Ruby stone of love, energy, passion & power,

General and Scientific Details of the Ruby gemstone

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A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires. The ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, together with the sapphire, the emerald, and the diamond.

Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color. The brightest and most valuable "red" called pigeon blood-red, commands a large premium over other rubies of similar quality. After color follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated. Cut and carat (weight) are also an important factor in determining the price.

Rubies have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Among the natural gems only moissanite and diamond are harder, with diamond having a Mohs hardness of 10.0 and moissonite falling somewhere in between corundum (ruby) and diamond in hardness. Ruby is α-alumina (the most stable form of Al2O3) in which a small fraction of the aluminium3+ ions are replaced by chromium3+ ions. Each Cr3+ is surrounded octahedrally by six O2- ions. This crystallographic arrangement strongly affects each Cr3+, resulting in light absorption in the yellow-green region of the spectrum and thus in the red color of the gem. When yellow-green light is absorbed by Cr3+, it is re-emitted as red luminescence. This red emission adds to the red color perceived by the subtraction of green and violet light from white light, and adds luster to the gem's appearance. When the optical arrangement is such that the emission is stimulated by 694-nanometer photons reflecting back and forth between two mirrors, the emission grows strongly in intensity. This effect was used by Theodore Maiman in 1960 to make the first successful laser, based on ruby.

All natural rubies have imperfections in them, including color impurities and inclusions of rutile needles known as "silk". Gemologists use these needle inclusions found in natural rubies to distinguish them from synthetics, simulants, or substitutes. Usually the rough stone is heated before cutting. Almost all rubies today are treated in some form, with heat treatment being the most common practice. However, rubies that are completely untreated but still of excellent quality command a large premium.

Some rubies show a three-point or six-point asterism or "star". These rubies are cut into cabochons to display the effect properly. Asterisms are best visible with a single-light source, and move across the stone as the light moves or the stone is rotated. Such effects occur when light is reflected off the "silk" (the structurally oriented rutile needle inclusions) in a certain way. This is one example where inclusions increase the value of a gemstone. Furthermore, rubies can show color changes—though this occurs very rarely—as well as chatoyancy or the "cat's eye" effect

Generally, gemstone-quality corundum in all shades of red, including pink, are called rubies.However, in the United States, a minimum color saturation must be met to be called a ruby, otherwise the stone will be called a pink sapphire. This distinction between rubies and pink sapphires is relatively new, having arisen sometime in the 20th century. If a distinction is made, the line separating a ruby from a pink sapphire is not clear and highly debated.As a result of the difficulty and subjectiveness of such distinctions, trade organizations such as the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICGA) have adopted the broader definition for ruby which encompasses its lighter shades, including pink

Healing, Magical,and Mystical Properties

Rubies and ruby jewelry throughout time have been said to have many positive effects and mystical properties. The ruby is associated with the sun, and was thought to preserve mental and physical health. In the middle ages, rubies were viewed as a stone of prophecy. It was thought the stone darkened when danger was near. Ivan the Terrible of Russia stated that rubies were good for the heart, brain and memory. A Thirteenth Century prescription to cure liver problems called for powdered ruby. In the 15th-16th Centuries, rubies were thought to counteract poison. When rubbed on the skin, they were also thought to restore youth and vitality.

For thousands of years, Ruby was considered the stone of love, energy, passion, power, and a zest for life. Like no other gemstone in the world, Ruby is the perfect symbol for powerful feelings. The other important element of Ruby besides fire is blood, and Ruby is said to restore vital life forces and increase energy and vigor. Ruby is also known as the stone of courage, and legend tells us that a person possessing a ruby can walk through life without fear of evil or misfortune.

Physically, rubies are thought to energize and balance, stimulate heart chakra and encourage a passion for life, but never in a self destructive way. They overcome exhaustion and calm hyperactivity. They detoxify the body and blood, and treat fevers, diseases, and restricted blood flow. They are good for the heart and circulatory system and stimulate the adrenals, kidneys, reproductive organs and spleen.

Emotionally, it is believed that rubies improve motivation and the setting of goals. They promote positive dreams and clear visualization and aid in retaining wealth and passion. They bring up negative anger in order for change and removal. They also promote dynamic leadership. They bring a positive and courageous state of mind- one that is sharp, hyper aware and concentrated. They make you stronger during times of controversy or dispute and shield against physical attack. A ruby is also said to be a settler of disputes, having the power of reconciliation. A ruby is dynamic, and brings about passion and enthusiasm, attracting sexual activity.

Any jewelry that carries a Ruby signifies so much passion and love between two people, that it makes Ruby an ideal choice for engagement or Valentine’s Day jewelry. Furthermore, Ruby is the gemstone to be given on the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

The uplifting and vital nature of Ruby is an encouragement to live fully, and embrace the joy of life that is missing in many people's lives. Ruby allows the fire of passion and love to advance. It helps to bring down the walls we build around us to keep others out.

The ruby is quite certainly a wonderful gemstone for bringing fire into your life. For if you like to live your life intensely, but often find it difficult to keep focus, a ruby can help bring clarity and wisdom to your world. Instead of flitting from idea to idea, this gemstone will very well help you choose your most productive paths. With it's power, this gem will then fire your passions and keep you motivated. You'll be stronger when resisting self-destructive pattern that have crippled you in the past!

The ruby provides and incredibly power shield against harmful intentions. If you are caught up in a sticky legal dispute or personal conflict of some kind, this gemstone can aid you in manifesting the correct outcome. This gemstone can also guard you against psychic or physical attack.

One ancient tradition suggests that a 'ruby blessing' will protect your garden from violet spring storms, as well as blessing the four corners of your garden with the ruby should prevent damage from wind, rain, hail and blowing debris.

Sleeping with a ruby will help promote lucid dreaming, allowing your conscious mind to interact with your subconscious mind. Together, you can confront your demons and uncover the means to defeat them.

On the other hand, dreaming of rubies, may be a sign of an opportunity or money coming your way!

The ruby may be most beneficial in stimulating the adrenal gland, as well as improving circulation and fighting internal infections.

Energy: Projective ,Element: Fire -Deities: Buddha, Krishna (not to be confused with the modern expression of the Krishna-centered reverence) .Powers: Wealth, protection, power, joy, anti-nightmare

Working with this stone can remove all sense of limitation. Strengthens courage, selfless work, all spiritual endeavors, joy and many leadership qualities. Ruby helps to reduce resentment when you are required to care for others.

The ruby can create a strong sense and means of power within a person; this power should be handled responsibly or it may turn into anger and possessive thoughts.

Ruled by Mars, the gemstone ruby is worn during magical rituals to increase the inherent energies that are available to the magician, or it is placed on the altar beside a red candle to lend energy when feeling depleted or drained.

In a similar line of magical influence, wearing a ruby is said to increase the warmth of the body.

Care and Cleansing of Gemstones

It is important to remember that gemstones are alive and have their own energy that can help use in many ways . Please treat them with care and respect  you take care of them and they will take care of you. 

Care for gemstones

Although many persons are content to collect gemstones in their own right (just as others collect coins or stamps or other collectibles), most gem lovers like to have their gems set in jewelry so they can be worn on the person. Unfortunately, despite the familiar refrain, diamonds, and other stones, are not necessarily forever. Most stones are more or less brittle, many are quite soft, and some can be damaged by heat, vibration, or chemicals. It's too bad that most jewelers do not educate their customers about how to care for their prized possessions. 

Here are a few tips.

Stones that have a Mohs hardness of less than 8 are highly subject to scratching; harder stones are less likely to be scratched but are still subject to chipping and fracture. Remember that quartz, with a hardness of 7, is one of the most abundant minerals on earth, in the form of sand, or silica. When removing dust from soft stones, it's usually best to rinse them with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Also, store jewelry and loose gems in separate padded compartments or wrapped in soft lint-free cloth to prevent scratching, chipping, and entanglement.

When cleaning nonporous gemstones, washing gently with a weak solution of ammonia, rinsing with clean lukewarm water, and drying with a soft lint-free cloth is quite effective and safe. Just be sure to plug the sink so you don't wash your stones down the drain! On stones harder than quartz (Moh's hardness of 7), it's safe to do a little gentle scrubbing with a soft toothbrush, but if you're cleaning jewelry, be careful not to scrub highly polished metal surfaces, as the slight abrasive action of the brush will produce slightly hazy effects on the metal. A little soaking may be necessary to remove heavier deposits.

If you use hand lotions or creams, remove your rings before applying them! This will help prevent heavy buildup of dirt and oil around your gemstones.

If you plan to do heavy or dirty work with your hands, remove your rings so they will not be subjected to harsh blows, abrasives, or unnecessary dirt. Even diamonds are relatively brittle and can be chipped by a hard blow.

Pearls, coral, and porous stones such as opal, turquoise, or malachite should be kept away from dirty water and oils to avoid discoloration. Wipe them gently with a soft, damp cloth. Do not wear rings containing these stones while washing dishes or similar activities.

Be cautious about the use of ultrasonic cleaners. Some stones are subject to internal stress -- tanzanite, opal, emerald, organic gems (such as pearl, coral, and amber), turquoise, lapis, and malachite, any stone containing major inclusions, and most collector gems should not be exposed to ultrasound. Tanzanite has been known to shatter and opals to craze under ultrasound. Most emeralds and many rubies are "oiled" or resin-impregnated, and ultrasound may remove the treatment or expand existing fractures. If you are not absolutely SURE it's safe, don't put your stones in ultrasound!

Diamonds are remarkably resistant to heat, but large stones and those with major inclusions are sometimes damaged by jewelers who linger too long with a torch during prong work. I've seen several stones that required repolishing after a benchworker allowed a torch to linger too long, especially when retipping platinum prongs (because of platinum's high melting point). It's often safest to remove them before working on a setting. Other stones are less resistant to heat and should never be exposed to extreme heat or sudden changes in temperature.

Opal, pearls, coral, amber, turquoise, and many collector gems are quite heat sensitive (both to extremes and to sudden changes in temperature). Do not leave them sitting in hot sunlight, near radiators, or in hot cars. Once an opal begins to craze, it's usually unsalvageable.

Brittle and soft stones should not be used in jewelry subject to hard wear, such as rings that are worn constantly. They are much safer in earrings, pins, pendants, or perhaps bracelets. They can be used in rings that are worn occasionally, such as dinner rings, but the setting should be designed to protect the stone as much as possible. Even though opals are popular in rings, it is a very hazardous use for them.

If one prong of a four-prong setting breaks, it often results in the loss of a stone. Six prong settings are more secure. If a prong is weak or broken, it's usually best to replace the head than to attempt retouching prongs.

Sharp corners, such as the tips of pearshapes and marquise cut stones, are especially susceptible to breakage and should be protected by the setting. Also, faceted stones with shallow crown angles (30 degrees or less), and thin or uneven girdles are particularly prone to chipping and need extra protection.

Bezel settings offer more protection to stones, but they make it more difficult to remove and reset stones if the stone needs repolishing or if alterations of the metalwork are required. Setting can also be hazardous. It's best to use high-karat gold, which is softer and more easily bent into place. Also, consider how the stone might be removed if necessary. Sometimes, it may be best to use a false bezel setting and set the stone from beneath, holding it in place with tabs.

Care and Cleansing of

Therapeutic Gemstones

Like all expressions of life, gemstones need and deserve care to retain their vitality. As therapeutic gemstones help us release energetic impurities and blockages, some of these released energies cling to the surface of the gems. These disharmonious energies quickly build up, inhibiting the gemstones’ ability to work at peak capacity. Regular cleansing clears these energies and restores the gems to their naturally vibrant state. Several minutes of care given regularly will keep therapeutic gemstones vital and ready to help us take our next step in growth and healing.

Basic Care Guidelines

When using a therapeutic gemstone necklace regularly, cleanse it at least two to three times a week using one of the four methods : Water Rinse, Salt Bed, Plant Rejuvenation, or Sunbath.

            When not in use, store cleansed gemstones in a drawer, covered container, or jewelry roll.

           

Handle all therapeutic gemstones with care. Some are particularly fragile, such as Purple Rainbow Fluorite, Malachite, Mother of Pearl, and Rhodochrosite. They naturally break, scratch, and chip more easily than other gemstones.

Four Cleansing Methods

Any of the four methods  can cleanse therapeutic gems of the disharmonious energies they tend to collect during use. For certain gemstones, some methods are more appropriate than others; these special considerations are noted where required.

Water Rinse  Two to three times a week, or more often as needed

Rinsing gemstones in water gently washes away many of the gems’ accumulated energies. Hold the entire necklace under alternating hot and cold running water for about 60 seconds. To ensure that the water doesn’t become too hot, test the temperature with your fingers; if the water is too hot for your fingers, it may be too hot for the gems.

Special considerations: Rinsing will dull the polish of Rhodochrosite, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Sodalight, Indigo, and Mother of Pearl. Therefore, use other cleansing methods for these gems.

Every three to four weeks: For gemstones that tolerate rinsing, occasionally use a small amount of mild, non-synthetic soap to remove body oils from the surface of the gems.

Click here to see a chart detailing the Water Rinse instructions for each gemstone.

Salt Bed  Two to three times a week, or more often as needed

Salt absorbs the disharmonious energies that accumulate on the surface of therapeutic gems. Lay the gemstones in about a half-inch of salt in a bowl for at least an hour or overnight. Replace the salt about every two weeks.

Oceanstones: To cleanse necklaces containing oceanstones (Biwa Pearl or Coral), use sea salt instead of table salt. Another option is to soak an oceanstone necklace in a solution of two teaspoons sea salt for every half-cup of cool water. First lay the necklace flat in a bowl. Add water and then sprinkle the salt into it. Some of the salt may settle on the gems before dissolving, aiding the cleansing process. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Then briefly rinse the gems with clear water before patting them dry.

Plant Rejuvenation  Two to three times a week, or more often as needed

Plants generate a living energy field that can absorb and transform the disharmonious energies we release. Wrap a gemstone necklace around the base of a healthy houseplant, or lay the necklace in its branches. For a deeper cleansing and rejuvenation, place the gemstones outside in the branches of, or underneath, a shrub or tree for several days.

Sunbath  Every one to two weeks, or more often as needed

Sunshine clears, energizes, and revitalizes therapeutic gems. Unless the gems are water-sensitive, first rinse them as described above. Then lay the gems in direct sunlight for 10 to 20 minutes (unless indicated otherwise in the chart on the next two pages). Ideally, expose the gems to the sun directly, rather than through a glass windowpane. If possible, lay the gems directly on the earth, grass, or branches of a plant. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun.

Special Treats

For an especially deep and refreshing cleansing, you can use either of the following methods with any gemstone for which a water rinse is appropriate:

Streaming water

You can provide a gemstone necklace with a powerful cleansing and rejuvenation by holding or placing it in a natural stream or creek or in gentle ocean waves for up to 20 minutes. Be sure to secure the gems adequately, so as not to lose them in the moving water.

Rain bath

Placing gems in the grass during a rainfall for several hours or overnight will also thoroughly cleanse and refresh them.

I hope you learn a little about how to care for your wonderful gemstones.

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Green Serpentine Angel stone

The angel stoneGreen Serpentine ('s&r-p&n-"tEn)

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General and Scientific

The serpentine group describes a group of common rock-forming hydrous magnesium iron phyllosilicate ((Mg, Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4) minerals; they may contain minor amounts of other elements including chromium, manganese, cobalt or nickel. In mineralogy and gemology, serpentine may refer to any of 20 varieties belonging to the serpentine group. Owing to admixture, these varieties are not always easy to individualize, and distinctions are not usually made. There are three important mineral polymorphs of serpentine: antigorite, chrysotile and lizardite.

Many types of serpentine have been used for jewellery and hardstone carving, sometimes under the name false jade or Teton jade.

Serpentine is the name used for several different aggregate structures which are usually green, yellowish green, or brownish green in color. The finer serpentine is cut as cabochons for gemstones, or carved into decorative objects. Though serpentine is sometimes confused with jade, serpentine is usually spotted or veined.

The serpentine group includes as many as 20 different members. All the serpentines are a basic magnesium silicate, with many containing iron as well. Other elements may also be present in small quantities, including chromium, nickel and cobalt.

Two basic structures for serpentine are usually distinguished -- antigorite (leafy serpentine) and chrysotile (fibrous serpentine). The chrysotile minerals are more likely to form serpentine asbestos, while antigorite forms cryptocrystalline masses sometimes with a lamellar or micaceous character. Since asbestos fibers are a health hazard only the antigorite form is used for gemstones or carvings.

Most serpentine are opaque to translucent, with a hardness rating ranging from 2.5 to 5.5. Antigorite tends to be the harder variety. Serpentine is fairly light, with a density of 2.44 to 2.62, slightly lower than quartz. Luster ranges from greasy to waxy to silky. Serpentine is known to be susceptible to acids.

A number of trade names have been introduced to refer to serpentine variants, including bastite, bowenite, connemara, verd-antique and williamsite. You may also encounter terms such new jade, noble serpentine and precious serpentine. However the latter three terms are not used in gemology.

Serpentine varieties are found in many places in the world, including Afghanistan, Burma, China, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, UK, Greece, Italy and Norway.

Mystical, Healing and Magical Properties

It is said to help one find inner peace, calmness, and a long life; instills in the bearer a respect for the elderly and wards off snake bites.

Seraphinite is often referred to as the Angel Stone because of its feathery appearance and its reported ability to facilitate contact and communication with the angels. It is a very spiritual stone, believed to increase psychic awareness and intuition and to encourage out of body journeys during meditation.

Seraphinite is said to help you to find your higher purpose and to identify the actions you need to take to allow you to experience peace and fulfilment.

Seraphinite raises the conscious mind to a higher vibration; aids in finding one's higher purpose and the will to align with it; aids meditation; increases spiritual awareness; opens psychic abilities; clears the chakras; stimulates and opens the crown chakra; protects the physical body during metaphysical work

To dream of serpentine symbolizes that someone near you will do something treacherous.

This stone is an exceptional meditation stone, it will assist one in finding inner peace, as well as clearing the mind to become closer with oneself, but it should be reinforced with jade or chrysoprase to temper the energy.

Although Serpentine is known for its kundalini awakening... other Serpentine properties make it a very useful stone.

Elemental beings may be encouraged to make contact with you and using this stone may also aid you to make contact with angelic guidance.

Serpentine stone often contains Black Magnetite or Lodestone within it... which is a magnetic mineral. Natural Serpentine with this inclusion look quite different to the normal green stones. They may aid you to access the energy of the planet and may aid those who wish to heal the earth. Place a piece of the Serpentine rock in your garden to aid the process.

In ancient Assyria, it is told that this stone was carried to request of the gods and goddess to provide blessings

Serpentine has been used for treating a wide range of physical disorders. It is beneficial for cardiac irregularities, stomach and bowel issues, kidney disorders, and menstrual problems

It can be worn or placed directly on the skin to help women with menstrual issues, such as pain and cramps, it is also said to help regulate the milk flow when one is lactating, as well as assisting women who are unable to reach orgasm due to tension. It will even out the moods and calm the wearer when in stressful or hectic situations.

It is an excellent stone for cellular regeneration and to assist with healing problems within the heart and lungs. It may also aid healing of diabetes as well as eliminate parasites, and assisting it's wearer to better absorb both magnesium and calcium.

Energy: Projective

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, lactation

In ancient civilizations, serpentine was used as a talisman, it was said to protect against demonic powers as well as promoting fertility. It is still used to protect against snake bites, poison and magic spells. In China and India it is quite often incorporated into altars, carvings and temple decorations, as it is seen as a protective stone that will bring peace.

This stone is an ancient stone... and it resonates within those ancient reptilian areas of the brain. It will aid you to rewire your brain... and it may aid you to let go of any aggression you might be feeling. Combine it with Seraphinite for this use, as it is an excellent combination.

 

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I hope you enjoyed the information on Green Serpentine the wonderful green stone 

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Garnets

Garnets /ˈɡɑrnət/ are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives.

The scientific stuff

Garnets possess similar physical properties and crystal forms but different chemical compositions. The different species are pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular (varieties of which are hessonite or cinnamon-stone and tsavorite), uvarovite and andradite. The garnets make up two solid solution series: pyrope-almandine-spessarite and uvarovite-grossular-andradite.

Garnet species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. The rarest of these is the blue garnet, discovered in the late 1990s in Bekily, Madagascar. It is also found in parts of the United States, Russia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Turkey. It changes color from blue-green in the daylight to purple in incandescent light, as a result of the relatively high amounts of vanadium (about 1 wt.% V2O3). Other varieties of color-changing garnets exist. In daylight, their color ranges from shades of green, beige, brown, gray, and blue, but in incandescent light, they appear a reddish or purplish/pink color. Because of their color-changing quality, this kind of garnet is often mistaken for Alexandrite.

A sample showing the deep red color garnet can exhibit.

Garnet species' light transmission properties can range from the gemstone-quality transparent specimens to the opaque varieties used for industrial purposes as abrasives. The mineral's luster is categorized as vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like).

Garnets are nesosilicates having the general formula X3Y2(Si O4). The X site is usually occupied by divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+) and the Y site by trivalent cations (Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+) in an octahedral/tetrahedral framework with [SiO4]4− occupying the tetrahedra. Garnets are most often found in the dodecahedral crystal habit, but are also commonly found in the trapezohedron habit. (Note: the word "trapezohedron" as used here and in most mineral texts refers to the shape called a Deltoidal icositetrahedron in solid geometry.) They crystallize in the cubic system, having three axes that are all of equal length and perpendicular to each other. Garnets do not show cleavage, so when they fracture under stress, sharp irregular pieces are formed.

Because the chemical composition of garnet varies, the atomic bonds in some species are stronger than in others. As a result, this mineral group shows a range of hardness on the Mohs scale of about 6.5 to 7.5. The harder species like almandine are often used for abrasive purposes

Now for the Good stuff

Meaning, healing properties and Metaphysical Qualities

Noah’s Ark and the light of Garnet

Even Noah, it is reported, used a lantern from Garnet in order to safely steer his Ark through the darkness of the night. Garnets are found in jewelry from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras. Many courageous discoverers and travelers wore Garnets for protection, as they were considered popular talismans and protective stones, because it was believed in those days that Garnets illuminate the night and prevent their wearer from any sort of evil. Today science explained to us that the proverbial luminosity of Garnet is caused by its high refraction of light, but the magic of the original lore is much more interesting

Garnet is a stone of romantic love and passion. Metaphysically it is used to enhance sensuality, sexuality and intimacy. It is said that garnet will bring positive thoughts and boost energy.

It is an excellent stone for manifestation, and can assist mystically with building one's self-confidence as well as success in one's chosen profession.  The Garnet is commonly known as the stone for a successful business. If your business is not as good as it should be, just put three or more garnets on your desk, and improvement should be forthcoming.

A garnet gemstone under a pillow is said to prevent bad dreams, as well, wearing the gemstone in jewelry is told to help generate popularity amongst peers, and help alleviate depression; it will also bring constancy to friendships.

Garnet is also a protective energy stone which is especially effective for protection from evil. It is also often used for gentle spiritual healing. Lore tells that garnet can heal the blood, heart and lungs.

Garnet is found in a myriad of color...but just now we will speak only of red garnet in healing.

The Garnet is associated with the thyroid and spleen. Both organs may benefit with cleansing and purify with the garnet, when the gemstone is held over the organ.

A garnet held in the hand or placed atop the head whilst searching or meditating on past lives can be quite useful in bringing about what is being searched for, or meditated upon.  Beneficial information for the searcher may be released. Although the information may be painful, it will be what the searcher needs, the garnet is a stone of truth and purity as well as a symbol of love an compassion, simply trust that the information will be released as it is needed for awareness and healing of spirituality.

Magical:

 Energy: Projective

Element: Fire

Powers: Healing, protection, strength 

It is told that garnet holds not only the power to protect its wearer from negative energies, but to send those negative energies back to where they originated from. If you are suffering from malicious gossip and lies, wearing a garnet will send the negative vibrations directly back to those perpetrating them. Whenever you hear or feel negative remarks, place the garnet between the trouble makers and yourself; the rebound will most assuredly go unnoticed until they suffer from the results.

Associations: Mars 

Traditional Birthstone for the Month of January.

Stone of Scorpio, Capricorn and Aries, garnet symbolizes constructiveness. Mystics believe it brightens dark souls and brings hope to people. This is to be said of all types of garnet gemstones.

Garnet is associated primarily with the1st, Root or Base Chakra, but also with other chakras depending on its color, as garnet develops into many different colors, details may be found here.

Garnet is a stone that can connect with the kundalini energy of transformation. The garnet can regenerate and transmute; at the same time it can lift depression and help keep thoughts on a higher level.

I hope you enjoyed the information on garnets.

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Larimar the spiritual Blue Stone

larimar

The larimar stone is one of the spiritual crystal healing stones.

Larimar (misspelled: lorimar), also called "Stefilia's Stone", is a rare blue variety of pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean. Its coloration varies from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue.

Larimar is quite a rare form of pectolite. Often mistaken for translucent turquoise or fine blue jade, larimar mirrors the beautiful waters that surround it's island of origin. The crystal vibration and unique blend of blue, teal, white and other colors have drawn many a people to it's door. It reflects the differing colors of the ocean, from deep to light shades of blue, and jade green, often sprinkled with white and gray colors from the clouds in the sky, and then peppered now and again with red dendrites...it is a most incredible site.

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Mining records show that on 23 November 1916 Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren of the Barahona Parish requested permission to explore and exploit the mine of a certain blue rock he had discovered. Pectolites were not yet known in the Dominican Republic and the request was rejected.

In 1974, at the foot of the Bahoruco Range, the coastal province of Barahona, Miguel Méndez and Peace Corps volunteer Norman Rilling rediscover Larimar on a beach. Natives, who believed the stone came from the sea, called the gem Blue Stone. Miguel took his young daughter's name Larissa and the Spanish word for sea (mar) and formed Larimar, by the colors of the water of the Caribbean Sea, where it was found. The few stones they found were alluvial sediment, washed into the sea by the Bahoruco River. An upstream search revealed the in situ outcrops in the range and soon the Los Chupaderos mine was formed.

Larimar is a variety of pectolite, or a rock composed largely of pectolite, an acid silicate hydrate of calcium and sodium. Although pectolite is found in many locations, none have the unique volcanic blue coloration of larimar. This blue color, distinct from that of other pectolites, is the result of copper substitution for calcium.

Miocene volcanic rocks, andesites and basalts, erupted within the limestones of the south coast of the island. These rocks contained cavities or vugs which were later filled with a variety of minerals including the blue pectolite. These pectolite cavity fillings are a secondary occurrence within the volcanic flows, dikes and plugs. When these rocks erode the pectolite fillings are carried downslope to end up in the alluvium and the beach gravels. The Bahoruco River carried the pectolite bearing sediments to the sea.[1] The tumbling action along the streambed provided the natural polishing to the blue larimar which makes them stand out in contrast to the dark gravels of the streambed.

In metaphysical work, the larimar stone reflects the symbolic meanings of its elemental origins. Related to the sea, it radiates with deep feelings of peace and tranquility, having the power to quell emotions. Water is the element of deep emotions, and the beauty of the Caribbean ocean represents a calm, transcendent place. Few human hearts are not opened to peace and serenity in the face of radiant blue waters.

The volcanic origin, and occasional red markings, enveloped in a sea of soft blue, gray, and white, are indicative of the power of larimar stone to quiet the 'red' emotions — jealousy, anger, rage, and hatred. The color white is connected with the element air, symbolizing larimar's connection with the spiritual, higher realms, and the mind. The blue and white together, imply that this gemstone bridges the emotions with the intellect.

Larimar is considered a spiritual healing stone, and even an earth healing stone, because of its ability to open to new dimensions, and open both individuals and the earth for evolution. Meditating with a larimar crystal illuminates an individual's spiritual path, bringing feelings of empowerment and precision of purpose. At the same time, it works to dissolve self-imposed restrictions. Any self-sabotaging energy is released, for the specific purpose of an elevation of consciousness. Larimar stone is also believed to bring angelic contact.

As a healing crystal for the mind and the body, larimar works on a foundational level. It helps one deal with stress, and the inevitable changes of life, by instilling a tranquil, harmonized serenity. This is an ideal gemstone for artists of any kind, as it promotes constructive thought, and a free-flow of creativity. The presence of larimar stone is also good for emotional distress and bipolar disorder. Its vibration will help to harmonize extremes and clarify actions.

Wearing larimar jewelry is a wonderful way to benefit from the healing energy of this stone. It is most effective when carried around for long periods of time, either worn as a necklace or ring, or even held in a pocket or purse.

It's believed that larimar stones naturally raise vibrations and enable one to connect with higher energy. It is a very powerful healing stone, which anyone who is interested can benefit from.

Sources:

Hall, Judy. "The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals." (Godsfield Press, 2003).

Raphaell, Katrina. "The Crystalline Transmission: A Synthesis of Light." (Aurora Press, 1990).

Melody. "Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals." (Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).

http://www.wikipedia.org/

chrysanthemum: The Flower Stone

Chrysanthemum the flower Stone

For those who are not sure what I am writing about, the chrysanthemum flower stone (or just chrysanthemum stone) consists of a two-dimensional radiating mineral “frozen” in matrix that looks like a flower, in particular, a chrysanthemum. The stone may naturally expose the “flower” or more frequently it is carved or sand blasted to expose the “flowers” and to form the rock into irregular but somewhat artistic shapes. The rock with the “flowers” may be smoothed or polished to give it a finished look. Such products are very popular in the Far East. In recent years, small rocks with chrysanthemums have been fairly common in mineral shows in other countries.

The "Chrysanthemum Stone" occurs naturally in Enshi, Hubei Province, China. As the name implies, it is shaped like a Chrysanthemum flower. Most of the specimens are collected from river beds.

The actual "flowers" are embedded in a grey limestone with the minerals Celestite and Calcite constituting the "petal" and Chert the "stamen".

Normally the diameter of the flower ranges from 5 to 8 cm with the maximum being 50cm, The "flowers" are varied in shape with their petals stretching out freely in different attitudes.The "Chrysanthemum Stones" contains more than ten kinds of trace elements such as Selenium, Strontium, Gold, Silver and Bismuth.They are considered to be of Permian age (approx. 250 million years).

In China many of the chrysanthemum stones are found in Hunan Province, Kiuyan County along the Yung River (Li 1990). Here the matrix is Permian age Quixia Limestone. The chrysanthemum petals are blades of white to pale bluish gray, rarely transparent, bladed celestine crystals that radiate from a small chert nodule center (Li 1990). In some specimens the blades of celestine have been replaced by white calcite, and the matrix may be dyed a dark color to give a nice contrast between matrix and “flower.” When radiating celestine blades have a diameter of one inch or less, they can be more equal in width and length. Frequently in the larger radiations, the blades of celestine may be variable in width and length. Some blades dominate, being much longer and wider than the others, and so the radiation has less of a chrysanthemum appearance.

Chrysanthemum is a stone that awakens your true purpose in life and lends the support and courage necessary to follow your dreams. This stone brings unexpected opportunities (luck) once you have stepped on a chosen path.

Use Chrysanthemum to forge through obstacles to joy, love and abundance in your life.

Chrysanthemum Stone aids you in times of transformation. It is very good to have with you or in your surroundings when you are striving to reach your full potential. Thus it is good when working towards the attainment of goals.

It is useful to hold in meditation when you want to clarify your goals or gain insight into your hidden talents and potential for growth and success.

There is not allot written on Chrysanthemum it is a wonderful unique stone that deserves far more attention. Makes wonderful one-of- a- kind jewelry .


I highly recommend the book :

Chrysanthemum Stones

The Story of Stone Flowers

by Thomas S. Elias and Hiromi Nakaoji

This is the first book in English on these rare and extraordinarily beautiful stones with mineral formations resembling chrysanthemum flowers. A specialized focus of the art of stone appreciation that has flourished in Asia for over for 2,000 years, chrysanthemum stones are regularly exhibited and highly prized among natural artistic stones. Although found primarily in China and Japan, more recently examples are known from Korea and the western United States.