Fire Opal


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Origin

Fire opals were admired as symbols of the most fervent love in ancient times, in India and in the ancient Persian kingdom, and among the peoples of Central America and the Amerindians. It was used in mosaics and ritualistic purpose by the Mayas and the Aztecs. To the ancient civilisations in was known as quetzalitzlipyollitli the “stone of the bird of paradise”.

Fire opal consists of silicic acid and high water content. The colour comes from traces of iron oxide. It is among the most sensitive gemstones in the gemstone world.

Mexico has the finest fire opals today. It runs through the rock strata in the Mexican highlands and their many extinct volcanoes. They can be found in Honduras, Guatemala, in the USA, Canada, Australia, Ethiopia and Turkey. Fire opals with red and yellow colourings were discovered in Brazil a few years ago. They come in remarkable sizes unusual for fire opal.

There are two categories of opals, common and precious. The precious opals are composed of three groups, white, black and fire opal. Opals are stones of inspiration. They enhance self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. It is a stone for love renewing a stagnant heart chakra. Generally opal is considered good for headaches, eyesight, Parkinson’s disease, blood, insulin regulation, PMS and the immune system.

Physical

Fire opal helps relieve energy deficiencies, stimulates sexual organs and the adrenal glands. It enhances energy, performance, circulation, blood flow, virility and fertility. Fire opal helps with headache pains.

Emotional

Fire opals bring vitality and a creative energy to endeavours. It helps make feelings flow and bestow courage, stamina, willpower and energy. The warm fiery glow conveys a positive effect on the psyche and a profound sensation of warmth peace and harmony.  It is a stone of sensuality and sexuality enhancing those energies. It is a luck stone.

Fire opals can be charged with every type of energy. Fire opal promotes spontaneity, initiates new ideas, stimulates enthusiasm and acts as a financial magnet. It helps overcome inhibitions and aids enjoyment of sexuality.

Fire opals protect against danger and are especially empowering for removing oneself from situations of injustice and mistreatment.

Attributes

Fire opals help make feelings flow and resolve blockages. They are perfect for stimulating the triple-burner meridian in acupuncture.  They draw in money. They are excellent charms for those who wish to live independently and live by their own rules.

 

Other Opals include:

  • Andean Opal/ Peruvian Opal = Common
  • Common/Potch Opal= Common
  •  Precious Black Opal= Precious
  • Boulder Opal= Precious
  • Crystal Opal= Precious
  • Ethiopian Opal= newly discovered
  • Girasol/Jelly Opal=Precious
  • Green / Prase Opal= common
  • Hydrophane Opal
  • Matrix Opal=Precious
  • Milk Opal=common
  • Moss/ Dendritic Opal=
  • Oregon Opal= Precious
  • Oweyheer Blue Opal= Common
  • Water Opal/ Hyalite= Precious
  • Wood Opal= Precious

Specifications

Mineral : Mineraloid hydrated silica
Geometric Form : Amorphous
Formation : Primary
Family: Opal
Colour Ray: Vary
Birthstone: Aries
Appearance: Sub vitreous waxy opaque translucent
Aura: Vary
Colour: Multiple Red
Chakra: Yellow= solar plexus

Orange= sacral

Red=root chakra

 

 

 

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Hematite


Hematite with Magnetite – International Crystals Encyclopedia https://www.gemzworld.com/

 

 
 
Originthe place or situation from which something comes, the beginning of something’s existence, the point from which it starts out, the thing from which it is ultimately derived.
Hematite is the mineral form of one of the types of iron oxides. It is determined as iron (III) oxide which has the chemical formula Fe2O3.

 

Hematite, found in banded iron formations, can occur from volcanic activity though it is often found due to the precipitation of water where it can form in layers in standing water like springs or lakes.

 

When weathering processes occur in soil then clay sized hematite crystals can occur. This can bring our the redish streak of colour often found in older , weathered soils.

 

All crystals belong to a different group according to the basis of the relationships of their axes. There are 7 systems and 32 classes of symmetry. Hematite crystals belong to the Trigonal system.

 

 
Historythe past considered as a whole, the whole series of past events connected with someone or sometihing, a continuous typically chronological record of importance.
The name Hematite derives from the Greek word blood which is a reference to the reddish streak that forms through weathering. The ancient Greek name for Hematite termed it as a blood red stone and this name was transposed to the latin Lapis Haematites which in turn was taken up by Middle French which used the term Hématite Pierre.

 

Hematite was used as a pigment where it was taken from the hematite covered ochre clay. It was one of the earliest forms of writing pigment, used as red chalk over 164,000 years ago in South Africa by the Pinnacle Point man. Chalk mines were found in poland dating back to 5000 BC and also in old graveyards from up to 80,000 years ago. The mineral has also been referenced with the Linear Pottery Culture in the BC age, located at the Upper Rhine.

 

It was widely used in jewellery in the Victorian era and also in the craft of gilding as well as in other creative crafts.

 

 
Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Hematite has penetration and tamellar twinning with no cleavage. It has an uneven or sub-conchoidal fracture with a brittle tenacity. The mineral is opaque with a metallic to splendant luster. Hematite has magnetic qualities which weakens according to the size of the item.

 

The mineral is used in arts and for the purposes of adornment and jewellery.

 

 
Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
There are different varieties of Hematite, these include and are not limited to;

 

  • Kidney Ore
  • Iron Rose
  • Martite
  • Specularite

 

 

 
Esoteric Attributesa quality or feature as characteristic of or possed by something.
Crystals by their very nature are able to receive and focus energy in different ways. Their molecular structure enables them to be used to amplify and convert energy and hence crystals have been used for centuries to aid healing and transmute energy both in the metaphysical and physical world.

 

Because each crystal family has different formational backgrounds, each also has different vibrational frequencies that can be harnesed and used for specific purposes. Each therefore have specific qualities that can be used to help a person heal on the many different levels of their being.

 

The following is a list of healing attributes associated with Hematite crystals.

 

Mental: Hematite crystals bring determination and resolve in the pursuance of aims and a resolve to stand up for them if neccessary.
 
Emotional: Hematite brings the resolve to pursue life goals and improvement of life situations. It stimulates the determination to progress.
 
Physical: Hematite is an aid to the stimulation of the gall bladder, liver and glands. It also helps to assimilate iron and the building of blood.
 

 

Crystal Chart – Hematite

 

Crystal: Hematite
Mineralogy: Iron Oxide
Geometric form: Trigonal
Formation: Tertiary
Family: Oxides
Birthstone: Hematite is associated with the Astrological Signs of Aries and Aquarius.
Appearance: Brittle with an uneven to sub-conchoidal fracture The mineral is opaque with a metallic to splendant luster with a Mohs scale rating of 5.5-6.5.
Aura: Hematite brings balance to the energy whilst absorbing the negative energies that arise. It is a protective stone that eases stress and brings calm.
Colour: Hematite appears in the colours red, black and gray and can carry a red streak.
Chakra: Hematite is associated with and brings positive vibrations to the Root Chakra where it promotes co-operativeness and calm.

 

 

 

International Crystals – References and resources:

 

Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals, Earthdancer Books, 2009

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Crystal, 6th ed. 2014

World of Earth Science, Quartz, 2003

Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Crystal Healing, 2001

http://gemstone-dictionary.com/birthstones-by-month.php

New Oxford American Dictionary

 

 

 

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Diamond


Diamond – International Crystals Encyclopedia https://www.gemzworld.com/

 

 
 
Originthe place or situation from which something comes, the beginning of something’s existence, the point from which it starts out, the thing from which it is ultimately derived.
Diamonds are a metastable allotrope of carbon where the carbon atoms are formed in a structure termed as face-centered cubic entitled diamond lattice.

 

The majority of natural diamonds are formed in depths of 140-190 kilometres at high temperatures and pressure over, sometimes, billions of years. Magma, formed by deep volcanic eruptions, cools into igneous rocks called lamproites and kimberlites. Diamonds rarely contain impurities, those which do provide the unique colour that we see in a variety of diamond types today.

 

All crystals belong to a different group according to the basis of the relationships of their axes. There are 7 systems and 32 classes of symmetry. Diamond crystals belong to the Cubic system.

 

 
Historythe past considered as a whole, the whole series of past events connected with someone or sometihing, a continuous typically chronological record of importance.
Diamonds are purported to have been first found and mined in India where heavy deposits were discovered around the rivers Godavari, Penner and Krishna. It is estimated that they have been recognised there for around 3000 to 6000 years. Now roughly 49% of diamonds are mined from Southern and Central Africa with significant deposits found in Australia, India, Russia, Brazil and Canada.

 

The term diamond derives from the ancient greek word adámas meaning proper, untamed, unalterable. They are seen as a huge treasure and were used in ancient India as religious icons. They were also utilised extensively as a cutting tool for engraving dated back to the time of discovery.

 

Their most popular use today is as a revered gem stone. This popularity has surged since the 19th Century, mainly due to advertising and the advance in cutting and polishing techniques.

 

 
Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
The diamond is the natural mineral that is the hardest known when applied to the Mohs Scale. It has a hardness of 10. They also have a high refractive index. The diamond is transparent to transluscent with a conchoidal fracture and has an adamantine luster.

 

The stone has a perfect cleavage detailed as 111 and spinel law common twinning.

 

There are sophisticated techniques employed for cutting, tumbing and polishing, especially when for use as a gem stone.

 

 

 
Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
Diamond varieties are mostly differentiated by colour, these include and are not limited to;

 

  • White Diamond
  • Pink Diamond
  • Yellow Diamond
  • Green Diamond
  • Blue Diamond
  • Champagne Diamond
  • Pink Champagne Diamond
  • Orange Diamond
  • Purple Diamond
  • Brown Diamond
  • Grey Diamond
  • Simulated Diamonds (Cubic Zirconia)
  • Synthetic Diamonds

 

 
Esoteric Attributesa quality or feature as characteristic of or possed by something.
Crystals by their very nature are able to receive and focus energy in different ways. Their molecular structure enables them to be used to amplify and convert energy and hence crystals have been used for centuries to aid healing and transmute energy both in the metaphysical and physical world.

 

Because each crystal family has different formational backgrounds, each also has different vibrtional frequencies that can be harnesed and used for specific purposes. Each therefore have specific qualities that can be used to help a person heal on the many different levels of their being.

 

The following is a list of healing attributes associated with Diamond crystals.

 

Mental: Diamonds are said to give rise to responsibility and promoting an objective outlook on situations.
 
Emotional: Diamonds give character strength and standing of firm ethics. The stone helps one to have faith in oneself and lends itself to invincibility.
 
Physical: Diamonds are a purification stone.  The stone is said to be helpful with strokes. It also fortifies and purifies the blood vessels, glands, sensory organs, nerves and brains.
 

 

Crystal Chart – Diamond

 

Crystal: Diamond
Mineralogy: Pure Carbon
Geometric form: Cubic
Formation: Tertiary
Family: Natural Element
Birthstone: The Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. It is the traditional astrological birthstone for the sign of Aries.
Appearance: Hardest stone on the Mohs scale. Diamonds have a perfect cleavage and an adamantine luster. They are transparent to transluscent with isotropic properties.
Aura: Diamonds erase the obstacles or intrusions that taint the clarity of thought within the emotions. They provide clear and sharp perception channels to the thought process.
Colour: Diamonds are typically clear or colourless. There are many varieties of coloured diamonds that are named specifically for that colour.
Chakra: Diamonds have a high frequency energy type that stimulates all the Chakras yet it is associated strongly with the Crown Chakra as a connector or gateway to higher levels.

 

 

 

International Crystals – References and resources:

 

Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals, Earthdancer Books, 2009

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Crystal, 6th ed. 2014

World of Earth Science, Quartz, 2003

Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Crystal Healing, 2001

http://gemstone-dictionary.com/birthstones-by-month.php

New Oxford American Dictionary

 

 

 

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Dolomite


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Origin

Dolomite derives its name after the French mineralogist Deodat de Dolomieu. Dolomite can be found in Algeria,Brazil,Switzerland,Namibia,Spain,Great Britain,India,Mexico,Italy,Australia and in the United States.

Dolomite is a common sedimentary rock and mineral found in massive beds. It is comprised of calcium magnesium carbonate. Dolomite is also sedimentary carbonate rock which is composing primarily of mineral dolomite also known as dolostone.

Dolomite forms white, tan, grey or pink crystals. It can also occur in colourless, white, pink green, grey, brown and black colours. Its lustre is quite vitreous and pearly. Small amounts of iron in the crystal give a yellow to brown tint.

It is a double carbonate with a structure comprised of calcium and magnesium. Crystal twinning is common in dolomite.  Dolomite forms with the help of sulphate-reducing bacteria and in natural environments rich in organic matter and microbial cell surfaces.

Dolomite is used for ornamental stone, concrete aggregate, a source of magnesium oxide and Pidgeon process for the production of magnesium.  It is a vital petroleum reservoir rock. Dolomite is used in the production of float glass and in the ceramic industry as glaze for pottery. It is added to soils as a pH buffer and as a magnesium source. It is also used as the substrate in main aquariums to help buffer changes in pH of the water.

Dolomite is very similar to Calcite, to distinguish between them one must compare the hardness and acid reaction of both.

Physical

It helps to strengthen bones, teeth, muscles and the female reproductive system. It reduces the effects of PMS. Pink dolomite is good for Insomnia. Dolomite helps build the body including muscular structure and blood cells. It helps relieve chills and treating disorders associated with adrenal glands and urogenital system. It is a great support for weight loss and regulating the metabolism.

Emotional

Dolomite encourages charitable actions, generosity   and giving of all kinds. It promotes energetic thinking, original thinking, spontaneity, creativity and manifestation. It stops energy leaks from the chakras. It relieves sorrow, loneliness and anxiety.  Dolomite helps one achieve calm and centred sense of balance. Dolomite is a stone of moderation; it provides balance and an objective point of view while directing one away from unrealistic dreams to the right path and ones true purpose. It helps open the heard and reminds one to appreciate the small things and mundane experiences. It helps overcome harmful behaviours and habits and supports one in acting in loving way towards one’s body.

Attributes

Dolomite provides centring and grounding making it a wonderful crystal for meditation.

Specifications

Mineral : Carbonate
Geometric Form : Hexagonal
Formation : Primary
Family: Rock Forming Mineral
Colour Ray: Vary
Birthstone: Aries
Appearance: White vitreous pearly
Aura: Vary
Colour: White grey to pink
Chakra: Crown

 

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Emerald


Emerald – International Crystals Encyclopedia https://www.gemzworld.com/

 

Originthe place or situation from which something comes, the beginning of something’s existence, the point from which it starts out, the thing from which it is ultimately derived.
Emerald is a crystal which is a variety of the Beryl mineral. It takes it vibrant green colour from the trace amounts of chromium and, at times, vanadium that infiltrate the mineral.

 

The majority of the beryls are formed in igneous rocks and related gneisses, mica schists and pegamite dikes. On other, less frequent, occasions the crystal can also be sourced from sedimentary rocks which includes limestone and shale.

 

 

All crystals belong to a different group according to the basis of the relationships of their axes. There are 7 systems and 32 classes of symmetry. Emerald crystals belong to the Hexagonal system.

 

Historythe past considered as a whole, the whole series of past events connected with someone or sometihing, a continuous typically chronological record of importance.
The name Emerald is derived from the ancient Greek word, Smaragdus, meaning green. It is also given its name from the middle English, Emeraude, and the vulgar Latin, Esmeraldus. It was referred to by Pliny the Elder as ‘nothing greens greener’ in his Natural History documentation dating back to the first century AD.

 

Ancient legend dictates that the emerald was one of the four precious stones given to Solomon by God which bequeathed the ruler with the power over all creation. The gem was also associated with Cleopatra who used it in her Royal costume. The first heralded emerald mines were said to be found in Egypt dating from around 300 BC.

 

The Incas used the stone in religious events and jewellery yet it wasn’t until the Spanish invaded the New World in 16th Century exploration that the gem found itself as a trade commodity and became prevalant in Europe and Asia.

 

As well as Egypt, early deposits were also mined in Austria and India from the 14th Century. Present day significant deposits are mined extensively in Columbia.

 

 

Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Distinctive by their vibrant green hue, the emerald forms as a massive or crystalline habit with a dihexagonal dipyaramidal crystal symmetry. They are transparent to opaque however a high end gem would have to be transparent with a pure green hue to be classified accordingly.

The stone has a vitreous lustre and an conchoidal fracture and is relative to beryl in hardness, showing a Mohs scale rating of 7.5 -8.

 

Emeralds are used extensively for high end jewellery and adornment.

 

Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
Emeralds are a unique stone that can appear in synthetic as well as natural form. Notable emeralds include:

 

  • Duke of Devonshire Emerald
  • Mogul Mughal Emerald
  • Gachala Emerald
  • Chalk Emerald
  • Bahia Emerald

 

 

Esoteric Attributesa quality or feature as characteristic of or possed by something.
Crystals by their very nature are able to receive and focus energy in different ways. Their molecular structure enables them to be used to amplify and convert energy and hence crystals have been used for centuries to aid healing and transmute energy both in the metaphysical and physical world.

 

Because each crystal family has different formational backgrounds, each also has different vibrtional frequencies that can be harnesed and used for specific purposes. Each therefore have specific qualities that can be used to help a person heal on the many different levels of their being.

 

The following is a list of healing attributes associated with Emerald crystals.

 

Mental: The emerald is said to encourage mental clarity and sharpen the memory. It strengthens the ability to seek things and acheive objectives set.
Emotional: The stone aids regeneration and supports recuperation. It also brings justice and harmony and draws wisdom, unity, love and loyalty to a person.
Physical: Emerald crystals aid the battle against diseases that affect the intestine, eyes and heart. It also helps with epilepsy, sinusitis and headaches.

 

Crystal Chart – Emerald

 

Crystal: Emerald
Mineralogy: Beryl containing Chromium
Geometric form: Hexagonal
Formation: Primary | Tertiary
Family: Beryl
Birthstone: Emerald is the traditional birth stone of the month of May.

 

Astrology Birthstone (Zodiac) –Emerald is associated with the astrological signs of Gemini, Taurus and occasionally, Cancer.

Apperance: Vitreous lustre with conchoidal fracture. The stone is transparent with a Mohs scale hardness of 7.5-8.
Aura: Emeralds bring synchronicity to the aura and open up the channels of clarity in communication. It is revered for its green ray energy that brings healing and love.
Colour: Emeralds have a strikingly deep and vibrant, green hue.
Chakra: Emeralds are primarily asscoiated with the Heart Chakra for its strong ability to bring love and bliss. It will open up the heart and bring healing soothness.

 

 

 

International Crystals – References and resources:

 

Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals, Earthdancer Books, 2009

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Crystal, 6th ed. 2014

World of Earth Science, Quartz, 2003

Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Crystal Healing, 2001

http://gemstone-dictionary.com/birthstones-by-month.php

New Oxford American Dictionary

 

 

 

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Aquamarine


Aquamarine – International Crystals Encyclopedia https://www.gemzworld.com/

 

 
 
Originthe place or situation from which something comes, the beginning of something’s existence, the point from which it starts out, the thing from which it is ultimately derived.
Aquamarine is a crystal of primary formation which means it was formed from molten magma. This usually happens in cavities in volcanoes where the combination of chemistary and structural arrangements of mineral deposits, atoms and substances pass from gas or liquid into a solid state or by means of going out of solution by precipitation or evaporation.

 

The crystal is formed in igneous rocks and often, granite. It can be found in other sources of sedimentary rocks like limestone or shale. Aquamarines can form larger more transparent crystals then the other Beryl varieties which are formed as hexagonal, columnar prisms.

 

Aquamarine is a blue or cyan variety of Beryl which is composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate This is in turn, a group of the Silicate family. The Fe2+  ion is said to determine the blue colour whilst Fe3+  produces a golden yellow hue. The combination of these ions produces the darker, deep blue of the maxixe.

 

All crystals belong to a different group according to the basis of the relationships of their axes. There are 7 systems and 32 classes of symmetry. Aquamarine crystals belong to the Hexagonal system.

 

 
Historythe past considered as a whole, the whole series of past events connected with someone or sometihing, a continuous typically chronological record of importance.
The Aquamarine was named in 1609 by Anselmus de Boodt after the Latin term aqua marina meaning water of the sea. Prior to this it was known as a sea-green Beryl.

 

The reference of the crystal, though goes way back to the 2nd century where it was referred to as seeming to have come from a mermaids treasure house. The Roman’s blessed the stone as it was said to join in young love and in the Middle Ages it was worn as a pendant and used as an oracle crystal.

 

The stones are mined globally and significant finds have occured in the US and Brazil. The largest gemstone quality aquamarine found was in 1910. It was found in brazil and weighed over 110 Kg.

 

 

 
Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Aquamarines appear in natural form and are enhanced through the tumbling, cutting and polishing process.

There is a strong market for lab created aquamarines. These may be heat treated to obtain the desired hue of colour.

 

 

 
Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
Aquamarines derive from the Beryl family and are associated with:

 

  • Aquamarine Chrysolite
  • Maxixe

 

 

 
Esoteric Attributesa quality or feature as characteristic of or possed by something.
Crystals by their very nature are able to receive and focus energy in different ways. Their molecular structure enables them to be used to amplify and convert energy and hence crystals have been used for centuries to aid healing and transmute energy both in the metaphysical and physical world.

 

Because each crystal family has different formational backgrounds, each also has different vibrtional frequencies that can be harnesed and used for specific purposes. Each therefore have specific qualities that can be used to help a person heal on the many different levels of their being.

 

The following is a list of healing attributes associated with Aquamarine crystals.

 

Mental: Aquamarines bring clarity of the mind and are known to clear up confusions and resolve unfinish matters.
 
Emotional: Aquamarine crystals increase light heartedness and improve emotional discipline whilst also allowing you greater perseverance in the mind.
 
Physical: Aquamarines assist with hayfever and other allergies. They also help with eye problems, the thyroid gland and bladder and respiratory issues.
 

 

Crystal Chart – Aquamarine

 

Crystal: Aquamarine
Mineralogy: Beryl with iron
Geometric form: Hexagonal
Formation: Primary (moltan magma)
Family: Beryl
Birthstone: Aquamarine is associated with the months of March and October and is linked to Scorpio as a Beryl in the

Astrology Birthstone (Zodiac)

Appearance: Vitreous and transluscent, the aquamarine is conchoidal with an indistinct cleavage.

 

Aura: Aquamarine crystals are used to clear communication blocks and enhance spiritual communication. The stone enhances the aura and allows for the alignment of all the Chakras.
Colour: Aquamarine colours are blue to blue green. They can contain a colour streak of white.
Chakra: Dissipates the obstacles to communication and aligns all the Chakras. It primarily works with the Heart Chakra and is also associated with the Throat, Thymus and Third Eye chakras.

 

 

 

International Crystals – References and resources:

 

Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals, Earthdancer Books, 2009

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Crystal, 6th ed. 2014

World of Earth Science, Quartz, 2003

Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Crystal Healing, 2001

http://gemstone-dictionary.com/birthstones-by-month.php

New Oxford American Dictionary

 

 

 

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