More than you ever wanted to know about Bloodstone

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

Heliotrope is sometimes called bloodstone or blood jasper in the jewelry trades. However, heliotrope is not jasper at all. It is a dark green chalcedony with red spots. Hornblende needles impart the green color and the red spots are colored by iron oxide. Hematite is often called blood stone as well because when its being cut it turns the lubricant bright red.

Lore

“Because it is green, it is utilized in wealth, money, and business spells. A bloodstone kept in the cash register draws money. Carried in the pocket or purse, or worn, it also attracts wealth. In this regard, since food and money are magically connected, it was a farmer’s talisman in the Middle Ages, worn during planting to increase the yield of crops.” 1

“Other beliefs concerning this common stone abounded in the Middle Ages. Rubbed with the juice of the herb heliotrope, the stone would make the wearer invisible.” 2

“A bat, represented on a heliotrope or blood stone, gives the wearer power over demons and helps incantations.” 3

“[Bloodstone]. . . is a general healing stone and stimulant. Carry it to enrich iron-poor, tired blood or to help balance other blood-related disorders. Hold bloodstone against a bleeding would to staunch the flow of blood.” 4

In ancient times stones with the color red in them were thought to work as antidotes to poison.

Blood stone is a birth stone under the sign of Aries; and is a birthstone for the month of March.

1) Bruce G. Knuth “Gems in Myth Legend and Lore“ pg. 53

2) George Frederick Kunz “The Curious Lore of Precious Stones” pg. 133

3) Marguerite Elsbeth “Crystal Medicine (More Crystals and New Age)“ pg. 153

4) Scott Cunningham “Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic“ pg. 92

More than you ever wanted to know about Bertrandite

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

Bertrandite, sometimes called tiffany stone or ice cream opalite, is beryllium silicate hydroxide, in everyday language you’d call it opalized fluorite. It is only recently that it has come on scene in the mainstream jewelry industry. Once you have seen it’s easy to see why it is gaining in popularity. Bertrandite does look like ice cream, blueberry. I don’t think I’d take a bite though; it’s an ore of beryllium.

I do not know the date of its discovery; however, it is not listed in my 1915 copy of “Dana’s Manual of Mineralogy”, the standard mineralogy text of its day. Scanty information is available on the internet.

Bertrandite’s hardness is about 4; which makes it unacceptable for use in rings but fine for pendants and earrings.

Lore

Said to be called tiffany stone because some stones look like the patterns in tiffany glass. Some think that it is a reference to Tiffany Co., the New York jewelry store.

Because of its recent (in historical terms) discovery one has to look to the minerals that combine to make bertrandite to better understand its metaphysical properties.

Bertrandite “. . . can assist one in conservatism in judgment, in generosity with respect to favour, and in stimulating the growth of appreciation” 1

A number of the references say that bertrandite is a stone for business and business success. Most agree that it has a beneficial effect on the third eye chakra. It is also said that bertrandite can boost the sex drive and enhance sexual experience.

1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 79

More than you ever wanted to know about Azurite

This edition of my ongoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, features azurite; a beautiful blue copper mineral.

Azurite is a basic copper carbonate. It varies from a very dark blue thru "azure" blue; thus it's name. Azurite is a secondary copper mineral and develops in the zone of alteration in hydro-thermal replacement deposits, where it commonly occurs with malachite.

Lore

It is said that the religious leaders of ancient Egypt used this stone to awaken their spirituality.

Medicinally, azurite is said to stimulate the brain.

Azurite " . . . enhances creative ability and helps to eliminate indecision and worries which are quietly agitating in the 'heart space', and stimulates ones compassionate and empathetic nature. It also enhances self-confidence, allowing for invincibility when required." 1

"The blue color of this crystal makes it ideal for dream magick and overall harmony." 2


1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 71

2) Marian Singer, Trish MacGregor "The Only Wiccan Spell Book You'll Ever Need" pg 53

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