Collection of Facts
Gemstones have been around for over 7000 years. The first stones known to man are Amber, Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Jade, Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise.
Most gemstones are made up of an assortment of minerals. One way to distinguish the chemical composition of a mineral is to expose it to a flame because “elements” change the color of the flame. ie: Calcium presence will turn a flame orange, sodium will turn it yellow.
One way of classifying minerals is by their hardness (how easily it can be scratched). The hardness range is from 1 – 10 with Talc being # 1 and Diamond # 10.
When crystals and minerals grow together they are very compatible with each other.
When minerals contain oxygen, they are classified as oxides. Oxides consist of metal (s) with oxygen and / or hydrogen.
In old times, powdered malachite, lapis lazuli and azurite were used as eye shadow and / or paint.
Before we get to fun facts on stones, here are some words about healing green light …
We can help those in need by sending them healing green light. A simple way is to close your eyes, visualize and focus on any “source” of green light. Then, envision the person with whom you wish to send the healing light and “direct” the green light to that person. You can “blanket” the green light all around the recipient. If a specific area of their body needs healing, direct the light there.
Agate is a form of Chalcedony and Chalcedony is a member of the Quartz family.
Amber is not a stone. Amber is hardened drops of sap from pine trees that were around millions of years ago.
Wear a chain of Amber to relieve migraine headaches.
Amber (fossilized tree sap) and jet (fossilized wood) together can create a powerful energy.
Amethyst is also known as purple quartz. Its color comes from minute amounts of iron. When heated slowly it becomes Citrine, a yellow form of quartz.
As the name suggests, Ametrine is a combination of Amethyst and Citrine which was first discovered in Bolivia.
Ametrine, a combination of Amethyst and Citrine contains the healing properties of both Amethyst and Citrine.
Angel Aura is so named because it’s appearance often resembles angel wings and it provides us with a connection to angelic realms.
Aquamarine ranges in color from light blue to green. Aquamarine, Bixbite and Emerald are forms of Beryl. Aquamarine is blue Beryl. Bixbite is red Beryl. Emerald is green Beryl.
Aragonite is the primary mineral in mother of pearl. Many sea animals secrete Aragonite in the making of their shells. Place Aragonite under your pillow to protect against nightmares and sleepwalking. Aragonite is named after the Spanish river Aragon.
Aragonite comes from Aragon, Spain. Aragonite changes to Calcite when it is heated to a temperature of 725o F or 400o C.
Azurite is 55% copper. The water content in Azurite helps turn it a bright blue.
Bismuth is found in Pepto Bismo, that pink stuff that’s good for an upset stomach.
Bloodstone is a form of opaque Chalcedony and both are part of the Quartz family.
With over 300 kinds of Calcite, it is one of the world’s most common minerals. Iceland Spar, Dogtooth Spar and Nailhead Spar are all forms of Calcite.
Orange Calcite helps you accomplish things. Place a piece of Orange Calcite on your desk at home or work.
Orange Calcite helps you accomplish things. Place a piece of Orange Calcite on your desk or work area to keep it clutter free. Remove hindrances with Calcite.
Need motivation? Put Orange Calcite, Vanadinite, Pietersite and Smokey Quartz together in a pouch and carry it on you.
Like all blue crystals, Celestite can open and heal the throat chakra.
Cerussite that is dark in color is caused by the presence of Galena.
The following stones are all forms of Chalcedony: Agate, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Chert, Chrysoprase, Flint, Jasper, Onyx, Sardonyx, Touchstone and Petrified Wood.
Hold a piece of Chalcopyrite in your hand to help you find anything you’ve lost.
Charoite and Seraphinite both come from the Url mountains in Russia.
Cinnabar is an Eastern Indian word for Dragon’s blood. The impurities in Cinnabar give it a brownish color.
Citrine is good for removing toxins, fighting infections and strengthening the bodies immune system.
We read that citrine and green tourmaline together can be helpful in losing weight. Please click on the link to read more.
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/none/weight-loss-cellulite-386730/
Clear Quartz is an extremely powerful and gentle healer for all forms of illnesses, even when a diagnosis is not clear. Clear Quartz automatically tunes into the person’s needs without any conscious direction or programming from the user.
Many years ago, the Greeks believed that Clear Quartz was ice that had solidified.
Copper, with a hardness of only 2.5 – 3, is a flexible yet tough metal. Copper encourages a positive attitude and self confidence.
Danburite was originally discovered in Danbury, CT, hence the name.
The word “Dendritic” refers to a branch or tree form or figure. Most dendrites are manganese and / or chlorite. Moss Agate contains dendritic formations.
The chemical symbol for Diamond is “C” which stands for the element “Carbon.” Diamonds are made up of repeating units of 8 carbon atoms.
An Eilat stone is a gemstone that comes from copper mines. It is a mixture of several different copper minerals, which include Chrysocolla, Turquoise, Malachite and Azurite. Eilat is the national stone of Israel and is also known as the King Solomon Stone.
Elestial Quartz is a Quartz (often Smokey Quartz) which has a step and faceted appearance. Elestials often contain shiny pieces of mica.
Emerald, a stone of inspiration, rejuvenation and recovery, is also known for bestowing abundant patience. Emeralds can promote clairvoyance and psychic abilities. Interesting note: If Emeralds change color, it may indicate “unfaithfulness”.
We can increase whatever we desire by simply stating our intent with Epidot.
Green Fluorite is sometimes called African Emerald. Blue John, a semi-precious Fluorite (aka Derbyshire Spar) is a blue/purple and white/yellow “banded” Fluorite found exclusively in Derbyshire, England. The name Blue John comes from the French words bleu-jaune meaning blue yellow.
There are several origins of the word “Fluorite”. Fluorite comes from the Latin root “Fluere” or “Fluo” which means “to flow” referring to its relatively low melting point. Fluorite has been used to lower the melting point of raw materials in the production of steel.
The presence of Chromium is what turns Fuchsite green.
Garnet is from the Latin word “granatum” meaning pomegranate. One can see that the color, form and appearance of a Garnet and a pomegranate seed are very similar.
There are 6 types of Garnet, all of them different colors: Almandine, Andradite, Grossular, Rhodolite, Spessartine and Uvarovite. Each type has its own healing properties, however all Garnets represent prosperity and bring enjoyment of worldy pleasures.
Healer’s Gold is a combination of pyrite and magnetite.
Hematite warns Scorpios of danger by changing temperature.
In China some medical professionals believe that a mixture of powdered Hematite and red clay can be good for certain illnesses.
Howlite, the stone for Gemini, calms the emotions and quiets the mind. Howlite is perfect for dealing with stress, anger and rage. You may want to keep a few pieces in your pocket while traveling on major highways.
Jade is the official stone of British Columbia, Wyoming and Alaska. Outside the Anchorage visitors center in Alaska sits a 2 ton block of Jade which was donated to the city.
Jade is tougher than steel, yet soft enough to be carved. Jadeite and Nephrite (both minerals) are two types of Jade.
Jasper, a form of Chalcedony, gets its name from Greek for “spotted stone.”
Jet, like Amber came from trees which were around millions of years ago.
Jewelry made with Jet (especially a necklace or pendant) is a powerful good luck charm. It purifies our aura and provides protection from negative influences.
Lapis Lazuli gives Sagittarians the power of friendship and helps them make decisions.
Lapis Lazuli, a stone considered sacred to the Gods, comes from Arabic and Latin. Azul is Arabic for “blue sky” and Lapis means “stone” in Latin. “Azul,” the inside letters of the word Lazuli is the Spanish word for “blue”.
The brilliant blue of Lazurite comes from sulfur atoms, which are a main part of its composition.
Lepidolite is known as the stone of “peace” believed to provide us with our own guardian angel. It is no wonder that Lepidolite is the stone for “peace loving” Libras.
Mica is easily identified by it’s flaky, practically transparent layers. Lepidolite, Biotite, Muscovite and Phlogopite are all forms of Mica. Lepidolite is great for relieving stress and dispelling negative emotions.
Moldavite will intensify the energy of any other stones you are using.
Obsidian, named after the Roman “Obsius” is natural glass. According to legend, Obsius brought the first piece of Obsidian to Rome from Ethiopia.
Mythological gods believed that Opals contained the beauty of all precious stones. Opals are frequently used in meditations and are considered powerful stones for the soul.
Pearls are made by mollusks (primarily oysters and mussels and sometimes snails). Pearls are formed when an irritant gets in the shell. The longer the irritant stays, the larger the pearl becomes. While beautiful, pearls are not gemstones.
Phenomenite is a combination of Sandstone and Quartz which is found in India.
Prasiolite is green Amethyst. It’s name is derived from Greek, meaning “leek”, hence its green color. Purple Amethyst turns to green amethyst when subjected to heat (either volcanic or man made).
Carrying around a Pyrite touching stone can help with stuttering, especially in children.
Pyrite is frequently found with coal and shale deposits.
Pyrite is all about self worth, self esteem, self confidence and self acceptance. It’s interesting that many Leos are drawn to that Fools Gold.
The name Rhodochrosite comes from the Greek words “rhodon” (rose) and “chroma” (color). Its rose pink color makes it easy to identify.
Rhodocrosite enables us to face the truth about ourselves.
Rose Quartz is also known as American Ruby and Mont Blanc Ruby.
Ruby’s vibrant red comes from chromium.
Rutile is a mineral composed of titanium oxide.
Sandstone, a common stone used in construction, is composed of grains of sand (quartz, feldspar and rock fragments). The “Brownstone front” homes (in Boston, New York, Baltimore and other cities) are made from a Feldspar rich Sandstone which has been around for 200 million years.
Sardonyx is a form of Onyx, which contains Carnelian. Sardonyx can bring happiness into your love relationships.
Seraphinite is also called the “angel stone” because its lines resemble “wings”
Seraphinite, which has a similar molecular structure to the Infinite Stone, increases the healing power of the Infinite Stone.
Serpentine encourages us to try new ventures in our life.
Smokey Quartz is beneficial to those in mourning.
Soapstone, the mineral for Sagittarius, is also known as Steatite.
Sphalerite is a zinc mineral often mistaken for other minerals, primarily Galena and Siderite. Schalenblende is Sphalerite and Wurzite that has grown together.
Meditate with Sugilite to experience phenomenal insights.
Sugilite provides protection from the negativity around us.
Tiger Iron is a combination of Tiger Eye, Hematite and Red Jasper.
Tiger Iron, found in Western Australia and South Africa, is composed of Tiger Eye, Red Jasper and Hematite.
Turquoise was first mined in the Sinai Desert over 6000 years ago. Today, Turquoise is abundant in the Southwestern US. American Indians carve Turquoise into gorgeous jewelry.
The blue variety of Zoisite, which was discovered in 1967, is called Tanzanite.
Hi….
Many thanks for writing and for bookmarking us. We will be adding more info on the knowledge and learning pages. Sorry about the delay in response. One of my web people just showed me your response on the new site. I didn’t study computers in my prior life, like I did “crystals”. ; > )
Namaste and Blessings.
Gail