Search Results

Hi everyone, The purpose of these blogs is to give you detailed information about the crystals that I sell as well as information about crystals you already may have in your collection. I hope you enjoy. Crystal Family Amethyst is part of the Quartz family. It is the purple variety that has manganese and iron inclusions. It comes in different shades of purple from a pale lilac to a deep purple. It is usually semi-translucent. There are many varieties of amethyst – chevron amethyst, and prasolite which is the green variety of amethyst. Amethyst is formed via lava where there are iron oxide rich veins - the iron creates the purple colour. If amethyst is heated hotter than 400 degrees, it turns yellow - this is known as heat treated citrine. Amethyst is found in Britain, Brazil, Uruguay, South Africa, Madagascar, India, Argentina, USA and Maissau in Austria, Canada, Mexico, Russia, East Africa, Siberia and Austrailia. The stone is 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale. It is used for several things including wand points, spheres, single points, clusters, jewellery and amulets. It can be used unpolished or polished. It can be water cleansed, however do not place in direct sunlight as it fades the colour in the crystal. It can also be cleansed via a sage infusion. Elixir - Do not boil - Immerse in spring water, an alcoholic solution, herbal tea or infusion. Amethyst Formation: Trigonal crystal Long prismatic crystals Chemical Composition: SiO2 Silicon oxide with Fe History and Mythology of Clear Quartz It has been used since the Neolithic period (approx. 4000BC) as Jewellery has been found. It was set in gold rings in 2400BC. Ancient Egypt The Egyptians used amethyst in amulets and jewellery. See picture of a Middle Kingdom amulet from the British museum. Warriors used for protection in battle by carrying amulets. Ancient Greece The name Amethyst derives from the Greek word ‘Amethystos’ which means ‘sober'. The Greeks believed that amethyst symbolised the wisdom of the Gods. There isa wonderful Myth about how Amethyst came about. The God Dionysus met a nymph called Amethystros. She was extremely beautiful and Dionysius decided he wanted her. Amethystros however refused his advances. In one story he chased her, in another he got angry and sent fierce tigers after her. In one version of the story she called on the Goddess Diana to help her in another she turned herself into clear Quartz. The God was so distressed in one version he cried tears of wine that dropped onto her, in another he poured wine over her. This turned Amethystros purple hence Amethyst is mainly purple. Roman and Greeks drank out of amethyst goblets and glasses as it was believed to stop drunkenness. It also was used to disguise water in the goblet, so others believed it was wine. There is an ancient Greek saying: ‘An Amethyst is this stone: I Bacchus, am a drinker. Either it will teach me sobriety, Or it will lead me to drink’ Roman times It was such a very well known Stone that it was included in Pliny the Elder's book, Natural History: 'We will now commence with another class of precious stones, those of a purple colour, or whose tints are derived from purple. To the first rank belongs the amethystos1 of India; a stone which is also found in the part of Arabia that adjoins Syria and is known as Petra, as also in Lesser Armenia, Egypt, and Galatia; the very worst of all, and the least valued, being those of Thasos and Cyprus. The name which these stones bear, originates, it is said, in the peculiar tint of their brilliancy, which, after closely approaching the colour of wine, passes off into a violet without being fully pronounced; or else, according to some authorities, in the fact that in their purple there is something that falls short of a fiery colour, the tints fading off and inclining to the colour of wine. All these stones are transparent and of an agreeable violet colour, and are easy to engrave. Those of India have in perfection the very richest shades of purple, and it is to attain this colour that the dyers in purple direct all their endeavours; it presenting a fine mellowed appearance to the eye, and not dazzling the sight, as in the case with the colours of the carbunculus. Another variety approaches more nearly the hyacinth in colour: the people of India call this tint "socon," and the stone itself "socondion." A third stone of this class is of a more diluted colour, and is known as "sapenos," being identical with "pharanitis," so called from a country on the frontiers of Arabia that produces it. Of a fourth kind, the colour is like that of wine; and in a fifth it borders very closely upon that of crystal, the purple gradually passing off into white. This last kind is but little valued; for a fine amethyst should always have, when viewed sideways and held up to the light, a certain purple refulgence, like that of carbunculus, slightly inclining to a tint of rose. Some prefer giving these stones the name of "pæderos" or of "anteros,"while to many they are known as "Venus' eyelid," a name which would seem to be particularly appropriate to the colour and general appearance of the gem. The falsehoods of the magicians would persuade us that these stones are preventive of inebriety, and that it is from this that they have derived their name. They tell us also, that if we inscribe the names of the sun and moon upon this stone, and then wear it suspended from the neck, with some hair of the cynocephalus and feathers of the swallow, it will act as a preservative against all noxious spells. It is said too, that worn in any manner, this stone will ensure access to the presence of kings; and that it will avert hail and the attacks of locusts, if a certain prayer is also repeated which they mention. They make similar promises, too, in reference to the smaragdus, if graven with the figure of an eagle or of a scarabæus: statements which, in my opinion, they cannot have committed to writing without a feeling of contempt and derision for the rest of mankind.' The Celts- associated it with inspirising and fertilising powers. Middle Ages and Renaissance In Middle Ages - Christians adopted the mineral as a token of their renunciation of other worldly property. In the church, Amethyst was a symbol of Piety and Celibacy worn by priests, bishops, and cardinals. There's a reason that Amethyst is February birthstone - It is believed to be associated with St. Valentine as he supposedly worn it. So in the Middle Ages when a lady gave amethyst to a knight or her husband it was believed to give happiness and good fortune to the pair. It was a stone that helped improve the skin and protect against snake bites (Hildegard Von Bingen) and Konrad Von Megenberg believed it drove ’bad thoughts’ and stimulated thought processes. Leonardo Da Vinci stated “Amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence”. After the renaissance It was the favourite stone of Catherine the Great of Russia. In the early 1700s amethyst was very rare - There was an amethyst bracelet worn by Queen Charlotte that was valued at the time at £200 which was a lot of money back then. After there was a new discovery found in Brazil of Amethyst it reduced its value. Green Amethyst, otherwise known as prasolite was discovered naturally in the Mid 1950s in Brazil. In is now mainly heat treated and irradiated there. However, there are still some natural green amethyst in Poland, Namibia, Nevada, Zambia, and Tanzania. Religion In the Bible it it is mentioned in the Old testament – Amethyst was one of the 12 stones of the breastplate of Aaron (Exodus 39) In Arabia – It was venerated as a protective stone and used to prevent nightmares Native Americans wore it to prevent being struck by lightning. Buddism: It was dedicated to the Buddha. And Buddhists believe that it is associated with a detachment from sexual desires. In Ayurvedic medicine it is valued as a natural remedy. In Tibet – Monks have malas of amethyst to help meditation. FUN FACTS There is Church a Brazilian Town of Ametista do Sul which is buily using Amethyst. Myth states that everyone in the town took a amethyst to the construction site - there is more than 40 tons! Brazilian Amethysts from Uruguay can be over 100 million years old! If you collide two amethysts together in the dark you can see sparks of light jump between them - this is called pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity. Crystal healing Properties Amethyst is a symbol of peace of mind, Modesty and Piety. Amethyst magnifies the energy of crystals and is a great overall protector. It helps negotiation skills and with wealth and business success. It is useful for purification during ceremonies and also reverts negative energy to positive. It is a feminine stone, though it still helps men. Place in your home to help create relaxation, health and happiness. Place under your pillow to help insomnia and protect against nightmares. Combine with Moldavite, Azeztulite, Phenacite, scolecite and Natrolite. There is a special place at Lake Louise in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta Canada. The lake has a basin with an amethyst core – this is believed to attune to the archangels. This is based on tectonic plates as there are hot springs and the Lake its self is full of meltwater which has a high percentage of Powdered Quartz in it. It is believed to give: Spiritual peace and sanctuary for the soul Divine protection and teaching by the archangel Michael Spiritually it aids: Enhances the aura Meditation Spiritual contact – high vibrational crystal Gives insights to your true nature Opens intuition Emotionally it aids by: Restores emotional balance OCD Anger and violent tendencies Calms passion Nerves Self-esteem Oversensitivity Tension Grief Depression Mentally it aids by: Restores mental balance Encourages chastity Relieves homesickness Helps decision making Focuses the mind Improves motivation Helps tiredness Physically it aids: Restores Physical balance Heals the cause of dis-ease Good for healing Hormone regulation Insomnia Headaches Migraines Acne Asthma Blood clots Bacterial and viral infections Bad posture Cancer Arthritis – as an elixir Immune system Circulatory system Sympathetic nervous system Bones Heart Stomach Skin Teeth Liver Endocrine glands Drunkenness and addictions Detoxing Blood cleansing Helps itching and sunburns Diarrhoea Zodiac sign: Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces – It is the birthstone of February and associated with the archangel Zadkiel. Chakra Association: Works on all chakras but especially the heart and Brow chakras. Place on any chakra - helps unblock it Brow chakra - during times of anxiety place an amethyst on this chakra. It also helps strengthen intuition. Solar plexus - wear or place on the stomach area to help build self confidence and character. Heart chakra - helps make decisions in regards to love. Thank you for reading this blog post - Hope it has helped. To see what amethyst products I have in stock click the link below: https://www.aphroditedesigns.org/search-results?q=amethyst If you would like to read further these are the books, images and internet sources I have used for the blog: Bibliography The Crystal healer, Philip Permutt The Lure of Gems, Steve Bennett The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall The crystal Wisdom Book, Stephanie Harrison and Barbara Kleiner Little Pocket Book of Crystal tips and cures, Philip Permutt The little book of crystals, Judy hall Sacred Crystals, Hazel Raven Crystal Power: mythology and history, Andreas Guhr and Jory Nagler Crystal Power, crystal healing: The complete handbook, Michael Gienger The crystal and Mineral guide, John Lee Healing crystals: The A-Z guide to 420 gemstones, Michael Gienger The pocket book of stones, Robert Simmons The crystal Healing Bible, Sue Lilly Crystals and Sacred Sites, Judy hall The Natural History. Pliny the Elder. John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S. H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A. London. Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 1855. Images from: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA57793 https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1867-0507-396 https://www.brazilgemsafari.com/ametista-do-sul

Hi I did promise a blog on Clear Quartz! If you missed my facebook live last month I did a special information hour all about clear Quartz! I thought I would post the information I gave onto a blog post! Crystal Family Clear Quartz is Part of the Quartz family. It is also known as Rock crystal. It is colourless and is transparent to translucent. It is formed in igneous conditions, when magmas cools, the silicon dioxide in the magma crystallizes. The slower it cools the bigger the quartz crystals. Also, quartz can form via silica rich water. Silicon dioxide dissolves in the water like salt in a cup of water, but only when the temperature is very high, and the pressure is very strong. Then as the temperature and pressure go down the silica rich water becomes saturated and Quartz crystals are formed. The Quartz comes in clusters, aggregates, and single stones, druse hollows and pegmatites. Clear Quartz is found worldwide and is the most abundant and common crystal on Earth It forms the basis for a lot for crystals. Also, when you next look at a golden sand beach think about the fact that it is composed of tiny quartz crystals that have been stained by iron in the sea! Main mining areas are in Brazil, Madagascar, USA, Japan and the Alps. The stone is 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale. It is used for several things including wand points, spheres, single points, clusters, jewellery and amulets. It can be used unpolished or polished. It is also used in computers and in watches. It can be water cleansed. It is not advisable to cleanse via sunlight as Quartz amplifies the sun’s heat, a bit like a mirror and can cause fire. Clear Quartz Formation: Trigonal crystal with Hexagonal crystals Chemical Composition: SiO2 Silicon oxide History and Mythology of Clear Quartz Clear Quartz has a long history of use. The name Quartz was derived from the Greek ‘Krustellos’ meaning Ice as the Ancient Greeks believed that Clear Quartz/ Rock Crystal was ice for the Gods. In Ancient times, clear quartz was seen to bestow the power of invisibility if placed in a Seer’s mouth. In Ancient Rome, Emperor Augustus dedicated the largest known clear Quartz at the time to a Roman God in the Capitol temple. It apparently weighed 23kg (50lbs). The Roman Historian Pliny the Elder wrote about the Clear Quartz: ‘It is a diametrically opposite cause to this that produces crystal,1 a substance which assumes a concrete form from excessive congelation.2 At all events, crystal is only to be found in places where the winter snow freezes with the greatest intensity; and it is from the certainty that it is a kind of ice, that it has received the name3 which it bears in Greek. The East, too, sends us crystal, there being none preferred to the produce of India. It is to be found, also, in Asia, that of the vicinity of Alabanda,4 Orthosia,5 and the neighbouring mountains, being held in a very low degree of esteem. In Cyprus, also, there is crystal, but that found upon the Alpine heights in Europe is, in general, more highly valued. According to Juba, there is crystal in a certain island of the Red Sea, opposite the coast of Arabia, called "Necron;"6 as, also, in another neighbouring island7 which produces the precious stone known as the "topazus;" where a block of crystal was extracted, he says, by Pythagoras, the præfect of King Ptolemaæus, no less than a cubit in length. Cornelius Bocchus informs us that in Lusitania, there have been blocks of crystal found, of extraordinary weight, in sinking shafts in the Ammiensian8 mountains there, to a water-level for the supply of wells. It is a marvellous fact, stated by Xenocrates of Ephesus, that in Asia and in the Isle of Cyprus, crystal is turned up by the plough; it having been the general belief that it is never to be found in terreous soils, and only in rocky localities. That is much more probable which the same Xenocrates tells us, when he says that the mountain streams often bring down with them fragments of crystal. Sudines says, that crystal is only to be found in localities that face the south, a thing that is known to be really the fact: indeed, it is never found in humid spots, however cold the climate may be, even though the rivers there freeze to the very bottom. Rain-water and pure snow are absolutely necessary for its formation,9 and hence it is, that it is unable to endure heat, being solely employed for holding liquids that are taken cold. From the circumstance of its being hexagonal10 and hexahedral, it is not easy to penetrate this substance; and the more so, as the pyramidal terminations do not always have the same appearance. The polish on its faces is so exquisite, that no art can possibly equal it.’ He also talks about the healing properties of Clear Quartz: ‘The largest block of crystal that has ever been beheld by us, is the one that was consecrated by Julia Augusta in the Capitol, and which weighed about one hundred and fifty pounds.1 Xenocrates speaks of having seen a vase of crystal, which held one amphora,2 and we find other writers mentioning a vessel from India which held four sextarii. For my own part, I can positively say, that there is crystal amid the crags of the Alps, so difficult of access, that it is usually found necessary to be suspended by ropes in order to extract it. Persons who are experienced in the matter detect its presence by certain signs and indications. Crystal is subject to numerous defects, sometimes presenting a rough, solder-like, substance, or else clouded by spots upon it; while occasionally it contains some hidden humour3 within, or is traversed by hard and brittle knurrs,4 which are known as "salt grains."5 Some crystal, too, has a red rust upon it, while, in other instances, it contains filaments that look like flaws, a defect which artists conceal by engraving it. But where crystals are entirely free from defect, they are preferred uncut; in which case, they are known as "acenteta,"6 and have the colour, not of foam, but of limpid water. In the last place, the weight of crystals is a point which is taken into consideration. I find it stated by medical men that the very best cautery for the human body is a ball of crystal acted upon by the rays of the sun.7 This substance, too, has been made the object of a mania; for, not many years ago, a mistress of a family, who was by no means very rich, gave one hundred and fifty thousand sesterces for a single basin made of crystal. Nero, on receiving tidings that all was lost, in the excess of his fury, dashed two cups of crystal to pieces; this being his last act of vengeance upon his fellow-creatures, preventing any one from ever drinking again from these vessels. Crystal, when broken, cannot by any possibility be mended. Vessels in glass have been brought to a marvellous degree of resemblance to crystal; and yet, wonderful to say, they have only tended to enhance the value of crystal, and in no way to depreciate it.’ We also get information that the Emperor Nero only drank wine from rock crystal goblets as he believed it would quench his thirst quicker. There are many myths and legends among mountain peoples that their mountain spirits had thrones carved in Quartz as they were seats of the gods that gave clarity and transparency to whomever sat on them. In the Middle Ages, a chemist called Johann Kinkel thought clear Quartz was congealed ice. It was used in Folk medicine against thirst and chilblains – It was held up in the sun as it was believed to heal the skin especially help prevent blisters from burns. It was also believed to help staunch bleeding and to help treat complaints linked to the gall bladder. Native Americans placed a clear quartz in a newborn baby’s cradle as a symbol of their connection with the Earth. In Tibet, Buddhists use the crystal to be able to sink into a deeper meditative state which would help them quicken their goal of finding the ‘Path of Enlightenment’. In India, many use Clear quartz Rosaries as they believe it enhances the effectiveness of their prayers. Hildegard Von Bingen recommended that nursing mothers should ground up clear quartz and mix it with honey and consume this mixture. In Chinese medicine Clear quartz is used as a Pain reliever (acupuncture needles sometimes having Quartz tips) as it is believed to contain the pure essence of chi/life force. In Japanese culture, it was believed that clear quartz was the congealed breath of sacred dragons. Australian aborigines believed that a shaman’s intestines were made of quartz and that they could project these crystals into other people to heal them. Akashic records are clear quartz which has a special mark that is believed to have ancient spiritual knowledge that will only be unlocked by certain people who can look into the crystal and read it. Crystal healing Properties Clear Quartz is known as the Master Healer. There are believed to be several Quartz crystals that are known as Record keepers, which have lots of information within them that you can unlock. It helps to intensify other crystals energies, so it is great for crystal grids. As an elixir, it can help purify and stabilize you. It is a symbol of purity, infinity of space and patience and perseverance. This stone is great for anyone who is beginning or already doing divination as it is a psychic amplifier. Clear quartz has been tested via a kirlia camera, which measures bio magnetic fields, and it has shown when clear quartz is present it can double the strength of your bio magnetic field. Popping clear quartz on your desk at work will focus your energy and inspiration to work. Popping a clear quartz cluster in the living room brings light and happiness to a home. Popping a clear quartz next to your bed helps to reenergize you as you sleep. Attaching a clear quartz to your dog’s collar is believed to help ensure that training goes smoothly. Spiritually it aids: Raises the energy to the highest level – helps you to reach higher plains and communicate with the nature spirits. Is a spiritual library Dissolves Karmic seeds Enhances psychic abilities and helps attune you to a spiritual purpose Helps meditation as it filters out distractions Helps with programming Enhances your personal point of view Emotionally it aids by: Restores emotional balance Brings serenity and calm Place on the solar plexus – draws off emotional turmoil and restores harmony between the emotional and physical bodies. Carry quartz – in times of emotional distress it helps to alleviate this. Teacher of humanity – helps you to accept oneself. Helps hypochondriac depression Mentally it aids by: Aids Concentration Unlocks the memory by stimulating the brain Improves your perception faculty Protects from negative energies by wearing it. Increases awareness Brings clarity to your thoughts Environmentally: Draws negative energy of all kinds Neutralizes background radiation – electromagnetic smog and petrochemical emanations. Attach to your fuel line – conserves energy and helps reduce emissions Can be programmed to connect to the Earth Reduces static electricity. Physically it aids: Stimulates the immune system – helps increase the production of white blood cells Balances the body Soothes burns Harmonizes all the chakras Enhances your energy flow Strengthens the nerves, brain, and glands Alleviates pain and swellings Activates pineal and pituitary glands Prevents dizziness Quartz powder in wine – helps cure diarrhoea Quartz powder mixed with honey – aids lactation Aids dropsy Aids scrofula Enhances tissue regeneration Supports the stomach Supports the intestinal tract Aids intestinal problems Abdominal ulcers Leukemia Bubonic plague Chemical toxicity Cleanses the internal organs Helps overcome fatigue and lethargy Zodiac sign: Virgo – Birthstone is April and the angel it is associated with is the Archangel Metatron Chakra Association: Mainly the higher crown chakra however clear quartz is associated with all chakras as it revitalizes and restores balance in all. Thank you for reading this blog, I hope it was informative! see belong for further reading Bibliography Crystals for everyday living – Christina Rodenbeck Crystals: The Modern Guide to crystal healing, Yulia Van Doren The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall Crystal Co-creators, Dorothy Roeder, 1994 Little Pocket Book of Crystal tips and cures, Philip Permutt Crystal healing, Judy Hall Sacred Crystaks, Hazel Raven Crystal Power: mythology and history, Andreas Guhr and Jory Nagler Healing crystals: the A-Z guide to 430 gemstones, Michael Gienger Gemstones of the world, Walter Schulmann The Encyclopedia of crystals, Judy hall The Healing power of crystals, Cass and Janie Jackson https://www.gemsociety.org/article/how-does-quartz-form/ The Natural History. Pliny the Elder. John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S. H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A. London. Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 1855. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am1909-0406-14

Hi everyone better late than never! This is a blog post about snowflake obsidian. Crystal Family Snowflake Obsidian is Black Obsidian with grey/white feldspar inclusions. It is formed via volcanic lava which quickly solidifies into a clear or black volcanic glass. To create snowflake obsidian feldspar minerals/silic acids are in the volcanic lava as it is hardening crystalizing within the obsidian. It has no crystal structure. Snowflake Obsidian is found in New Zealand, USA, Peru, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Guatemala, Iceland, Russia, and Italy. The stone is 5-5.5 on the Mohs Hardness scale. Its used for amulets and necklaces. It can be water cleansed and used as tumblestones, points and jewellery. Snowflake Obsidian Formation: amorphous with complex crystals Chemical Composition: SiO2 Silicon dioxide with Feldspar impurities History and Mythology of Snowflake Obsidian Snowflake Obsidian has its history intertwined with obsidian. Obsidian has been used since Paleolithic times as blades and arrowheads for weapons for hunting. In Ancient times, It was believed to have been found by a Roman Obsius (Hence Obsidian’s name), who found it in Ethiopia. This crystal was believed to help Drive out demons as well as heal wounds and alleviate pain. The Ancient Greeks of Milos traded Obsidian and became extraordinarily rich off it. In Central America, The Aztecs made clubs, axes and swords with the stone and used it for religious carvings and ornamental regalia. In Mythology, The Aztec mother Earth Goddess, Coatlicue gave birth to the moon, Coyolxanuhqui and the stars with the help of an obsidian blade. The Mayan Priests of the god Tezcatlipoca used Obsidian for mirrors to predict the future. In Europe during the Middle Ages, Obsidian was used for spheres and magical mirrors to aid in magical rituals. Obsidian was also used as a surgical tool for Trepanation which was an operation to cut into the skull of a patient. A Scientist in the Royal court for Queen Elizabeth called John Dee had a Magic mirror which he claimed was given to him by Uriel the angel. It was actually a Aztec mirror brought back from the Conquista. Now it is used in cardiac and eye surgeries as the blade is thinner than a steel scalpel. It is also used for piano keys and chess pieces. Crystal healing Properties Snowflake obsidian helps to teach you to value your mistakes as well as your successes. It is known as the stone of purity as it balances your mind, body, and spirit. It helps you overcome parenting mistakes so great for a new parent. It is highly protective as it blocks negative energy and absorbs it and it is gentle in doing so. Spiritually it aids: Awakens you Feel intact with the Earth Brings hidden emotions to the surface Opens an awareness of your past lives - aids past life meditation and regression Spiritual invulnerability and freedom Emotionally it aids by: Meditation - Isolation and loneliness become empowering Dispels fear and emotional blockages from the soul Empowers to help you see lessons and blessings in your heartbreak Promotes forgiveness for pain others have caused you. Aids compassion Dissolves shocks, fears, blocks, and traumatization – grieve as well Helps obsessions Purifies negative atmospheres Protects against psychic attacks Mentally it aids by: Helps release ‘wrong thinking’ Releases stressful mental patterns Motivates to spontaneously materialize ideas Expands consciousness Sharpens senses Physically it aids: Treats veins Skeleton Improves circulation – warms hands and feet Enhances blood flow even extreme undersupply An elixir is good for the skin and eyes Aids wound healing Helps hardened arteries Detoxes – keeping it by the fridge to make wiser food choices Arthritis Joint pain Cramp Injuries Pain Bleeding Zodiac sign: Virgo Chakra Association: Base and Sacral chakra – Calms and soothes, receptive mind and brings ingrained behaviors to your attention Thank you so much for reading and I hope this has been informative! See below my bibliography for further reading :) Bibliography The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall Crystal Co-creators, Dorothy Roeder, 1994 Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook, Michael Gienger Healing crystals: the A-Z guide to 430 gemstones, Michael Gienger Crystal clear: Change your energy, heal your life, Golmaz Alibagi Gemstones of the world, Walter Schulmann The Encyclopedia of crystals, Judy hall The Crystal healing bible – Sue Lilly Gemstones A-Z, Diane Stein Crystals: Colour and chakra, Sue lilly, Josephine De Winter and Gill Hale https://www.jewelsforme.com/gem_and_jewelry_library/obsidian https://www.en.emmanuelleguyon.com/vertus_obsidienne_en.html

Hi This week it is all about green moss agate. Crystal Family Moss Green Agate is from the Chalcedony family and is not technically an agate as it is not banded. It is a chalcedony with dendritic inclusions of moss green coloured minerals. It is where a viscous silicic acid penetrates the rock, however it does not mix, which creates these moss green inclusions. These inclusions are made via chrome and iron impurities which create the moss green/blue inclusions. It can also be inclusions of green hornblende. It is usually found in fissures of granite and pegmites. It can be transparent or translucent and tends to be a white colour. It can also have red, brown, black and blue inclusions as well. Green Moss Agate is found in India, Montana and Colorado in the United States, China, Russia (the Urals) and Australia. Green Moss Agate is 6.5-7 on the Mohs Hardness scale. It is usually found in small pieces or tumbled. It is found in thin slabs that are used for plates, and cabochons for jewellery. It is translucent to transparent and it can also can be cleansed in all ways. Green Moss Agate Formation: Trigonal Green moss agate has a mirco-crystalline formation and is a sedimentary stone Chemical Composition: SiO2 +Al, Ca, F, Fe, K, Mg, Na,OH, Si Moss Green Agate is a made from Silicon dioxide. History and Mythology of Green Moss Agate In history, there is not a lot of history or mythology specifically on green moss agate. There is of Agate in general, where agate was found by Theophrastus, who found agate on the River Achates, hence the name agate. The only history is that it has been known of this crystal specifically as the Gardener’s stone as farmers used it as it was believed to help grow new crops from the planting stage. They tied the crystal to the horns of oxen when ploughing the fields. Crystal healing Properties Green Moss agate is known as a stone of abundance and wealth and enhances a love for nature and the natural world. It is also a stone that can help almost everyone as it stabilizes all the body systems. As like any agate, it is slow and steady with its healing. Also like most agates, it grounds and stabilizes. It would be a great stone for athletes, as it can help athletes or body builders to have an effective workout or session. It is a great stone for any agriculturalist as it is known as the Gardener’s stone, as it is believed to help new crops grow. It is also known as a stone that helps productivity, fertility, growth and regeneration. Animals and plants thrive on the energy field of crystal, which is why it is a good stone for botanists. It is also a great one for midwives to carry as it is also known as a Birthing crystal which helps lessen pain and ensures a good delivery of the baby. It also is believed to be able to divine the presence of water. It is a great stop to help fight against addictions as it cleanses and detox the body. It Harmonises with Moldavite and other agates. Spiritually it aids: Frees us from spiritual blocks Encourages you to open up to the spiritual world instead of holding back or questioning it. Inspiration New beginnings Energised by the Angelic kingdom It activates the awareness of the higher chakras Releases negative karma Meditating – helps to assist in the goals and helps boost the energy of intention Emotionally it aids by: Releasing trapped emotions Helps anxiety, stress and tension – lessens mood swings Helps prevent and stop fear Encourages trust and hope Brings recovery – by giving strength Refreshes the soul Aids self-confidence – helps you to make new friends Strengthens positive personality traits Helps to encourage expansion of personal space and growth Mentally it aids by: Helps communication and self-expression Enhancing certainty within ourselves Helps to combat difficult problems or circumstances Encourages intellect Helps against depression Helps concentration, persistence and endurance Helps you to complete goals Physically it aids: Digestion The immune system The circulation system – as a elixir To help cellular absorption of nutrients Balances body fluid and blood sugar Eases anorexia Eases Hodgkins disease Allergies Helps the kidney and liver Helps pulmonary oedema Flow of the lymphatic fluid Stops swelling of the lymph nodes Eyes Dehydration Helping against fungal infections Helps against cold and flu symptoms Lowers fevers Anti-inflammatory Helps dry coughs by creating a mucous forming Helps to prevent over sensitivity to changes in the weather and environmental pollutants Helps skin disorders Relieving pain – via touching it. Helps generally anyone who is recovery from illness or addictions Zodiac sign: Virgo and cancer Chakra Association: Heart chakra and Root chakra Bibliography The Lure of Gems, Steve Bennett, 2014 Crystal Power: Mythology and history, Andreas Guhr and Jorg Nagler, 2006 The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall The Pocket Book of Stones, Richard Simmons, 2015 Crystals for Everyday Living, Christina Rodenbeck, 2015 The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Judy Hall, 2013 The Power of Gems and Crystals – How they can transform your life, Soozi Holbeche, 1989 The Crystal Healer, Philip Permutt, 2015 Crystal Tips and Cures, Philip Permutt, 2015 Crystal Co-creators, Dorothy Roeder, 1994 Sacred Crystals, Hazel Raven Gemstones of the World, Walter Schumann, 5th edition Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook, Michael Gienger https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/image/136674001

Hello everyone! This week's crystal is Lapis lazuli, which is one of my favourite crystals! Crystal Family Lapis Lazuli ranges from a light blue to a bluish violet with inclusions. These inclusions vary and include calcite, pyrite, Augite, diopside, enstatite, mica, hauyrite, hornblende, nosean,and sodalite. The colouring agent that creates Lapis Lazuli is Sulphur. Lapis Lazuli is found in Afghanistan, Russia (at Lake Baikal), Chile, Italy, United States, Egypt and the Middle East. Lapis Lazuli is 5.5-6 on the Mohs Hardness. It is usually found as a grainy mass in all sizes and rarely as crystal form. It is Opaque and it can also can be cleansed in all ways. Lapis Lazuli Formation: Cubic Chemical Composition: Na6 Ca2 [(S, SO4, Cl2)/Al6 Si6 O24] Lapis Lazuli is a Sulphur Sodium Aluminium Silicate. History and Mythology of Lapis Lazuli Lapis Lazuli has been used for 6000 years within jewellery! It was first mined from the Sar-e-Sang deposit in Afghanistan. It was one of the first gemstones to be used in jewellery with the oldest pieces found in the Hindukush Mountains of Afghanistan! Lapis Lazuli's name means 'blue stone' with Lapis latin for stone and Lazuli Persian for 'Azure' or 'Blue'. Lapis Lazuli has been found in the Mesopotamian royal tombs near the Uron River of the Euphrates as gold flowers inlaid with lapis lazuli were found. Also in the tomb of a Royal Sumerian was found thousands of statues of animals carved in Lapis lazuli. Lapis Lazuli is most well known as been used by the Ancient Egyptians. They used it for a number of things, from royal jewellery, to amulets to even carved statues of the Gods! It was believed the Gods could preside in the statues. It was also known by the Egyptians as Lazurite which was believed to symbolise beauty. Evidence of this can be seen on the Shabaka stone which says of the King's daughter: 'Her charms are like those of Anat Her beauty is like the beauty of Astoreh Her hair gleams like Lapis Lazuli' It also shows how lapis lazuli was used as a status symbol within the Egyptian Royal circles. It was used by Cleopatra as eye liner as it was ground up into a fine grain. Lapis Lazuli was also used by Ancient Egyptian Judges as a carved Maat amulet around their necks - Maat was a Goddess who symbolised Truth and justice within Egyptian society, and if Maat was not around, chaos would ensue. The Romans, thought that this stone prevented miscarriages and epilepsy and could be used as a aphrodisiac. They named it 'Sapphirus' Hence it's misinterpretation as a sapphire in the Bible. In South American cultures, Lapis lazuli was used in Ancient rites. In the Far East, Lapis lazuli was incorporated into panels and Plaques as it was believed that Lapis lazuli had magical properties as the pyrite inclusions within the stone were seen as stars - these stars were believed to guide human fates. In the Middle Ages it was used for medicinal purposes. It was believed to help prevent the 4 day fever. It was also used as a pigment to produce Ultramarine. Marco Polo (1254-1324), was an Christian explorer who came across Lapis Lazuli and wrote: 'There is a mountain in that region where the finest Azure (lapis lazuli) in the world is found. It appears in Veins like silver streaks.' Even in Christianity, this gemstone has been used and revered. In the bible it is believed to have been mixed up and referred to as a Sapphire, in the old testament as there is a description of a 'Sapphire sprinkled with gold dust'. This sounds like how we would describe Lapis now. It was incorporated in 14th century AD paintings of Madonna as it was seen as a Virtuous stone. The Roman order of Jesuits has a Lapis lazuli globe 60cm in diameter. In 1520-1523, an artist Titian painted 'Bacchus and Ariadne', a Greek myth. The Blue robe of Ariadne is created using pigment made from Lapis Lazuli! There was a prescription in 1600BC for a remedy for cataracts using Lapis lazuli as one of the ingredients. During Napoleon's expedition in Egypt (made in 1798- 1801), he took a Lapis Lazuli carved Scarab from a Pharaoh's tomb and was believed to carry it with him everywhere. It was a favourite stone with many Royal families including Louis XIV, the French king known as the Sun king and by the German Emperor Wilhelm I. Crystal healing Properties Lapis Lazuli teaches us the power of the spoken word. It reverses curses and past diseases from our past lives and our past. It ultimately helps harmonises all plains of ourselves from mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. When carried it helps to enhance your natural abilities. If you hand it to a loved one it is believed to help strengthen the relationship. Placed in an office or at home, it can help create a more organised atmosphere for you. Mentally, It is known as the feel better stone as it helps release stress and give a deep inner peace within yourself. It brings clarity of thought and helps encourage creativity. It also helps mental endurance and promotes natural skills and endurance that is within yourself. It teaches you to actively listen to people instead of ignoring them. Emotionally, it reveals inner truth and gives you self awareness of this truth. It releases repressed anger while bringing honesty, compassion and uprightness to your personality. To relax and destress you can place this crystal in the bathroom. Helps you to express opinions and to prevent conflict. Spiritually it helps stimulate enlightenment and psychic abilities. It helps with dream work. It protects and helps connect you to your spiritual Guardians. It also blocks from Psychic attacks. Physically it can aid with: High blood pressure Depression Headaches especially migraines Ensures a refreshing sleep - stops insomnia ( Place under the pillow) Cramp Strengthens vision Respiratory system Nervous system Throat Larynx Thyroid Cleanse the organs Bone Marrow Thymus Immune system Hearing loss Purifies the blood Skeletal pain Aids detox Repairs muscles, broken bones and fractures Zodiac sign: Sagittarius It encourages Sagittarius to turn their intellectual and multi-faceted ideas into practical application. In Astrology, Lapis Lazuli is believed to be the Stone of Friendship as it helps relations and boosts self-confidence. Chakra Association: Third Eye Chakra and Throat Chakra Thank you again for reading about the incredible lapis lazuli. All items except the amulets are available on the website to purchase. See below the Bibliography. Bibliography Crystal Power: Mythology and history, Andreas Guhr and Jorg Nagler, 2006 The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall The Healing Power of Crystals, Cass and Janie Jackson The Crystal Healer, Philip Permutt, 2015 Crystal Tips and Cures, Philip Permutt, 2015 The Lure of Gems, Steven Bennett Gemstones of the World, Walter Schumann Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook, Michael Gienger https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/image/415502001

Hi everyone! This weeks crystal is Red Jasper. Crystal Family Red Jasper is part of the Quartz family and is a finely grained Quartz. It is a sedimentary stone and is formed via silicic acid penetrating clayey or sandy rock. This then solidifies and changes to quartz however the particles in the soil or sand get trapped with in the quartz making the quartz opaque. Most jasper has 20% of the stone containing foreign materials that make each jasper unique. Red Jasper has Iron oxide, usually Fe3 in it. This creates the red-brown colour that is Red Jasper's unique characteristic. It is also known as Silex and there is red jasper within Brecciated Jasper as well. Red Jasper is Red Brown in colour and always opaque. It occurs in fissures, crevices or as nodules. Red Jasper is found in India and Brazil. Red Jasper is 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale so can be easily used in jewellery and in tumble stone form and can be used regularly. It also can be cleansed in all ways. Red Jasper Formation: Trigonal - mircocystalline aggregates Red Jasper is formed in hexagonal pillars. Chemical Composition: SiO2 + Fe,O Red Jasper has a silicon oxide base with Iron oxide inclusions, generally from 3 valency iron (Fe3+). History and Mythology of Red Jasper Jasper has been revered since Ancient times as one of the most precious stones. The Egyptians, believed that Red Jasper was the fertilising blood of their mother Goddess Isis. They used it in their gem cutting called glyptics. It was also used in scarab amulets which were placed on the neck of the deceased to protect them and bring them back to life. They were usually inscribed with the 156th chapter of the Book of the Dead. The name 'Jasper' is of Greek origin and means 'spotted stone'. It was extremely popular with the Greeks and Romans for amulets and seals as it was believed that the gemstone could create rain and drive away evil spirits and demons as well as scaring away wild animals. It was also believed this gemstone could help orators and senators to gain power and success. In the Middle Ages, Jasper had the same name as Quartz. It was known as the Stone of Warriors as there was in the legend of Siegfried the Dragonslayer, Siegfried's sword has a Red jasper within the hilt of his sword, 'Balmung'. Native Americans believed it helped bring rain and was the blood of Mother Earth and was used for health and rebirth. In 1583, Leonhard Thurneysser in his book omasticum stated jasper could help epilepsy and helped stop wounds and close them. Crystal healing Properties Red Jasper, like all jasper, is a great grounding stone. It is believed to help sort out unjust situations and bring problems to the surface. Used with Jet, it can offer protection. When placed under a pillow, it can help you with dream recall. Holding Red Jasper when you are dowsing will help your dowsing accuracy improve. Placing it in your home, can help reduce arguments in the household. Placing it in your car, will help prevent accidents and road rage. Red Jasper also can help ground crystals that are more energetic or electrical. Mentally, it helps by holding the stone to give you new ideas and helps strengthen your survival instincts. It also helps in stressful situations to calm you. Emotionally, it can act like a 'worry bead' in that when holding and rubbing it, it can calm you. It creates and strengthens boundaries to prevent you gaining inappropriate attachments or feelings to other people. When placed at the foot of a bed it can increase your passion for your sex life. Red Jasper also can help you take responsibility for your emotional health. If you are alone in the bed, place next to it to help comfort you when you are lonely. It also helps to strengthen your willpower and gives your courage and strength. Spiritually it assists rebirth of oneself. When wore it can cleanse and stabilise the aura, keeping it balanced. It helps with astral travel and meditation too. It helps strengthen your connection to Mother Earth and the Earth itself, especially when held during meditation. Physically it can aid with: Strengthens and detoxifies the circulatory system (Can use as an elixir) Strengthens and detoxifies the Liver (Can use as an elixir) Bile ducts Illness prevention Bladder Gallbladder Detoxifies the Large intestine Constipation Ulcers Spasms Balances the body's metabolism Increases sexual desire and fertility Carrying with you, it can prevent colds and flu Increases stamina Increases endurance Stops bleeding Heart Anaemia Exhaustion Haemorrhoids Epilepsy Gout Helps sensory loss of smell Zodiac sign: Aries and Taurus Chakra Association: Base Chakra That's this weeks crystal. All pictured products can be purchased on the website. Hope you enjoyed reading. Bibliography Crystal Power: Mythology and history, Andreas Guhr and Jorg Nagler, 2006 The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing, Yulia Von Doren The Crystal Healer, Philip Permutt, 2015 Crystal Tips and Cures, Philip Permutt, 2015 Crystal Co-creators, Dorothy Roeder,1994 Sacred Crystals, Hazel Raven Gemstones of the World, Walter Schumann Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook, Michael Gienger https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/red-jasper

Hi everyone! This week's post is all about Blue Lace Agate! Crystal Family Blue Lace Agate is part of the Quartz family in an off-shoot of the Agate family. It contains an opal substance and fine quartz fibres in a vertical orientation that gives it a opaque look and its distinctive banded look. The agate family has many different variations of which Blue Lace Agate is one of them. Blue lace agate is a pale blue with white stripes within. They are usually formed in ball or almond-shaped nodules, in different sizes. Blue lace agate tends to be only in small pieces such as tumble stones and beads. It is found in South Africa. Blue Lace agate is 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale so can be easily used in jewellery and in tumble stone form and can be used regularly. It also can be cleansed in all ways. Blue Lace Agate Formation: Trigonal - noncrystalline aggregates Blue lace agate is formed in rhombohedral forms.The prism base is three sided. Chemical Composition: Silicon dioxide with inclusions of Iron and salt. Blue Lace agate has a compound of iron and salt within it to give it its colour. The bands are made via crystallise at regular intervals. History and Mythology of Blue Lace Agate Sadly this stone was only found in 1967 by a farmer called George Swanson on a farm in Namibia. George Swanson first called it the 'ecology gem' due to it looking like clouds, howver it was renamed after its colour and banding. Agate in general has been known for a long time. A Greek named Theophrastus found Agate near the River Achates - hence its name. Crystal healing Properties Blue Lace Agate is a great healing stone that brings peace of mind and is an excellent stone for communication and aiding self expression. It is a slow working stone, as all agates are, so its best to wear for long periods of time. It is also a great stone to stabilise and balance you via grounding. It helps anyone who struggles to be heard. It harmonises with Malachite, Blue Chalcedony, Anandalite, Guardianite, Moldavite and Blue Kyanite. Mentally, it helps mental stress as it releases the fear of judgement and helps you communicate your mental issues with others. It also aids clarity on your thoughts. Emotionally, it nurtures and supports you. It calms anger and helps you to express your feelings that are hidden or suppressed. It assists with any fear of being judged and supports you in the growth of confidence in communicating with people. It enhances loyalty and trustworthiness in yourself and others. For men it helps them to express more sensitive feelings and feelings in general and nurtures this expression. Spiritually it assists you to connect with higher energies and beings. It helps you reach the highest truths and express them. It also brings inner peace. Wearing blue lace agate can uplift your spirit. It also assists in enhancing communication with your spirit guides. It also brings angelic energy to you and helps connect with yourself. Physically it can aid with: Infection Inflammation Fevers - lowers them Shoulder problems Neck Problems Thyroid deficiencies Throat and lymph infections e.g sore throats Removes blockages of the nervous system Treats arthritic and bone deformity Strengthens skeletal system Heals fractures Aids Capillaries and pancreas As an elixir, it can treat Brain fluid imbalances and hydrocephalus Aids sore eyes by bathing them in an elixir. Asthma Emphysema Speech - stammers Nails Pancreas Fluid retention Skin growths It is especially good for children to help their communication skills. It can be used to enhance sound healing, as it is able to pinpoint exactly where the sound healing needs to go. Zodiac sign: Pisces Chakra Association: Throat Chakra That's all for this week, hope this was informative and useful! Bibliography The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall The Lure of Gems, Steve Bennett, 2014 Crystal Healing, Judy Hall, 2009 The Crystal Healer, Philip Permutt, 2015 The Pocket Book of Stones, Robert Simmons, 2015 Crystal Co-creators, Dorothy Roeder,1994 Sacred Crystals, Hazel Raven

Hello everyone! This week's blog post is about the amazing black obsidian. Obsidian Family Black Obsidian is an igneous rock formed via volcanic lava in silic acid or if it hits water it cools rapidly. It does not have chance to have any crystalline structures to form so it is a type of Volcanic glass. Black Obsidian is Opaque as a rule though I have seen some that has been cut so you can see through it. It is an amorphous crystal system. It is found in Ecuador, Indonesia, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico and the United States, Ethiopia and Afghanistan. Its chemical composition is SiO2 + Fe2O3 + H2O + Al, C, Ca,K, Na, Fe It is 5-5.5 on the Mohs Scale and is used in jewellery, tools and ornaments. History and Mythology of Obsidian Obsidian has been used mainly in ancient times. It was one of the earliest minerals used by humans as it was used in Paleolithic times for blades and tools for hunting as well as believing that they would protect them from the beasts they were hunting. There have been ancient' factories' of production found that created arrowheads, spear points, knife blades and scrapers. They also used them for jewellery as well. This protection element is probably also why these blades have been found in burials. British museum photo of a obsidian blade made in Mexico. In Ancient Egypt, Herodotus states in his Book 3 about Egypt that the priests used obsidian blades to cut the mummy to get the organs out. A 'peseh-kef' in the Brooklyn museum has been suggested as a ritual knife for mummification. Obsidian with its protection attribute and was used to ward off evil would have been very good to protect the dead while they were been mummified. It has been found in many tombs in Abydos, which was known by the Egyptians as being the entrance of where the Underworld was. The Obsidian was also used for the eyes of mummy cases in dynasties 29 and 30. It was also used for the head of a statue of the Pharaoh Amenemes III. The Egyptians also used it throughout its Prehistory for Naquada II for tools and fishing hooks as it is known from studies that they imported it from as far as Afghanistan. The Ancient Greeks used them also in addition to tools as mirrors as obsidian it very shiny. Obsidian itself got its name from a Roman called Obsius, who found it in Ethiopia. The Romans used it for amulets and necklaces. The Aztecs called one of their Great Goddesses ' Itzpapalotl' which means 'Obsidian-knife butterfly', who is depicted as a skeleton with wings tipped with obsidian knives. The high priests also used obsidian mirrors to connect with the Gods and through these they could find out what the Gods and Goddesses wanted. In the Middle Ages, Obsidian was used in Magical rituals to drive out demons. The Mayans, used the obsidian in a similar way to the Aztecs as they used them to see into the future and only priests used them there God Tezcatliposa was known as 'smokey mirror'. Nowadays, we still use obsidian as a tool - a surgical tool as it has been found to cut very precisely. Crystal Healing In Crystal healing, Black Obsidian is known as Stone of Truth as it reveals the truth even if you do not want it to come out. So when using this you have to be willing to be ready for unpleasant truths or negative ones. If you give obsidian to another it is the be a symbol of wisdom to that person. Emotionally, it is a great stone for anyone who is very sensitive or emotional empathy as it protects from negativity and other people as it is not a sociable crystal. So it you do want to socialise and interact, you need to not take obsidian with you! It helps with obsession and also helps to change behaviours in yourself. If you have energy blocks, these will be dissolved by Obsidian. It can also deep soul heal as it helps to go back to our past lives to find and heal any past traumas. This is why it is a useful stone for therapists and counsellors as it gets to the truth of things and also past traumas. It is a good stone to help increase self control, release old loves and supports change within yourself. By placing it under a pillow it is supposed to help with mental stress and tension by revealing the cause. Wearing it is supposed to help protect from accidents and unkind thoughts and also promotes understanding and helps you gain new skills. It also helps make you more decisive in your decisions. It dispels Psychic, geopathic stress and environmental pollution and is known as a soul mirror as its used for divination as it polishes up beautifully for scrying tools. Physically it helps aid: · the digestion system · Arthritic and joint pain · Heals wounds and alleviates pain · Stops bleeding · Improves circulation · Detoxifies · cramps · Good for shock (use an elixir) · Can be used to shrink a enlarged prostrate Obsidian is associated with the star sign Sagittarius and is associated with the Root/Base Chakra. This is why it is an excellent grounding stone. Thank you so much for reading this blog post! Bibliography www.geology.com/rocks/obsidian.shtmt Gemstones of the World, Walter Schulmann, 5th edition Crystal Tips and Cures, Philip Permutt Sacred Crystals, Hazel Raven Crystals: The modern guide to Crystal Healing, Yulia Van Doren The Lure of Gems, Steve Bennett, 2014 Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook, Michael Gienger, 1998 The Crystal Bible, Judy hall 'Obsidian in Ancient Egypt', J Summers from the Journal of the College of Idaho The Angel and the Abyss: The Inward Journey Books II and II, Daniel Guther, 2014 https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am1986-18-77_1

Hi everyone! This week's blog post is all about the warm fire like carnelian! Carnelian Family Carnelian is part of the Chalcedony family which is a branch coming away from the Cryptocrystalline Quartz family. It is the orange variety of the Chalcedony family. It gains its orange colour due to inclusions of Iron and comes in the colour variations of red, orange, brown and yellow. It is found unusually near alkaline and acid Volcanic rock. It is a trigonal crystal system. The darker variation of Carnelian is called Sard. It ranges from being translucent to opaque. It is found in Brazil, India, Uruguay, England (Cornwall), France, Japan, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Peru, Iceland and Romania.  Its Chemical Composition is SiO2 + (Fe, O, OH). It is usually used in carved ornaments, Jewellery and tumblestones.  The hardness of Carnelian on Mohs scale is 6-7. You do have to be carefully whether your carnelian is a Carnelian or whether it is a heated treated Red Agate as most labelled carnelians are red agates. You must pop the carnelian into the sunlight and if you see stripes it is an agate. Carnelian does not have stripes naturally. History and Mythology of Carnelian Carnelian has a very long history of usage. It is also known as being spelt Cornelian. It got its name due to the stone being similar in colour to the Kornel Cherry. In Ancient times it was a stone of spirituality and a protection for the dead as well as associated with royalty. There was found in a 3rd century BC Sumerian Queen's tomb, a robe which was encrusted with Carnelians. The Egyptians used carnelian for amulets, jewellery for carvings and we have many examples throughout museums of the world, from various ancient Egyptian tombs of its usage. They believed that it Carnelian was 'the blood of Isis' who was a very important goddess of the Egyptian Pantheon who was a magician and protected put together and brought back to life Osiris, her deceased husband, when he had been cut up and bits of his body have been placed in each Egyptian Nome. The Egyptians believed that their dead became Osiris and so Carnelian was very important for protecting the dead on their journey to the afterlife. The amulet of carnelian has usually been found by the throat. The Ancient Greeks used carnelian as a type of lucky charm to bring courage and confidence to the wearer. The Romans believed the shades of Carnelian represented the different genders. So Dark versions of Carnelian like Sard, were masculine and to be worn and carried by men, while the lighter shades were feminine and used by women. They again believed in the protective powers of Carnelian and the strength and courage it brought. Many Carnelian ring seals have been found that are dated to Roman times and were used by many high-powered Romans to seal ownership and wax tablets, with many having carvings. This picture is from the British museum which has a carved cupid in the carnelian. The Arabs believed Carnelian was the stone of the Royalty and associated it with lions and fire due to its warm, fire-like tones. It was also believed to help with communicating to large communities and doing speeches which a King has to do to control and rule their peoples. Traders in the Middle-East wear Carnelian with a prayer carved in it - this is to protect from envy from other traders. It is believed the Prophet Muhammed worn carnelian seal ring on his finger. The Bible also mentions Carnelian as it is in first row of the breastplate of Aaron. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to help to stop bleeding  and calmed anger. In the 17th century, they used Carnelian against haemorrhage as they associated the colour as being able to help with the blood and stopping blood clots, and other blood diseases. They also believed that it helped against poisons. It was ground down into a powder and ingested. Crystal Healing Properties Carnelian has many uses in Crystal Healing. It is known to help cleanse other crystals that are around it. It is known to help re-energise and bring vitality back into your life, especially good for the elderly in this respect. It helps in work spaces as it energises and boosts the surrounding environment so creating a work grid helps this. Carnelian is also good for the workplace as you can carry it round to meetings and places where you are hoping for success.  In your home life, carnelian if placed at the front door, invites positive energies, protection from jealousy and invites life to your home.  It is believed to help with creativity so that you make the right decisions and brings abundance to your life.  In addition, it is a great stone for revising or learning as it helps with your concentration and memory levels. Due to this help in concentration it helps meditation.  Emotionally, it helps ground you from all abuse, mental or physical and well as helping with depression. It also aids removing fear of death and replaces it with courage and acceptance about it. It is believed to protect against anger, jealousy and resentment.  Physically it aids: the metabolism Reproductive organs Heightens the want for sex (place on the area for 20 minutes) Lower back problems Rheumatism, arthritis and neuralgia Bones and ligaments (pop on the area affected) Circulatory system especially the blood as it helps flow. Helps absorption and regulation of minerals in the body Thirst Digestion Gallbladder Thyroid Liver Lungs Kidneys Spleen Helps against eating disorders asthma and hay fever Colds, bronchitis and infections Jaundice minor cuts and grazes You can combine carnelian with other quartz such as Amethyst and rose quartz to unite all 7 chakras. Using Smokey quartz with it on your root chakra for extra grounding. Using Moldavite on your heart chakra with Carnelian with boost your energy levels.  Carnelian is associated with the Sacral and Root chakras due to its grounding and fertility crystal healing associations. It is also associated with the Star sign Sagittarius. Here's a list of books I have used for this blog, feel free to check them out! Bibliography https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-legend-carnelian-gems-yore/ https://accessgems.com/carnelian-stone-meaning-short-history/ The Pocket Book of Stones, Richard Simmons, 2015 Gemstones of the World, Walter Schumann, 5th edition The Healing Power of Crystals, Cass and Janie Jackson, 2001 The Lure of Gems, Steve Bennett, 2014 Crystal Healing, Judy Hall The Crystal Healer, Philip Permutt, 2015 Crystals for Everyday Living, Christina Rodenbeck, 2015 Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook, Michael Gienger, 1998 Crystal Bible, Judy Hall, 2009 Thanks for reading and I hope its been informative!

Hi everyone! This week my blog is all about this understated and totally underestimated Green Aventurine! This stone has sooo many crystal healing benefits but it is one of the products that is least brought on my stall although I have some beautiful carved pieces available on the stall! So I wanted you to read about it and see if I can persuade you to get this fabulous crystal into your crystal healing lives! Green Aventurine Family Green Aventurine is part of the Quartz family. The difference between the Quartz and Green Aventurine is that Green Aventurine has mica inclusions, specifically Fuchsite inclusions. This glittery effect has been labelled Aventurescence. It is a crypto-crystalline crystal with a trigonal crystal structure. It forms in igneous rocks, sediments and Crystalline slates. It is found in Brazil, India, Austria, Russia and Tanzania. Its chemical composition is SiO2 + KAI2(OH,F)2/Al Si3O10 + Cr.   It is usually popped in jewellery as a cabochon cut and is used for carved ornaments and tumblestones. It is translucent to opaque and comes in a light green colour. The Hardness on the Mohs scale for Green Aventurine is 6.5-7 which makes it hard enough to pop in jewellery.  Green Aventurine History and Mythology Green Aventurine does not have a lot of history. It has been mistaken as Jade many times so this maybe one of the reasons for the lack of historical knowledge for this crystal. It has been used in jewellery and as ornaments for years. It was discovered in 1700 and named after the Italian 'per aventura' which means 'By chance'. It was believed in the 1800s that Venetian glass makers that by accident mixed copper bits with glass to produce a sparkly glass. It has generally been used by gamblers as a lucky talisman, with many gamblers pooping the stone in the left pocket as Luck and Left have L's.  Crystal healing  Green Aventurine though lacking in historical use has many crystal healing properties and uses.  It is known as a stone of wealth and is used by gamblers and people who need luck in their life. It helps destress and relax people in negative situations by creating a positive situation out of the negative situation. It helps us to connect with the spirit guides and spirits from the devic kingdom as well. Environmentally, Green Aventurine, as it has a strong connection with mother earth, can be used in house grids to help combat geopathic stress as well as environmental pollution. By taping a Green Aventurine it can also assist ridding electromagnetic smog or pollution.  Emotionally, it can help stabilise the mind, helping emotional recovery and calming anger. It also can help mentally, as it can promote well-being within oneself.  It helps with many sleep, stress or anxiety disorders especially during exam times.  Therapists tend to use it to assist in finding out the root causes of past disease, so as to help figure out ways to heal.  Adventurine is a good stone for helping to make decisions and to help with encouraging the leadership attributes we hold within ourselves. It is also believed to help enhance creativity especially sportsmen and women as it increases their reaction times. It also prevents people sapping your positive heart energy which is called psychic vampirism. Physically, it aids: Regeneration of the heart Growth between birth and 7 years old Thysmus gland Connective tissues Nervous system Blood pressure Metabolism Lowers cholesterol Arteriosclerosis Heart attacks Helps skin and spot allergies (using a elixir can be very beneficial) Migraine headaches Helps the eyes Adrenals Lungs Sinuses Muscular system Urogenital systems Helps sickness Sunburn and sunstroke Helps sleep Claustophobia Stammers Malignancy/Tumours It is associated with the star sign Aries, and the Heart chakra, so placing it on the heart chakra will be highly beneficial for the client.  So I hope this helps you on understanding Green Aventurine and hopefully you guys and gals will be asking about what items I have that are Green Aventurine :) Thank you for reading, as you probably noticed in the last blog I do pop a bibliography just in case you would like to read more about it! Bibliography Crystal Bible, Judy Hall, 2009 Healing Crystals - The A-Z guide to 430 crystals, Michael Gienger Crystal power, Crystal healing: The complete Handbook, Michael Gienger. 1998 The Little Pocket Book of Crystal Tips and Cures, Philip Permutt, 2015 The Pocket Book of Stones, Robert Simmons, 2015 Crystal healing, Judy Hall The Crystal Healer, Philip Permutt, 2007

Rose Quartz Crystal Family  Rose Quartz is part of the Quartz family. The difference between amethyst and rose quartz is the minerals that create the colour, in Rose quartz's case it is manganese or titanium, that creates its beautiful pink hue. It is formed in Crystalline masses or very rarely hexagonal crystals. Depending on the amount of manganese or titanium in the quartz, rose quartz ranges from a light pink to a medium pink. It is found in South Africa, United States, Brazil, Japan, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Namibia, USSR and Spain. Its chemical composition is SiO2 which is silicon and oxygen and has a trace of manganese. It is usually translucent or opaque, though rarely transparent.  It is formed in large pegmatites and veins in watery conditions for a long period of time.  The forms is takes is in tumblestones or rough unpolished pieces (if larger) Clusters are rare and single points are extremely rare. Star asterism in some of the rose quartz can occur.  The Mohs scale hardness for Rose quartz is 7 like most of the quartz family. This means it can be used in all forms from jewellery to tumbles to being cut into towers. Rose quartz can be cleansed in all ways except the sunshine as it can fade in colour. History and Mythology Its name derives from the French word for pink 'Rose'. Rose Quartz has a long history, as it has been known to be used since 7000BC! It has always been associated with love and fertility. Mesopotamians and Assyrians The earliest it has been used is in 7000BC where rose quartz beads have been found in Mesopotamia, clearly used as jewellery.  The Assyrians used it between 800BC -600BC for jewellery. Picture is from the British museum collection site 2nd-4th century rose quartz beads from Afghanistan (See Bibliography for webpage!) Ancient Egyptians The Ancient Egyptians believed that Rose quartz could help reduce ageing and wrinkles. This is due to their myth that Isis (goddess of fertility, love, magic and women) used the crystal as an anti-ageing tool herself. There have been finds of rose quartz facial mummy masks in tombs - probably to keep the owner youthful in the afterlife. Ancient Greeks The Ancient Greeks involved many of the Quartz family into their myths and legends to explain the presence of this 'Krustellos' or Ice as it is translated. Rose Quartz has 2 variations of Greek myths and legends associated with it. The first is associated with Aphrodite and her lover Adonis. Adonis was attacked by the God Ares (a rival for Aphrodite's affections) who was in the form of a Wild Boar. Aphrodite tried to save Adonis, however she got tangled up in a Briar bush that cut her. The mix of Adonis' and Aphrodite’s blood stained the nearby quartz pink. Hence the stone's association with love came about as in the end of the story Zeus feels sorry for them and brought Adonis back 6 months of the year.  The other Greek myth associated with this stone concerns another couple of love gods, Cupid and Eros. They are believed to have brought rose quartz to man to incite love and desire among mankind. Ancient Romans The ancient Romans also believed that it prevented ageing but also use it as a sign of ownership via ring seals. Archaeologists have found lots of rose quartz cameos, rings and bracelets. Hinduism Hindu healers loved this stone, saying that it was the 'stone of forgiveness'. They believed that it brought about conciliation to anyone who carried it. They also believed that appreciating Rose quartz was a early step to understanding revenge, jealousy, envy and greed and choosing compassion instead. Far East Not just the Western world was this used, in the ancient Tibetan and Chinese cultures, rose quartz was a great symbol of love since 6000BC and was given symbolically as a gift. In the Far East there was a legend that the Sun, when he woke in the morning fell in love with the beauty of a newborn princess who was bright blue. The Sun gave her the gift of heat and light so she would live in peace and harmony and remember the Sun was her friend. The Sun then created rose quartz and gave it to the princess who became the Earth mother Gaia, who gave rose quartz to Humans. Medieval Times In medieval times, it was believed that rose quartz had great healing properties and was put in a variety of healing and love potions. It was used to make jewellery and was used to decorate St. Wenceslas Chapel in Prague! Victorians In Victorian times, Rose quartz was used in jewellery and other items, as it was associated for remembrance in prayer - maybe a precursor of our crystal healing connection with it for the fact it can help a grieving heart. Crystal Healing Nowadays, Rose quartz is still used in jewellery, tumblestones and towers, and mainly given as gifts of love and has been labelled the stone of love due to its crystal healing properties. Not only is great for improving family relationships but can help relationships with partners. It is a well-known crystal healing tool to place in the corner of a bedroom to help boost and keep a relationship fresh and vibrate. You can use it as a elixir as you can immerse in alcohol and put it into teas and infusions. It also is known as the stone of self-love as it helps to give you the confidence and strength to love yourself. It also helps you to forgive yourself and trust in the fact that you are worthy of that love and the love of others. Carrying it around on your heart chakra or on your person helps with this.  If you are not in a loving relationship, rose quartz helps to attract that love, or if you have a broken heart to help you mend it. As previously stated in the history of rose quartz, it can be used if your are grieving to help you mend and love again.  It benefits people who are stressed or anxious, as it calms this anxiety and gets rid of negativity due to its colour and is best to wear it for this purpose.  Rose quartz also replaces this negative energy with positive energy. This use is great for anyone who has had negative childhood or past experiences as it brings out the emotions but in a positive way. It calms anger as it is believed to dissipate when you are in the presence of this crystal. It is also known as a stone of the great mother since it can connect you to earth and universe via the heart of the earth and your personal heart. It connects well with all other stones to help aid. Physically, Rose quartz can aid: ⦁ the heart ⦁ circulatory system ⦁ cleans body fluids ⦁ the lungs ⦁ kidneys ⦁ adrenals ⦁ vertigo ⦁ fertility ⦁ burns ⦁ blisters ⦁ The complexion (you can place rose quartz in your bath to help this) ⦁ Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Dementia ⦁ Varicose veins ⦁ general aches and pains ⦁ Protects against environmental pollution ⦁ helps detox ⦁ against trauma or injury ⦁ menstrual cycle ⦁ spleen ⦁ asthma Chakra The heart and circulatory system are aided by rose quartz due to it being a heart chakra stone, to be more precise it is for the higher heart chakra. The heart chakra helps to love yourself and aid in love as well. It also can be used on other chakras to help give love energy to them. Zodiac Astrologically it is associated with Taurus and Libra. It is also the birthstone of January as well as been associated with the 5th Wedding anniversary.  So I hope this helps give you some more information about the beautiful, delicate and amazing Rose Quartz! Bibliography https://www.geriwalton.com/victorian-birthstones-and-their/ https://www.gia.edu/rose-quartz-history-lore The Little Pocket book of Crystal Tips and Cures, Philip Permutt 2015 The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall, 2009 Crystals, The Modern guide to crystal healing, Yulia Van Doren  The Crystal healer, Philip Permutt, 2007 Crystal Prescriptions, Judy Hall, 2005 Sacred Crystals, Hazel Raven, 2017 Crystal healing, Judy Hall 2005 Crystal Power, Crystal healing: The Complete Handbook, Michael Gienger, 1998 The pocket book of stones, Robert Simmons, 2015 Crystal Power: Mythology and History, Andreas Guhr and Jorg Nagler, 2006 http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=3548543&partId=1&searchText=rose+quartz&page=1

Hi everyone! This weeks post is about my crystals, gemstones and mineral stock and also a little about how you can try and tell by eye if it is genuine. For my crystals and minerals that I have, I trust in a few select UK businesses (Sorry but cannot specify which ones as it is not good business!). They are family companies who I have gotten to know really well and they know exactly what types of pieces I am interested in. I know that they travel to various different places such as Hong Kong, Brazil and India to get their supplies. India and china are the main cutters for the majority of gemstones that we have on the market today! I also personally handpick from my suppliers the pieces I buy, it is my number one rule! For me, I have to see and feel the pieces as many of you would agree. That means I can make sure I get quality pieces at the best prices! For example, pearls can easily be tested whether real or not – Firstly if it is perfectly round - its fake! Unless it has a price tag that is massive! This is because no pearl is perfectly round as it is an organic material. You will also sometimes see ridges in the pearls. This is completely normal. Another way - though I suggest you don't do it in front of the seller - is rub them against your teeth. If they are gritty against your teeth, they are real, if they are smooth against your teeth they are fake. Gemstones should be cold to the touch even at room temperature, they should only warm up when held in your hands for a couple of minutes! Exceptions to this is organic materials like pearls and amber. If you want to be 100% (as the Chinese and other cultures are amazing at faking crystals nowadays) get the proper tools and learn about what to look for! Always buy from reputed buyers and not from certain sites online and hoping they are real! If you buy from UK suppliers they have to follow UK trading standards so it means that you have a fall-back position if it is not the real deal. Anyways, back to how I pick my gemstones from my reputed and trusted suppliers, I always touch and feel them as each crystal has a different energy and the energy needs me to be good to buy it. If you know about crystal healing you will get this, if not try it out with crystals at home or next time you go to a fayre. The Crystal also tells you whether its right for you. Each crystal then becomes 'fostered' by myself temporarily till it finds its forever home. So it is highly important for me to handpick them and for you too! That is why I always ask you to touch and feel the crystal before purchasing, even if it does sometimes mean that its loses me money. I would rather you feel good vibes from the crystal than purchase it and regret it. Regarding my handmade jewellery some of our new customers are usually tentative when buying as my prices seem too good to be true. I usually get from customers: 'I would get them but they are so cheap in price! And how do you know they are genuine?' Our main supplier it was a family based company who love gemstones and want to make sure it is accessible for everyone. They go travelling around the world going direct to the sources and buying them. They go direct to the mines and the people who mine it, which means that they see the conditions of the workers and believe me it looks a lot of hard work! If you want to read about these mine stories I would highly recommend Steve Bennett's book 'The Lure of Gems' as it has all the information you could need about gemstones (even ones you have never even heard of!) but also he retells the stories of visits to mines in Brazil, Madagascar and other places around the world! Plus he owns the company in question I use. When I first watched the documentaries (which you can purchase I believe on DVD) that they did on the mines they go to I did not realise how much work goes into sourcing and mining these incredible gemstones! The suppliers have really good relationships with the mine owners and they go visit the mine workers homes too. They saw that some of the miners’ families had to travel to get water so Steve Bennett founded a charity called the Colourful Life Foundation. This fantastic charity gives back to the workers who find these amazing stones by funding wells, schools etc. check out https://www.colourfullife.org/projects/ for just a few of their projects. So the money I spent with our supplier has contributed to this charity. Where did the gemstones go from there once they were brought by the company from the mines? They went to Jaipur, India, where the best gem cutting houses are. They first check that the stones they have are the correct ones that are supposed to be shipped through. If not the shipment is sent back. Once checked it is then painstakingly analysed to find out where to cut and facet by experts that have trained for years. Then once cut and maybe faceted it is then polished and colour sorted into strands. As I have said these guys are experts in their fields, spending years of learning where to cut, facet and polish. Their eyesight has to be incredible to colour sort the most minuscule colour changes and to facet each small gemstone to perfection. When I first saw from one of the small documentaries what they did and what it took just to make a strand of gemstones it shocked me but it also wowed me as I appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty that these people help to bring out of each gemstone. Once this process is done it is weighed and checked and given a certificate of authentication to prove what it is before being shipped to the UK. Once in the UK it is then checked again by qualified in-house gemmologists to make sure the shipment is the right one. Again if it isn't it is rejected and shipped back. Then it is sold to people like me to create a beautiful piece of jewellery for you guys and girls to buy! Every time I purchase a strand of gemstones I have an online certificate of authentication of all the gemstones that are purchased that I can access. Here's one of the many certificates of authenticity that I have: And this is one of the exact same gemstone referred to in the certificate ( Pyrite 5 petal flowers) with some of the gemstones made into a Stretchy bracelet. Sorry for rambling on so long but hopefully this helps to make you as a customer or a potential customer feel confident that Aphrodite designs is selling Genuine Gemstone Jewellery and that I know where they are coming from! Any questions please ask (Obviously not going to tell you all my suppliers, I have to keep my big guns a secret, just trust they are the best of the best!) but I hope you understand that my ethos is all about making sure that everyone can have access to genuine gemstones and crystals, via reputed UK family companies! Thank you again for reading, and hope you continue to follow my blog!