VESUVIANITE

VESUVIANITE (IDOCRASE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Vesuvianite is composed of calcium, magnesium
and aluminum silicate, often with some beryllium and fluorine. The
chemistry is Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2)7)2(OH)4. Specimens range from brown
and green to a rare yellow or blue. The hardness is 6-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Vesuvianite forms by igneous and metamorphic processes. It
commonly is metamorphic and occurs with grossular, wollastonite, and
calcite in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks; with chromite and
magnetite in serpentinite of hydrothermal metamorphic rocks; and with
wollastonite, andradite, and diopside in carbonatites.

OCCURENCE: Gem-quality Vesuvianite has been obtained from a pegmatite in
marble near Sixteen Island Lake, Laurel, Argenteuil Co., Quebec, and
beautiful micromount cyrstals of purplish-pink color occur in massive
Vesuvianite at the Montral chrome pit at Black Lake, Megantic Co.,
Quebec. The blue variety called [cyprine] has been obtained at Franklin,
Sussex Co., New Jersey. Fine crystals up to 1-1/2 inches across occur in
pale-blue calcite at Scratch Gravel, near Helena, Lewis and Clark Co.,
Montana, and spectacular material of similar nature occurs at quarries
near Riverside, California. Beautiful pale-green massive Vesuvianite
([californite]) occurs in California at Pulga, Butte Co.,
and near Happy Camp, Siskiyou Co., and crude yellow prismatic crystals
occur with grossular at Xalostoc, Morelos, and Lake Jaco, Chihuahua,
Mexico.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Translucent gray to green or nearly colorless
Vesuvianite with green streaks is called [californite], and is often
sold as “California Jade.” Californite is fashioned into cabochons.
Principal sources are the USSR, Italy, Canada and California.

NAME: The name “Vesuvianite” is from the original locality at Mt.
Vesuvius, Italy. The alternate name, “idocrase,” comes from the Greek
[eidos,] “form”, and [krasis,] “mixture,” because Vesuvianite may appear
to combine the crystal forms of several other minerals.

LEGEND and LORE: None found.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Dolfyn associates this stone with Passion, enthus-
iasm, warmth and devotion.

HEALING: No specific information found, other than what Dolfyn states.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: None. I do not have a specimen of Vesuvianite.

——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from)”The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.
2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.
3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.
5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
6. Some magical and healing information from “Crystal Wisdom, Spiritual
Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.
7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.
8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.
9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.
10. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and
notebooks.

OPAL

OPAL

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Opal is hydrous silica, often with some iron and
aluminum. Its chemistry is SiO2.nH2O; amount of water varies up to 10
percent. It ranges in color from White, yellow, red, pink, brown to
gray, blue and even colorless. It is most easily recognized by its rich
internal play of colors (opalescence). Its hardness ranges from 5-1/2 to
6-1/2. It is vitreous and pearly. The streak is white. It is not found
in crystal form, rather is is usually massive, botryoidal, reniform,
stalactitic, and/or earthy.

ENVIRONMENT: Opal is a low-temperature mineral and usually develops in
a wide variety of rocks as cavity and fracture fillings. It requently
develops as amygdules in basalt and rhyolite of volcanic rock and
replaces the cells in wood and the shells of clams.
2625

OCCURENCE: Common opal is widespread and can be readily obtained at many
places, but localities for precious opal are rare and seem to localized
in W United States and Mexico. Magnificent examples of opalized wood can
be found in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, and lively
green fluorescing opal (hyalite) occurs in seams in pegmatites in New
England and North Carolina and in cavities in basalt near Klamath Falls,
Oregon. Beautiful precious opal, as a replacement in wood, has been
obtained in Virgin Valley, Humboldt Co., Nevada.  Excellent fire and
precious opal occur in laval flows in N Mexico. Nevada, Australia, and
Honduras are sources for black opal; Australia and Czechoslovakia
for white opal; Mexico and SW United States for fire opal.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Black, dark blue, dark green opal with dark gray
body color and fine play of colors is called [black opal;] opal with
white or light body color and fine play of color is called [white opal;]
and transparent to translucent opal with body color ranging from
orange-yellow to red and a play of colors is called [fire opal.] Play of
colors depends upon interference of light and is not dependent upon body
color. Black opal is the most highly prized, and fire opal is the most
valued of the orange and red varieties. Most opal is fashioned into
cabochons, but some fire opals are faceted.

NAME: The word is from the Sanskrit [upala,] meaning “precious stone.”

LEGEND and LORE: Opal is a birthstone for October.

“October’s child is born for woe,
And life’s vicissitudes must know;
But lay an  Opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those foes to rest.” (5)

Opals have traditionally been considered “lucky” stones…but only for
those born in the month of October. It has been considered bad luck to
wear them if you were born in any other month.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Opal is considered to be able to confer the gift of
invisibility on its wearer. To accomplish this, Cunningham says “The gem
was wrapped in a fresh bay leaf and carried for this purpose.” He also
says, “Opals are also worn to bring out inner beauty. A beauty spell:
Place a round mirror on the altar or behind it so that you can see your
face within it while kneeling.  Place two green candles on eithe side of
the mirror. Light the candles. Empower an opal with your need for beauty
— while holding the stone, gaze into your reflection. With the scalpel
of your visualization, mold and form your face (and your body) to the
form you desire. Then, carry or wear the opal and dedicate
yourself to improving your appearance.” (2)

HEALING: Opals contain all the colors of the other stones, thus, it
could be used in place of any of them. (They are akin to quartz
crystals, in this aspect.) Generally speaking, Opal is used more
frequently for healing the spirit, rather than the physical body.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Opals are probably my favorite stone. This may be
partially due to the fact that they are my birthstone, and I have been
surrounded by them all of my life. For me, they are protective and
invigorating. I normally use them during Journeying, and when doing
“readings” for other…anything where I am using altered states of
consciousness. I find that they help me to understand the symbols of my
2626

visions in a way that makes them meaningful for others.

——-bibliography——-

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurance and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.

2. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s En-
cyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

3. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A
Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

4. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and
notebooks, by <grin> Tandika Star.

5. Birthday poem from “The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious
Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

MOONSTONE

MOONSTONE

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Moonstone is one variation of Orthoclase. It
owes its beautiful silvery to bluish sheen (‘adularescence’ or ‘schil-
ler’) to its composition of extremely thin plates of orthoclase and
albite. The thinner these plates are, the bluer is the sheen. There are
also moonstones consisting mainly of albite. These are less translucent,
but they can occur in a variety of colours: grey, blue, green, brown,
yellow and white. There are also moonstone cat’s-eyes. The chemical
composition is KAlSi3O8 and the hardness is 7. The streak is white.

ENVIRONMENT: The potash feldspars are important rock-forming minerals in
plutonic, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks. Adularia and sanidine are
found usually in volcanic rocks.

OCCURENCE: The main countries of origin are Ceylon, southern India (the
district near Kangayam), Tanzia and Malagasy which, together with Burma,
produces some of the finest stones with a deep blue schiller. White
adularia crystals up to 2.5 cm (1″) across have been found in gold-bear-
ing quartz veins at Bodie, Mono Co., California, and in the silver mines
of the Silver City district, Owhyee Co., Idaho.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Moonstone is always cut into cabochons, to display
the cat’s-eye, or schiller.

NAME: Adularia (another name for Moonstone) comes from the locality in
Switzerland, the Adula Mts.

LEGEND and LORE: This stone has always been revered because of its lunar
attraction. It was believed that the shiller in the stone would follow
the cycles of the moon. (Becoming greatest when the moon was full.) In
addition, it has always been considered a “feminine, or Goddess” stone.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Meditation with moonstone calls into consciousness
the three-form moon phase goddesses, Diana/Selene/Hecate, the waxing,
Full and waning Moon. These are woman as goddess in her ages and
contradictions, Maiden/Mother/Crone. Cunningham favors this stone for
spells involving love. In addition he has a longish essay on using it
for a “diet” stone.

HEALING: Because of it’s feminine nature, Moonstone has long been
considered a “womans healing stone”. It is used traditionally for
healing/balancing of female organs and hormones.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I use Moonstone at the Transpersonal Point, for
connection to the Goddess and Universal Feminine Energy. This is the
connection to dreams and dreaming, feminine “intuition”, and “cycles”.
There are cycles of time, seasons, the moon, stars, etc. I also use/give
2623

this stone for those clients who are having difficulty being in tune
with the feminine side of their nature.  (Everyone has a masculine and
a feminine side.)

NOTES: In the past, this stone has also been called “Cylon Opal”.

——-bibliography——-

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.

2. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.

3. Other Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.

4. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s En-
cyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

5. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A
Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

6. Some of the healing information may come from “A Journey Through the
Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

7. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and
notebooks, by <grin> Tandika Star.

8. Birthstone poem from “The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious
Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

Crystal Magick

Crystals and stones are gifts of the Goddess and God. They are sacred, magickal tools which can be used to enhance ritual and magick. Here are some of the ways of Earth magick.
PREPARING THE CIRCLE: The magick circle can be laid out with crystals and stones, if desired, rather than with herbs.
Beginning and ending in the North, lay 7, 9, 21 or 40 quarts crystals of any size around the circle, either inside the cord or in place of it.  If the ritual to be conducted within the circle is of a usual spiritual or magickal nature, place the quartz crystals with points outward.  If of a protective nature, place with points facing inward.
If you use candles to mark the four quarters of the magick circle rather than large stones, ring each candle with any or all of the following stones:
North: Moss Agate, Emerald, Jet, Olivine, Salt, Black Tourmaline East: Imperial Topaz, Citrine, Mica, Pumice South: Amber, Obsidian, Rhodochrosite, Ruby, Lava, Garnet West: Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Sugilite       A Stone Altar:
To make this altar, search through dry riverbeds and seashores for a variety of smoothly-shaped stones. Or check rock shops for appropriate pieces.
Create the altar itself of three large stones. Two smaller ones of even size are used as  the base, while a longer, flat stone is placed on top of these to form the altar itself.  On this place one stone to the left of the altar to represent the Goddess.  This might be a natural, river-rounded stone, a holed stone, a quartz crystal sphere, or any of the stones related  to the Goddess which are listed below.
To the right of the altar, place a stone to represent the God. This might be a piece of lava, a quartz crystal point, a long, thin or club-shaped rock or a God-symbolic stone such as those presented below.
Between these two stones place a smaller stone with a red candle affixed to it to represent the divine energy of the Goddess and God as well as the element of Fire.
Before this, place a flat stone to receive offerings of wine, honey, cakes, semi-precious stones, flowers and fruit.
A small, cupped stone (if one can be found) should be set to the left of the offering stone.   Fill this with water to represent that element. To the right of the offering stone place a flat rock. Pour salt upon this to symbolize the element of Earth.
Additionally, another flat stone can be placed before the offering stone to serve as an incense burner.
Use along, thin, terminated quartz crystal as a wand and a flint or obsidian arrowhead for the Athame.
Any other tools which are needed can simply be placed on the altar. Or, try to find stone alternatives to them.
This can be used for all types of Craft rituals.
Stones Of The Goddesses:
In general, all pink, green and blue stones; those related to the Moon or Venus; Water and Earth-ruled stones, such as peridot, emerald, pink tourmaline, rose quartz,  blue quartz, aquamarine, beryl, kunzite and turquoise.
Stones which are related to specific deities follow.
Aphrodite: salt Ceres: emerald Coatlicue: Jade Cybele: jet Diana: amethyst, moonstone, pearl Freya: pearl The Great Mother: amber, coral, geodes, holed stones Hathor: turquoise Isis: coral, emerald, lapis lazuli, moonstone, pearl Kwan Yin: jade Lakshmi: pearl Maat: jade Mara: beryl, aquamarine Nuit: lapis lazuli Pele: lava, obsidian, peridot, olivine, pumice Selene: moonstone, selenite Tiamat: beryl Venus: emerald, lapis lazuli, pearl
Stones Of The God:
Generally, all orange and red stones; stones related to the Sun and  Mars; Fire and Air-ruled stones, such as carnelian, ruby, garnet, orange calcite, diamond, tiger’s eye, topaz, sunstone, bloodstone and tourmaline.
Stones which are related to specific deities follow. Aesculapius: agate Apollo: sapphire Bacchus: amethyst Cupid: opal Dionysus: amethyst Mars: onyx, sardonyx Neptune: beryl Odin: holed stone Poseidon: beryl, pearl, aquamarine Ra: tiger’s eye Tezcatlipoca: obsidian
[Pearl and coral have been mentioned in these lists as “stones” because they were anciently thought to be such. Our knowledge of them as products of living creatures leaves us with the ethical question of whether or not to use them in ritual.  This must be a  personal decision.  Beach gathered coral and shells (mother of pearl is from shells) can be  used without conflicting with the above statement because the creature has already died by the time the item was found. If you decide not to use them, just remember leather is also a product of a living creature.]
CAIRNS: In earlier times, throughout the world, people built mounds or piles of stones. These were sometimes formed to mark the passage of travelers, or to commemorate some historic even, but such cairns usually had ritual significance.
In magickal thought, cairns are places of power. They concentrate the energies of the stones used to create them. Cairns are rooted in the Earth but lift upward to the sky, symbolically representing the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms.
During outdoor circles, a small cairn, composed of no more than nine or eleven rocks, can be fashioned as each point of the Circle of Stones. This can be done prior to creating the circle itself.
The next time you’re in some wild, lonely place with a profusion of stones, clear a place among them and sit.  Visualize a magickal need. As you visualize, grasp a near-by stone.   Feel the energy beating within it  – the power of the Earth, the power of nature. Place it on  the cleared ground. Pick up another stone, still visualizing you need, and set it next to the first.
Still visualizing, continue to add stones, building them into a small pile. Keep adding stones until you feel them vibrating and pulsating before you. Place the last rock on top of  the cairn with firm ritual intent – affirm to yourself, to the cairn and the Earth that with this final magickal act you’re manifesting your need.
Place your hands on either side of the pile. Give it your energy through your visualization.  Nurse it. Feed it strength and see your need as being fulfilled.
Then leave the cairn alone to do its work.A QUARTZ AND CANDLE SPELL: Have a candle of the color symbolic of your magickal need, according to the following list (or as your intuition tells you):
WHITE – Protection, Peace, Purity, Truth, Sincerity, Spirituality
RED – Strength, Health, Vigor, Sexual Love, Passion, Protection, Courage, Danger, Warning, Anger, Element of Fire, God oriented, Male aspects
LIGHT BLUE – Tranquillity, Happiness, Understanding, Patience, Health, Element of Water, Goddess oriented, Feminine aspects
DARK BLUE – Impulsiveness, Depression, Changeability, psychism
GREEN – Finance, Fertility, Luck, Growth, Employment, Element of Earth, Goddess                  oriented, Feminine aspects
GOLD/YELLOW – Attraction, Persuasion, Charm, Confidence, Intellect, Study, Divination, Element of Air, God oriented, Male aspects, (Gold) The Great God, The Sun
BROWN – Hesitation, Uncertainty, Neutrality, Healing Animals, Poverty
PINK – Honor, Love, Morality, Friendship
BLACK – Protection from, absorption Evil, loss, discord & Confusion, Lack of color and vibrations, Neutrality, Element of Akasha, Spirituality, The Divine, The Void
PURPLE – Relief from; Tension, Calming, Healing of severe Disease, Spiritualism, Meditation, Protection, Psychic Power, Element of Akasha, The Divine
SILVER/GRAY – Cancellation, Neutrality, Stalemate,(Silver) The Great Goddess, The Moon
ORANGE – Encouragement, Adaptability, Stimulation, Attraction, Energy
GREENISH YELLOW – Sickness, Cowardice, Anger, Jealousy, Discord
With the tip of a cleansed, terminated quartz crystal, scratch a symbol of your need onto the candle. This might be a heart for love, a dollar sign for money, a fist for strength.   Alternately, use an appropriate rune or write your need on the candle with the crystal.
As you scratch or draw, visualize your need with crystal clarity as if it had already manifested. Place the candle in a holder. Set the crystal near it and light the wick.
As the flame shines, again strongly visualize. The crystal, candle and symbol will do their work.

GARNET (GROSSULAR)

GARNET (GROSSULAR)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:  Grossular Garnets are from a group of very
closely related calcium silicates. The Chemistry for the Grossular
variety is Ca3Al2Si3O12. These Garnets range in color from yellow, pink
and brown through white and colorless. The hardness ranges between 6-1/2
and 7-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Grossular occurs with wollastonite, calcite, and vesuviani-
te in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks.

OCCURENCE: Being the commonest of all garnets, it is found in a variety
of locations. Fine colorless crystals up to 1/2″ across occur in
Gatineau and Magantic Cos., Quebec, fine lusterous pale brown crystals
up to 3″ across were found near Minot, Androscoggin Co., Main, and
beautiful white and pick crystals up to 4″ across have been found near
Xalostoc, Morelos, Mexico.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Grossular also has the typical crystal form of
garnets, occuring in isolated crystals which are often complete, in the
shape of a rhombic dodecahedron, sometimes combined with a trapezo-
hedron. They vary from transparent to semiopaque. The typical color is
light (gooseberry) yellowish green; but they can be a strong to bluish
green, honey yellow or pinkish yellow, or even colorless. When transpar-
ent, the crystals have good luster.  Like other garnets, they have no
cleavage. The greenish to yellowish varieties are used as gems.
Grossular is not a rare mineral. The types used as gems mainly come from
the gem gravels of Sri Lanka (honey yellow variety); the the United
States, Canada, Mexico, Madagascar, Kenya. The green variety of
grossular garnet, discovered a few decades ago and found mainly in
Kenya, near the Tsavo National Park, is also known as Tsavorite (or
Tsavolite) It is a light, verdant, or dark green, similar to the color
of the better green tourmalines and sometimes, it is said, even
comparable to African emerald. It has good luster. These gems, which are
usually given a round or pear-shaped mixed cut, or occasionally a
brilliant cut, are generally small, rarely exceeding one carat and never
more than a few carats.

NAME: Grossular is from the New Latin [grosssularia,] “gooseberry,”
because some Grossular crystals are pale green like the fruit.

LEGEND and LORE: I do not find anything referring specifically to yellow
or green garnets in my sources.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: While deep red garnets focus on “Will” and orange–
red garnets focus on “Desire”, yellow garnets are focused on Personal
Power and Personality. In addition they are (because of their color)
associated with athletic prowess and Oriental philosophies.

HEALING: Being linked to the Solar Plexus Chakra, yellow garnets are
energizing. They can be used for the digestive organs, the diaphram (and
the breath) and eyesight. Green garnets center their healing on the
Heart Chakra.

NOTES: Garnets are used in industry as an abrasive.

                      ——-bibliography——-

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.

2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.

3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.

4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.

5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

6. Other Magical and Healing information may come from “ccrystal Wisdom,
Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.

7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.

8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.

9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers
of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

GARNET (SPESSARTINE)

GARNET (SPESSARTINE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:  Spessartine Garnets are from a group of very
closely related aluminum silicates. The Chemistry for the Spessartine
variety is Mn3Al2Si3O12. These Garnets range in color from brownish red
to hyacinth-red.  The hardness ranges between 6-1/2 and 7-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Spessartine occurs with albite and muscovite in granite
pegmatites and with quartz and riebeckite in blue schist or regional
metamorphic rocks..

OCCURENCE: Large corroded crystals of Spessartine have come from the
Rutherford No. 2 Mine, Amelia, Amelia Co., Virginia; crystals up to 1″
in diameter have been found in several pegmatites in the Ramona
District, San Diego Co., California; sharp, dark-red, well-formed
crystals occur in cavities in rhyolite near Ely, White Pine C., Nevada;
and brilliant crystals of Spessartine have been found with topaz at Ruby
Mt., near Nathrop, Chaffee Co., Colorado. Gem material comes from the
gem gravels of Sri Lanka and Burma. It is also found in Brazil and
Madagascar.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: The gem variety of Spessartine Garnet is uncommon.
It tends to be midway between spessartine and almandine in composition.
The “aurora red”, orange-red or orange-pink color is typical. It has
good transparency and considerable luster. It is normally given a mixed,
round, or oval cut. The weight does not normally exceed a few carats.
Gems of about 10 carats are extremely rare and usually of an atypical,
rather dark, unattactive color.

NAME: Spessartine is named after an occurrence in the spessart district,
Bavaria, Germany.

LEGEND and LORE: In the 13th century garnets were thought to repel
insect stings. A magical treatise, “The Book of Wings”, dating from the
thirteenth century says “The well-formed image of a lion, if engraved on
a garnet, will protect and preserve honors and health, cures the wearer
of all diseases, brings him honors, and guards him from all perils in
traveling.”

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Spessartine is normally considered to be red-orange
to orange-pink. Thus it links the “will” with the “desire”. It is a good
stone to use when casting a spell for your “heart’s desire”, especially
if it is of the orange-pink” variety.
HEALING: The orange garnets are linked to the root and the belly chakra.
They are beneficial in instances of infertility, dealing with reproduc-
tive organs. Mentally, it inspires confidence in personal creativity and
self-worth.

                      ——-bibliography——-

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.

2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.

3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.

4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.

5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

6. Other Magical and Healing information may come from “ccrystal Wisdom,
Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.

7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.

8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.

9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

GARNET (ALMANDINE)

GARNET (ALMANDINE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:  Almandine Garnets are from a group of very
closely related aluminum silicates. The Chemistry for the Almandine
variety is Fe2/3+Al2Si3O12. These Garnets range in color from deep red
to brown and brownish black. The hardness ranges between 6-1/2 and
7-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Almandine occurs in diorite of plutonic rocks, and with
andalusite, hornblende, and biotite in hornfels and schist of contact
and regional metamorphic rocks.

OCCURENCE: Well-formed crystals of Almandine have come from Wrangell, SE
Alaska; from Emerald Creek, Benewah Co., Idaho; and from Michigamme,
Michigan.  Gemstone quality material is obtained in large quantities
from Sri Lanka and India, where it is also cut; other sources are Burma,
Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Australia.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Most red garnets come under the name Almandine,
even when their composition is midway between that of Pyrope and
Almandine and similar, in many cases, to that of Rhodolite. The reason
for this is the similarity in their color and absorption spectrum
characteristics. Almandine has a brilliant luster, but its transparency
is frequently marred, even in very clear stones, by excessive depth of
color. The cabochon cut is widely used, often being given a strongly
convex shape and sometimes a concave base, in an effort to lighten
the color by reducing the thickness. Rose cuts have also been used,
particularly in the past. Nowdays, when the material is quite transpare-
nt, faceted cuts are used as well, and sometimes square or rectangular
step cuts.  Gems of several carats are not uncommon. Faceted or even
barely rounded pieces of Almandine, pierced as necklace beads, were very
common in the recent past, but are now considered old-fashioned.

NAME: The name Almandine comes from [carbunculus alabandicus,] after the
city of Alabanda in Asia Minor, where gems were traded at the time of
Pliny theElder.

LEGEND and LORE: All red Garnet has long been associated with love,
passion, sensuality and sexuality. Garnet is considered a birthstone for
those born in January:

“By her in January born
No gem save Garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.”

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: The darker Garnets are associated with the Will and
the Source of Life Incarnate. This is who and what we are in this
lifetime. This stone is worn for protective purposes, and is thought to
drive off demons and phantoms.

HEALING: Almandine Garnets are used to heal skin conditions associated
with poor circulation. They improve vigor, strength and endurance.

                      ——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.
2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.
3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.
5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
6. Other Magical and Healing information may come from “ccrystal Wisdom,
Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.
7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.
8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.
9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

GARNET (PYROPE)

GARNET (PYROPE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Pyrope Garnets are from a group of very closely
related aluminum silicates. The Chemistry for the Pyrope variety is
Mg3Al2Si3O12. These Garnets range in color from deep red to reddish
black and on rare occasions from purple and rose to pale purplish red
(sometimes called [rhodolite].) The hardness ranges between 6-1/2 and
7-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Pyrope occurs with olivine and hypersthene in peridotite of
plutonic rocks.

OCCURENCE: Pyrope Garnets occur in peridotite in Kentucky, Arkansas,
Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. In the latter half of the nineteenth
century, most Pyrope came from Bohemia, where it is still found today.
The main sources nowadays, however, are South Africa, Zimbabwe,
Tanzania, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: The garnet species with red or purple varieties,
including Pyrope are considered gemstones. Usually bright red, Pyrope
can be a much less attractive brick or dark red. It can be perfectly
transparent, but this feature is less visible in dark specimens. It is
either made into fairly convex cabochons, or faceted, with an oval or
round mixed cut or, more rarely, a step cut. The faceted gems have good
luster, rather less obvious in cabochons. The most valuable types are,
of course, the transparent ones with the brightest red color. Pyrope is
relatively common, although less so than almandine. Very large stones,
up to several hundred carats have been found; but these are rare and are
found in museums and famous collections.

NAME: The name comes from the Greek [pyropos,] meaning “fiery.” The name
“Garnet” comes from the Latin [granatus,] meaning “seed-like”.

LEGEND and LORE: Pyrope Garnet has long been associated with love,
passion, sensuality and sexuality. Some Asiatic tribes used red garnets
as bullets for sling bows because they pierced their victims quickly,
and could not be seen well in the body when they mingled with the blood.
2612

Throughout the ages, Pyrope has been used as a curative for all types of
ailments dealing with blood.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Pyrope is directly linked with the Will. As such, it
is a strong stone for the Magician and Shaman. It is associated with
Fire and Mars, Strength and Protection. It will help the practitioner
tap into extra energy for ritualistic purposes.

HEALING: While all Garnets are associated with the Root Chakra, Pyrope
is particularly symbolic. It is used for healing when the subject
involved has “lost the will to live”, since it is directly related to
the desire to live and achieve in this lifetime. This stone warms and
aids blood circulation, rouses sexuality and heals the reproductive
system and the heart.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: If you are already a strong willed individual or
have a fiery temper that you need to learn to control, I suggest that
you work with the Alamandine Garnets, rather than the Pyropes. This is
a good stone to use for treating depression. Very often, when I’ve
“worked” on an individual who has suffered a heart attack, I find that
the individual is rather severely depressed (which I think is a side
effect of the medication) and has lost the will to continue in this
lifetime. I’ve found that fiery red Pyrope Garnets are a great help in
this situation.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: The Latin name [carbunculus,] (small coal or ember),
is attributed to all red transparent stones. It is more often applied to
Pyropes when they are formed into cabochons than any other stone.

——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.
2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.
3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.
5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
6. Other Magical and Healing information may come from “ccrystal Wisdom,
Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.
7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.
8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.
9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

Carnelian

CARNELIAN

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:Carnelian is the clear red to brownish red member
of the Chalcedony family. It is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz(Si-
licone Dioxide) and may contain small amounts of iron oxides. The
hardness is 7, and the streak is white.

ENVIRONMENT: Chalcedony is formed in several environments, generally
near the surface of the earth where temperatures and pressures are
relatively low. It commonly forms in the zone of alteration of lode and
massive hydrothermal replacement deposits and as bodies of chert in
chemical sedimentary rocks.

OCCURENCE: Fine carnelian comes from India and South America.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION:Carnelian is used as an alternate birthstone for
the month of May.It is normally cut into cabochons, engraved, or made
into seal stones or rounded, polished, and pierced for necklaces and
other items of jewelry.

NAME: The name means “flesh-colored”, from [caro], meaning “genitive”
and [carnis], meaning “flesh”.

LEGEND and LORE: Carnelian has long been associated with courage and
cleansing of the blood. It was beleived that the stone would improve
one’s outlook, making the individual cheerful and expelling fears.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Katrina Raphaell says that Carnelian can be used to
“see into the past”. The “Crystal Oracle” says that Carnelian referrs to
the Self, and Current Conditions. It is a grounding stone, and associ-
ated with the Earth.  As such, it is considered practical, sensible and
balanced. Cunningham associates the stone with the element of Fire. He
suggests it as a talisman against Telepathic invasion.

HEALING: It is recommended for infertility or impotency. In addition it
is used for purification of the blood. It has also been suggested that
this stone will stop nosebleeding.

                      ——-bibliography——-

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.

2. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.

3. Other Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.

4. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

5. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A
Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

6. Some of the healing information may come from “A Journey Through the
Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

Making Gemstone water

Making Gemstone water

Making gemstone water is actually very simple, you will need the following ‘ingredients’ for this:
* a glass vessel
* a gemstone
* bottled spring water or boiled (and cooled) tapwater
* a windowsill

Before you start making gemstone water you will have to make the choice whether you wish to use the energies of the sun or the energies of the moon. The sun will charge your gemstone water with soothing, soft and warm energies while the various moon phases will give a different result.

The Moon phases:
Waxing Moon: The energies of the waxing moon are suited for new projects, new relations and to plant new ‘seeds’.
Full Moon: The Full Moon is the symbol of positive magick, blessing, creativity, healing and reinforcement.
Waning Moon: The energies of the waning moon are connected to get rid of bad habits, negative thoughts and to build down things, to purge yourself from all negativity from the outside world, but also from within yourself.
New Moon: The New Moon is the time of death, a time to stop and look inside yourself and to realize that you can always start again, no matter what happened to you. It is the time to halt an illness or a pattern of thoughts and give it a positive spin.


It is therefore important to ask yourself for which purpose you wish to use the gemstone water before you start.

Put the stone in the glass vessel and fill it up to 3/4 with spring water or the cooled down tapwater. Put the vessel with the stone in it on your windowsill for 12 hours and leave it to ‘charge’ there without interruption. If you have decided to make use of the energies of the sun, you should take into account that certain stones may discolour in direct sunlight.

You can enhance your immune system by drinking a few glasses of gemstone water every day, but you may also use it to wash your face and/or hands, especially for skin disorders it is advisable to use Aventurine water to wash yourself. Next to that it is also possible to give your plants this water, the stones that are highly suited for this are Jade and Moss Agate.

Text © copyright Branwynn Annwn. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No portion of this issue may be reproduced and/or disclosed publicly in any way, shape or form without the written permission of the editor/author Branwynn Annwn. Feel free to share with a friend.

Gemstone of the Day for April 8th – Agate

Gemstone of the Day

Agate

Beliefs about agate

In many traditions, agate was believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes, soothe the mind, prevent contagion, still thunder and lightning, promote eloquence, secure the favor of the powerful, and bring victory over enemies. Some have thought that agate has powers that can be used for love, mental clarity, and good luck in card games.
 

In addition, Persian magi are known to have prized agate rings in their work and beliefs. Shi’a Muslims often wear an agate ring on the right hand, the stone engraved with the name of Allah, Ali, or the names of the other eleven Imams. It is known as “aqaq” or “agag” in Persian.

Uses

Agates are used to make ornamental objects such as pins and brooches, and items with practical uses such as paper knives, inkstands, and seals. In addition, because of its hardness and ability to resist acids, agate is used to make mortars and pestles to crush and mix chemicals.

Crystal of the Day for March 29th – Moonstone

Moonstone

  • Common Name: Moonstone
  • Also known as: Cylon Opal
  • Appearance: White to colorless, sometimes found in pale blues; looks a bit like Opal in some cases
  • Element(s): Water
  • Planetary connection: Moon
  • Deity connection: Any goddess with a triple aspect – Diana, Selene, Hecate
  • Healing powers: Anything related to female reproduction, childbirth, menstrual cycles
  • Magical uses: Can be used in workings related to wisdom and intuition, Goddess-focused rituals

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 27th

The precious gem most associated with this month of November is the venerable and mysterious topaz. This stone has been a body adornment for at least 2000 years and has been called one of the precious gemstones that formed the foundations of the twelve gates to the Holy City of Jerusalem. These stones are often referred to as ‘apocalyptic’ in their nature since they are believed to hold miraculously protective powers. It has long been believed that when worn with this same intent, the topaz can keep anyone safe from enemies. In the realm of mystery and mysticism, the topaz contains a cooling or antiseptic effect while also being said to be able to dispel sadness and anger. It’s also said that simply sleeping with a topaz close or next to the skin can relieve nighttime fears. Some legend goes so far to share that a man who wears a topaz will grow more handsome and intelligent while a woman will become much more fertile and happy. Handsomer, smarter, fertile and happy? Get thee to a jeweler!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

The Precious Stone, Dracontias

The Precious Stone, Dracontias

Dragons have a precious stone, called the dracontias, in the forehead. This stone is credited with amazing powers of many kinds. For the stone to hold its powers, however, it had to be removed before the dragon was dead. There is a story of such a stone acquired and then kept within a family for centuries. About 1345 the Chevalier do Gozano, who was later Grand master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, killed a dragon on the island of Rhodes. It is unclear how he managed to extract the dracontias before the dragon died; it was said that if the dracontias was extracted after death it lost its power. This stone, about the size of an olive and beautifully colored, became a family heirloom. On several occasions this dracontias was put into water; the water was boiled and drunk as an antidote to poison and disease, with complete recovery by the ill person.

“Dancing with Dragons”

D. J. Conway

Recipe for Making a Gem Essence/Elixir

Also know as gem elixirs, essences are the vibration of the crystal reserved in water and brandy. For our purposes, using a gemstone essence involves placing a few drops in a household cleanser or room spray in order to diffuse the vibration of the crystal throughout the room. You can purchase gemstone essences/elixirs already made or make your own. The gemstone essences that can be purchase can also be taken internally, but if you make your own for use in your magickal housekeeping practice. It is not recommended that you take them internally unless you are an expert, or at least until you’ve done some more thorough research of gem essence/elixir preparation.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

How to Create a Gem Essence/Elixir

Items You Will Need:

  • A cleansed crystal (you choose the type according to your needs)
  • Pure water
  • A very clean, clear wine las
  • Brandy
  • A small bottle with a dropper

On a sunny day, when the moon is between New and Full, place the crystal in the glass. Pour the water over the crystal to fill the glass. Place the glass in bright sunlight for at least three hours, making sure that no shade hits it During this time, set the empty dropper bottle next to the glass to purify it with the light of the Sun. After the water and bottle have bathed in the sun for the allotted time, place your hands over the water and visualize very bright, sparkly light filing it. Say a quick prayer, like:

“Great Spirit, please infuse this water with vibrations

of healing and love. Please fully activate the

positive energy of this crystal, and fill the water

with it so that the water is powerful medicine and

a helpful ally to me in my magickal workings.”

Then fill the dropper bottle with half brandy, half water from the wineglass, using the dropper to transfer the water into the bottle. This will preserve the vibration of the crystal in the water.

Once you’ve made the essence, you can put four drops in a room spray or cleaning solution to diffuse the vibrations throughout the room. You can also put a few drops on your wrists, rubbing them together to internalize the magick and for personal healing.

Crystal of the Day for October 11th – Topaz

Topaz

By Phylameana lila Desy, About.com Guide

Spiritual and Healing Properties of Topaz:

Topaz is best known for its manifesting properties. Golden topaz in particular is associated with abundance. Golden topaz is also an energizer. Blue topaz stimulates the throat chakra. Champagne topaz can assist the soul in fulfilling the earthy purpose for its incarnation. Clear topaz is a transformative gemstone that can help facilitate karmic clearings and soul healings.

Remedy Benefits of Topaz:

  • Manifesting stone
  • Promotes creativity
  • Gives optimism
  • Aids mental clarity
  • Boosts confidence

Gemstone Love Talisman

Gemstone Love Talisman 

The shapes and energies of these two gemstones represent the male and female–combine them to attract an exciting new romance or to increase the passion, in an existing relationship.
 
Best time to make this talisman:

During the Waxing Moon

When the Sun or Moon is in Taurus or Libra
On Tuesdays or Fridays
 
What you will need:
 
A donut-shaped piece of rose quartz
An obelisk-shaped piece of carnelian
A red cloth pouch
Rose, jasmine or musk incense
Matches
 
1. Put both stones in the pouch where they can nestle together and work their magick.
 
2. Light the incense and hold your talisman in the smoke to charge it. Envision your lover and you joined in a passionate embrace.
 
3. Place the pouch under your mattress to draw the love you desire into your life.

Daily Crystal of the Day for Aug. 19th – Carnelian

Carnelian

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Carnelian is the clear red to brownish red member
of the Chalcedony family. It is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz (Silicone
Dioxide) and may contain small amounts of iron oxides. The hardness is 7, and
the streak is white.

ENVIRONMENT: Chalcedony is formed in several environments, generally near
the surface of the earth where temperatures and pressures are relatively low. It
commonly forms in the zone of alteration of lode and massive hydrothermal
replacement deposits and as bodies of chert in chemical sedimentary rocks.

OCCURENCE: Fine carnelian comes from India and South America.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Carnelian is used as an alternate birthstone for the
month of May. It is normally cut into cabochons, engraved, or made into seal
stones or rounded, polished, and pierced for necklaces and other items of
jewelry.

NAME: The name means “flesh-colored”, from [caro], meaning “genitive” and
[carnis], meaning “flesh”.

LEGEND and LORE: Carnelian has long been associated with courage and
cleansing of the blood. It was believed that the stone would improve one’s
outlook, making the individual cheerful and expelling fears.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Katrina Raphaell says that Carnelian can be used to
“see into the past”. The “Crystal Oracle” says that Carnelian refers to the
Self, and Current Conditions. It is a grounding stone, and associated with the
Earth.  As such, it is considered practical, sensible and balanced. Cunningham
associates the stone with the element of Fire. He suggests it as a talisman
against Telepathic invasion.

HEALING: It is recommended for infertility or impotency. In addition it is used
for purification of the blood. It has also been suggested that this stone will
stop nosebleeding.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I call this the “sexy” stone…since I believe it
stimulates sexual appetites. I use it in the lower Chakras for infertility and
impotency for men(I use Coral as the feminine counterpart.)
I always get a good chuckle when I notice a man wearing a LARGE Cornelian
belt buckle. In addition, I would use this stone for relief of pain from
arthritis in men.

——-bibliography——-

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased from)
“The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals”.

2. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.

3. Other Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.

4. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia
of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

5. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A
Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

6. Some of the healing information may come from “A Journey Through the
Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

BLACK OPAL CHARM

BLACK OPAL CHARM

Ingredients

The black opal is widely known as the “Witches Stone” and is prized for its magick enhancing properties. To increase your magickal power, charge the stone with the following chant and place it on your altar.
“Opal black, of burning fire
Add the power that’s required
To make my magick hit its mark,
By light of day, or night so dark.”

Gemstone of the Day for July 24 is Bloodstone

Gemstone of the Day

Bloodstone

This traditional names of the quartz family can be a little  misleading making the varieties seem more different from each other than they actually are. Bloodstone is essentially green jasper that has the addition of red brown or yellow markings created by iron oxides. However, this tiny variation brings quite a range of healing qualities, as well as making the best specimens – with distinct blood-red markings against a deep green base a sought-after carving material.

Identification and care

  • Good-quality bloodstone is used in the jewelry trade to lesser grades with smaller areas of colors are easier to find.

Magick

  • Offers protection from loss of life-energy
  • Helps to increase our worldly influence and prestige
  • Is traditionally linked with healing wounds and stopping blood-loss-a warrior’s stone. under the influence of the planet Mars