areas of one's life, grounding, access to past lives during meditation, transformation. In healing, strengthens back and hearing loss. PHANTOMS, terminated: into unconscious, shadow. PYRITE:
Strengthens mental capacity. Facilitates higher knowing, opens mind. Protection and centering. QUARTZ:
Amplify and energizes energy, power stone, facilitates sending and recieving information, healer, assists communication with the earth, transforms thought into sound. RED AGATE:
Promotes peace and harmony. RHONDONITE:
Love and balance, emits love energy, healing earth energy, balances mental processes, assists in dealing with avoidance and denial, helps prevent illness. ROSE QUARTZ:
Scientific: Pink or peach colored quartz is called rose quartz. Rose quartz is in the rock crystal family of stones. The name quartz is derived from the Slavic word 'Kwardy' which means 'hard'. Rose tinted quartz is caused by traces of titanium or manganese. Rose quartz tends to be cloudy, crackled or turbid and certain varieties contain rutile (another mineral), which may produce a star effect when cut and polished. Rose quartz tends to be brittle; therefore large carvings may show cracks. It is also prone to fading over time. Crystals of rose quartz are very rare. More usually it is found in massive form, which is used for carvings, cabochons or beads. Transparent rose quartz material is rare as well. When available, transparent rose quartz is sometimes facetted for use in jewelry. Sometimes rose quartz is confused with morganite, kunzite, pink tourmaline or pink topaz. Rose quartz is found in pegmatites. The best material is from Madagascar but Brazil produces a greater quantity. It is also found in Colorado, South Dakota, and Utah in the USA, the former USSR, Scotland, India, Mozambique, Namibia, Sri Lanka and Spain. Rose Quartz is very hard, so you can clean it with soap and water. Keep it out of direct sunlight, as it will fade the color.
History: There is little known historically about rose quartz. However, beads have been found in Mesopotamia that date back to 7000 BC. It is said that the Assyrians and the Romans were the first to use it. Rose quartz has been found to be used in jewelry by the Assyrians in 800-600 BC. In ancient Rome, rose quartz was popular for making seals. These seals were used in clay or various dyes to show ownership or identify authors.
Myth: Traditionally, babies have been given rose quartz to help them during their transformation from the spirit world to their physical body. The gentle pink rays of rose quartz produce a nurturing, calming and gentle effect, which helps them adjust to their new environment.
Metaphysical: Rose quartz is the most popular healing stone. It is the stone of unconditional love and healing. If there has ever been a stone specifically for Valentine's Day, then rose quartz is it. Rose quartz is soothing, calming, and comforting to those who need it. This stone is non-judgmental, which is why it is such a powerful healing stone. This stone is said to heal broken hearts as well as emotional injuries. Rose quartz definitely improves the energy in both the person it belongs to and the space it is in. The gentle glow of the pink stone radiates nurturing love and universal harmony. Rose quartz's gentle energy insures fertility and helps in avoiding miscarriages. It supports the heart and is an effective healer in constrictive heart problems. It is good to use after operations or dental surgery. It is said to help clear the complexion as well as prevent wrinkles. Rose quartz is recommended for weight loss because it helps balance the self, as well as teaches self-love to the wearer. - Plant rose quartz in your garden. The plant kingdom can feel your intentions and radiates them back to you. // Enhances all forms of love, promotes healing and kindness, self-love, weigth loss, wrinkles, happy children. // Opens heart chakra. RUBY:
Metaphysical: Because of their color, shades of red, rubies are said to be very healing. Physical wounds, blood disorders, as well as emotional and spiritual wounds can be healed with the ruby. As a tool for meditation, rubies are extremely powerful for healing chakras (especially the first chakra), and for bringing to us the love of the god/s of our hearts. The ruby has inspired passion and romance for centuries. It has the power to stimulate sexual desire and energy. In the least, rubies are said to bring out the passions of the wearer. Rubies were thought to attract and maintain love and friendship. Also the color of blood, ruby has come to symbolize courage and bravery. As a talisman, ruby will warn its owner against danger and disaster. Rubies, like emeralds and malachite, are stones of wealth and fortune. They can be used to manifest abundance, and bring riches to its wearer. But, because rubies are red, this also means that the riches can be love. // Activates heart center, relieves emotional pain, work thru father issues.
Lore: The Burmese believed that "blazing red" stones could be found in a "bottomless" valley. Natives threw pieces of meat into the valley hoping that some stones would cling to the meat and would be eaten by vultures. The stones could then be recovered by killing the vultures. The legend connected with Ruby is that the wearer was blessed with health, wealth, and wisdom, as well as enormous success in affairs of the heart. Ruby was said to preserve health and give invulnerability from wounds, and to guarantee that one's status and possessions would never be taken. The wearing of a ruby was said to signify manhood, nobility and valor in a man, and pride & passion in a woman. Ground rubies were used as a remedy for stomach ailments. Ruby has also been connected to dragons. Legends tell of dragons guarding Ruby and Emerald mines and others of dragons with brilliant Rubies in their heads illuminating the countryside! SAPPHIRE:
Gender: Masculine
Astrological Sign: Libra, Taurus, Virgo, and Aquarius
Planets: Moon and Jupiter
Elemental: Water
Deity: Apollo
Magical Uses: Attracts and oversees one's divine destiny or "mission" in life, instilling hope, faith and joy during the journey. Sapphire can focus healing, loving energy on anyone needing it, without the user's participation, in this way it seems to possess an innate higher intelligence of it's own.
Powers: Psychic powers, love, mediation, peace, defensive magic, healing, power, and money. The stone of "holy blessings". Antidepressant. Draws protection, and prophetic wisdom to the user. Inspires creative expression, intuition and meditation.
History: Sapphire has historically been associated with the sacred and divine, guardian of innocence and bestower of truth. This gem was believed to attract divine favor to its owner. It was used as a talisman to protect travelers, ward off illness, and bring peace, joy and wisdom. Sapphire is known as the stone of prosperity. White sapphires have become a popular diamond substitute. It's a great choice for an engagement ring. In fact the engagement ring Prince Charles gave to Diana was a sapphire, not a diamond! Among the most famous sapphires are two of the worlds largest. The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., houses the Logan Sapphire, a 423-carat cushion-cut stone from Sri Lanka that is set in a brooch surrounded by diamonds. The second is the 258-carat bright blue sapphire from the Russian crown, kept in the Diamond Fund in Moscow. SAPPHIRE, DARK BLUE:
Inspires communication, insight, intuition, clairaudience, inspiration, and spiritual prayer/devotion, peacefulness. Pituitary and Thyroid. Detoxing skin, body. Cools, contracts, soothes, thus reducing inflammation, fevers, and nosebleeds. Hearing problems, burns, etc. Nervous system and Epilepsy. Strongest if worn next to skin. SAPPHIRE, GREEN:
Brings luck. SAPPHIRE, ORANGE:
Also known as Padparadschah, augments wisdom, optimism and friendliness. SAPPHIRE, PINK:
Encourages generosity, love and loyalty, wisdom, will, centering, cheerfulness, and luck. SAPPHIRE, STAR:
Develops independence, centering, balance and psychic. Reduces radiation effects, anxiety, and procrastination. Some effects subtle. Black: more grounding. Protection. May strengthen by posing challenges to overcome. SAPPHIRE, WHITE:
Is associated with self-appreciation and spiritual development. SAPPHIRE, YELLOW:
Enhances intellect, study, knowledge and memory. SARD:
Energy: Projective
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Love, Protection, Courage, Facilitating, Childbirth
Magickal Uses: Sard is a reddish yellow or brown variety of quartz (related to carnelian). It is thought to be more magically effective for women than for men. In the 1300's, sard was engraved with the image of a grapevine (symbolizing male energy) and ivy (female energy). This was worn by women for good fortune and to draw love. Ruled by Mars and of a reddish color, sard is also used in protective rituals and in defeating negative spells (hexes) as well as to promote courage. Courage, which is knowing that you can face any situation, is created by strengthening self-confidence and also the body's projection of personal power. At one time sard was given to women in labor to facilitate trouble-free childbirth. SELENITE:
Understanding of karma, life's path. SERPENTINE:
Protects against poisonous creatures, nursing mothers wear this stone to regulate lacation. Also used in treating diabetes and hypoglycemia. SMOKY QUARTZ: 0
Absorbs negative vibrations, grounds energies and stabilizes. SNOWFLAKE OBSIDIAN:
Stone of protection both physical and spiritual, truth stones, keep one in wallet to never run out of money. // Letting go, meditation, intuition. SODALITE:
Elicits deep thought and calms overreaction by enabling one to think clearly. // Promotes learning, intuition, rational thought, emotional balance, thyroid, diabetes, courage, endurance, sports, dispels guilt and fears. Stone of wisdom seekers. SUNSTONE:
Energy: Projective
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Associated Stone: Moonstone
Associated Metal: Gold
Powers: Projection, Energy, Health, Sexual Energy
Magickal/Ritual Lore: There are at least two stones named sunstone. One is a form of translucent quartz which has a vaguely orange hue. This is the Oregon sunstone. Anciently, a form of feldspar which was imported from India was known by this name. In a sense it resembles an orange opal, with a fiery, multicolored flash. This is the only one used in past times in magick. In the Renaissance this stone was frequently associated with the Sun, due to its sparkling orange-gold colors. It was set in gold and worn to bring the influences of the Sun into the magician. Symbolically, sunstone is linked with moonstone.
Magickal Uses: Sunstone, like most sparkling, reflective stones, is protective. Place one in the home before a white candle to spread protective energies through the house. A stone placed in a bag of healing herbs strengthens their energies. The sunstone is also carried or worn to lend extra physical energy to the body during times of stress or ill-health. If worn near the sexual region, it stimulates sexual arousal and increases sexual energy. Unfortunately, the sunstone's use in magick seems to have been largely forgotten. Few modern stone magick books refer to it, even if passing. If you find a sunstone, treasure it. // Creativity, success. TANZANITE:
Healing of the soul, channeling. TIGERS EYE:
Stimulates personal courage. Good for the "spaced out" person by grounding the energy. Protection, clarity, empowerment, willpower, integrates Yin & Yang, protection when you travel. TIGERS EYE, BLUE:
Develops alertness, stimulates 3rd eye. TOPAZ:
Metaphysical: If you are on a journey of spiritual change, Topaz makes an excellent companion. It teaches you to trust in the Universe to guide and provide, aiding you in fully recognizing the magical laws of attraction and manifestation and your ability to manipulate them. Meditations with a stone will help awaken your sleeping gifts and illuminate your co-creative energies. The crystal helps you become more aware of your personal world, and the power you have to bring about positive changes. It strengthens your confidence to make decisions that are correct for you; giving you the fire and motivation you need to follow through on your choices. Work with Topaz to make your dreams your reality. Artists may be attracted to the gemstone because it promotes individual creativity. It stimulates your creative energies like a Muse, lifting your art to new levels. The crystal can be used as an energy battery when your demanding schedule threatens to overwhelm your day. Carrying a stone during those crazy days will help you stay mentally alert, while protecting you from unseen dangers that could thwart more than just your next appointment.
Healing traditions for Topaz still recommend the crystal for relief from asthma and digestive problems. Patients undergoing long convalescence may use the stone to improve stamina, helping the body recover from its inactivity. It should help with insomnia by warding off nightmares, unproductive thoughts and allowing you to relax. It may promote the healing of wounds, strengthen your back and spinal cord and possibly aid in weight loss by raising your metabolism.
Lore: Many ancient traditions and beliefs have created a brilliant history for Topaz. Clear, terminated Topaz was referred to as an Iris stone because of its double refractive qualities and the way its facets would project light's rainbow spectrum. If worn in a ring on the left hand, the gem was believed to restrain lustful desires. Egyptians thought the Imperial Topaz was the captured light of the Sun God Ra. It was worn in amulets for protection from accident or attacks. Greeks and Romans also associated the golden crystals with their Sun God, Jupiter. They believed the stone increased their strength and could neutralize enchantments. Bushmen in Africa used Topaz in healing ceremonies and rituals to connect with ancestral spirits. In medieval courts, Kings, judges and other noble persons were often presented with an engraved Topaz to win favor and cultivate positive relationships. Falcons were a favorite carving subject. A powder ground into wine was believed to relieve asthma. Leaving a crystal in wine for three days produced an elixir that was used on the eyes to improve vision. Some believed the stone could make you invisible during moments of danger. TOPAZ,BLUE:
Works with your Throat Chakra allowing you to voice the perfect words for bringing your desires and dreams into reality. It unites body, mind and spirit with the Universal All. // Peace, calm, develop personal boundaries gently. TOPAZ,CLEAR:
This is a stone of confidence. Giving extra strength to be yourself, unafraid to creatively express the beautiful voice the Universe gave you. Helps stimulate natural gifts. TOPAZ,GOLD:
Communication between heart and head. TOPAZ,IMPERIAL:
A stone of Fire, burning with the energies of Grandfather Sun. This is the stone that will see your goals through, never allowing your confidence to waver, and your motivation to fail. Use the crystal for a quick charge when your battery is low. Stimulates the first three Chakras and opens the Crown. TOPAZ,ROSE:
Opening the base Chakra and stimulating the Kundalini. This crystal is great for balancing the exhausting energies of passion and power. If you are quick to anger, carrying a rosy gemstone may help you temper and channel your anger into productive resolutions instead of fights. TOURMALINE, BLACK:
Stone for controlling negative environment and negative energies. Forms shield of protection and deflects discordant and negative thoughts. TOURMALINE (pink-red):
Heals heart, expands energy, cleanses nervous system. TOURMALINE, GREEN:
Balances and adds strength to nervous system. Regenerator, attunes to that which is most needed. // Promotes life force, soothes, refreshes. TURQUOISE:
Healing, protection, prosperity, calming, spiritual attunement, assists in remaing grounded during spiritual work, promotes independent action, protects against accidents. UNAKITE:
Brings ones consciousness to the present, aligns with the spiritual, helps with past life regression and to let go of old blockages, healing, healthy pregancy and healthy babies. VANADINITE:
Mental focus, life direction. ZINCITE:
Connection to higher self.
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