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Healing gemstones |
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Important: The information on this page is gathered from writings, traditional folklore and various other sources. The alleged healing powers are not scientifically proven and are not a substitute for certified and licensed health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved! |
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Photo by Leon Hupperichs (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Astynax (Public domain)
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Agate
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Agate is named after the river Achates (now known as the Dirillo river) on Sicily (Italy), where the stone was
found in ancient times.
Agate is a variety of chalcedony and is formed in concentric layers inside a host rock. Several varieties are named
after the visual effect of the structure or the place where it is found, such as Banded Agate, Moss Agate, Rainbow
Agate, Botswana Agate or Indian Agate. Onyx is very similar to Agate, but Onyx has straight bands instead of curved ones,
and is mostly known when black or banded black and white.
Properties
Agate exists in almost all colours, although green and blue are not very common. It is a quite
hard gemstone (7-8 on Mohs scale). Agate is transparant or opaque.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Agate is a powerful healing gemstone, especially emotionally. It helps to discern truth and accept things the way they are. Agate
improves honesty and peace of mind. It helps with any kind of trauma.
Furthermore, Agate is a love stone. It improves marital and romantic fidelity, sexual energy and stamina.
Agate is also a very practical gemstone, as it improves memory, focus, perception and concentration. It enhances courage,
self-confidence, physical strength and mental power. It protects against danger and reduces fear and anger.
On a physical level, Agate eases the birthing process, aids indigestion and circulation and lessens pain,
particularly headache and pain from skin burns. It is healthy for the heart and blood vessels. Agate
prevents insomnia and stimulates a calm mind and pleasant dreams.
Meditation
Agate encourages a calm and relaxing state and opens the mind to inner truths.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) Secondary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Secondary: Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22) Secondary: Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23) Secondary: Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | May |
Traditional birthstone: | June |
Planetary birthstone: | - |
Chakra: | Depending on the colour of the stone |
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Photo by JJ Harrison (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Didier Descouens (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Amethyst
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The name "Amethyst" derives from the Greek "amethystos", which means "not drunk". In ancient times it was believed
to prevent one from getting drunk.
Amethyst is a Quartz variety and considered to be the most precious kind of Quartz. The structure however, differs
strongly from other quartz kinds and is typical for the specific place where it is found. The typical purple colour is
caused by iron and natural radiation. With heat treatment, Amethyst can be turned into Citrine or into the green
coloured Prasiolite, also known as Green Amethyst, which is a more common, but actually incorrect name.
Properties
The colour of Amethyst varies between light purple-ish to deep purple, possibly with hues of dark red or blue. The stone
may be transparant to translucent. It is a relatively hard stone (7 on Mohs scale). Prolonged exposure to UV radiation
(sunlight, discotheque blacklight, etc.) may fade the colour and should be avoided.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Amethyst is a protecting, cleaning and calming stone. It helps in overcoming addictions. Amethyst reduces anger,
agression, anxiety and grief and protects against negativity. It stimulates self reflection, insight and intuition and
balances emotions. It enhances creativity, inspires positive dreams and helps to remember and understand the dreams. It
transforms negative, violent energies into positive, peaceful energie.
Amethyst can also be used to clean other healing stones of their absorbed negative energy.
Physically, Amethyst is helpful with sleeping problems, like insomnia and nightmares. It strengthens the immune system
and has positive effects on the brains, the nerve system and the respiratory tract. Amethyst stimulates tissue
regeneration and helps with skin problems, including bruises and swellings.
Meditation
Amethyst opens spirituality and is very suitable in meditation by encouraging the mind to surrender to the powers of the
universe directing and guiding one's life.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Secondary: Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Secondary: Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Secondary: Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) Secondary: Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | February |
Traditional birthstone: | February |
Planetary birthstone: | Jupiter - Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) |
Chakra: | 6th/Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) 7th/Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) |
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Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Mauro Cateb (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Aquamarine
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The name "Aquamarine" comes from the Latin "aqua marina", meaning "water of the sea". Legends say sailors wore
Aquamarine to keep them safe on the seas and protect them against illness.
Aquamarine is a kind of Beryl and thus related to Emerald. Occasionally, huge Aquamarine crystals are found, like the
piece found in Brazil in 1910, weighing over 240 lbs.
Properties
The colour of Aquamarine can go from almost colourless to bluish green or blue. Transparency is clear or translucent.
Aquamarine is a hard stone, 7.5 to 8 on Mohs scale. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation (sunlight, discotheque blacklight,
etc.) may fade the colour and should be avoided.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Aquamarine is a stone of honesty, sensitivity and happiness. It increases insight and perception of others and oneself.
Through enhanced honesty and sincerity, together with sharpened intuition and clairvoyance and a higher tolerance,
Aquamarine takes away fear, improves courage, helps in achieving goals and finding inner and universal truth.
Physically, Aquamarine strengthens the immune system and stimulates growth. It balances hormones and reduces allergic
reactions, like hay fever. Aquamarine soothens a sore throat and helps with stomach problems. It counters short- and
long-sightedness. Aquamarine is very protective for mother and child during pregnancy and protects against miscarriages.
Meditation
Aquamarine is very suitable for (advanced) meditation and for awakening paranormal abilities.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Secondary: Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Secondary: Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Secondary: Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | March |
Planetary birthstone: | Neptune - Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) |
Chakra: | 5th/Throat Chakra (Visuddha) |
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Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by jaja_1985 (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license)
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Carnelian
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The word "Carnelian" derives from the medieval Latin word "corneolus" and the Latin "cornum", which is the cornel cherry.
Tumbled carnelian looks like the translucent red fruits of the cornel cherry. Other sources refer the name to the Latin word
"carnis", which means "flesh", since the rough Carnelian look very much like animal meat, raw or cooked. In ancient times,
Carnelian was the typical gem stone of the noble class. Noble class people were often buried with Carnelian. During their life,
Carnelian was used for seal rings, because the hot wax used to seal important letters and documents didn't stick to it.
Carnelian is a variety of Chalcedony Quartz, but is only called Carnelian if the colour is solid or nearly solid. Very
similar to Carnelian (and often used interchangeably) is Sard, although Sard is commonly used for the darker and harder
varieties.
Properties
Carnelian's colour can vary from pale orange to dark red. If the colour is brown to almost black, it is generally
referred to as Sard, especially if the stone is also a bit harder. The colour of Carnelian is solid, or has at most some
shades of the same hue. Opacity may vary from quite transparent to almost opaque, but most carnelian is translucent.
Carnelian is never fully opaque. Carnelian is a medium hard stone, 6 to a maximum of 7 on Mohs scale.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Carnelian is a love and life stone. It stimulates optimism and positivity, self-esteem and self-trust. Carnelian is
beneficial for a healthy relationship without jealousy and possessiveness. It protects
against anger, envy and resentment, and reduces depression and the effects of abuse. Carnelian dispels apathy, boosts
energy and stimulates sexuality. It is helpful with menstrual and menopausal symptoms and the male mid-life crisis.
Carnelian amplifies feelings of passion, love and desire.
On a physical level, Carnelian improves absorption of vitamins and minerals. It stimulates the blood circulation and
purification. Carnelian is helpful with problems related to the bones, joints and ligaments. It treats back problems
(especially the lower back), rheumatism and arthritis. Carnelian improves fertility and reduces impotency and menstrual
pain. It is helpful with eating disorders.
Meditation
In meditation, Carnelian improves concentration.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22) Secondary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Secondary: Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | - |
Planetary birthstone: | Mars - Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) |
Chakra: | 1st/Base Chakra (Muladhara) 2nd/Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) |
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Photo by Ra'ike (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Ra'ike (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Chrysocolla
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The name Chrysocolla comes from the two Greek words "chrysos" and "kolla", meaning "gold glue" as the ancient Greek
used it to solder gold. Cleopatra always carried a piece of Chrysocolla, to slow down her fiery temperament and to be more tolerant.
Chrysocolla is a copper based mineral, hence it's blue colour. When found in nature, it is often mixed with
malachite, azurite and turquoise.
Properties
The colour of Chrysocolla varies between a greenish blue and blue, sometimes with brown or black spots. It is translucent to opaque.
It is a quite soft stone, with a hardness of 2 to 4 on Mohs scale, so special care should be taken. Chrysocolla should not be
exposed to water.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Chrysocolla is the stone of peace and communication. It decreases irritation and nervosity, and brings patience,
forgiveness, wisdom and tranquility. Through these properties, Chrysocolla eases direct
communication with others. Indirectly, it stimulates communication through increased self-reflection, understanding
and creativity. Chrysocolla empowers female energies and enables one to express themselves openly. It decreases feelings
of guilt and sorrow. Chrysocolla is specifically helpful in times of a broken heart and opens the path to a (new)
unconditional love.
Chrysocolla is physically helpful against infections, especially around the throat. It reduces high blood pressure and
fever. Chrysocolla regulates insulin production and the processes of the thyroid, kidneys and adrenals. It softens
pain caused by menstrual cramps.
Meditation
In meditation, Chrysocolla prevents one loosing touch with the conscious mind and provides strength and protection.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Secondary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Secondary: Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) Secondary: Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | - |
Planetary birthstone: | - |
Chakra: | 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) 5th/Throat Chakra (Visuddha) |
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Photo by Parent Géry (Public domain)
Photo by Mauro Cateb (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license)
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Citrine
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The name "Citrine" derives from the Latin word "citrina", which means "yellow" and is also related to "citron"
("lemon").
Citrine is a Quartz variety. Natural Citrine is rare, most Citrine is made by heat treatment of Amethyst or Smokey
Quartz. In nature, Citrine is sometimes found with Amethyst in the same crystal and is then named Ametrine. Citrine
looks very similar to Topaz, but is slightly softer.
Properties
The colour of Citrine varies from a pale yellow (natural) to a yellowish or redish brown (heat treated). Citrine is
transparent to slight translucent. Like other Quartz varieties it has a hardness of 7 on Mohs scale. Prolonged exposure
to UV radiation (sunlight, discotheque blacklight, etc.) may fade the colour and should be avoided.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Citrine is a stone of good luck, positivity and happiness. It attracts prosperity, success and love and protects against
jealousy and resentment. Citrine is beneficial for self-esteem and self-confidence. It stimulates creativity,
self-expression and feelings of joy and enthousiasm. It reduces depressions, fears and phobias.
Citrine is, together with Kyanite, one of the two healing stones that don't need to be cleared or cleansed.
Physically, Citrine is good for blood circulation and detoxification. It stimulates indigestion and cleanses and purifies
the stomach and intestines. Citrine keeps hair, nails and skin healthy. It helps against allergies caused by chemicals
or food. Citrine helps against the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and infections of the bladder and kidneys.
Meditation
Citrine is very suitable for meditation, as it easily opens doors to deep inner thoughts.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Secondary: Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) Secondary: Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | November |
Planetary birthstone: | Mercury - Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22) |
Chakra: | 2nd/Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) 3rd/Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) 7th/Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) |
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Photo by Toby Hudson (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Maurice Lesoyen (Public domain)
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Coral
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It is unsure where the name "Coral" comes from. Possibly from the Greek "korallion", which is the skeletton of the
coral animals, or from the Greek "kura-halos", meaning "mermaid", or from the Hebrew "goral", referring to the
coral branches which were used in oracles in the Mediterranean area.
Coral has been used as gem since prehistoric times, 1.8 million years ago. It was used by warriors as ornaments on
their weapons and given to children to protect them against harm. It was believed that the planet Mars consisted of
Coral.
Coral is an organic substance, created by living organisms, and -surprisingly- chemically similar to pearl.
Properties
Although red Coral is most known, most Coral is white. Other colours are hues from red to white and from blue or brown
to almost black. Coral is translucent to opaque and a quite soft substance, around 3.5 on Mohs scale. Coral is sensitive
and contact with hot water, chemicals (cosmetics) and bright sunlight should be avoided. Careful cleaning can be done
with a soft damp cloth.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Coral is the stone of relations. It stimulates friendship, platonic and romantic love, mother and child bonding and
community feelings. Coral enhances passion, enthousiasm and optimism. It calms the emotions and stimulates diplomacy
and transfer of wisdom.
Coral strengthens the bones of the body and is good for the teeth of young children. It stimulates the blood circulation,
tissue regeneration, and it reduces high blood pressure. Coral treats disorders of the nervous system and digestive
tracts.
Red Coral helps against depression and lethargy. It cleanses the muscular system and treats disorders of the bladder
and kidneys.
Meditation
In meditation, Coral helps with visualization.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Secondary: Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Secondary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Secondary: Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | - |
Planetary birthstone: | Mars - Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) |
Chakra: | 1st/Base Chakra (Muladhara) 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) |
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Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Sailko (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license)
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Fluorite
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The name "Fluorite" refers to the Latin verb "fluor", which means "to flow", as in water in a stream. The phenomenon of
fluorescence is named after Fluorite, as some Fluorite has strong fluorescent properties. Fluorite used to be called
"fluorspar", but now this is only used as chemical reference. The ancient Romans believed that drinking alcoholic
beverages from a fluorite mug would prevent drunkenness.
Often, Fluorite is fluorescent, which means it reacts with a 'glow' when lit by ultraviolet light. It also has
thermoluminescent properties, so it will radiate light when heated. Fluorite is used as lens material in specific
high-end optical instruments. Fluorite can occur in large pieces, the largest piece found was a cube of more than
six feet and weighing approximately 35,000 lbs.
Properties
Fluorite exists in almost all colours, colourless and white, although colourless, purple, blue, green and yellow are
most common. Often the stone has a variety of colours within one piece. Fluorite is transparant and is the defining
mineral for hardness 4 on Mohs scale. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation (sunlight, discotheque blacklight,
etc.) may fade the colour and should be avoided. Also contact with water should better be avoided.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Fluorite is known as the stone of the genius. It raises concentration and enhances intelligence and rationality.
Fluorite improves creativity, memory, and learning abilities. It reduces doubt and confusion. Fluorite increases
self-confidence and assertivity and stimulates intuition and emotional balance. It connects and balances intuition
with ratio.
Fluorite protects against the negative effects of radiation of for example cell phones, computers, etc. It is healthy
for the teeth and bones and treats rheumatism and joint ailments like arthritis. Fluorite has positive effects
on the eyes and ears and the mucosa of throat and nose. It stimulates regeneration of DNA and cells.
Meditation
Fluorite can be used as an energizer and as catalyser for the powers of other stones.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Secondary: Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Secondary: Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | - |
Planetary birthstone: | Neptune - Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) |
Chakra: | Depending on the colour of the stone |
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Photo by Jarno (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license)
Photo by Didier Descouens (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Garnet
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The name "Garnet" derives from the Latin word "granatus", referring to the pomegranate (Punica granatum). The seeds of the
pomegranate look like the red Garnet crystals. Ancient stories speak of Noah using Garnet to navigate his ark through the
night. Travellers have used Garnet as protective talisman. In ancient times Garnet was exchanged between friends as sign of
affection and loyalty and to ensure them meeting again.
Properties
Garnet is most known in it's red coloured variation, but exists also in pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, blue, brown,
black and even colourless. Some kinds have it's daylight colour changed when radiated with incandescent ('glowing') light.
This effect can be quite strong, for example the green in daylight can change to a reddish/purplish shade in incandescent light.
Garnet can be transparent or opaque, but the transparent kind is mostly used as gem stone. Its hardness varies between 6.5 and
7.5 on Mohs scale, rarely even up to 8.5. A specific property of Garnet is its magnetic response. With a strong neodymium magnet,
Garnet can be distinguished from other stones.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Garnet is a friendship and relationship stone, a stone of trust and purity. It attracts friendship, love and romance and feeds it.
Garnet gives strength, courage and protection, and boosts self-confidence, especially in creativity. This makes it a suitable stone for for
example writers and actors. It stimulates the capability and desire to share with others and establishes hope and trust. Garnet
transforms a crisis into a challenge and helps curing depression and alleviate fears. It enhances sexuality and intimacy and removes
taboos and inhibitions. Garnet helps one to 'let go' of negative, useless or impossible ideas or thoughts and it shields against
negative energy of others. It helps breaking down unwanted and disturbing behavior patterns. Also, Garnet is known for its aid in
successful business, achieving goals and it smoothens the path to a wealthy life.
Garnet is a general purifier of the body and stimulates overall metabolism, especially absorbtion of vitamines and minerals. It
regenerates the lungs, regulates the heart and blood flow, and stimulates fertility. Garnet soothens skin inflammations and relieves
gallstone pain.
Meditation
Garnet may bring up painful but important information, valuable for spiritual healing and improvement of self-awareness.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Secondary: Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23) Secondary: Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | January |
Traditional birthstone: | January |
Planetary birthstone: | Pluto - Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) |
Chakra: | Red Garnet: 1st/Base Chakra (Muladhara) Red Garnet: 7th/Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) Depending on the colour of the stone |
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Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Didier Descouens (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Iolite
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Iolite is named after "ios", the Greek word for "violet", referring to the purplish colour Iolite often has. The Vikings used a thin piece of
Iolite as polarization filter as a tool for sun-based orientation. That is why another name for Iolite is "Vikings Compass".
Sometimes Iolite is called "dichroite", which means "two coloured stone" in Greek, as the colour of Iolite changes when seen
from a different angle.
Properties
Iolite is transparent to translucent, but transparent Iolite is mostly used in jewelry. Most common colour is a hue between blue and
purple, the blue similar to Sapphire or purple similar to Amethyst, but more pale. Iolite can also be gray. All transparent Iolite is
strongly pleochroic: from a different angle, the same piece of purple Iolite can appear colourless or brown-yellow. Its hardness is
between 7 and 7.5 on Mohs scale.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Iolite is a stone of spirituality, vision and joy. While helping to understanding oneself and to connect with the soul, it has
protective, calming and comforting powers. By encouraging self-responsability and self-expression, Iolite can lift many kinds of
relationships to a more healthy, rewarding and satisfying level. The positive energy of Iolite can be received easily and comfortably.
Iolite improves imagination, vision and intuition and helps during inner journeys.
Iolite has positive effects on problems with vision and eye sight. It soothens a sore throat and diminishes headaches. Iolite improves
the brain function, especially memory, and helps against insomnia. It is helpful against all kinds of addictions and eases detoxification.
Meditation
For those who have difficulties with meditation due to a restless mind, the calming properties of Iolite can be very helpful.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Secondary: Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23) Secondary: Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | - |
Planetary birthstone: | Saturn - Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) |
Chakra: | 6th/Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) 5th/Throat Chakra (Visuddha) |
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Photo by Shaddack (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Maria Magdalena (Public domain)
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Labradorite
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Labradorite is named after the place where it was first found in 1770, the Labrador peninsula in Canada. One ancient legend
tells an Inuit warrior struck a piece of Labradorite and so created the norhtern light.
Labradorite is part of the Feldspar family and has a remarkable colour effect ("labradorescence") when moved. The variety
of Labradorite with a strong labradorescence effect, is called "Spectrolite".
Properties
Usually, Labradorite has a dark base colour, with metallic kinds of blue, green, yellow and red. Its opacity varies between
transparent and translucent. The hardness of Labradorite is 6 to 6.5 on Mohs scale.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Labradorite is a stone of understanding. It enhances inner intuition and insight of unknown or misunderstood aspects of
ones inner self and clarifies destiny, passion, dreams and goals. Labradorite turns paralyzing depression and anxiety into
enthousiast inspiration and self-confidence. It is a calming stone, helpful against anger and jealousy and improving harmony with
others. Labradorite gives the strength needed in times of confusion and when changes are needed or wanted.
Labradorite has a positive effect on disorders of the eyes and improves sight at night. It reliefs problems with muscles, bones and
joints. It is helpful for a balanced metabolism and to regulate hormons. Labradorite is beneficial as pain relief, especially during
menstruation, and it soothens PMS symptoms. It is also helpful for the lungs in general, but specifically respiratory problems, especially
if caused by bronchitis and colds.
Meditation
Meditating with Labradorite allows one to transcend the limitations of the past and the thoughts of the future, and embrace the
possibilities of the moment.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Secondary: Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23) Secondary: Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Secondary: Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | - |
Planetary birthstone: | - |
Chakra: | 5th/Throat Chakra (Visuddha) 6th/Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) 7th/Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) |
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Photo by Ra'ike (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Hi-Res Images of Chemical Elements (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license)
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Lapis Lazuli
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The name Lapis Lazuli comes from the Latin word
"lapis", meaning "stone" and the Persian word "la-žaward", meaning "blue". In many languages, the blue colour named 'azure' is
directly connected to Lapis Lazuli. The Greek, Romans and Egyptians used Lapis Lazuli extensively for amulets, ornaments and jewelry.
It has been used in the funeral mask of Tutankhamun. Cleopatra used powdered Lapis Lazuli as eyeshadow.
Actually, Lapis Lazuli is not a mineral, but a rock containing several different minerals: mostly the blue Lazurite, with some white
Calcite and sparkly Pyrite, also called "Fools Gold", for its visual similarity with gold.
Properties
Lapis Lazuli is a quite soft stone, 5 to 5.5 on Mohs scale. The colour is blue, up to a purplish hue, with white and gold-coloured
stripes. Lapis Lazuli is always opaque.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Lapis Lazuli is a stone of wisdom and truth. It stimulates intuition, understanding and consciousness. Lapis Lazuli reveals both
one's limitations as well as abilities, gifts and talents. It enhances objectivity, good judgement and is helpful in any learning
process. By helping to recognize feelings and emotions and expressing those in a truthful and harmonious way, Lapis Lazuli is
beneficial to solve conflicts with others and within oneself. It has strong powers and energies of high quality, but for best
results, one must raise their own power to connect fully with Lapis Lazuli.
Lapis Lazuli strengthens the immune system and is healthy for the functioning of ears (hearing loss), eyes and vocal cords. It
assists in relieving insomnia and letting go of anxieties. Lapis Lazuli lowers blood pressure and soothens a sore throat. It reliefs
pain in general, especially headaches, and is helpful with brain disorders.
Meditation
Lapis Lazuli is a catalyst and amplifier and it communicates with images rather than words.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) Secondary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Secondary: Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | December |
Planetary birthstone: | Saturn - Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) |
Chakra: | 6th/Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) 5th/Throat Chakra (Visuddha) |
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Photo by Didier Descouens (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Didier Descouens (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Moonstone
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Moonstone is given its name for the visual effect caused by light diffraction, resembling the light of the moon. The Romans believed
it existed of solidified rays of the moon. Moonstone, in Hindi called "Candra Kanta", is a sacred stone in India and a traditional wedding
gift.
Moonstone is part of the Feldspar family and actually composed of two species of that family: Orthoclase and Albite. The light falling
inbetween these alternating layers produces the effect called "adularescence", named after Adularia, another word for Orthoclase.
Properties
Moonstone is transparent to translucent and the colour varies from colourless to yellow, green, blue, peach/pink, brown or gray. The
hardness is medium hard, 6 to 6.5 on Mohs scale. Moonstone is also called "Water Opal" or "Fish Eye". The gem stone which is called
"Rainbow Moonstone" is actually colourless to milky white Labradorite with a rainbow coloured sheen.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Moonstone is a very female stone and a stone of love. It is very suitable for women, but also for (young) men who want to understand
and develop their emotional and sensitive sides better. Moonstone has strongest effects on Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). It
calms overwhelming emotions. Moonstone is helpful when undertaking changes and makes one understand that life is one huge
cycle of changes and accept the natural flow of life and destiny. It helps one to discern what one wants and what one needs. Moonstone
lets one recognize and embrace their own power and being.
Physically, Moonstone assists with many female issues, like fertility, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding. It eases
difficulties during menstruation and menopause. Moonstone helps against insomnia and sleepwalking. It assures a calm sleep with
peaceful dreams. Moonstone enhances the digestive system and balances the stomach, liver, pituitary and pancreas gland. It slows
down the aging process, especially of skin and hair. Moonstone eases dieting and is helpful with weight problems.
Meditation
Moonstone can unmask and reveal a hidden truth and show the missing piece of the puzzle of one's deep self.
Then, Moonstone can very well be combined with Garnet. Moonstone can be a substitute for Pearl, if this is not available, or a
softer and more gentle replacement for Crystal Quartz. Moonstone used at full moon phase is very powerful and should be used
carefully.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22) Secondary: Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23) Secondary: Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | September |
Traditional birthstone: | June |
Planetary birthstone: | Moon - Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22) |
Chakra: | 7th/Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) combined with 6th/Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) |
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Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Deomar Pandan, KamayoJewelry.com (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Onyx
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The name Onyx comes from "onyx", the Greek word for claw or nail and fleshtone coloured Onyx could resemble a fingernail. A legend
tells that Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus while she slept, leaving the cut nails on the ground. As no part of a heavenly body
can die, the gods turned them into stone: Onyx.
Onyx is a Chalcedony variety and differs from Agate with its more straight and parallel instead of chaotic bands. Onyx is formed
in the vesicles of lava.
Properties
Onyx can have bands in almost every colour, except hues like blue and purple, but the name Onyx is mostly used for the most famous black
variety, with or without white stripes. It is then called Black Onyx. Onyx with sard (a kind of reddish brown) coloured bands is
called Sardonyx. The hardness of Onyx is 7 on Mohs scale. Transparency varies between translucent to opaque, but opaque Onyx is most
common. Nowadays, the black colour of Black Onyx is almost always artificially enhanced.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Onyx is the stone of inner boost and strength. It supports in stressful or otherwise mentally or emotionally difficult
situations. Onyx increases intuition, instinct and self-confidence and boosts concentration and focus. It guides and brings up inner
wisdom to make the right decisions. Onyx releases negative emotions like sorrow and grief and it protects against surroundings that
drain positive energies. It helps to absorb the most needed positive energies of the universe. Onyx balances the male and female
polarities. It reduces sexual desire, if this has a solely habitual or negative base. Onyx should not be worn while sleeping, as it
can cause bad dreams.
Physically, Onyx regenerates and is helpful for healing wounds, skin ailments, fungal infections and sunburn. It strengthens the
skin, hair, teeth and nails. Onyx is beneficial for the bones and bone marrow. Onyx helps with many addictions and detoxification.
Meditation
In meditation, Onyx is particularly useful as a calming stone in times of stress and overwhelming emotions.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23) Secondary: Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | July |
Planetary birthstone: | - |
Chakra: | Black Onyx: 1st/Base Chakra (Muladhara) White Onyx: 1st/Base Chakra (Muladhara) combined with 7th/Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) |
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Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Michelle Jo (Public domain)
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Peridot
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It is not sure where the name "Peridot" comes from. Some sources suggest it is an alteration of the Anglo–Norman "pedoretés", a kind
of opal. Other sources mention it derives from "faridat", the Arabic word for "gem". And some say it derives from the Greek word
"peridona", which means something like "giving plenty". Peridot has been used and valued since antiquity and has been mined for
almost 4,000 years. It was jewelry for the Egyptian Pharaohs and a favorite of Cleopatra.
Peridot is a kind of Olivine. The tint and intensity of the colour depends on the amount of iron in its chemical structure. Sometimes,
the more yellowish variation of Peridot is called Chrysolite. A very rare kind of almost transparent white Peridot is called
Forsterite or Boltonite. Peridot is found in lava and sometimes in meteorites.
Properties
Peridot is one of the few gem stones that occur in only one colour, green. However, the colour may vary from yellowish to brownish
green. Olive green coloured Peridot is considered most valuable. Peridot is always transparent, but may have some milky inclusions.
The hardness of Peridot varies between 6.5 and 7 on Mohs scale.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Peridot is a stone of joy and relationships. It alleviates negative emotions towards others, such as jealousy, anger, bitterness,
resentment, irritation and hatred. Peridot opens the heart and releases the ego. It increases peaceful and harmoneous assertiveness
and patience. This way, Peridot helps to create new friendships, and seal and strengthen existing ones. Peridot also demonstrates the
positive value of past experiences. It enables us to forgive others and to recognize, accept and admit our own mistakes.
Physically, Peridot purifies the blood, aids indigestion and strengthens the immune system. It regenerates tissue and slows down the
aging process. Peridot benefits the overall health of the eyes. It also reduces fever and is helpful with skin issues, especially
insect bites. It has healing effects on the liver and gall bladder. Peridot is helpful in childbirth by lessening the pain and
strengthening the muscle contractions.
Peridot should be used in a limited way by fearful or confused people, as toxins are being released and brought to the surface.
Peridot should be removed when working on chakras other than the Heart (4th) and Solar Plexus (3rd) Chakra.
Meditation
Peridot is specifically helpful in matters of the past: letting go of negative experiences and patterns, move on and
take responsability for one's own life.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22) Secondary: Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23) Secondary: Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | August |
Planetary birthstone: | - |
Chakra: | 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) 3rd/Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) |
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Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Vassil (Public domain)
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Tourmaline
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The name "Tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese "turamali", meaning "stone of many colours". An ancient Egyptian legend tells that
Tourmaline travelled from the center of the earth to the sun, came along a rainbow and gathered all its colours. During ancient
ceremonies in India, Tourmaline was used to bring insight of what is good.
Tourmaline occurs in a wide variety of colours, where chemical compounds with metal elements is responsible for the colour. Black
Tourmaline is by far the most common and known as Schorl. Also other colours have their own names: Indicolite (blue Tourmaline),
Dravite (dark yellow to brown Tourmaline), Verdelite (green), Siberite (purple) and Rubellite (pink to red). Colourless Tourmaline
is known as Achroite. Other names of varieties refer to their visual effect, like Watermelon Tourmaline, with pink in the center and
green on the outside or vice versa. Cat's Eye Tourmaline has a cat's eye effect, similar to Tiger Eye.
Properties
Tourmaline can be transparent to opaque. It can have many different colours, and two or even three colours in one piece is
not uncommon. The hardness of Tourmaline is 7 to 7.5 on Mohs scale. All Tourmaline have a certain degree of pleochroism, which means that
from different angles a different colour appears. Depending on the colour, Tourmaline has a more or less magnetic response, which can
be detected with a neodymium magnet. Black Tourmaline is most magnetic and red and pink Tourmaline the least. Tourmaline is also pyro-
and piezoelectric, which means that electricity is generated when the stone is heated, rubbed or pressed.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
All Tourmaline stimulates tolerance, understanding, compassion, serenity and flexibility. It gets rid of fears and negative energies
and improves communication. This makes Tourmaline a very peaceful and relaxing stone. All Tourmaline protects against negative and
harmful energies, thus making it a protective stone as well. It also balances the male and female energies.
Other additional healing properties depend on the colour. All Tourmalines are powerful, and should be used with care.
Black Tourmaline:
is a stone of protection. It protects against negative and destructive forces. Black Tourmaline can show a cause of
trouble and lead into the right direction. It shields against the emotional drain caused by people who whine, moan and complain, but
do nothing to improve their situation. Black Tourmaline protects against the harmful radiation caused by cellular phones, computers
and other electronic equipment. It is helpful in environments which can trigger panic attacks, such as small or frightening spaces.
This way, Black Tourmaline helps to overcome fear for doctors and dentists.
Physically, Black Tourmaline stimulates the reflex points of the lower back, legs and feet, and realigns the spinal column. It
reliefs pain and is beneficial for torn or strained muscles, arthritis, numbness and scar tissue. Black Tourmaline enhances the
sense of smell and the perception of pheromones. In that sense, it could work as an aphrodisiac. Black Tourmaline helps restoring
the natural beauty of nails and hair. It treats motion sickness and strenghtens the heart and immune system. Black Tourmaline
helps to get rid of toxins caused by environmental pollution, specifically heavy metals.
Blue Tourmaline:
is mostly a relaxing and peaceful stone. It brings happiness and laughter. Blue Tourmaline provides a calm and restful sleep and
reduces stress. It enhances honest and clear communication with an open mind and tolerance for the differences of others,
encouraging truth, ethics and responsability. Blue Tourmaline promotes inspiration and creativity and aids the spiritual growth.
On a physical level, Blue Tourmaline promotes detoxification and strengthens the immune system. It is helpful against infections of
the throat and bronchi. Blue Tourmaline also benefits the lungs, thyroid, larynx, internal organs and heart. It reduces water
retention. Blue Tourmaline helps with speech impediments.
Green Tourmaline:
is a stone of energy and stamina. It inspires creativity and allows one to be more expressive and less fearful of change. It is
helpful in creating and manifesting goals, and so it attracts success, luck, abundance and prosperity. Green Tourmaline reduces
claustrophobia and panic attacks. It is beneficial with emotional problems associated with male forces in one's life. Tourmaline
can be used to slow down hyperactive children.
Physically, Green Tourmaline stimulates regeneration and proper functioning of the body cells and fortifies the nervous and immune
system. It relieves chronic fatigue and exhaustion. Green Tourmaline is beneficial to the eyes and useful with losing weight.
Pink Tourmaline:
is a stone of the heart and love, for oneself and for others, especially if related to children. It is excellent for emotional
support during teenage pregnancy. Pink Tourmaline helps to open up, receive and accept. From this perspective, it is beneficial for
all relationships, romantic and friendly. Pink Tourmaline comforts those who suffered any kind of abuse as a child. It soothens
emotional trouble for boys and girls in puberty. Pink Tourmaline helps to turn old hurt into nurturing love and stimulates new love
and new relationships. It assists in attaining understanding, peace and trust. It reduces fear related issues, such as paranoia,
anxiety and nervousness.
Pink Tourmaline can physically help with neuralgia and migraine. It treats lungs, angina and skin disorders. Pink Tourmaline
improves the coordination between the eyes and the hands. It is helpful with irregular heartbeat and recovery from heart attack.
Red Tourmaline:
is a stone of love and life. It promotes love, the ability to understand it and the creativity to express it. When it is hard to find,
Red Tourmaline brings back the joy for life. It reduces depression and obsessive behaviour patterns and revitalizes passion and joy in
sexuality. Red Tourmaline improves mental processes by balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It encourages one to be
lively and sociable, with tactfulness and flexibility. Red Tourmaline balances the female energies within men and women and is especially
beneficial for women struggling with emotional challenges.
On a physical level, Red Tourmaline stimulates blood circulation and is beneficial for the structure of blood vessels and veins. It
balances the digestive system and aids with disorders of the reproductive system. Red Tourmaline treats disorders of the lungs, pancreas,
spleen and liver.
Watermelon Tourmaline:
is a super activator of the Heart Chakra. It combines and amplifies the properties of Pink Tourmaline, an emotional and feminine
stone, with Green Tourmaline, a physical and masculine stone, making it a very powerful stone. It is a bridge between the heart and
the mind that brings joy to one's life. True joy, which is not based upon external circumstances, but rather on being.
Physically, Watermelon Tourmaline alleviates pain and strengthens the immune system. It protects the nerve cells and regenerates them,
specifically with paralysis and multiple sclerosis. Watermelon Tourmaline is helpful with detoxification of the body and is
beneficial for the endocrine system.
Meditation
Black Tourmaline is a strongly grounding crystal.
Blue Tourmaline provides deep meditation, bringing past hurts to the surface.
Green Tourmaline is excellent to understand and appreciate one's place in nature and to learn to adapt to natural
changes.
Pink Tourmaline, using the Heart Chakra, can infuse the whole emotional body with love and restore a sense of wholeness.
Red Tourmaline provides a direct pathway between the first (Base) and fourth (Heart) Chakra. It helps to reestablish
self-esteem and confidence after a trauma or a loss and promotes the feeling of being one with nature.
Watermelon Tourmaline calms the mind and the emotions and is excellent to integrate, merge and bridge masculine and
feminine energies.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | All: Primary: Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23) All: Secondary: Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22) Black: Secondary: Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) Blue: Secondary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Green: Secondary: Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) Red: Secondary: Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) Red: Secondary: Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Watermelon: Secondary: Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | October |
Planetary birthstone: | - |
Chakra: | Black Tourmaline: 1st/Base Chakra (Muladhara) Blue Tourmaline: 5th/Throat Chakra (Visuddha) Blue Tourmaline: 6th/Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) Green Tourmaline: 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) Pink Tourmaline: 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) Red Tourmaline: 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) Red Tourmaline: 1st/Base Chakra (Muladhara) Watermelon Tourmaline: 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) |
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Photo by Sailko (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license)
Photo by Ji-Elle (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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Turquoise
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The name "Turquoise" refers to the route the gemstone travelled, from Persia where it was mined, through Turkey, to Europe. It was
called "Turquies" ("Turkish"), as it came from Turkey. Turquoise has been mined for thousands of years and is probably one of the first
stones to be used in jewelry. The oldest pieces of Turquoise were found on the mummy of Queen Zar, ruler of Egypt around 5500 BC.
In history, Turquoise has always been connected to friendship and as a gift it was a declaration of sincerity and affection.
The natural creation of Turquoise is not a simple process. It needs copper as a base (hence its blue colour) and vulcanic host rocks
coming to the surface as magma, triggering feldspar to release aluminum near rocks rich of phosphurus. On top of that, this combination
has to stay dry and under high pressure for millions of years.
Properties
The colour of Turquoise can vary between blue-green to the typical turquoise kind of blue. The stone is always opaque and its
hardness is 5-7 on Mohs scale, but a hardness of 7 is rare. Turquoise is not only relatively soft, but also a porous stone and should
therefore be handled gently and carefully. Cleaning should only be done with luke warm water.
Healing powers
Important: This information is not a substitute for qualified health care. Always consult a qualified physician when your personal health is involved!
Turquoise is a stone of strength. It enhances the psychic immune system. By finding answers and knowledge and providing the strength to
express, Turquoise stimulates clear communication. It promotes self-forgiveness and self-acceptance. Turquoise clears electromagnetic
pollution and dispels negative energy. It reduces depression, panic attacks and stress. Turquoise evens excessive swings of moods
and reduces tendencies of self-sabotage.
Physically, Turquoise is helpful to the respiratory system. It prevents bronchial attacks and treats lung disorders and allergies.
Turquoise is helpful with physical and mental exhaustion. It supports the assimilation of nutrients and alleviates viral infections.
Turquoise is detoxifying and anti-inflammatory. It treats gout, rheumatism, and problems with the stomach. Turquoise is healthy for
the brain, ears, eyes, neck and throat, and is especially helpful in the treatment of cataracts, migraines and headaches. Turquoise
stimulates the regeneration of tissue.
Meditation
Turquoise enhances meditation with creativity, communication, peace of mind, and emotional balance. It prevents losing contact with
the conscious mind.
Birthstones and chakras
Zodiac birthstone: | Primary: Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 20) Secondary: Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Secondary: Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Secondary: Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20) Secondary: Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Secondary: Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19) |
Ayurvedic birthstone: | - |
Traditional birthstone: | December |
Planetary birthstone: | Uranus - Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) |
Chakra: | 5th/Throat Chakra (Visuddha) 4th/Heart Chakra (Anahata) 6th/Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) |
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Quote of the day |
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Accept your past without regret, handle your present with confidence, and face your future without fear.
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