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

More than you ever wanted to know about AGATE

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

Agate, a form of chalcedony, is an excellent gem material because of its many colors, patterns, hardness and ability to take a brilliant polish. Agate is named after the Achates River in Sicily, now known as the Drillo River, which remains a major source of this gemstone.


Agate was valued by ancient civilizations back to the beginnings of time; the Egyptians are known to have used it before 3,000 BC. It has been found amongst the artifacts of Stone Age man in France (20,000 - 16,000 BC).

". . . Agates were the foundation of a German stonecutting and polishing industry which flourished form the fifteenth through nineteenth centuries, and which still exists today."1

Lore

In general agates are considered to be protection and good luck stones.

• Banded Agate: Promotes strength of body and will. Bolsters one in times of stress.
• Botswana Agate: Increases sexual power. Helps with emotional understanding. Said to strengthen the auto-immune system. Sometimes used to ease the pain of loneliness.
• Blue Lace Agate: Peace, happiness and harmony. Inspires hope and optimism. Calms the emotions and eases mental distraction.
• Mexican Lace Agate: Said to lift depression and strengthen your attitude.
• White Lace Agate: Elevates your thoughts and increases friendliness and happiness.
• Moss Agate: Eases emotional pain and anxiety to bring peace of mind.
• Moss agate aids creativity, confidence and strength. Farmers use it as a talisman to ensure a bountiful crop as it connects one with the earth and helps us communicate with animals, plants and all of nature.
• Iris Agate: Brings us to a new level of awareness about physical pleasure and our world. Fosters truth, honor, joy, and physical well being.
• Fern Agate: A communication aide. Helps to improve our awareness of the mystical world of nature.
• Fire Agate: Associated with courage and enthusiasm, fire agate can help one in overcoming timidity to become more self assertive and expressive.
• Plume Agate: Said to improve imagination and creative visualization. Aids you in keeping focused towards achieving your goals; thus making it a good stone for job-hunting.
• Dendritic Agate: In addition to general protection this form of agate is also associated with safe travel, and is thought to prevent accidents due to tiredness. Stimulates tranquility.
• Red Agate is known as Carnelian. Carnelian is a stone of good luck. Mohammad, Napoleon I and Napoleon III wore carnelian. It is said to help asthma, and blood pressure.

In the eleventh century Marbodus, Bishop of Rennes, said that agates make the wearers agreeable and persuasive and also give them the favor of God.

"The agate possessed some wonderful virtues, for its wearer was guarded from all dangers, was enabled to vanquish all terrestrial obstacles and was endowed with a bold heart . . ." 2

Agate "stabilizes the aura, providing for a cleansing effect which acts to smooth dysfunctional energies and to both transform and eliminate negativity. It further assists one in the development of precision in the examination of oneself and of circumstances relevant to ones well-being." 3

"In certain parts of England, farmers still take an agate with a naturally bored hole through it and hang it on a nail over the door to the barn or stable. This is said to stop evil spirits from riding the cows and horses at night, and keep thunder and lightning from souring the milk." 4

"Pliny's writings are the source of many of the attributes which are given to agate. He recounts in his writings the beliefs which existed in first century Rome; looking an an agate rests the eyes, and an agate held in the mouth will quench the most desperate thirst." 5



1) Naisha Ahsian "The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach " pg. 6

2) George Frederick Kunz "The curious Lore of Precious Stones"

3) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg.27

4) D.J. Conway "Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties" pg. 23

5) Bruce G. Knuth "Gems in Myth Legend and Lore" pg. 19

More than you ever wanted to know about ACTINOLITE

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

Actinolite is a basic calcium, magnesium, iron silicate, sometimes called ray stone. The name is from the Greek akitinos, "ray"; a reference to its radiating crystal habit. It forms in long bladed crystals (with a diamond cross section), fibrous masses, and aggregates.

Nephrite jade is a mix of two very similar minerals, actinolite and tremolite.

Lore

"This mineral also provides for a familiarity with all of those who one encounters, withholding all aspects of that which causes the familiar smile, action, or being, to appear objectionable." 1

Actinolite ". . . heals indecision, hesitation, fear of moving forward, and lack of confidence . . . " 2

"An excellent stone for metaphysical shielding. Actinolite expands the aura and crystallizes its edges." 3

Actinolite ". . . stimulates activities of the liver and kidney as well as all building-up and growth processes." 4

1) Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 26

2) Diane Stein "Gemstones A to Z: A Handy Reference to Healing Crystals" pg. 2

3) Judy Hall "The Encyclopedia of Crystals" pg. 104

4) Michael Gienger "Healing Crystals- The A - Z Guide to 430 Gemstones" pg. 6