Cyrstals & Gemstones

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

Peridot

Peridot

Peridot is found in meteorites. Completely aligns all the subtle bodies. This helps one receive information from the higher self more easily. Good stone for channeling. Visionary stone - it helps connect us to our destinies and to an understanding of the purpose of existence. Keeps the mind free from envious thoughts and jealousies. A good stone for people who cannot relate to realities beyond the physical world. Aids in manifesting physical work into material abundance. A healing stone working with the heart and solar plexus chakras.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Periodt balances glandular system. Aids tissue regeneration. Has beneficial influence on heart, pancreas, spleen, liver, adrenals. Purifies body. Enhances bloodstream. Overal balancer and tonic for body/mind. Aligns subtle bodies. Increase intuitative awareness. Reduces stress. Stimulates mind. Accelerates personal growth. Opens new doors or opportunity.

By Legion of Light

Petrified Wood

It can ground you to the earth. Aids in preventing work stress. Restores physical energy. Protects against infections and bodily injuries. Helpful for arthritis, environmental pollutants, and skeletal systems. Relates to tissue regeneration and longevity. Helps us enjoy life and the evolution within out life. Used to recall past incarnations and ancient powers.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Pyrite

Pyrite

Pyrite aids digestion, improves circulation. Strengthens and oxygenates blood. Enhances brain functions. Influences a more positive outlook on life. Enhances emotional body, strengthens will. Helps one's ability to work with others harmoniously. Practicality.

By Legion of Light

Quartz

Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz: Known as "Ice of Eternity." All-around healer and amplifier. Capable of dispersing white light into the seven spectral colors. Aligns one's consciousness with the electromagnetic forces of the universe, helping each of us find our own inner light that connects us with the One Light. Magnifiers of psychic and healing energies. Used to help focus and amplify one's thoughts or intentions.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz: It's pink! It's love! It's a gentle awakening! Stimulates love of self, love of others, love of the Universe. Teaches one how to give and receive love. Teaches the power of forgiveness. Opens the heart allowing emotional release. Heals soul trauma. Clears and encourages a beautiful complexion. Prevents wrinkles. Helps one reduce weight. Works on the thymus gland. (color fades in direct sunlight)

Smokey Quartz

Smokey Quartz: Stimulates and purifies the base chakra. Channels the white light energy of the crown chakra into the first chakra to be rooted deep into the physical plane. I will give one a sense of pride about walking the earth and inhabiting a physical body. It helps one come to terms with their body, their heart, their life and their world. Gives one the power to manifest their dreams and visions of earth. Enables one to assimilate more in life by teaching to let go of what is no longer needed for growth. Grounding.

Rutilated Quartz

Rutilated Quartz: Integrates the Life Force into our bodies. Energizes, rejuvenates, and balances the system. Strengthens positive direction. Raises your vibration - prevents depression. Heals the soul center. Increases clairvoyance. Strengthens thought projection. Opens connections with the universal others. Aids in past life memories. Aids in getting answers to questions asked. Helps the body assimilate nutrients, helps the immune system, slows dis-eases of aging as it stimulates tissue regeneration.

Tourmalated Quartz: The combination of clear white and radiant black creates a perfect polarity of energies and creates a natural balance in whatever work is done with it. The black tends to neutralize one's negative energies and is a dedicated servant to the light. Stimulates astral projection.

Snow Quartz: Stimulates your hopes and stabilizes your dreams. Helps you use your own inner resources and potentials to alleviate your self-blocks. Helps us have a focus of purity in ourselves. Promotes clarity of mind and activates the crown chakra. It shows us our oneness with our Creator. Helps one have a love of truth.

Blue Quartz

Blue Quartz: A fine peace and tranquility stone. Stimulates creativity and expression.


Green Quartz: Stimulates creativity. An all-around healer, it soothes, heals, and balances. Prosperity stone.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Crystals are formed along energy lines found within the natural forces of the earth itself. Even beyond the earth within the natural forces of the cosmos itself. The stars you see about the earth at night and the other planets also radiates lines of force. These lines literally transverse the earth itself and generates energy along the meridian of these lines...It is along these lines that crystals are formed in the natural state. So in essence they are the energy of the cosmos itself.

Nature acts as a storehouse of energy. We have to learn to tap this storehouse, if man were to know of the natural abilities of crystals. There would not be any problems of energy shortages. Crystals are energy in themselves, in many different forms.

Crystals help with clairvoyance, generate energy, keep away nightmares. If powdered it is good for swelling, heart disease, eye disease, fever, intestinal problems. In Scotland it is the stone of victory..

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

Clear Quartz: Enhances the crystalline properties of blood, body and mind. Activates and enhances pineal and pituitary glands. Emotional balancer. Stimulates brain functions. Amplifies thought forms. Full spectrum energy activates all levels of consciousness. Dispels negativity in one's energy field and in environment. Receives, activates, stores, trasmits and amplifies energy. Excellent for meditation. Enhances interdimensional communication and communication with Higher Self and Spirit Guides.

Herkimer Diamond: a type of quartz crystal. Cleanses subtle bodies. Reduces stress. Balances and purifies energy within body/mind. Similar qualities as clear quartz. Powerful amplifier. Enhances inner vision. Increases awareness of dreams - "dream crystal." Stores thorough forms and information.

Rose Quartz: Aids kidneys and circulatory system. Increases fertility. Eases sexual/emotional imbalances. Helps clear stored anger, resentment, guilt, fear, jealousy. Reduces stress and tension, cools hot temper. Enhances self-confidence and creativity. Aids development of forgiveness, compassion, love.

Rutilated Quartz: Regeneration of tissue throughout body. Enhances life-force. Strengthens immune system. Stimulates brain functions. Eases depression, facilitates inspiration. Increases clairvoyance. Highly electrical, more intensity than clear quartz. Pierces through layers of physical/emotional/mental density. Transmutes negativity.Enhances communication with Higher Self and Spirit Guides.

Smoky Quartz: Strengthens adrenals, kidneys, pancreas. Increases fertility, balances sexual energy. Aids depression. Mildly sedative and relaxing. Initiates movement of kundalini. Dissipates subconscious blocks and negativity on all levels. Grounding, centering. Excellent for meditation. Enhances dream awareness and channelling abilities.

Tourmalated Quartz: Clear quartz with black tourmaline crystals balances male/female polarities. Aids in balancing extremes. Grounding, very protective, dissipates negativity. Combines forces of clear quartz and black tourmaline.

By Legion of Light

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite

It can beautifully guide you in your quest for emotional happiness. Unites the conscious and the subconscious. Helps restore balance to the psyche when it has been wounded by emotional or physical trauma. Connects the heart and solar plexus. It can bring new love into your life. Integrates the physical, emotional, and mental with the inspirational and spiritual aura layers. Strong transmitter of energy and aura fields - an electrical conductor. Used to open the healing chakras in the palms of the hands. Improves the "not wanting to see" types of eye and vision dis-eases. Aids acceptance, interpretation, and assimilation of what is seen.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Rhodochrosite aids spleen, kidneys, heart, pituitary gland and circulation of blood. Enhances memory and intellectual power. Emotional balancer. Helps heal emotional wounds and traumas. Aligns subtle bodies. Red/pink color helps to blend courage/will/passion aspects of lower chakras with loving expression of the heart. Divine love, acceptance of self and life. Powerful healer for those attuned to it.

By Legion of Light

Rhodonite

Rhodonite

This stone promotes self-esteem, feelings of self-worth and good self confidence. Good for relieving mental unrest and confusion, anxious foreboding and incoherence. Fends off unwanted influences from etheric planes. Has a very beneficial effect upon the growth of bones and the hearing system. It fine-tunes audio capabilities, making it a good stone for musicians.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Rhodonite aids central nervous system, thyroid gland, body reflexes, pituitary gland, pancreas. Strengthens immunity. Improves memory. Eases physical/emotional trauma. Reduces stress, calms mind. Alighns root and heart chakras for bringing love into action and manifestation (red/black variety). Self-esteem, confidence. Enhances energy levels in body mind. Pink variety (no black) helps impart understanding of strength within vulnerability. Great stone for light-workers serving in cities.

By Legion of Light

Rhyolite

A physical and emotional stabilizer. Helps strengthen the permanency of a love relationship. Stimulates emotional ardor. Rejuvenates physical beauty.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Ruby

Aids regeneration of physical/spiritual heart. Enhances circulation. Vitalizes blood and entire body/mind system. Strengthens immunity. Activates sluggish or dormant conditions on physical/spiritual levels. Refines lower passions. Courage, integrity, selfless service, joy, spiritual devotion, power, leadership. Helps banish sense of limitation.

By Legion of Light

Sapphire

Scientific Information: Sapphire is a member of the Corundum family, along with ruby. Both are basically aluminum oxide. It's chemistry is Al2O3. All colors of Corundum are considered to be "sapphire" unless they are red (Ruby.) It ranges in color from pink, blue, green, violet, gray, yellow and many shades in between. Black sapphire is colored by an admixture of magnetite, hematite or spinel (emery). Corundum is one of the hardest stones, rated at 9. The streak is white.

Environment: The crystals are Hexagonal; sometimes tapering prismatic; also pyramidal, tabular. It is often striated.

Occurrence: Gem quality sapphire have been found at only a few places in North America: at Yogo Gulch, Judith Basin Co., Montana, and at several places in North Carolina. Thailand, Ceylon, and Burma are the principal sources.

Name: Corundum is from [kuruntam], a Tamil word derived from Sanskrit [kuruvinda,] meaning "ruby." (I have not been able to locate a source for the word "sapphire".)

Legend and Lore: Sapphire has been associated with divine favor. The Buddhists believed that the sapphire favored devotion and spiritual enlightenment. It is the birthstone for the month of September:

"A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze.
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;
'Twill cure diseases of the mind."

Magical Properties: The ancient Greeks linked sapphire with Apollo, and wore it as an aid to prophecy when consulting oracles. For this reason, it is considered an aid for developing the "third eye". It was also considered to be able to guard its owner from being captured. It is worn and utilized in rituals to strengthen the ability to tap and send forth power.

Healing: Sapphire has been use as an aide to healing ailments of the eyes. It is also considered a booster for the immune system, protecting the body in general from disease.

Personal Experience: I've only recently acquired two sapphires. One of them is from Saudi Arabia, and is faceted. The second one I bought on March 13, 1993, and is probably from Thailand. As a result, I haven't really had a chance to work with them, so I have no comments at the moment.

Notes: Corundum is used as an abrasive. It is also used as the "jewels" in watches with "jewel movements."

Sapphire strengthens heart and kidneys. Activates pituitary gland, thereby aiding entire glandular system. Aligns body/mind/spirit. Stimulates psychic abilities, clarity and inspiration. Creative expression, loyalty, love. Aids connection with Higher Self/Spirit Guides. Strengthens will. Expands cosmic awareness. Dispels confusion. Excellent for meditation.

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.
  5. Birthstone poem from "The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones" by William T. Fernie, M.D.

Selenite

Selenite

Scientific Information: Selenite is the name given to colorless, transparent Gypsum. It is a Hydrous calcium sulfate with the chemistry of CaSO4.2H2O. The hardness is 1 - 1/2 to 2.

Environment: Gypsum is a very common sulfate mineral. Although it may be found in several rock types, it develops principally in sedimentary rocks of chemical origin, where it roms rock gypsum deposits in beds that may be 10m (30') in thickness. It also occurs associated with dolomite and barite in hydrothermal replacement deposits.

Occurrence: At Lockport, Niagra Co., New York, beautiful transparent crystals occur lining cavity walls in dolomite. Large crystals have been found at South Was, Wayne Co., Utah. Crystals up to 1.2 m (4') long have been found in the Maravilla Mine, Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Name: The name comes from the Greek [selenites], meaning "moon stone".

Legend and Lore: I was unable to find anything listed for "ancient" uses of this version of Gypsum.

Magical Properties: Cunningham states "...it is exchanged between lovers for reconciliation."

Healing: Stein mentions a case of using the stone, in a "lump" form for increasing milk flow in a nursing mother. Katrina Raphaell is the only other healer that I can reference that uses Selenite. She refers to it as a healer of the psyche, rather than of the physical dimension.

Personal Experience: Selenite can calm a confused mind. Because of it is Gypsum, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for any calcium deficiency diseases or for healing broken bones (although I haven't had an opportunity to try it on bones yet.) My Selenite wand is relatively new, and I have not yet fully explored it's potential.

Notes: In the past, crystalline Selenite has been used to make eyeglass lenses. Long Selenite "wands" can be found. But caution is advised with this stone: because it is so soft and has a high water content, it "bends" quite easily. Even the heat from your hand, while holding it can cause it to bend and curl.

Selenite strengthens bones, teeth. Soothes nerves. Has positive effect on brain, aiding power of concentration. Enhances willpower. Grounded white light.

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. 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.

Sodalite

Sodalite

Sodalite clears the mind for deeper and more wise thinking. Helps clear old mental patterns - guilt and fear. Helps connect your thoughts to your feelings. Strengthens the power of mind over body. Grounding for those who overreact emotionally. Throat stone. Stabilizes the thyroid. Helps one speak more and gain more confidence. Clears vision and opens third eye. Prolongs physical endurance. Aids in the manufacture of insulin to help stabilize diabetes.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Aids pancreas, balances endocrine system, strengthens metabolism and lymphatic system. Balances male/female polarities. Alleviates fear. Calms and clears the mind. Slightly sedative, grounding. Cuts through density and illusion, bringing clarity and truth. Enhances communication, creative expression. Similar qualities as lapis lazuli.

By Legion of Light

Star Stones

Scientific Information: If a transparent or translucent mineral contains numerous thin, hair-like fibers of another mineral, light reflected from a polished surface displays a fibrous sheen like satin or silk. This effect is called [chatoyancy] and is responsible for the streaks of light in catseye gems and star stones. Most commonly, the inclusions in corundum (sapphire, ruby) are rutile. Other stones that may display the star effect are garnet and tourmaline. For the catseye effect, the fibers lay in parallel bundles. When they are crystallized out parallel to the triagonal crystal symmetry, (two or more such lines intersect in the middle,) the appearance of a four-, six- or even twelve-rayed star may appear. The star stones are referred to as [asterias.] The twelve-rayed star is the most rare, and therefore the most valuable.

In most cases, star stones are produced as cabochons (that is, with a rounded top). It is important that these should be cut so that the star is exactly in the middle of the round stone.

Most star stones are a pale grey, but they can also be found in the richest colors. Occasionally one of the three rays of the star greatly predominates and stones are then cut as oval cat's-eyes. Almandine Garnets, when they display a star are referred to as [carbuncles].

Legend and Lore: In the East, star stones and cat's-eyes are considered exceptionally lucky, especially in games of chance. They have also been used for scrying.

Magical Properties: In general, a stone displaying the star type chatoyancy is considered to be magically strengthened. A star in a sapphire increases the users ability to tap the subconscious/higher mind. A star ruby is considered to be a particularly potent protection against other forms of magic.

Healing: Star stones can be used in the same ways as the stone, but with increased power/potency.

Personal Experience: I've only recently acquired a star ruby (March 13, 1993), so I really haven't had time to work with it. I have used star garnets. I use them to represent two friends of mine who are astrologers, who also have problems dealing with money. The star is for the astrology. The red color is for the Root Chakra, Muldhara. This Chakra is the base of survival. It is grounded in material reality, so it is the center of manifestation.

Bibliography

  1. Scientific information is from "Gem Cutting" by John Sinkankas and "Gemstones" by E.H. Rutland.
  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 "The Women's Book of Healing" by Diane Stein.
  4. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks, by Tandika Star.

Staurolite

Scientific Information: Staurolite (also known as "Fairy Cross") is a basic silicate of iron and aluminum, often with some magnesium and zinc. The chemical formula is rather long, Fe2Al9Si4O22(OH)2. It's hardness is on par with quartz, ranging from 7 to 7-1/2. They are yellowish brown, reddish to brownish black, weathering to grey and are somewhat dull in appearance. The streak is white. They are collectors items because twinned crystals often intergrow at nearly 90 degree angles, forming a cross.

Environment: Staurolite occurs with albite, biotitie, and sillimanite in gneiss and schist of regional metamorphic rocks.

Occurrence: In North America, twinned crystals are found at Windham, Cumberland Co., Maine; at Sugar Hill, Franconia and Lisbon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire; and in Fannin Co., Georgia. Particularly fine twinned crystals can also be found near Pilar, Rio Arriba Co., New Mexico. They have also been found at Pizzo Forno, Switzerland, France and Scotland.

Name: The name comes from the Greek [stauros], meaning 'cross'.

Legend and Lore: Staurolite was considered to be a representative of all four elements: Air, Fire, Earth and Water. It was believed that a person who possessed this talisman could cause the elements to do his/her bidding. In addition, it was believed that the 90 degree cross represented the crossing of the spiritual and physical planes. After the arrival of Christianity, these stones were popular with those who entered a crusade. Many people now days carry them as a good luck charm.

Magical Properties: Cunningham says "To gain control over the elemental forces, wear a staurolite set in any electrum fashioned as a ring or pendant."

Healing: I've been unable to find ANY reference to this stone used in healing. All references I've seen refer to it as protective, or lucky, or elemental.

Notes: Transparent, single crystals of staurolite are occasionally cut into faceted gems.

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. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks, by Tandika Star.

Sugilite / Luvulite

Sugulite

Sugulite is a third eye activator. Opens the connection between mind and body. It attunes one to their mental body to see what is creating the physical problem and in doing so, gain the healing power necessary to balance the physical body. Helps spiritually oriented individuals deal with the sometimes overwhelming negative energies present on the planet. A stone to use for children to keep the innocence, wisdom, and magic of the child's world as they grow into adulthood. Also used to re-awaken those qualities in adults. Helps one connect with their own inner light. Helps cancer patients release the old angers, resentments, fears, guilts, frustrations, sorrows, or insecurities that manifested the disease.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Sugilite enhances functions of pineal, pituitary and adrenal glands. Activates and balances brain hemispheres. Strengthens heart. Aids physical healing and purification of bodily systems. Emotional balancer, reduces stress. Brings higher spiritual awareness into physical reality. Enhances sensitivity. Strong protective qualities. Excellent for meditation. Enhances channeling abilities.

By Legion of Light

Sunstone

Sunstone

Scientific Information: Sunstone is a member of the Plagioclase Feldspar Group. This group is a series of mixtures of sodium and calcium aluminum silicates. Sometimes confused with Fire Opal, this stone has a fiery, multicolored flash, mostly golden yellow and orange thru red-orange in hue. Rather than the "flash" being "inside" the stone, as it is with opal, it is more on the surface, resembling a "red/orange/yellow labradorite." The average hardness is 6 and the streak is white.

Environment: The plagioclase feldspars are important rock-forming minerals and are found in many kinds of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Occurrence: The best material is from Tvedestrand, Norway. It is found in small masses several inches across of a deep reddish-orange color. Cut gems produce gleaming golden reflections. Fair Sunstone has been found in Alan Wood Iron Mine, Mine Hill, New Jersey and occasionally from Modoc County California. Some material has also been found in Oregon and Canada, although I suspect this is Orthoclase material.

Gemstone Information: Many of the feldspars have traditionally been cut into cabochons and polished because of their "internal glow". Sunstone, although rather rare, has been treated in this manner. More often, cut stones called "sunstones" are a clear/yellow Orthoclase, rather than the Plagioclase.

Name: Sunstone derives it's name from it's appearance: Its bright golden orange flash reminds us of the Sun's rays.

Legend and Lore: Sunstone was used by Magicians in the past, to invoke the energies associated with the Sun. There is very little data available on ancient usages. This is probably because the stone is rare.

Magical Properties: Cunningham suggests that this stone can be used to enliven sexual energy.

Healing: Again, there isn't much literature on healing uses, either. Cunningham suggest placing a piece in with dried healing herbs to strengthen their potency. He also suggest that it will add physical strength and stamina when carried or worn.

Personal Experience: I use Sunstone at the Solar Plexus to pull in solar energy when a client feels "depleted". I also associate it with Chi, or life force, and use it to balance energy in the body. In addition, I've used it for working on eye problems. More often, I will use Moonstone and Sunstone together...sort of a Yin/Yang combination. This produces powerful, balanced, magical energy.

Notes: There are three different, distinct stones that you may find under the description of "sunstone". One is actually a red/orange/brown version of Adventurine. Another is a clear/yellow crystal, which is actually a member of the Orthoclase family. Each one has a different chemical composition, different appearance and different magical/healing energies. I agree with Cunningham, in that I feel the one described here and in his book is the "true" Sunstone.

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.

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