Click Here to See Available Ammonite Fossils 

The Ammonite

These mysterious little creatures went extinct as a result of the k-pg extinction event the marked the end of the Cretaceous period. No direct relatives of the Ammonite exist today, so little is known about their way of life. This makes their fossils all the more interesting to scientists.  Interestingly, Ammonites are more closely related to squids than they are to the shelled sea dwellers that live today.

These fossils fascinated our ancient ancestors. In 79 AD, near Pompeii, Pliny the Elder called these fossils ammonis cornua meaning "horns of Ammon”. Ammon was an Egyptian god, depicted as wearing ram’s horns.

Opalized Ammonite and Ammolite

Ammolite is a trade name given to a thin iridescent aragonite shell material that is found on two species of extinct ammonite fossils Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare.  Ammolite is a rare and beautiful material, often carefully removed from the Ammonite and used for jewelry. It has beautiful rainbow iridescence. Some Ammonite Fossils are hand polished with the opalescent coating intact and called Opalized Ammonite.    

Video Below Shows Rainbow Coloring of Opalized Ammonite Fossil

Ammonite Metaphysical Properties

Over the eons, Ammonite shells have absorbed the energies of the cosmic and can infuse the body with this lifeforce. Their spiral shape is a sign of the interconnectedness of all things and the divine or supreme plan of all life. Imbued with Earth Energy, these fossils help us connect with nature's healing power and grounds us, helping us sense our connection with all living things throughout time. It is thought to hold Ammonite shells while meditating can connect us to the knowledge of our ancient ancestors or from within our own past lives.

Ammonite is beneficial to those who build or design. It is an excellent companion for construction workers, contractors, architects or even graphic designers or interior decorators.

Ammonite Chakra Healing

Ammonite benefits the root chakra, and stimulates the third eye. It is both grounding and helps us connect to the spiritual realm through spiritual guides. The spiraled shape of the Ammonite is ideal for removing chakra blockages and re-opening chakras. Opalized Ammonite are thought to cleanse and purify the aura. while raising the overall energy within the body.

Ammonite Feng Shui and in the Home

Ammonites are highly valued in Feng Shui and thought to greatly improve the energy of any space. The spiral shape of the Ammonite keeps energy flowing, in constant movement. This movement prevents stagnant, negative energy from lingering, restores vitality and maintains prosperity.

Click Here to See Available Ammonite Fossils 

Cinnabar is a deep red crystal that forms found recent volcanic activity. It is a mercury sulfide mineral that forms tabular rhombohedral and prismatic crystals that can be quite striking. Used for thousands of years across many cultures, Cinnabar has a long history as a stone of Alchemy, magic, inspiration, and protection. 

Cinnabar History

Throughout history, Cinnabar has been used as a symbol of blood, victory, success, the duality of life and death, and immortality. Cinnabar is one of a very few minerals that was independently discovered and utilized by ancient people throughout the world. People in nearly every country where volcanoes are present discovered Cinnabar and realized its potential. Evidence and record of its use has been uncovered in Italy, Greece, Spain, Japan, China,  Turkey, and the Mayan countries of South America. Cinnabar was used to create pigments used in artwork and in modern times, it is known as the only major ore of Mercury in nature. Mayans surrounded and embedded tombs with Cinnabar for protection. The natural philosopher Pliny the Elder noted cinnabar as having great importance and sacred associations to the Romans.

Alchemists also acknowledged the unusual properties of Cinnabar and were intrigued by interaction with gold and siver. 

Apparatus for the distillation of cinnabar, Alchimia, 1570

Cinnabar Toxicity

Is Cinnabar Poisonous?

While mercury is of course toxic, Cinnabar itself is safe to handle as long as it is not vaporized. Mercury is derived from the vapor on Cinnabar by heating it in a furnace. You would have to crush up and inhale lots of Cinnabar to have a toxic effect. Use common sense when handling all minerals and wash your hands afterward. Cinnabar should never be consumed or used in an elixir.

Cinnabar Metaphysical Properties

Cinnabar in ancient cultures been associated with immortality and the protection of the immortal spirit. It is a thread between worlds, connecting us to the divine and eternal as well as the ancient human spirit. Cinnabar ignites inspiration and helps us make unexpected connections.  It is a crystal of discovery and manifestation at the highest levels. A perfect stone for creatives and entrepreneurs, Cinnabar is associated with ingenuity, financial growth and preservation.

Emotionally, Cinnabar aids the release of trapped feelings of anger or guilt. It is thought to be an excellent crystal for removing energetic blockages as well.

Cinnabar targets the root chakra, but also opens the Third eye. This combination helps us discover and enact our best plan of action. It connects our most primal drives with our higher selves, allowing us to break through perceived limitations. Cinnabar has also been accredited with allowing one to better sense the movement of energy within the body or deal with energy changes in one's environment.

See Available Cinnabar Specimens Here

What is Garnierite?

Garnierite is a term used to describe the green pockets of stone found within weathered, serpentinized rocks. These green areas are an important ore of Nickel, which gives Garnierite is green color. Garnierite does not have an agreed-upon chemical formula, it is closely related to Serpentine and associated with Olivine and Peridotite. Deposits of Garnierite have been found in South Africa, The Dominican Republic, Oregon, and several other locations. The appearance varies in each deposit.

Garnierite Appearance

One of the first things many notice about Garnierite is its unique, almost indescribable coloring. Overall, they have a lovely Pistachio color that can be marked with streaks or spots of intense Green.

‘Garnierite Moonstone’

Sometimes referred to as Green Moonstone, Feldspar (Moonstone) that contains Garnierite has a lovely, soft green hue, sweeping lines, and a wispy, weathered look. It embodies both the properties of Moonstone and the added benefits of Garnierite.

Garnierite Metaphysical Properties

A stone of the Earth and heavens, Garnierite strikes a unique balance of grounding properties and ethereal connection. It is grounding and sparks creativity and ingenuity. Garnierite is also considered a stone of serendipity or ‘luck’ bringing positive change and growth.

A Stone of Strength

To understand the properties of Garnierite, we need to examine its essential component: Nickel. Nickel is considered an element of strength and provides a strong framework. It is something that fortifies and builds resilience. Throughout our lives, we face many challenges and these storms have the most profound effect on our being. Garnierite reminds us that strength is not a requirement to endure, it is enduring that builds strength. Houseplants will ultimately be weakened by the absence of wind.  Without resistance to push back against, we cannot grow stronger. Garnierite can be the perfect symbol of endurance and reformation, reminding us that strength is built over time and not without our own endurance.

A Stone of the Heavens and Earth

Nickel is the ‘brother’ of Iron and we find Nickel-Iron alloy primarily in two places. At the very core of the Earth and in the meteorites that fall to Earth. Garnierite taps into the Universe’s most essential energies. It is powerfully connected to the ancient Earth and the cosmos. It embodies a fascinating balance of energies that seems to grow and evolve as the stone is held. It offers a sense of safety and peace while igniting the creative mind and a sense of wonder.

As a healing stone, Garnierite is most commonly associated with the Heart Chakra, emotional stress relief and spiritual growth. Garnierite works on the relationship between the Heart and Solar Plexus chakras, encouraging us to find the courage to pursue our hearts true desires. It can help us speak up for ourselves and even remove our own mental blocks that restrict our growth.

Tetrahedrite Mineral Information

Tetrahedrite is an unusual mineral that is part of a solid solution series. A solid solution series occurs in nature when one element within a mineral is being replaced by another over time until it changes the mineral type entirely. It is a spectrum, with a different mineral on each end and in-between there are various states. Tetrahedrite is Copper Antimony Sulfide or Cu12Sb4S13. In the solid solution series of Tetrahedrite, the mineral Antimony is being replaced by Arsenic.

At the other end of the spectrum, is the rare mineral tennantite (Cu12As4S13, Copper Arsenic Sulfide). The two minerals share the same crystal structure but they differ in the percentage of arsenic and antimony. Antimony rich crystals are Tetrahedrite while arsenic specimens are Tennantite. Iron, zinc and silver always substitute for the copper in both minerals up to about 15 %.

Tetrahedrite Meaning

Tetrahedrite is named after the Tetrahedron, this shape representing its fascinating crystal structure. The unique habit of Tetrahedrite makes for some enchanting formations that look like otherworldly objects. 

Tetrahedrite Healing Properties

While Tetrahedrite is usually sought by collectors, it does offer particular healing properties. Tetrahedrite’s high Antimony content makes this a stone of intelligence, achievement and quick-thinking. It is thought that Antimony offers a mental ‘boost’ speeding up learning and allowing us to make significant progress in short time. Antimony also offers a sort of mental and spiritual detox - it takes off the ‘extra weight’ added by unnecessary emotional or psychological baggage to clear our path and lighten our load.

Tetrahedrite is a stone of power and grace. As an ore of both Copper and Silver, Tetrahedrite can boost physical and psychological energies to new new levels. The Copper element draws on the fiery elements of the Earth, while Silver is a shimmering cord to the energies of the Moon. Tetrahedrite can used to charge other crystals during the full and new moons. It is excellent for setting long-term intentions that require determination and mental clarity.

Aegirine Properties: Clearing, Protection, Energy, Confidence, Happiness, Re-Building, Recovery

Aegirine Chakra: All

Element: Fire, Earth

Aegirine Mineral

A unique mineral, Aegirine forms in dark green to black prismatic crystals. Aegirine was named after the Norse god of the sea, Ægir. Aegirine, also known as Acmite, occurs in alkaline volcanic rocks and is found in Greenland, Russia, Canada and the United States.

Aegirine Meaning & Properties

Metaphysically, Aegirine is a premier stone of repairing the Aura and removing negative attachments from ones energy field. It is a clearing stone, that helps remove spiritual ‘residue’ that can linger in ones field. Aegirine is an excellent stone for body layouts and works equally well across all chakras. It has a protective energy that is also empowering and energizing. It helps us confront our behaviors head-on and better understand our sources of power.

Aegirine is known as a stone that allows us to ‘see the light’ - for some this can mean finding our way out of a low emotional state, for others it’s a surge of energy or sudden clarity. In every way, Aegirine is the vanquisher of darkness.

As a healing stone, Aegirine energizes and repairs. It allows light and love to flow freely throughout the body, clearing any blockage in its path. It is a stone of detoxification and recovery, allowing for sustained improvements over time and more lasting results.

Aegirine Uses

Blades of Aegirine are excellent for body layouts, directing the flow of energy and targeting blockages while repairing holes in the Aura. Blades can also be used in a wand fashion for more direct applications.

Specimens in Matrix (embedded in stone) can be held during meditation and are particularly useful for inner-child work and mood elevation.

For protection and confidence, carrying Aegirine may be preferable. A small blade may work. Aegirine is not a stone that comes tumbled, but you may find Aegirine in Charoite stones. Looks for the ones with Black spots or stars.

See all available Aegirine Specimens Here

The ultimate grounding stone, this heavy crystal forms in metallic cubes that may look faintly blue or pink. Ancient Egyptians used it as kohl under their eyes to reduce the sun’s glare and to protect them from diseases carried by flies.

As a grounding stone, Galena supports the root chakra, allowing us to feel secure and protected. It plants us firmly on the Earth, giving us a renewed sense of stability and even belonging.

Galena is best known for its ability to give us insight into all aspects of the self and helping one confront, accept and understand our attributes - the good and the bad. It reframes our understanding of our mental processes that ultimately affect every aspect of life.

This is why Galena is known as the “stone of harmony”, it assists in the decreasing self-limiting ideas. It teaches us to embrace the aspects of ourselves we have long feared. This stone opens the mind to new concepts. It balances energy while removing emotional blocks. Galena can also reveal paths to reclaim personal power that may have been lost due to events in the past and negative perceptions of the self.

Galena possesses metal energy. Use this stone to enhance any space that used to concentrate, work, come up with new ideas, or gather strength. Galena is particularly helpful for those studying the field of medicine and can promote holistic, homeopathic, and herbal medicine studies. It’s beneficial to use during long hours in front of the computer, helping us deal with the effects of radiation and electromagnetic pollution.

See All Available Galena Specimens Here

Flower Agate Properties: Emotional Support - Healing ~ Self-Growth ~ Motivation ~ Passion

This stone has a gentle, and nourishing energy resembling a field of flowers. The circles and dots represent seeds and the floral plumes represent the blossom, reminding us that we start out as seeds, then blossom and grow. Flower Agate helps us envision the process of growth, honoring and appreciating each part of the process.

Flower Agate helps us reach our highest potential, protecting us from fears and self-doubt.

Flower Agate inspires us to manifest and nurture our dreams. Its energy ignites a passion to pursue dreams and live life to the fullest.

Flower Agate has a feminine and maternal presence that is comforting and grounding but at the same time, its appearance is enchanting and almost ethereal. This unique stone has been credited with providing the ideal environment for restoring emotional balance, emotional recovery, and moving forward in life with grace and confidence.

See Available Flower Agate Stones Here

Article Written with Thanks to Contributor Danielle Briggs 

Black Obsidian for Protection

Black Obsidian is a stone of psychic protection and creates a shield around the aura. By keeping you powerfully grounded to Mother Earth, Black Obsidian creates a safe space for us to work through emotional issues or strengthen our psyche. With a direct connection to earth, We can rid ourselves of destructive or excess energies by focusing that energy down into the earth where it can be absorbed and neutralized. 

Black Obsidian, Conduit to the Spirit Realm

Historically, Black Obsidian has been used as a conduit to the spirit realm and used in scrying. It is commonly used when seeing guidance from spirit guides or from the angelic realm. When present during mediation, it can help us open the mind to higher realms while remaining grounded and protected. We are safe to move through our own memories and experience to gain insight into behaviors. 

Black Obsidian can help us awaken the Third Eye and reach deep into our past (or some say past lives) to gain insight to our current state and foresight into our future. 

Black Obsidian for Cleansing

Black Obsidian is also one of the most powerful stones for purging negative emotions and spiritual cleansing. Drawing from the fire energy of its volcanic creation, Obsidian can illuminate problems and help us ‘burn off’ emotional burdens or energetic baggage that weighs us down. 

Black Obsidian Uses

• Decision Making
• Emotional Healing
• Aura Cleansing
• Purging of Negative Emotions
• Release of excess energy
• Grounding and Stability
• Safe Space for Should Searching
• Communication with spirit guides
• Insight into the past and future
• Third Eye Expansion
• Development of mental or psychic ability
• Personal Development

Black Obsidian Chakras: Third Eye and Root

Black Obsidian Zodiac Signs: Sagittarius 

Black Obsidian Element: Fire/Earth

Black Obsidian Planet: Pluto

See All Available Black Obsidian Stones

Aragonite is an important mineral in the natural world and considered a powerful Earth healing stone. Aragonite occurs both organically (in the shells of sea life) and grows inorganically, in the ocean and caves. The shells of some sea life are made of Aragonite and it is what comprises ‘Mother of Pearl’. One of its most important roles is in Coral reefs. Aragonite is a building block of Coral Reefs and is essential for sustaining the life found there.

In 2007, it was confirmed that Aragonite could purify contaminated water, even removing lead and other heavy metals. Certain home water softening systems now use Aragonite filters.

Aragonite Healing Properties

In the metaphysical world, Aragonite is a powerful healing stone with deep connections to the Earth’s energy. In Nature, Aragonite builds and supports the structures of life. And so it follows that Aragonite is a stone that supports those who are ‘builders’ literally and figuratively. It is considered beneficial to woodworkers, craftsmen, artists and all those who work to create or improve. I would also expand this recommendation to include those who work in graphic design, web design and coding; professions that involve building but also can deprive one of Nature. Aragonite brings to mind the intricate and ancient process that created the Earth we know today. It allows one to be in harmony with their environment and see the beauty of our world with appreciation and respect.

Along with an appreciation for Nature, comes our recognition of our place in it; Aragonite helps us to let go of our trivial desires and fears, and see ourselves as part of a large story in which each thing has its place. It helps us connect to the Earth and respect our environment.

Aragonite can be a reminder to ‘grow where you are planted’ tending to our living space & family with renewed satisfaction. Brown color energy is grounding and is associated with the feeling of being at home. So the warm brown color of this Aragonite is perfect for creating a comforting, welcoming place where we feel safe and at ease.

Aragonite is also thought to dispel negative energy, which seems appropriate considering its impressive detoxifying effects in the physical world.

Aragonite stars

Aragonite Stars are another form Aragonite takes on. The stars are used for breaking down barriers like writer's block or emotional barriers like anger or resentment. The stars are thought to remove energetic blockages from the lower chakras, allowing us to draw from the energies of the Earth. 

Blue Aragonite

Blue Aragonite is a beloved healing stone thought to resonate with one's inner child, bringing joy, optimism, and renewed enthusiasm. A wonderful stone for the Third Eye and Throat Chakras.

While there is dyed blue Aragonite, Blue Aragonite does occur naturally. Aragonite is chemically related to Calcite and similarly can take on many colors and forms. Light shades of Aragonite work on the higher chakras and facilitate the flow of energy in the Throat chakra and crown Chakra. Where brown Aragonite provides creative support, blue Aragonite can provide inspiration and help us find our path, or where to apply our creative efforts. Blue Aragonite has a softer, refreshing energy that leaves us feeling renewed and ready for anything. 

See All Available Aragonite Here

Stibnite is the primary ore of antimony, which is an important mineral in the modern world for scientific and industrial applications. It also has very specific medical uses.

The ancient Egyptians used Stibnite to create a shimmery eye make up and aid in curing eye infections. A vase made from Stibnite derived antimony was found at Telloh, Chaldea, and dates back to 3000 BC.

Well-formed Stibnite specimens are sought by collectors for their rare natural beauty and Stibnite has a metaphysical healing reputation that spans thousands of years across multiple societies.

Stibnite as a Healing Crystal

Stibnite was used medicinally by some of mankind’s earliest civilizations to treat eye infections and other maladies. While this is not recommended today, we do use Antimony in certain medications. In metaphysical crystal healing, Stibnite is now more commonly associated with its non-physical healing properties like being able to sense changes in the body and increase awareness of our own physical state. It is also useful for healers or therapists working to detect underlying issues.

Stibnite as a Crystal of the Underworld

Rebirth and Manifestation

Stibnite was a mysterious and enchanting mineral to ancient peoples. And still, its strangely beautiful appearance sparks the imagination. Along with being a cosmetic and medicinal stone, Stibnite was linked with the underworld and its ruler, Pluto. Pluto precedes Hades and is a more caring and protective figure than the malevolent Hades. Pluto is a figure of discipline and protection as well as a provider - Pluto was seen as responsible for providing the ‘seeds of wealth’ because mineral wealth was found in the earth. Seeds also grow in the Earth and so there is some control over the harvest.

In modern Crystal metaphysics, Stibnite is strongly associated with Pluto and the concepts of rebirth and manifestation. Stibnite calls upon the ancient powers of the underworld to bring a bountiful harvest. But we ‘reap what we sow’ so to speak. Stibnite is also somewhat of a ‘trickster’ in that we may receive an excess of what we intend. Or, if we are not deliberately well-meaning in intention, it will act as a dark mirror. The most common example would be the manifestation of wealth which can bring untended consequences or complications. Sodalite is recommended to be paired with Stibnite when using it for manifestation to bring us clarity of intention and foresight.

Stibnite as a Crystal for Change

Stibnite is a mineral filled with potential energy. Elementally, it is a crystal of fire, its energy is one that inspires action and sparks or rekindles passions. Thought to be a stone of change, Stibnite is often used when one is working to make a significant change in themselves or their circumstances. Stibnite also has an association with luck and chance. It is said to increase co-incidence or perhaps heightens our awareness of such synchronicity. 

Early in our history, Stibnite was recognized as a stone of change and creation; George Starkey was a colonial American Alchemist who, through his work in chemistry, would have a lasting impact on the science throughout history. But he might be better known for his work in alchemy and his quest for the ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ which he believed Stibnite was a precursor to. There are many manuscripts that mention the potential of Stibnite, whether it be scientific or magical.

Stibnite is a stone used to bring about great change and the beginning of any great change is a significant event. Stibnite is thought to help us find where to start a new journey or bring new paths to light. 

Stibnite as a Crystal for Illumination and Revelation

Knowledge, Power, New Paths

As a stone of Pluto, Stibnite Deeply connected to the subconscious and otherworldly where hidden knowledge lies. Stibnite may be a bringer of new paths, but it does not necessarily show us which path to take. Stibnite illuminates all paths, and it is our job to choose which information is beneficial. Sphalerite is often used in conjunction with Stibnite when seeking knowledge, as Sphalerite is a stone of truth and improved judgment. 

See all Available Stibnite Specimens Here

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Jonathan Bartky of Ariel Treasures LLC. He launched a new warehouse in New Jersey and was in Boston so decided to visit my new shop! 

He brought with him some really gorgeous pieces from his last trip to East Africa and of course, Tanzurine.

What is Tanzurine?

Tanzurine is a recently discovered stone consisting of one of the purest Quartz and either Lepidolite (cherry) or Fuchsite (emerald). Because of the purity of the Quartz, the included minerals are able to fill these stones with vibrant color as if it were water. The deep reds and vibrant greens of Tangerine Quartz are totally natural and create a truly unique stone. 

Where does Tanzurine Come From?

Tanzurine was only recently discovered in Tanzania, near the Kenya Border.  Jonathan Bartky was the first to harvest Tanzurine with the help and support of the local villagers. As far as being a reputable source for minerals, Bartky is the real deal. He and his team worked with Maasai tribes to uncover the gorgeous rarities that are native to northern Tanzania. Bartky has some crazy stories about heading out to ‘the bush’ - no roads, no lights.. just giraffe.  It took amazing work to ensure the world knew about this unusual and beautiful stone. 

Bartky was featured in Rock & Gem Magazine for this awesome find and he has consulted with many locals and healers to build a better understanding of Tanzania. 

From his Blog:   

“Even in Tanzania, in the heart of the gem district, no one knew what this stone was ! It was found on Massai tribal land deep in the bush in Northern Tanzania. I love quartz, but, I never had seen a 100% natural and Untreated Cherry Quartz. It was not known to exist. But, here it is ! A Natural and Untreated Cherry Quartz that has beautiful color and Sparkle too !” - Jonathan Bartky

As you know, much of East Africa, including Tanzania, is turbulent and many are not willing to work there. But luckily there are still reputable persons in the industry willing to seek out legitimate sources working directly with the communities that benefit from the mining process. 

Cherry Tanzurine - the real Cherry Quartz

Sadly, the stone termed ‘cherry quartz’ is a manmade stone. However, Tanzurine may be the answer for those seeking its healing properties and rare beauty.   

Cherry Tanzurine Quartz contains Lepidolite, technically making it a Lithium Quartz. We call Quartz containing Lepidolite Lithium Quartz because Lepidolite contains 5% Lithium. Its high Lithium content contributes greatly to Lepidolite's healing power in the physical and metaphysical sense. 

About Lepidolite

In modern medicine, certain psychiatric illnesses are treated with Lithium. Interestingly, the use of Lepidolite for psychiatric purposes dates back 1,800 years to the Greek physician Galen. He also treated those suffering from 'mania' by having them bathe in springs and drink water that was rich in the mineral Lepidolite, and therefore Lithium. It wasn't until the early 1900s that we rediscovered the usefulness of the Lithium found in Lepidolite.

Lepidolite's practical application matches it's metaphysical attributes; Lepidolite is thought to have a calming, mood-stabilizing effect. It brings comfort, acceptance and can quell unnecessary worries. A wonderful stone to work into a bedtime routine or keep with you during stressful situations.  Lepidolite is considered one of the best stones for fighting anxiety and is even thought to help animals and pets with stress.

Quartz as an Amplifier

Quartz is often credited with the ability to amplify the properties of other crystals or to ‘charge’ them. When we have a Rutilated or Tourmalated Quartz, it is thought that the Quartz acts as a magnifier for the vibrations of the other crystals, strengthening their energies and making them more accessible. 

Tanzurine is the perfect example of Quartz’s ability to act as an amplifier. You can really see how the Quartz brings to life the colors of Lepidolite and Fuchsite. In Tanzurine, Quartz is the conduit for these minerals, showcasing their colorful complexity in a way that we haven’t seen before.

Emerald Tanzurine Quartz

In Emerald Tanzurine Quartz, the green color is caused by Fuchsite. Fuchsite is normally seen as a pale green in Ruby Fuchsite or Green Aventurine. In Emerald Tanzurine it ranges from a bright leafy green to a rich Emerald color. Under a microscope, you can see the countless tiny crystals of Fuchsite suspended within the stone. Fuchsite is a form of Muscovite, colored green by Chromium. Chromium is what gives Fuchsite its green color and Rubies their red color.

Fuchsite has been termed ‘the Fairy stone’ and is thought to be a stone of miracles and blessings. It is deeply connected to the Earth’s energies and in harmony with the song of Nature’s spirit. A stone of endless possibilities, Fuchsite asks us to reach beyond what we know and take leaps of faith, reassuring us that we will find support throughout our journey.

Fuchsite is one of the most beloved stones for the Heart Chakra, our center and connection to the rhythm of nature. Chromium, in both Fuchsite and Ruby, is among the most influential healing stones for having a strong tie to our emotional energy. A stone of happiness and optimism, Fuchsite’s green color is a trigger for feeling surrounded by life, growth and endless potential. It refreshes the spirit and helps us to have patience in healing, just as nature always finds a way to restore its balance. 

Thank you to Jonathan Bartky for bringing these beautiful stones to light. Stay tuned for further updates.

Chrysanthemum stones might look painted or like fossils but they are actually natural crystals that formed during the Permian age, or 248 to 290 million years ago. Chrysanthemum stones formed at the bottom of ancient oceans, where the pressure is immense. This caused the Celestite crystals to grow outward, pressed within the carbon-rich seabed.

What is a Chrysanthemum stone?

Chrysanthemum stones are black stones with what appears to be a white flower blooming on its surface. These wonders occur naturally thanks to Celestite crystals. Celestite forms crystals in a star-like pattern. 

"The white pattern on the rock is formed of crystals of celestine (or celestite), a strontium-sulfate mineral. Celestine commonly forms elongate crystals of the form seen here, although these are fairly rare in that they’re so thin and on the surface of another rock. Strontium is often concentrated in carbonate rocks and probably grew on these larger limestone surfaces as a consequence of flowing water after the rocks were deposited; a small crystal could nucleate at the center of the flower and crystals would then grow outwards from that center point." geologyin

Along with Celestite, Chrysanthemum stones contain many trace elements including gold, silver, bismuth, selenium, and strontium. But the natural crystal habit of Celestite is why it appears as if a flower has grown on a stone. This isn't the first time we've seen Celestite make star shapes in ancient history. On our Celestite meaning page, we describe the Acantharea, which an ancient life form that actually made its skeleton from Celestite! It is the only creature known to do so - check it out here. 

Because of their rarity and unusual beauty, Chrysanthemum stones are popular among collectors. They also have a beautiful meaning, making them highly sought pieces for spiritual growth and emotional healing. 

Learn More about Celestite Here

See all available Chrysanthemum Stones here

By educationinbangalore

Citations

http://www.geologyin.com/2018/10/chrysanthemum-stone-natural-flower-stone.html#yd0Wp8s9BCTzlYC3.99

Larvikite may flash like Labradorite, but it's actually a unique type of Monzonite that comes primarily from Larvik, Norway. It is distinguished by its inclusions of plagioclase and alkali feldspar which create its characteristic blue and silver flash. Larvikite is usually rich in titanium and can also contain Olivine and Apatite. While Larvikite is relatively new to the general public, Larvikite has a long history and has been mined from the same location in Norway since 1884 and has historically been used for detail work in architecture. Larvikite has been recognized and designated by the International Union of Geological Sciences as a Global Heritage Stone Resource. Larvikite is the correct tradename for this stone, but it is also called Blue Moonstone or Blue Pearl Granite, neither of which are accurate.

Larvikite is an 'unmixed' stone on the micro-level. Alkali feldspar and plagioclase feldspar meet in alternating layers within Larvikite, causing the Schiller effect or Labradoresence - this appears as a slivery or blue flash of light from within the stone.

Larvikite stones are nearly 300 million years old, occurring during the Precambrian period. Specifically, Larvikite is found in the Larvik Plutonic Complex which consists of 10 Plutons. Plutons are essentially cooled crystalized magma. Millions of years ago, large pools of magma were able to 'float' to the surface of the Earth's crust but did not erupt through a volcano. Because these pools remained underground, they were named after Pluto, the Roman God of the underworld. It is within these ancient stones, we find Larvikite today.

Larvikite Metaphysical Meaning and Use

Larvikite is an enchanting black stone that sparks a sense of wonder and curiosity. It inspires creative ideas and activates the imagination. Found within crystallized magma, Larvikite is deeply connected to the Earth’s ancient energies, both grounding & energizing. It is used to quicken the mind or explore one’s deepest self.

I would say this stone feels like a cross between Hypersthene and Indigo Gabbro. It offers up little moments of light and they appear more suddenly, they surprise you like little fireflies.

Chakras: Root & Third Eye

Element: Water (I'd add fire here too considering the formation and vibe of the flash)

What is Rose Amethyst?

Rose Amethyst is a specific variety of Amethyst displaying a gradient of pink and lilac colors. They form in flower-like bunched of prismatic crystals. They are round in cracks in basalt, and ‘plucked’, usually leaving a green chloride contact point on the bottom. The violet or blue hues found in the center are actually Chalcedony. There is a slight distortion to the trigonal crystal habit of this Amethyst, creating stepped patterns on the faces. Pink Amethyst also shares this unusual crystal habit.

Rose Amethyst crystals are unique to the Rio Grande do Sul area of Brazil and the flower shaped specimens can usually be traced to just a few locations which are the only sources for excellent quality blossoms.

Rose Amethyst Vs. Pink Amethyst

Rose Amethyst and Pink Amethyst are not the same crystal. But they do share an unusual crystal habit; they both have a distortion to their trigonal habit, creating a stepped or stair-like pattern on the faces. Rose Amethyst will be a pale pink or lilac color and form in flower-like sprays. They are found only in Rio Grande de Sol in cracks in basalt. The shape of Pink Amethyst looks similar to standard purple Amethyst clusters, as they also form in geodes. Pink Amethyst will have a darker pink shade, sometimes bordering on red.

Rose Amethyst Vs Rose De France Amethyst

Rose De France Amethyst is a trade name for the light lilac Amethyst gemstone created from Rose Amethyst or pale Amethyst.

The moon has moved into the sign of Leo, where it will grow over the next day into our full moon. 

The full moon is approaching, representing the fullness of our manifestations. The full moon will be a time for us to see how far we have come. With the constellation of Leo behind her, we will be more apt to feel the presence of our soul during this time. Our soul and ego will be present through the Sun, the ruling planet of Leo. We may be able to see how far our soul has journeyed toward it's most authentic form. We are approaching this fullness and will have the opportunity to watch what no longer serves our soul naturally fall away. 

For now, we have Saturn in a powerful placement in regard to our moon. Saturn loves hard work, honesty, and dedication. With Saturn trine the moon we can be sure that any hard work, donations of excess goods, or steady dedication of any kind will enhance this awareness in the mind and supplement our full moon's blessings. 

...Until next time 🌝 🙏🏻

Written by Amy Weeks - Astrology with Amy

Waning crescent Moon in Pisces
The waning crescent will be supportive of recent new beginnings. We are in the early stages of manifesting our desired result for these upcoming weeks.
The sign of Pisces represents many things including, dreams, different states of consciousness, meditation, long distance travels, jails, asylums, ashrams, and escape or detachment of any form... as well as premonitions. We can think of this time as beginning anew in our experience of spirituality. Any higher power, higher knowledge, religious or non-religious spirituality can be included here. New beginnings that include your beliefs, a desire to begin a spiritual regime, daily routine, or meditation are being supported. 
Our dreams may be quite vivid for us during this time as well! Pisces is known as the channel between our conscious and subconscious mind. And the moon is sensitive here, acting like a sponge to this Pisces energy.