Tag: Geology

Gemstone of the Day for August 14 is Jade

JADE (TREMOLITE)
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Tremolite is a calcium, magnesium and iron silicate. When the iron content is high, it is called actinolite. The chemistry is Ca2(mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2. The streak is colorless, although the mineral itself can range in color from white to dark grey, yellowish, pink to lilac. We commonly tend to think of “jade” as green, but as you can see, it is actually available in many colors. The hardness is between 5 and 6.
ENVIRONMENT: Tremolite is a product of metamorphism and occurs with calcite and grossular in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks and with talc in serpentinites of hydrothermal metamorphic rocks.
OCCURRENCE: There are many localities where fine tremolite specimens may be obtained. Crystals of up to 3″ in length occur in marble at Haliburton and Wilberforce, Haliburton Co., Ontario and granular masses of pink tremolite (hexagonite) at De Kalb, St. Lawerence Co., New York. White and greenish crystals occur in calcite at Canaan, Litchfield Co., Connecticut.
GEMSTONE DATA: The Amphibole mineral nephrite, which consists of combined tremolite and actinolite, is dense, compact, tough.  Semitransparent to translucent varieties of nephrite are called [jade.] Nephrite jade colors are white, all shades of green, gray, grayish (with tinge of blue, red, or green), brown, and lavender. Value increases with transparency, intensity and evenness of color, and freedom from flaws. Jade is fashioned into beads, earrings, and cabochons for rings and brooches, or carved into ornamental or religious objects. Nephrite jade comes from Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, China and Siberia.
NAME: Tremolite is from the occurrence in Val Tremolo in the Swiss Alps. The word ‘jade’ is derived from the Spanish [pietra d’ijada] which means ‘colic stone’. In China, where jade has been venerated for thousands of years, over a hundred different names are in use for different color varieties.
LEGEND and LORE: Jade ornaments and implements of great antiquity have been discovered both in those parts of the world in which the mineral is found and in places far distant from these. It is the ‘greenstone’ so highly esteemed by the Maoris of New Zealand who carved it into pendants, sometimes representing their hero Tiki, and into chieftains’ war clubs.  It has been carved in Central America for well over a thousand years and the ancient Mayas prized it above gold. In ancient China a prospective bride would present her betrothed a jade butterfly to seal their engagement. Likewise the bridegroom would give his sweetheart a gift of jade before their wedding.
MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Jade is considered one of the most important symbols of purity and serenity. It is also revered as an ancient symbol of love. The Maoris regard Jade as a stone that brings luck, especially specimens that are dark olive-green in color. The ancient Chinese felt that Jade helps to inspire the mind to make quick and precise decisions. The ancient trader would often hold this gem in the palm of his right hand while he engaged in business transactions. Carved into a scarab, Jade is said to bring its owner a long and prosperous life. It is also said that wearing Jade while gardening will improve the health of the plants. Similarly, small pieces of Jade can be buried along the perimeter for this purpose. It is worn for protection during defensive magical workings.
HEALING: Jade has been called “colic stone”, “spleen stone” and “stone of the loins”. It is said that by tying jade to the arm, stones in the kidneys can be expelled. The ancient Greeks used this mineral for healing ailments of the eyes. Wearing Jade helps the body to heal itself while working on the underlying, nonphysical problems which cause the disease in the first place.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I use Jade as a Heart Chakra stone, for those that feel threatened or frightened. I’ve also used it to control swelling of various glands in the face and neck, by placing it directly over the gland. Before I had a piece of Malachite, I used it on my broken arm. It seemed to help the break heal. It was NOT successful on the damage done to the nerves and tendons in my wrist, however. The Malachite worked better.
——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurrence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) “The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals”.
2. Additional information about the Name and Legends and Lore are from “Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
3. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
4. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.
5. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks, by Tandika Star.

Jade wards off infantile disease if placed around the neck and not removed. It is placed in the mouth of a corpse to protect the soul. Necromancers used it to raise the soul. Jade bracelets are worn to promote a long life and as a charm to prevent eye infection. It is considered to be the concentrated essence of love. It makes a good healing talisman for the kidneys, urinary and digestive problems.
To Ritualists, it embodies the five cardinal virtues of the pentacle.
– Spirit Justice – Earth Charity – Water Courage – Fire Modesty – Air Wisdom –
It also makes a good gambling talisman, especially for racing.
Compiled by Lady Hathor – The Silver Circle – Toronto, Ont.

JADE:    Strengthens  heart,  kidneys,  immune  system. Helps cleanse blood.  Increases longevity and fertility. Aids eye disorders and female problems.  Powerful  emotional balancer.  Radiates divine,   unconditional   love. Clarity,  modesty, courage, justice, wisdom. Peaceful and nurturing.  Dispels negativity.  Healing affinity will correspond to particular color of stone.
By Legion of Light

Quartz (Clear)

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth, but it is considered an essential part of any witch’s crystal collection. It is a multipurpose stone that can be included in almost any spell to bring about a positive result. Quartz is wonderful for balancing emotions, especially if you are trying to heal painful feelings such as child abuse issues or if you have problems with self-esteem. This crystal amplifies magickal wishes and will bring extra power to any spell. Use it to tap into a higher consciousness and to keep in touch with your spiritual side.

Crystal Formation

The mechanism that creates crystals is movement in the Earth’s crust. As layers of crust float on the liquid rock mantle beneath collisions and pressure create fractures that allow superheated liquids and gases, filled with different elements to move rapidly toward the surface. As these liquids and gases cool. they often crystalize. The temperature, pressure, surrounding rocks and mix of elements all determine which minerals crystallize at a particular place. Crystals and rocks produced in this way are known as igneous.

If crystals and rocks are exposed to wind, frost and water, they begin to erode. Small particles are washed into the sea where they form silt deposits. After many millions of years of extreme pressure, these deposits become compressed, forming sedimentary crystals and rock. Minerals of this type ten to be softer than igneous crystals as they form at lower temperatures and pressures.