More than you ever wanted to know about Chrysoberyl

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

Known since antiquity The word chrysoberyl comes from the Greek - gold. The varieties alexandrite and cat's eye chrysoberyl are rare and very highly valued.

"Chrysoberyl crystallizes in and around pegmatites rich in beryllium, but deposits commonly form as alluvial concentrations from weathered pegmatites" 1

Lore

Chrysoberyl " . . . is a 'stone of immortality', assisting one to both overcome and to progress toward excellence. It elevates ones sense of self-worth and helps one to understand and to actualize the intrinsic state of perfection which is available." 2

Chrysoberyl ". . . is said to bring forgiveness among family and friends, bring generosity and charitability and promote understanding" 3

"Recommended for those recovering from surgery or a prolonged illness. It's ability to aid the system in restoring internal and physical energy may also be of value to those who face chronic disorders." 4


1) Anna S. Sofianides "Gems and Crystals: From the American Museum of Natural History" pg. 75

2) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 111

3) Bruce G. Knuth "Gems in Myth, Legend and Lore" pg. 66

4) Paul Beyerl "Gem and Mineral Lore" pg. 6

More than you ever wanted to know about Charoite

This edition of my ongoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, features charoite.  One of my favorite Russian gemstones.

"Charoite crystallizes in the form of masses and as druse on a host mineral. The major discovery location is Russia and has only recently become available in the west in more than very small amounts. The name is a reference to a river in Siberia. The color ranges from pink to purple, often with inclusions of quartz and manganese." 1

Charoite was recognized to be an independent mineral in 1978.

Lore

This is a stone of transformation. Some believe charoite has the power to reverse the symptoms of sickness and disease to good health. Many say that it aids in detoxifying the liver.

Additionally, it is supposed that charoite assists in attaining the power of second sight. It is known to bring one's fears into consciousness so that they may be confronted and healed.

Charoite ". . . stimulates intuitive and psychic ability, clears negativity and assists one in being a more effective healer." 2

When used on the third eye; charoite is said to help fade fears, both known and unknown.


1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 111

2) Naisha Ahsian "The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach" pg. 108

More than you ever wanted to know about Chalcedony

This edition of my ongoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, feature chalcedony; a silica minerial.

The name chalcedony is derived from Chalcedon, an ancient Greek city of Asia Minor. It is a variety of quartz that comes in many colors and patterns. It’s composed of microcrystaline quartz crystals and hydrated silica (opal). Chalcedony is an excellent stone for jewelry because it is durable and takes a good polish.


Chalcedony is generally formed near the surface of the earth where temperatures and pressures are relatively low.

Lore

Chalcedony is thought to bolster emotional balance and increase physical energy. It was once believed that those wearing this stone would be kinder, more charitable, and friendlier.

"A man with his right hand raised aloft, if engraved on a chalcedony, gives success in lawsuits, renders the wearer healthy, gives him safety in his travels and preserves him from all evil chances." 1

"There was never a stone which stood for so many and such virtues. In the worldly sense, it confers riches and honors; it inspires horror of blood, expels sadness and melancholy - like the anti-toxic virtue, a recurring office of stones - and preserves from sudden death, almost a unique quality. It is said also that it calms troubled waters, as if it were a talisman for the macrocosmic world, but perhaps this may be taken in the sense of stilling the waters of the human soul, because it is claimed otherwise that it appeases angry passions. Finally, as the Divining Rod is held to indicate the place of hidden springs and wells of water, so the Topaz is a Magnet for Gold, attracting the precious metal, indicating buried treasures and revealing lodes and veins of gold beneath the earth." 2

Chrysoprase, heliotrope (blood stone), carnelian, sardonyx, onyx, jasper and agate are all forms of chalcedony. Each with it's own properties.


1) George Frederick Kunz "The curious lore of precious stones"

2) Lauron William De Laurence "Great Book of Magical Art, Hindu Magic and East Indian Occultism" 1915