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

More than you ever wanted to know about Ametrine

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

Ametrine, also known as trystine, occurs naturally as a bi-color gemstone. It represents two of the most valued members of the quartz species in a single stone: citrine and amethyst. Ametrine was discovered in 1977, and it has become increasingly popular for stone-set jewelry.

Lore

Because of ametrine's recent introduction to the gem world, lore specific to it is only at the beginning stages of development. However, lore concerning citrine and amethyst have come down with us through the ages.

Ametrine " . . . is a stone to enhance universal equilibrium and provides a clear connection between the physical form and the ultimate stage of perfection." 1


1)  A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 49

More than you ever wanted to know about Amethyst

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

Amethyst is the best known and most valuable form of quartz. Its name is derived from the Greek ametystos (not drunken); ancient belief held that anyone wearing an amethyst could not become intoxicated.

When sufficiently heated amethyst becomes citrine.

Lore

According to Greek legend, Bacchus, the god of wine, created this beautiful purple stone. To avenge an insult, he vowed to have a tiger devour the first person he met. That person happened to be a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst. The maiden cried out for Diana to save her and was turned into a brilliant white crystal. When he saw what he had done, Bacchus was full of remorse. He poured wine over the stone maiden, turning it a lovely violet color.

Medicinally, amethyst has been used as a blood cleanser and is said to alleviate mental disorders. "It clears the aura and stabilizes and transmutes any dysfunctional energy located within ones body" 1

Some psychics claim that amethyst softens impatience and enhances psychic abilities.

Amethyst has been said to absorb, purify and transmute negativity and bring about understanding.

"A bear, if engraved on an amethyst, has the virtue of putting demons to flight and defends and preserves the wearer from drunkenness." 2

"At one time in China, pieces of amethyst were rented to people who were involved in lawsuits, for this stone was said to make one more positive in outlook, thus attracting a favorable outcome." 3

Amethyst is the birthstone for February.


1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 47
2) George Frederick Kunz "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones"
3) D.J. Conway "Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties" pg. 42

More than you ever wanted to know about Amber

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

Amber is solidified, petrified sap.
The name is derived from Arabic. Succinite is from the Latin succus, meaning "juice". The ancient Greeks called it elektron. They were the first to record information about amber's "electrical" properties. (eg. If it is rubbed with a piece of silk, it will attract dust and ashes.)

Amber comes in a variety of colors including yellow, brown , whitish-yellow and cream. It often darkens with age to a rich red-brown color.

"Amber was one of the first substances used by man for decoration, and it was also employed at a very early period for amulets and for medicinal purposes. More or less shapeless pieces of rough amber, marked with circular depressions, have been found in Prussia, Schleswig-Holstein, and Denmark, in deposits of the Stone Age." 1

Lore

Amber is thought to provide mental stimulation. It enhances love, friendliness, patience, and strength. Used to balance aggressive traits and brings about harmony and peace.

Because amber is often included with insects and small animals, it has been thought to contain the essence of life.

"Amber worn in beads about the neck or wrist was regarded a cure for sore throat and ague, and a preventive of insanity, asthma, dropsy, toothache, and deafness." 2

A rejuvenator, amber is thought to improve eyesight by gazing into it. "Amber allows the body to heal itself by absorbing and transmuting negative energy into positive energy." 3

Amber is also a protective and enhancement stone for Wiccans and Shamans.


1) George Frederick Kunz "The curious lore of precious stones"
2) Oliver Cummings Farrington "Gems And Gem Minerals (1903)" pg. 58
3) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals - The Reference Book Describing the Metaphysical Properties of the Mineral Kingdom" pg. 45

More than you ever wanted to know about Amazonite

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

Amazonite is the gem name for light bluish green microcline (orthoclase). Orthoclase, a sodium feldspar (sometimes called potash feldspar), gets its name from two Greek words: ‘orthos’, meaning upright; and ‘klasas’, meaning fracture. This is an allusion to its two right angle cleavages.

While amazonite is found in a number of locations, some in the United States, truly good material is rare; the finest comes from Russia.

People living in pre-Columbian South and Central America wore amazonite jewelry.

Lore

“Amazonite gets its name because of its distinctive blue-green color, which is supposed to echo the rich green hues of the Amazon River and surrounding rainforest. However, deposits of this green feldspar are unknown in the Amazon region . . . “ 1

The ancient Egyptians treasured amazonite. “The seventh chapter of the Egyptian Book of the Dead was engraved on amazonite, and an amazonite scarab ring was among Tutankhamen’s treasures.” 2 Moses’ is said to have had an amazonite on his breast plate.

Amazonite should be a good stone for a person acting as a moderator as it is supposed to empower a one to understand both sides of an argument. “. . . Both men and women sometimes need the inner strength of their “warrior spirit” to not be bullied by controlling people or for the courage to step out into new areas of life. A small piece of this stone, carried in the pocket or hung on a chain, can impart inner resolve and strength every time it is touched.” 3

It is particularly useful for illnesses caused by oversensitivity to environmental influences and electromagnetic smog. 4

1) Jennie Harding “Crystals“ pg. 128

2) Naisha Ahsian “The Book of Stones- Who They Are & What They Teach” pg. 22

3) D. J. Conway “Crystal Enchantments- A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties“ pg 34

4) Judy Hall “The Encyclopedia of Crystals“ pg. 130

More than you ever wanted to know about Ajoite

This addition to my ongoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore features ajoite.

 Ajoite is a copper silicate mineral that is named for its type locality in the Ajo District of Pima County, Arizona. It is a secondary mineral that forms from the oxidation of other secondary copper minerals. This gem ranges in color from blue-green to light green and is transparent to translucent. It is associated with other rare and colorful minerals such as shattuckite, papagoite and plancheite; which makes very attractive specimens.

Lore

"Ajoite is an important metaphysical stone and is much sought after by crystal lovers. Its energies are emotionally soothing and healing, and many people report that Ajoite connects them to the heart of the Earth itself." 1

The stone of unconditional love, ajoite helps in accepting ones circumstances, and environment. Ajoite is known to enhance creativity and increases one's ability to speak from the heart. It will aid in the realization of the holder's dreams.
On a spiritual level ajoite aides in communication with the higher power and helps us connect with other spiritual beings.

"Ajoite produces a melding between the heart chakra and the throat chakra and facilitates speaking that which is in ones heart." 2


1) Naisha Ahsian "The Book of Stones- Who They Are & What They Teach" pg. 16

2) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals - The Reference Book Describing the Metaphysical Properties of the Mineral Kingdom" pg.41