More than you ever wanted to know about Aquamarine

This edition of my onbgoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, features aquamarine.

Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family, gets its name from two Latin words which mean "sea" and "water"; thusly, water of the sea. A reference to it's seawater color. Its first documented use was as an amulet by the Greeks between 480-300 BC.

Lore

Ancient Greeks believed aquamarine held the spirit of the sea. Wearing this stone was said to protect one from adversities at sea, prevent sea sickness, and provide courage and a strong will. Aquamarines were believed to have originated from the jewel caskets of sirens, washed ashore from the sea.

"There is a flowing quality to the energy of aquamarine; at the same time the energy is also structured so that balance and order are maintained. It provides for alignment of the chakras and balancing of the network of structures connecting the physical and ethereal bodies." 1

Medicinally, aquamarine has been used for relief of stomach disorders and to strengthen the kidneys, liver and spleen. Cups and goblets were sometimes carved from aquamarine because of the belief that it aids digestion and reduces body fluids. It has also been recommended for toothaches and illness of the throat and jaw.

It was once believed that aquamarine can rekindle love in couples that have drifted apart and that it aids in the making of new friendships.

"Aquamarine helps balance excessive anger or fear and assists one in clearing patterns caused by past emotional, physical or verbal abuse. It is an excellent stone for children who have been through traumatic situations and have disassociated form their emotional bodies, or who are acting out their emotions in an aggressive way." 2

"In magic, this beautiful stone is worn or carried to enhance the use of psychic powers. Holding a crystal of the stone, or wearing a faceted aquamarine around the neck, reduces our conscious mind's hold on the psychic mind and allows the ever-present psychic impulses to be heard and to enter our consciousness." 3

Aquamarine is one of the birthstones for march.


1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 61

2) Naisha Ahsian "The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach " pg. 50

3) Scott Cunningham "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic" By pg. 86

More than you ever wanted to know about Andalusite

This edition of my ongoing series of blog post about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, features andalusite

Gem quality andalusite is quite rare and thus it is highly prized by collectors. Chiastolite is an opaque form of andalusite that shows a cross or checkered pattern when viewed in cross section. The name is a reference to Andalucia, Spain, an important source of this stone.


Gem quality andalusite is for the most part a brownish-red or yellow-green material. A green variety of andalusite containing iron and manganese is called viridine.

Lore

A stone of strength andalusite bolsters the leadership abilities of the holder.

Andalusite is also a money stone thought to bring about career and business success.

Andalusite " . . . promotes the chivalrous aspects of ones character and encourages moderation in all things [including moderation]. 1

Once worn by Indian braves to give them strength.


1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 53

Additional Reading by A. Melody

Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals - The Reference Book Describing the Metaphysical Properties of the Mineral Kingdom

Love Is in the Earth: Kaleidoscopic Pictorial Supplement A

Love Is in the Earth: Kaleidoscopic Pictorial Supplement Z

More than you ever wanted to know about Ammolite

This edition of my ongoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, features ammolite, an organic gemstone.

Ammolite is the fossilized shell of ammonites that broke apart up to 70 million years ago, healing in the natural fossilizing process. For use as a gem the naturally opalized shell is glued to a backing material, and then covered by a protective layer (usually synthetic spinel) to form a triplet.


Found mainly in southern Alberta, Canada, and on the market since 1969.

Lore

"The Blackfeet tribe know ammolite as iniskim, meaning "buffalo stone", and have long believed it to possess amuletic powers; specifically, the gem is believed to aid in the buffalo hunt, and to draw the buffalo within tracking distance. The Blackfeet also believe ammolite to possess healing powers and incorporate the gem into their medicine bundles for use in ceremonies." 1

More recently; ammolite is thought to enhance well being and assist in detoxifying the body.

"Ammonite is a protective stone, giving stability and structure to ones life. It can eliminate the caustic attributes and can transform negativity into a smooth flowing energy. 2


1) Wikipedia

2) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 51