Cyrstals & Gemstones

F - J

Stone Glossary | A - E | F - J | K - O | P - S | T - Z

Fluorite

Fluorite

It is here to teach us to be inter-dimensional. Used to advance the mind from one mental reality to the next. Aids in fighting mental disorder and gaining spiritual awakening. Balances positive and negative aspects of the mind. Cleaner, grounds excess energies and helps one work with large amounts of energy. Very focusing. Aids in increasing the assimilation of Life Force into the body. Source of fluoride, strengthens bone and dental tissue.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Strengthens teeth and bones. Improves absorption of vital nutrients. Beneficial for blood vessles and spleen. Grounds excess energy. Excellent for advancement of mind, greater concentration, meditation. Helps one grasp higher, more abstract concepts. Facilitates interdimensional communication. Powerful healer. Works with chakras and attitudes according to color of stone.

By Legion of Light

Garnet

Garnet

Strong help to balance your energy system, stimulate your desires and uplift your attitude. Draws happiness, power, possessions, and peace. Aids in patience, persistence, sexuality, and purification. Sharpens self-perception. Increases creative energy and sexual appetite. Enhances bodily strength, endurance, and vigor. Protection against thieves. Helps to align the emotional body to the spiritual body. Sleeping with it will help you remember your dreams.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Firstly as it is the color of menstrual blood, it is a stone of fertility. As a gift it is a symbol of happiness and loyalty. It is thought to be a antidote to plague and fever. Women were known to wear it around their waist to help with the menstrual cycle. If it obtained unlawfully it will bear a curse upon its wearer until it is returned to its lawful owner.

Goddess: Persephone

Compiled by Lady Hathor - The Silver Circle - Toronto, Ont.

Magical Properties: Strengthens, purifies, vitalizes and regenerates bodily systems, especially the bloodstream. Has strong affinity with root chakra, helping to harmonize the potent forces of the kundalini. Stimulates pituitary gland. Aligns subtle bodies. Love, compassion. Enhances imagination.

By Legion of Light

Golden Beryl

Scientific Information: Beryl is Beryllium aluminum silicate, frequently with some sodium, lithium and cesium. The chemistry is Be3Al2Si60qi. The hardness is between 7-1/2 and 8 and the streak is white. Although what we're talking about here is the beautiful Golden Beryl, remember that Emerald and Aquamarine are also Beryls. Golden Beryl ranges in color from almost canary to gold, in the best examples. Other stones are a dull yellow, sometimes with a hint of green.

Environment: Beryl develops in pegmatites and certain metamorphic rocks. It occurs with quartz, microcline, and muscovite in pegmatites, and with quartz, muscovite, and almandine in schist of regional metamorphic rocks.

Occurrence: Beryl has been mined commercially from pegmatites in the New England states. In addition fine specimens have come from California and North Carolina. Gem quality Golden Beryl is mined in Brazil, Virginia and Madagascar.

Gemstone Information: These stones are usually given a mixed, oval, or sometimes round cut. Gems even 10 or more carats in weight are not uncommon. Inclusions in the form of roughly parallel bundles of narrow tubules may be clearly visible with a lens and can reduce the stone's transparency and luster.

Name: The name is from the Greek [beryllos], indicating any green gemstone. (The majority of Beryl mined is some shade of green.)

Legend and Lore: In the past, Golden Beryl has been cut into spheres for scrying and was considered superior to Clear Quartz. This stone has often been confused with Topaz and used for the same types of things.

Magical Properties: This stone is said to protect the wearer from being manipulated (telepathically). Almost all colors of Beryl, including the Golden are said to increase psychic awareness. With its beautiful Golden Color it would be associated with the Sun.

Healing: This stone is recommended for ailments of the liver, stomach, glands and eyes. It is said to energize the body in a general way and to boost the immune system. Golden Beryl is a good stone to use for exhaustion or depression, nausea, diarrhea, ulcers, constipation and obesity.

Personal Experience: I do not have this stone in my collection. (But it is on my "list" for the future!)

Notes: Golden Beryl can sometimes look very similar to yellow Chrysoberyl, from which it is distinguished only by its physical characteristics. The Yellow-green variety of Beryl is called Heliodor.

Bibliography

  1. Scientific, Environment, Occurrence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) "The Audubon 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.
  7. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks, by Tandika Star.
  8. Birthstone poem from "The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones" by William T. Fernie, M.D.

Hematite

Hematite

Scientific Information: Hematite is a steel-grey, red, reddish brown, or black iron oxide. The chemistry is Fe2 O3. One of the most unique things about this mineral is its streak, which is normally blood red, but sometimes cherry or brownish. The hardness is from 5 to 6.

Environment: The former huge bodies of iron ore, composed largely of hematite, worked in the Lake Superior region are of sedimentary origin. Hematite has formed also in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It occurs with biotite, albite, and barite in carbonatites; with diopside and epidote in hornfels of contact and regional metamorphic rocks; with quartz and siderite in mesothermal and epithermal veins; and with fluorite, barite, and calcite in lode and disseminated replacement deposits.

Occurrence: Hematite has been reported from many localities in North America. It occurs as dark reddish-brown reniform masses in the iron mines of Michigan and Minnesota, and on Aztec Peak, Gila Co., Arizona. Sharp, brilliant black hematite crystals occur with quartz near Bouse, Yuma Co., Arizona.

Name: The name "hematite" is from the Greek [haimatites,] meaning "bloodlike," which is in reference to the vivid red color of the powdered mineral.

Legend and Lore: Hematite was used by Galen for inflamed eyelids and headaches, and by Pliny for blood disorders. Egyptians valued it as a cure for hysteria. Azchalias asserted that Hematite, when used as a talisman, procured for the wearer a favorable hearing of petitions addressed to kings and a fortunate issue of lawsuits and judgements.

Magical Properties: Hematite has long been associated with psychic awareness. In addition, some people believe that it assists in astral travel. "A scrying: In a darkened room, light a red candle. Settle before it and hold a large piece of hematite so that the candle's flame is reflected on it. Gaze at the reflection and visualize a question. The answer will come to you." (Cunningham)

Healing: Hematite is a principal blood purifier among stone healers. It can be placed anywhere on the body for this purpose, or worn as a ring, pendant or necklace for continuous healing. It is also considered a grounding stone, which makes it useful for those people who have difficulty concentrating on the "here-and-now". Shamans historically have believed that Hematite, placed over the location of an illness, will draw the "spirit" of the illness out of the patient and into itself.

Personal Experience: I use Hematite as a blood purifier, placing it over the spleen, liver or kidneys as needed. I also use it often as a grounding stone, placing it near or on the feet before working on the higher Chakras. One interesting thing that I've noted on many occasions: Those interested in financial matters (usually those who want more money, but don't want to work very hard for it!) seem to be drawn to Hematite. Also those individuals with a high number of "eights" in their numerological charts seem to be drawn to this mineral.

Notes: Hematite is the principal ore of iron.

Iron based. Used for grounding and stabilizing purposes - to focus on the physical plane. Has a great deal of magnetism. It will draw in the energy of the universe. powerful in drawing illness from the body. Good for kidneys. Lowers high blood pressure. It brings a greater attunement. Eliminates spaciness and strengthens the intuition. Promotes common sense.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

It has positive effect upon bloodstream. Activates spleen, increases resistance to stress. Helps circulate oxygen throughout body. Strengthens physical and etheric bodies. Energizing, vitalizing. Enhances personal magnetism, optimism, will, courage. Slightly grounding. Powerful stone for those attracted to it.

By Legion of Light

Bibliography

  1. Scientific, Environment, Occurrence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals".
  2. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from "Cunningham's Encyclopedia 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 Tandika Star.

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 Information: 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.

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.

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

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.

Jasper

Jasper

Scientific Information: Brown Jasper, sometimes called "picture" Jasper because of the beautiful variations in coloring, is a type of Chalcedony. It is closely related to Quartz, with the chemistry of Si O2. The color variations are from trace amounts of other minerals, usually iron and aluminum. The hardness is 7.

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.

Occurrence: Montana, Utah and Wyoming are prolific locations for Brown Jasper in the U.S. In addition, fine specimens have come from Brazil, Uruguay and Egypt. Other colors and forms of Jasper are abundant in California, Texas and Arkansas.

Name: The name Chalcedony is from Chalcedon, an ancient Greek city of Asia Minor.

Legend and Lore: Beautiful Jasper, with light and dark brown markings was referred to as "Egyptian Marble". Various Native American tribes used Jasper as a rubbing stone and some called it "the rain bringer".

Magical Properties: Brown Jasper is balancing and grounding. This stone, carved into an arrowhead, is worn to attract luck. It is a good stone to use after completing a ritual to help you regain your center and become grounded.

Healing: Jasper is stabilizing. It will help to reduce insecurity, fear and guilt.

Personal Experience: I use a piece of Montana Picture Jasper, which is mostly brown and tan with a slight bit of sky and navy blue as a strong grounding stone for those who have an excess of energy at the Splenic Chakra. I've also used the stone as a basis for a "journey"...The stone looks like a scene of the Rocky Mountains. Finally, I've used Picture Jasper as a psychological tool: I will ask someone who is "looking for an answer" to gaze into the stone and describe all the symbols they see. Then I work with the client to form the "symbols" into some sort of answer.

Notes: Agate, Jasper, Flint, Sardonyx, and onyx are all forms of Chalcedony. In addition, particular colors of Chalcedony have specific names, such as Heliotrope, Bloodstone, Chrysophrase and Moss Agate.

Grounding - gives connection to the earth. A stabilizing stone - it reduces your insecurities, fears, and guilt. Decrystalizes illusions. Used for cancer and other wasting dis-eases. Purifies the blood - helps the anemic. Vitalizes brain tissue, stimulates hormone balance. Excellent stone for healers as it enhances and balances the auric field.

Leopard Skin Jasper: It will enhance your total vibration. Stabilizes the heart and solar plexus areas. Helps stabilize your frustrations. It brings serenity (grey), protection (black), love (pink), mental clarity (yellow), vitality (red), and healing (green).

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Jasper is a variety of chalcedony. Strengthens liver, gallbladder, bladder. Powerful healer; main impact on physical body. Represents earth element. Works with chakras according to color of stone.

By Legion of Light

Bibliography

  1. Scientific, Environment, Occurrence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals".
  2. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from "Cunningham's Encyclopedia 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 Tandika Star.

Jet

These are one person stones!

They ward off evil, especially magickal evil and lift fear and depression. They are a link between the physical and the spiritual and are used to balance the emotions. They protect from possession.

They were once used to repel plague, fever and negativity.

They tend to filter out germs and aid, headaches, toothache, stomach diseases, goiter, dropsy, hysteria and hallucinations caused by fever. They are used in women's complaints. Jet helps during labour and, when powdered and mixed with bees wax, are applied to tumors.

They offer protection from thunderstorms...

Compiled by Lady Hathor - The Silver Circle - Toronto, Ont.

Stone Glossary | A - E | F - J | K - O | P - S | T - Z