More than you ever wanted to know about Aventurine

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

Aventurine is a quartzite gemstone composed of interlocking grains of quartz and small mica crystals. It comes in a number of colors ranging from golden brown to green. The name comes from the Italian word avventura meaning "chance."

Lore

The ancient Chinese prized aventurine; the imperial seal was said to have been carved from this material. They referred to this stone as yu, and held it in high esteem.

In ages past, the Tibetans revered aventurine. To symbolize increased divinatory power the eyes in sacred statues were often made from it.

As a touchstone, aventurine is thought to be helpful in achieving serenity. Aventurine is also a gambler's talisman. A lucky stone said to attract money.

Medicinally, aventurine has been used to improve eyesight and heal eye disease. "It has been used in the treatment of disorders of the lungs, heart, adrenal glands, and the muscular and urogenital systems." 1

Also known as the "dreamer's stone" as it encourages great ideas and independence. 2

"Green aventurine is a stone associated with the regeneration of one's spirit and creativity. It is said that this is a useful stone for people who love to pursue adventures." 3



1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 68

2) Richard Webster "Pendulum Magic for Beginners: Power to Achieve All Goals" page 82

3) Paul Beyerl "Gem and Mineral Lore" pg. 23

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

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