Alexandrite


Alexandrite – Gemzworld Crystals Encyclopedia

Alexandrite – This is our research and findings on this mineral

Origin – The place or situation from which something comes, the beginning of existence, the point from which it starts, the thing from which it is ultimately derived.

Alexandrite is an extremely rare gemstone initially discovered in the Sanarka River in Russia’s southern Ural Mountains.

The chemical composition exhibits Chrysoberyl’s variants consisting of a chrysoberyl cats eye and transparent Chrysoberyl, yet has chromium as an impurity along with iron and titanium, which accounts for its distinctive ability to change colour. Only this type of Chrysoberyl that can display these colour changes is Alexandrite.

Alexandrite is a strongly pleochroic | trichroic gem that changes colour about the light source. In daylight, they can be green (Russian) before switching to red in incandescent light.

All crystals belong to a different group according to the basis of the relationships of their axes. There are seven systems and 32 classes of symmetry. Alexandrite crystals belong to the orthorhombic system.

History – the past considered whole, the whole series of past events connected with someone or something, a continuous typically chronological record of importance.

Alexandrite has a recently modern history, documented as being discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains as late as the 1830s.

The gem is said to have been named after the Russian Tzar Alexander. As it displays the red and green colours symbolic of Imperial Russia’s old stains, it became the national stone of Tzarist Russia.

Top-quality mined Alexandrite was extremely rare and, as the Russian mines depleted, was extremely scarce. A similar hue was found later in Brazilian mines in the 1980s yet were not as great as the quality of colour that the Russian gems possessed.

Jewellers highly seek the stone of a quality comparable to the Russian one due to its aesthetic value and rarity. Specialist dealers mainly supply it.

Specification – the act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.

Alexandrite has a good hardness of 8.5 on the MOH’s scale and is valued in relation to the more significant distinction of colour change from green to red. Some of the less valued Alexandrite’s change from green to a brownish colour instead.

The crystals feature cyclic twins called trillings which have a hexagonal appearance however are featured due to the formation of a triplet of twins at distinctive angles.

Natural Alexandrite gems are rarely found in jewellery due to their value and scarcity; however, synthetic lab-formed types are available on a more common basis.

Varieties – A number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.

Alexandrite is a type of Chrysoberyl and so falls in with other Crysoberyl types, including:

  • Yellowish-Green Chrysoberyl
  • Cats Eye or Cymomphane

However, the only other variety of Alexandrite is created synthetically or simulated to replicate Alexandrite through corundum traced with elements like vanadium.

Esoteric Attributes: A quality or feature as characteristic of or possed by something.

Crystals, by their very nature, can receive and focus energy in different ways. Their molecular structure enables them to be used to amplify and convert energy. 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 harnessed and used for specific purposes. Each, therefore, has particular 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 Alexandrite crystals.

Mental: Alexandrite is said to strengthen willpower and inspiration. It promotes imaginative powers igniting confidence in risk-taking and a more excellent perception of the inner voice.

Emotional: Alexandrite intensifies and heightens dreams and heightens the perception of emotion.

Physical: The Alexandrite gem is known to stimulate the liver and aid physical inflammations. It is also an aid for nerve disorders and to strengthen the senses.

Crystal Chart – Alexandrite

Crystal:                        Alexandrite

Mineralogy:                Chrysoberyl

Geometric form:         Orthorhombic

Formation:                  Tertiary

Family:                         Quartz

Birthstone:                  Ayurvedic Birthstones – Alexandrite is not associated with Ayurvedic Birthstones.                       Astrology Birthstone (Zodiac)  Alexandrite is associated with June, and the Scorpio sign an alternate Zodiac stone.

Appearance:               Very hard (8.5) and brittle.  It has a trillings formation similar to a                                      hexagonal shape and is distinctive by its ability to change colour most valuable when from green to red.

Aura:                           Alexandrite is said to have regenerative powers and, as well as re-inforcing self-esteem, it escalates spiritual evolution and aligns the mental, emotional and etheric bodies.

Colour:                         Alexandrites mined in Russia are distinctive in their colour change from a green hue to a red hue; however, many mined elsewhere exhibit a shift from light green to a brownish colour.

Chakra:                        Alexandrites, depending on colour, can relate to the Throat, Heart and                              Third Eye Chakras

Gemzworld 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

 

You can watch our Free Videos on Crystals HERE

Learn to become a Crystal Therapist HERE

Find out the benefits of a Crystal Healing Session HERE

See our wonderful selection of Healing Crystals HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

Thulite


8a7df90afcd32925c9f211fefef0020fthulitt

Read More

Peridot (olivine)


Peridot – 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.
Peridot is a type of ovaline that is of a quality gem formation. Ovaline is a silicate mineral of which Peridot is the magnesium rich variety.

 

Peridot can be found in meteorites however it is more commonly found in fractions of ultra mafic and mafic rocks as well as lavas and peridotite xenoliths. Due to the chemical instability of peridot it only occurs rarely.

 

It is sourced in Arizona and Arkansas among other US locations and also worldwide locations that includes Australia, China, Brazil, Mexico, Kenya and Egypt amongst others.

 

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. Peridot crystals belong to the Orthorhombic 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.
A translation of the first use of the word peridot in English appeared in 1705 in a translation of a will dating back to 1245 that was inscribed in Latin. Bishop John of St Albans Abbey bequeathed three noble rings, one of which was described as a stone called Peridot that was said to be good against the cramps.

 

Considered precious and rare, peridots from meteorites can fetch large sums at auction. In 2008 peridot crystals sourced from a Pallasite meteorite went for auction within the Pallasite with a guide price of close to $3 million. It was never sold.

 

Peridot is valued as a gestone and often mistaken for the emerald due to its intense green colour.

 

 

 
Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Peridot is distinctive for its intense green colour yet can sometimes appear as an orange to yellow, brownish green. It has a conchoidal fracture with a vitreous, glassy luster and a Mohs Scale rating of 6.5-7 hardness.

 

 
Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
Peridot is a type of Ovaline of which Chrysolite is another variety.

 

 

 
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 Peridot crystals.

 

Mental: Peridot enables us to admit to our mistakes and detatch ourselves from external influences that may have negative connotations.
 
Emotional: Peridot dissolves the harshness of anger, grievance and a guilty conscience. It fortifies the resolve to be independant.
 
Physical: Peridot is an aid to the removal and detoxification of warts, fungi and infection. It fortifies the small intestine, gallbladder and liver.
 

 

Crystal Chart – Peridot

 

Crystal: Peridot
Mineralogy: Magnesium iron island silicate
Geometric form: Orthorhombic
Formation: Primary
Family: Silicates
Birthstone: Peridot is associated with the astrological signs of Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Leo.
Appearance: Conchoidal fracture with a vitreous, glassy luster and a Mohs Scale rating of 6.5-7 hardness.
Aura: Peridot is a protective stone for the energy that sooths and bring balance and supportive energy.
Colour: Peridot is distinctive for its intense green colour yet can sometimes appear as an orange to yellow, brownish green.
Chakra: Peridot is associated primarily with the Heart Chakra and also the Solar Plexus Chakra. It is used for alignment and maintenance with these 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

 

 

 

Read More

Topaz


images (4)

Read More

Lapis Lazuli


Lapis Lazuli – 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.
Lapis Lazuli is a vibrant, deep blue coloured rock whose significant component is lazurite which is a feldspathoid silicate mineral.

It can also contain pyrite, sodalite and calcite as well as mica, hornblende, augite and diopside among other constituents. The stone occurs as a result of contact metamorphism in crystalline marble.

 

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. Lapis Lazuli does not belong to a particular crystal system as it is a rock. Its main component, Lazurite, occurs as a dodecahedra.

 

Historythe past considered as a whole, the whole series of past events connected with someone or sometihing, a continuous typically chronological record of importance.
Lapis Lazuli was mined as far back as the 7th Millenium BC in the Sar-i-Sang mines in the Badakhstan region of northeast Afghanistan. 

It has been found in beads in Neolithic burials and was said to have appeared in the form of eyebrows on the funeral mask of King Tutankhamun.

 

On export to Europe in the middle ages, the stone was ground and used as a deep blue pigment which was employed by the important artists of the Renaissance and Baroque such as Perugino and Vermeer. It was also used on the clothing of these figures; a prime example being the cloak of the Virgin Mary.

 

Significant sources of Lapiz Lazuli are found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chile and Russia.

 

 

Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Lapiz Lazuli has an uneven conchoidal fracture and appears with a dull luster. The stone has a gravity of 2.7-2.9 and a hardness rating on the Mohs scale of 5-5.5. 

It is prized for its intense colour which is caused by the presence of the S3 radical anion and is synthesised, for commercial purposes, using the Gibson process of simulation.

 

When polished, Lapiz Lazuli can be made into ornamentation, carvings, jewellery and other craft items. Its use as a pigment ended in the 19th century when a chemical alternative was formed.

 

Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
As well as Lapiz Lazuli, the addition of Calcite creates the mineral that is known as Spotted Lapis. 

 

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 Lapis Lazuli crystals.

 

Mental: Lapis Lazuli helps one to express the truth clearly and with clarity. It enables moderation of discussion and communication when angry.
Emotional: Lapis Lazuli enhances the ability to be social. It also drives honesty, friendship and dignity.
Physical: Lapis Lazuli helps with the thyroid, nervous and immune system. It regulates the thyroid gland and aids with problems of the nerves, brain, throat, vocal cords and larnyx.

 

Crystal Chart – Lapis Lazuli

 

Crystal: Lapis Lazuli
Mineralogy: Lasurite Rock: Lattice Silicate
Geometric form: Cubic
Formation: Tertiary
Family: Metamorphic Rock
Birthstone: Lapis Lazuli is associated with the astrological signs of Sagittarius and Libra.
Appearance: Lapiz Lazuli has an uneven conchoidal fracture and appears with a dull luster. The stone has a gravity of 2.7-2.9 and a hardness rating on the Mohs scale of 5-5.5. 
Aura: Lapis Lazuli is a protector and shield against negative energies and psychic attack. It delivers negative energy back to its source.
Colour: Deep blue, can have gold, white, gray and indigo inflections.
Chakra: Lapis Lazuli is strongly associated with the Throat Chakra as it strengthens and clears verbal communication and expression.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Read More

Aragonite


Aragonite – 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.
Aragonite is a carbonate mineral that is a naturally occuring crystal form of calcium carbonate CaCO3. The formation occurs from both physical and biological processes which includes the precipitation from the freshwater and sea water environments.

 

Aragonite is a secondary formation has a different crystal lattice to calcite which is defined by its orthorhombic system with acicular crystals that is repeatedly twinned to result in pseudo-hexagonal forms. It may also be columnar or appear in stalactitic form.

 

Aragonite forms naturally in mollusk shells and because the mineral deposition in these shells are strongly controlled biologically, they can differ in formation to inorganic Aragonite.

 

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. Aragonite crystals belong to the Orthorhombic 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.
Aragonite is a recent crystal that was noted in the Spanish area of Aragon. It was named for this location in 1790.

 

The crystal is found globally but notably in Mexico and the Czech Republic. As well as a distinctive crystal it is also used to make soil neutralisers and cement. The formation is also vital for the replicarion of reef conditions and is used in aquariums to maintain the natural levels of the PH in the water.

 

 

 
Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Aragonite can differ in form in its natural state as repeated twinning results in pseudo-hexagonal forms. They can be columnar or fibrous and can also be found as flos-ferri which is a stalatitic form that translates to flowers of iron.

 

 
Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
Aragonite NOT SURE of VARIETIES

 

 
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 Aragonite crystals.

 

Mental: Aragonite aids in providing calmness to erratic behaviour and therby increases concentration levels. The crystal supports clarity of communication increased tolerance in difficult situations.
 
Emotional: Aragonite heps to balance over sensitivity and gives focus when things begin to develop quickly.  It is a grounding stone that encourages practicality and reliability.
 
Physical: Aragonite is an aid to the digestive system. It gives strength to the immune system, bones, muscle and discs and helps to combact nervous spasms. The stone also aids in the strengthening of physical stamina.
 

 

Crystal Chart – Aragonite

 

Crystal: Aragonite
Mineralogy: Calcium Carbonate
Geometric form: Orthorhombic | Trigonal
Formation: Secondary
Family: Carbonate
Birthstone: Aragonite is not a traditional month Birthstone. It is associated with the Astrological Sign of Capricorn.

 

Appearance: Pseudohexagonal, prismatic, columnar, stalactitic with internal banding. Vitreous, subconchoidal and brittle.
Aura: Aragonite crystals are often used to clear and activate the channels of the aura allowing for greater expression in communication.
Colour: Colours range from brown, red , blue, yellow, white, green and orange.
Chakra: Aragonite is used with the Root and Earth Chakras to ground and connect. It is also associated with the Crown and Sacral 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

 

 

 

Read More

Chrysocolla


Chrysocolla – 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.
 

Chrysocolla is a crystal of secondary formation which is formed in the zones of oxidation of bodies of copper ore when the copper is dissolved out of rock by surface water containing silicic acid.

 

The structure of chrysocolla has been queried as some studies have indicated that the material within Chrysocolla contains chalcedony and copper hydroxide spertiniite yet it is widely specified as a hydrated copper cyclosilicate mineral.

 

Chrysocolla is mainly found as rounded or botryoidal crusts, masses and vein fillings.

 

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. Chrysocolla crystals belong to the Monoclinic system. PDF says Monoclinic yet wiki says Orthorhombic …confirm

 

 
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 term Chrysocolla is derived from two Greek words; Chrys, meaning gold and kolla, meaning glue; first used in 315 BC by Theophrastus.

 

The descriptive term is thought to be due to the Ancient Greeks using the mineral to fuse and solder gold together.

 

Other stories tell that Chrysocolla was used by Native Americans as a strength to body resistance and for its healing and calming powers.

 

Deposits of Chrysocolla are mainly found in Israel, Chile, Russia, Peru, Mexico, Nevada, Zaire and the DR of the Congo.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
 

Chrysocolla stones are brittle to sectile and are very soft with a Mohs scale rating of 2.5 -3.5. They are dull to vitreous and opaque to transluscent and are found with an uneven, irregular , sub-conchoidal fracture.

 

As Chrysocolla stones are so soft they are not often used for jewellery, instead they are a fascinating collectors stone due to their attractive colour and appearance.

 

 
Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
Associated minerals to Chrysocolla include and are not limited to;

 

  • Limonite
  • Malachite
  • Azurite
  • Quartz
  • Cuprite

 

 

 
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 Chrysocolla crystals.

 

Mental: Chrysocolla is a calming stone that helps to balance and keep cool in mentally trying situations and challenges.
 
Emotional: The stone is a fantastic aid to alleviate feelings of anger and stress. It also helps with feelings of blame and guilt; allowing you to understand and be aware of the emotional process.
 
Physical: Chrysocolla alleviates menstrual pain, cramps and fevers. The stone also strengthens the liver and soothes burns, scars and sore throats.
 

 

Crystal Chart – Chrysocolla

 

Crystal: Chrysocolla
Mineralogy: Hydrous Copper Ring Silicate
Geometric form: Monoclinic
Formation: Secondary
Family: Silicate
Birthstone: Chrysocolla is associated with the Astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo and Gemini.
Appearance: Brittle to sectile, vitreous to dull with a sub-conchoidal, uneven fracture.
Aura: Chrysocolla works as an energizer for the aura. It helps to restore balance when your levels are low. The stone dispels negative energies and promotes development and growth.
Colour: Colours range from white to beautiful hues of green, blue and teal.
Chakra: Chrysocolla crystals are aligned to the Heart Chakra to balance and strengthen truth and the Throat Chakra for wise communication.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Read More