Crystal Information

AMETHYST – Birthstone for February

Amethyst is part of the “Quartz” family and occurs in both the crystal and massive forms. The colour comes from the manganese presence, and the depth of colour is determined by additional iron content. The deepest amethyst readily available on the market today comes from Uruguay, although it can be found in other parts of the world. The more medium colour comes from Brazil, and the very pale amethyst comes from South Africa and is known as Cape amethyst. Amethyst is used for jewellery and polished for spheres, wands, and other tools used in healing.

The word Amethyst translates from the Greek for “not drunken”, and was worn to prevent over indulgence and addictiveness. It is known as the stone of “Spirituality & Contentment” and could be described as a “good all rounder”.  It can ease headaches, aids sleep, and can be used in times of stress or grief. It can also help with meditation and protects against physic attacks. Placing other crystals on an Amethyst druze or in a cave of amethyst will cleanse and energize them. It is a powerful and useful crystal to have in the home.

AMETRINE

Ametrine is a hybrid of both Amethyst and Citrine.  Although it occurs naturally, it is actually a process of heating which turns it yellow. The more it is exposed to heat, the more yellow it will become.  (Some commercial citrines are heat treated amethyst or smoky quartz)

The healing properties are shared with both amethyst and citrine and powerfully combines the two. Ametrine works quickly in all areas.

CITRINE

Citrine does not hold or retain negative energy, but rather dissipates it. It does not, therefore, require cleansing. It is known as “The Merchants Stone”. Placing citrine in a cash till, or a purse, is believed to attract and maintain wealth. It is an excellent stone for smoothing family or group problems. It can be used for clearing the aura. It dispels anger, lifts and cheers.

Natural citrine is rare and is much paler in colour than the heat treated amethyst citrine.

CARNELIAN  (Quartz group)

Carnelian was known as Cornelian in ancient times. The name is derived from the Kornel cherry because of its colour. Most carnelians are agates and come from Brazil of Uruguay. A fascinating mineral, it comes in colour variations from milky white through to the darkest of browns. Some pieces can contain all shades and are very beautiful.

Carnelian protects against anger fear and envy and dispels apathy. It is useful for those in the field of Drama or Theatre.  It stimulates precision and analytical capabilities.

AMBER 

Amber is the fossilized resin of the pine tree and has been around for 50million years

It is thought to be the first substance to be classified as semi-precious.  It is sometimes found with inclusions of plants or insects. It has been used since prehistoric times for jewellery, religious objects and ornaments.  In Victorian times it was fashioned into teething rings for babies and in medieval times it was burned as incense. It was also used for the renewal of marriage vows. 

Wear Amber when going into battle, as it is said to be lucky for warriors. It should be worn at the throat as Amber has been used in the treatment of that area.

QUARTZ CRYSTAL

The name “Crystal” comes from the Greek “Ice”. Quartz crystal is used in the sciences and medical world as well as industry. Because it has the perfect beat or vibration, it has been used to power watches and clocks and indeed, the best timepieces still run on quartz precision.

There are many stories & beliefs surrounding Quartz. The fabled continent of Atlantis reputedly used crystals for everything. The priesthood adapted vast caverns where crystals formed and used them as correction centres for transgressors. Offenders would be placed before a suitable crystals and left to absorb the powerful vibration, which seemed to transmute negative thought into constructive act.

Quartz can be used to dispel static electricity, and it is useful placed between the body and computer screens as well as televisions. It should be placed on microwaves and electricity meters.

SMOKY QUARTZ

Smoky quartz is widely available in its natural form where is comes in variations from pale to dark transparent. Some smoky quartz has been irradiated and these can be identified by their dense black colour. These treated crystals are not as attractive as the natural stones, which can sometimes include rutiles and phantoms.

Smoky quartz works in a most subtle way, repelling negativity. It is a good grounding stone and also acts as a protector.

SODALITE

Sodalite gets its name from the sodium content of the stone.  It believed to be an excellent stone for communications, especially within groups of people, concentrating the mind. It encourages trust and self esteem and is a stone for the emotions.

ROSE QUARTZ 

Rose quartz is rock crystal with manganese or titanium, which gives the pink colour. Some pieces are dense and deep in colour. Others are translucent and pale giving a more ‘gemmy’ affect. It is purely down to personal preference, which you choose. Stones cut for jewellery can be quite pale, as the thinner it is cut the paler it becomes.

More commonly known as “The Love Stone”, Rose Quartz is a powerful healing stone for the emotions. It can be used in times of stress and heartache and brings a calming influence to relationships. It is truly the Stone of Love.

HEMATITE  (Iron Ore)

Hematite is the most important of iron ores, and is named after the Greek word for blood. Although a gunmetal colour when polished, it is actually red. In ancient times it was used to stop bleeding and was known as bloodstone. In medieval times hematite crystals called specularite were used as mirrors. The best hematite comes from Cumbria where it is found in the form of kidney ore.  It is also found in North America and Spain, where hematite used for jewellery is more likely to come from.

Hematite is believed to attract kind love, and provides good grounding.

TIGER’S EYE (Quartz)

Tiger’s eye is formed from Hawk’s eye. The golden colour comes from iron deposit, and the chatoyancy give the affect of a cat’s eye.  (Hawk’s eye is blue and the chatoyancy resembles a bird of prey) Most of the tiger’s eye on sale today comes from South Africa.

Tiger’s eye acts as your Third Eye useful for enhancing psychic and intuitive abilities.

It encourages optimism and assists one to make a choice or decision.