maximios

Amazonite, also called Amazon Jade or Amazon Stone, is a green to blue-green variety of Microcline, a Feldspar mineral that forms in short prismatic or tabular crystals or in masses. It ranges in hue from bright verdigris green to paler shades of turquoise, sometimes with white, yellow or grey portions, and can be translucent to opaque. It has a vitreous luster, and when polished resembles finely cracked or spider-webbed marble and displays a Schiller effect of pearly iridescence throughout the stone.

Its blue-green color was once thought to be caused by copper compounds, though scientists in the 1980’s discovered it to be from small quantities of lead and water. It fractures easily and is usually cut en cabochon for jewelry purposes. It is a soft stone and care should be taken when wearing, or in storing with other minerals.

Amazonite is beneficial in osteoporosis, tooth decay, calcium deficiency and calcium deposits. It relieves muscle spasms. It protects against electromagnetic pollution and absorbs microwaves.

Amazonite is known for maintaining good health in general. It aids in cell regeneration and healing after illnesses, trauma or injury, and relieves muscle spasms. It may be used in treating disorders of the nervous system and blockages in the flow of neural impulses, as well as issues with the throat and thyroid gland. [Eason, 286][Ahsian, 23][Melody, 107][Hall, 50]

Rubbing an affected area with a polished Amazonite is thought to prevent infection, soothe rashes and heal blisters. It is also beneficial in clearing up acne, and may relieve the pain of rheumatism, gout and osteoarthritis. [Megemont, 20]

Amazonite is useful in treating sexual disorders, such as lack of desire, impotence, vaginitis, sexual obsession, and priapism. [Megemont, 20] It is also believed to aid in childbirth. [Gienger, 12]

Snowflake Obsidian is formed when the felsic lava from a volcano rapidly cools down with very minimum crystal growth. It’s basically a volcanic glass that formed as an igneous rock. Snowflake Obsidian is usually black in color, with white patches called Phenocryst. It resembles snowflakes, hence the name.

It’s also known as White Snowflake Obsidian and Gray Snowflake Obsidian. Large deposits of Snowflake Obsidian can be found in Mexico, Iceland, and the USA.

Snowflake Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass containing the mineral Cristobalite in the form of white “snowflake” crystal patterns. Snowflake Obsidian has been used to aid in disorders of the veins and the skeletal structure. It has been said to improve circulation and alleviate muscular aches and spasms, treats joint pain (arthritis) and hardening of the arteries.

Physical healing properties of obsidian are connected to circulatory system health, digestive health, wound healing and detoxification. It is believed to speed healing of sprains, bruises and sores. Obsidian can be used to relieve pain, relax tense muscles and aid in the release of tension from excess stress.

Obsidian healing properties assist with recovery from substance addiction and excessive behaviors. It can strengthen your will to help you give up smoking, excessive drinking, drug dependency and overeating. Obsidian also aids in detoxification by improving blood circulation.

Agate is a variety of crypto-crystalline quartz; Silicon Dioxide. Agate is a common term for a distinctly banded fibrous chalcedony. It is often found as layers lining Geodes. There are hundreds of names applied to the varieties of agate that are found throughout the world. While many of the names reflect the source of the crystal, other names are descriptive of their color and pattern. Many people are confused by the differences between agate and jasper, the simple explanation is that Agate is translucent and Jasper is opaque.

Agate crystals vibrate on a lower, more gentle frequency. There are many types of agate that provide different healing properties depending on their variety. In general though, agate healing properties are slow and steady. They aren’t as intense as crystals like clear quartz or selenite, but they radiate a soft strength. Agate heals the eyes, stomach and uterus; cleanses the lymphatic system and the pancreas; strengthens blood vessels and heals skin disorders.

Agates are grounding stones, bringing about an emotional, physical and intellectual balance. They aid in centering and stabilizing physical energy.  It heals the eyes, stomach, and uterus, it cleanses the lymphatic system and pancreas, it strengthens blood vessels and heals skin disorders. 

Agate enhances mental function by improving concentration, perception, and analytical abilities. [Hall, 39]

Placed on the abdomen or used as an elixir, Agate stimulates the digestive system and relieves gastritis. It is beneficial for the eyes, hollow organs such as the stomach, uterus, intestines, etc., and heals skin disorders and itching due to insect bites. [Hall, 39][Gienger, 7][Megemont, 16]

Agate is helpful to the heart and blood vessels. Wearing an Agate in the middle of the chest strengthens the cardiac muscle, and heals emotional disharmony that prevents acceptance of love. [Megemont, 16][Hall, 39]

A cold Agate placed on the forehead is generally effective in curing fever. (If the fever returns, however, consult a doctor.) Agate may also reduce the symptoms of epilepsy, and for some people guards against sleepwalking. [Megemont, 15]

Smoky Quartz is a natural variety of Quartz, one of the most common and popular crystals in nature. While traditional quartz has a clear or whitish cloudy colour, smoky quartz has a grey colour. Some types of smoky quartz are very clear, while others are almost opaque, and some pieces are nearly black.

Quartz is the second most common mineral on Earth, after feldspar (the raw material used in glass, ceramics, plastics, paints, rubbers, and practically everything else you can imagine).

Smokey Quartz dissolves cramps, strengthens the back and fortifies the nerves. It is particularly effective for abdomen, hips and legs. Relieves headaches, back pain, eases muscular spasms. Smokey Quartz benefits the reproductive system, the heart, muscles and nerve tissue. It regulates liquids within the body and aids assimilation of minerals.

This stone is known to assist you if you are sensitive to the emissions of man-made electrical devices. If you have electrical sensitivity when in the vicinity of computers, wifi and other devices that emit electromagnetic energy, this stone may help you to deal with these emissions.

Just make sure that you regularly cleanse your crystals. This is especially important for those which you are using to remove negativity, so that they will remain functioning at their best.

A natural extension of my foray into minerals for healing, particularly with chronic lyme disease that triggers fibromyalgia pain, was learning about biomats! These wonderful mats are like heating pads taken to the next level. These are filled with pounds of amethyst crystals, which produce far-infrared waves that assist with healing. Take it from me: […]

Variscite is a hydrated aluminium phosphate mineral that is often confused with Turquoise.  They can be apple green, deep green, or blue-green in color. It is also known as Utahlite because it is usually found in Utah in the USA, and around the world in Bolivia, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Australia..  Variscite treats […]

Unakite is an altered form of granite, composed of pink orthoclase Feldspar, green Epidote and Clear Quartz. Unakite, sometimes known as unakite jasper, is a form of granite that includes pieces of pink orthoclase feldspar, green epidote, and quartz crystals. It has a distinctive, mottled green and pink appearance, and when it is polished, it […]

Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate mineral of aluminium and copper. Its chemical name is aluma phosphate, and its color is most commonly blue. There may be other Turquoise stones that are green or blue in color. Green means there is iron present in the stone, while blue means there is copper present. Its name is […]

Tourmaline is a crystal silicate mineral. Tourmaline is an 8th Anniversary gemstone. Typical colours – Most commonly black, but can range from brown, violet, green, pink, or in a dual-coloured pink and green (watermelon). There are quite a few spelling variations of its name, all based around the word Tourmaline. It is also known as […]

Topaz is a silicate mineral. Topaz is an aluminium silicate fluoride hydroxide mineral that belongs to the silicate class of minerals. Most Topaz crystals are colorless, but the most abundant color range is green and blue color. The colours of topaz are created through the deposit in the growing process of other trace minerals. Yellow […]

Tiger Iron is sometimes called Iron Tiger Eye and is a rock combination of Tiger Eye, Jasper and Hematite. It therefore also holds the healing properties of all these stones. Typical colours – golden-brown, red and black. Tiger Iron is a stone containing layers of Tiger Eye, Jasper and Hematite. Tiger Eye and Jasper are […]

Sunstone is a member of the Feldspar family, and is named for its warm shades of gold, orange, reds and browns that sparkle like the sun. Inclusions of Goethite or Hematite refract light between the different crystal layers and produce an iridescent effect as the stone is viewed from various angles. Sunstone may be clear […]

Sugilite is a relatively rare cyclosilicate of the Osumilite group, a potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminum silicate mineral. Its form is usually granular to massive, though rarely it forms in tiny prismatic crystals. It is named for Dr. Ken-ichi Sugi, a Japanese petrologist who discovered the first specimens in 1944 on Iwagi Islet, Japan. […]

Sodalite is a tectosilicate mineral. Typical colours – Rich royal blue, green, yellow, violet: mottled with white veins or patches. Sodalite is quite young in gemstone years. The deep blue mineral gemstone was not discovered until 1806, when it was found in Greenland. Even after the discovery of sodalite mineral stones, sodalite did not really […]

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Whether its crystals are left natural, polished as tumbled stones, or faceted into magnificent jewels, Amethyst is a gem whose beauty transcends its commonality. It is a variety of Quartz found in many locations around the world, and forms as transparent, terminated crystals of all sizes in geodes, clusters and as long single terminations. It is also found in vitreous masses and polished into wonderful specimens and personal talismans. The presence of manganese in clear Quartz produces Amethyst, while additional amounts of iron vary the purple coloration. Amethyst ranges in hue from pale red-violet to deep violet, and may be transparent or opaque. It is sometimes layered with white Quartz as Chevron Amethyst, found in combination with Cacoxenite, mixed with Citrine as Ametrine, or in rare cases, “rutilated” with Goethite. [Melody, 109][Hall, 53]

Amethyst boosts hormone production, tunes the endocrine system and metabolism. It strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and strengthens the body to fight against cancer. It destroys malignant tumors and aids in tissue regeneration. Cleanses the blood. Relieves physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress. Amethyst eases headaches and releases tension. It reduces bruising, swellings, injuries, and treats hearing disorders. Amethyst heals diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin conditions, cellular disorders and diseases of the digestive tract.

Amethyst boosts the production of hormones, and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine glands to optimum performance. It supports oxygenation in the blood, and aids in treatments of the digestive tract, heart, stomach, and skin. Amethyst also strengthens the immune system and reduces bruising, pain and swellings. It has been used with excellent results as an elixir in the treatment of arthritis. [Melody, 111][Hall, 55][Gienger, 13]

Amethyst is thought to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and other hearing disorders, and is highly beneficial in treating insomnia, especially when caused by an overactive mind. It is calming and soothing to the neural impulses in the brain. Its energy ameliorates the pain of headaches and migraines, and reduces stress and nervous tension. It may be used to treat psychic disturbances and to stabilize brain imbalances, but should not be used in cases of paranoia or schizophrenia. [Hall, 54-55][Melody, 111][Megemont, 25][Ahsian, 30]

Kunzite is a beautiful crystal, pure in energy and joyful in nature. Named for the mineralogist and jeweler George Frederick Kunz who first cataloged it in 1902, Kunzite is the pink to violet variety of the silicate, Spodumene. It has a glassy transparency, and forms in flattened prismatic crystals with vertical striations. It is highly pleochroic, shifting from pale pink to light violet and even colorless, depending on the angle of observation, and though its perfect cleavage makes cutting difficult, it can be faceted into beautiful gems.

Kunzite forms naturally as colorless, pink, lilac, yellow and green crystals. The yellow-green to emerald variety is known as Hiddenite, or Green Kunzite. The colorless to light yellow variety is known as Triphane, or Spodumene. Genuine Kunzite is quite pale in color, with natural darker shades being higher in value. There are some heat-enhanced varieties on the market. All Kunzite is prone to fading in direct sunlight.

Kunzite may be beneficial in treating hormone-linked migraines, the reproductive system in women, puberty in girls, PMS, and menstrual problems. It may be used to treat skin rashes caused by allergies to chemicals, and in reducing the after-effects of anesthesia. [Eason, 57]

Kunzite strengthens the circulatory system and the heart muscle, and is helpful in treating neuralgia, calming epilepsy and soothing joint pain. [Eason, 57][Hall, 163][Gienger, 53]

Kunzite enhances the treatment of depression and psychiatric disorders, and assists the physical body in recovering from emotional stress. It may also be used in radionic analysis. [Hall, 164][Melody, 363]

Moss Agate is not banded, and therefore not strictly an Agate in scientific terms; but is included in the Agate family. Agate is a variety of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It is clear to milky white, with dendritic inclusions of manganese or iron that has grown into patterns similar to moss or lichen. Spots of red may occur in some specimens, and occasionally the crystal is dark green with bluish inclusions.

Throughout history and all cultures, Moss Agate has been known as the crystal of gardeners and agriculture. It was considered a miraculous healing stone for tribal priests of the past, giving them power to interact with our human organic system, and was used as a talisman to make warriors strong and victorious. [Mella, 69]

Moss Agate speeds up recovery from illness. It is anti-inflammatory, cleanses the circulatory and elimination systems, and boosts the immune system. It assists midwives by lessening pain and ensuring a good delivery. Moss Agate prevents hypoglycemia and dehydration, treats infections, colds and flu, and lowers fevers. Treats fungal and skin infections.

Moss Agate enhances the acuity of the senses and neuronal activity. [Ahsian, 13] It helps eliminate depression caused by left-right brain imbalance, and stimulates mental function by improving concentration, perception, and analytical abilities. [Hall, 39, 48]

Moss Agate is anti-inflammatory and helps treat infections and swelling, colds and flu, and lowers fever. It is useful for long-term illness and recovery, boosting the immune system, and is thought to prevent hypoglycemia and dehydration. As an elixir applied to the skin, Moss Agate treats fungal and skin infections and irritations. [Melody, 93][Hall, 48][Eason, 253]

Moss Agate is helpful to the circulatory system, regulating pulse and other heartbeat irregularities. [Eason, 253] It cures buzzing in the ears. Wearing an Agate in the middle of the chest strengthens the cardiac muscle, and heals emotional disharmony. [Megemont, 16]

Moss Agate stimulates the digestive system, relieves gastritis, and aids in the elimination of toxins from the body. [Megemont, 16][Melody, 93] Agate may also reduce the symptoms of epilepsy, and for some people guards against sleepwalking. [Megemont, 15]

Angelite is a variety of Anhydrite. It is a soft mineral which will convert into Gypsum if immersed in water, so DO NOT wear while bathing or swimming. Anhydrite is formed in places where gypsum stones that had previously been in contact with water, which then evaporates, leaving anhydrite crystals behind.

While this can occur all over the world, as gypsum is a very common mineral, notable deposits are in the Persian Gulf, and on the coast of Chile.

Since angelite is a very specific colour and formation of anhydrite crystals, although anhydrite is found all over the world, angelite is still quite a rare stone.

Typical colours – Colourless, white, bluish white, violet, dark grey

Angelite (also called Celestite) supports the throat, alleviating inflammation and balancing the thyroid and the parathyroids. It repairs tissue and corrects blood deficiencies and helps to renew blood vessels.

Angelite balances the fluids within the physical body, and can act as a diuretic. It is useful in weight control, and relates particularly to the lungs and arms. Angelite can be used for headaches, heart function, the circulatory system and infectious diseases.

It has an action to support healing of health problems related to the bones, and is said to help to dissolve calcification within the joints. It is said to give you a greater range of motion in the joints, and is also known to be helpful when applied to the feet. It may also help the healing of broken bones, as well as aiding osteoporosis and arthritis.

Chalcedony is a member of the Quartz family with a cryptocrystalline structure, perfect for magnifying its crystal energy to soothe and restore balance, from the conscious mind to the inner child, all the way down to the animal self. Its name may be derived from the Greek port city of Chalcedon. The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome used varieties of Chalcedony in jewelry and carvings, and, as gems of antiquity, they were believed to imbue their holders with certain powers. [Simmons, 104-105]

From Minerals.net

Chalcedony is found in all types of colors, and its varieties are named based on color. The variety Agate is a multicolored form, well known for its distinctive banding patterns. Some forms of Chalcedony, such as Chrysoprase, are intensely colored, while others are light. In blue Chalcedony, the deeper the color, the more desirable the gemstone. The classic Chalcedony varieties are described below:

Agate
Multicolored banded variety, and the most well-known and unique form of Chalcedony. Agate itself has many different known varieties. All Agates contain distinctive patterns, which make each Agate different from the next.

Aventurine
Opaque, compact form, most often green in color, containing small Mica, Hematite, or Goethite scales which cause a glistening effect.

Bloodstone
Dark green to greenish blue variety speckled with red or brown spots.

Carnelian
Red to amber-red translucent variety. Some forms of Carnelian are heat treated to darken the lighter tones.

Chrysoprase
Apple green variety; one of the more popular gemstone forms of Chalcedony.

Jasper
Opaque form of brown, often multicolored, spotted, or speckled.

Onyx
May describe solid black Chalcedony, banded black and white Chalcedony (usually in parallel banding), or any Chalcedony with a black base and white upper layer.

Sard and Sardonyx
Sard is the brownish to brownish-red, transparent to translucent variety. The related Sardonyx has parallel bands of brownish to red alternating with white or sometimes black bands.

Tiger’s Eye
Pseudomorph of compact Quartz after the fibrous mineral Crocidolite. Tiger’s Eye is famous for its chatoyant effect and glistening sheen.

VARIETIES
Varieties specific to Agate, Jasper, Onyx, and Tiger’s Eye are listed separately.

• Agate – Banded variety of Chalcedony. For individual varieties, see the Agate mineral page.
• Aventurine – Opaque, compact Quartz / Chalcedony containing small Mica, Hematite, or Goethite scales which cause a glistening effect. Aventurine is most often green but may also be other colors such as gray, orange, and brown.
• Binghamite – Chalcedony with dense, parallel inclusions of Goethite. Its color is a multicolored yellowish to reddish, and it exhibits chatoyancy. Binghamite was found in the Cuyuna Iron Range in Minnesota, and is used as a rare gemstone.
• Bloodstone – Dark green to greenish blue variety of Chalcedony speckled with red or brown spots.
• Carnelian – Red to amber-red translucent variety of Chalcedony.
• Chrysoprase – Apple green variety of Chalcedony.
• Fire Agate – Form of Agate or Chalcedony that is iridescent with a play of colors or “fire” similar to that of Opal. Fire Agates usually have botryoidal growth included in their interior. The play of color is caused by inclusions of Goethite or Limonite.
• Holly Blue – Translucent, violet-blue gemstone variety of Chalcedony.
• Jasper – Opaque form of Chalcedony, most often used to describe brown, yellow, or reddish colors. For individual Jasper varieties, visit the Jasper mineral page.
• Moss Agate – Chalcedony containing dense inclusions of green Hornblende that cause the pattern to resemble moss. Moss Agate is technically not a true Agate as it lacks the banding patterns of Agate.
• Onyx – Type of Chalcedony gemstone whose meaning can have several connotations. Its most practical gemstone definition describes a solid black Chalcedony, or a banded or layered black and white Chalcedony.
• Plasma – Dark green variety of Chalcedony. It often contains small white or yellow spots.
• Prase – Light to emerald green, transparent to translucent Quartz / Chalcedony, with coloring caused from inclusions of green minerals, such as Actinolite, Hedenbergite, Chlorite, or Malachite.
• Sard – Brownish to brownish-red, transparent to translucent form of Chalcedony. A gemstone can sometime borderline between falling under the definition of Sard and Carnelian, and either term used will be valid.
• Sardonyx – Form of Agate with parallel bands of brownish to red alternating with white or sometimes black bands.
• Tiger’s Eye – Pseudomorph of compact Quartz/Chalcedony after the fibrous mineral Crocidolite. Tiger’s Eye is famous for its chatoyant effect.

Chalcedony improves mineral assimilation and combats mineral buildup in veins. Lessens the effects of dementia and senility. It increases physical energy. Heals the eyes, gallbladder, bones, spleen, blood and circulatory system.