Sunday, August 31, 2014

Stone: Bronzite

Bronzite - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: USA, Austria, England, South Africa, India, Labrador, Norway, and Greenland

General information: Bronzite is a member of the orthopyroxene group of minerals, and is a variety of Hypersthene and Enstatite. In the distant past it is said that the Romans used ground Bronzite as an elixir for protection against mental confusion and illness, and a general treatment to strengthen the nerves. 

Physical Properties: Bronzite is a silicate compound of magnesium and iron of the pyroxene family. This stone is a gorgeous chocolate brown with golden specs that shimmer and give this stone a natural glow. 

Metaphysical properties: This stone is beneficial to use when making plans for the future because it alleviates indecision and doubt. Bronzite is also believed to be effective against curses or ill wishes. This stone is directed towards the root chakra and sacral chakra. 

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Stone: Bird's Eye Jasper


Bird's Eye Jasper - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Mexico

General information: Bird's Eye Jasper if a type of Rhyolite, thus it is also known by the name of Bird's Eye Rhyolite. Rhyolites are well known for their beautiful bands, bubbles and crystal-rich layers that form as lava flows onto the surface of the stone. Rhyolites have a composition similar to granite but generally have a smaller grain size. 

Physical Properties: Bird's Eye Jasper features bands of red, yellow and brown colors swirled together in unique patterns. This stone is composed of light-colored silicates. 

Metaphysical properties: This stone represents change, variety, and progress.  It lights the fire of creativity within the soul, bringing to fruition the quests upon which one has longed to travel.  It helps one to strengthen both body and mind and to learn how to enjoy the vast potential within the self.  It is an excellent stone for promulgating with humility the concept of and actualization of self-realization.



Friday, August 29, 2014

Stone: Orthoceras Fossil


Orthoceras Fossil - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Morocco

General information: The name "orthoceras" means "straight horn" and refers to the creature's long conical shell. Orthoceras Fossils date back to the Silurian Age, more than 400 million years ago. they are ancestors to the modern day squid. As the Orthoceras died their shells accumulated upon the ocean floor. Eventually they were covered by layers of sediments and converted into stones/fossils over the ages. 

Physical Properties: During the Devonian geologic era, about 350 millions years ago, the Orthoceras, reaching a length of over 6 feet, swam in an Ocean which covered the area. After death, their shells were preserved in the black marble.

Metaphysical properties: Fossils are believed to increase life span, reduce toxins, anxiety, stress, balance the emotions, make one more confident. Containing supernatural and physical healing powers. They promote a sense of pride and success in business. Healers use fossils to enhance telepathy and stimulate the mind. Traditionally, fossils have been used to aid in  reducing tiredness, fatigue, digestive disorders, and rheumatism. Orthoceras Fossils work best on the root chakra.

Stone: Chiastolite/Andalusite


Chiastolite/Andalusite - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Chile, Russia, Spain, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Canada, USA

General information: Chiastolite is the brown variety of Andalusite which has a black cross on its surface. The name Chiastolite derives from the Greek word "chiastos" meaning "cruciform" or "cross marked". This stone also has the common name of Cross Stone. 

Physical Properties: The black cross inclusions that are present in this stone are a source of graphite. The crystals of Chiastolite have been pseudomorphically altered by a mixture that contains Muscovite, Paragonite, and Margarite. Margarite is known to be rich in calcium and tends to form along the graphite rich crosses/bands within this stone. 

Metaphysical properties: Chiastolite is a stone of both balance and harmony. It is known to help with mental/emotional balance, stability, enhancing problem solving skills, adapting to chance, memory, and ability to see all sides to a problem. In the distant past Chiastolite was used to ward off the "evil eye"  and curses by ancient people. This stone is associated with the root chakra, and third eye chakra.

Stone: Stichtite in Serpentine/Atlantisite


Stichtite in Serpentine - Image by Sonatona
Country of Origin: Australia, South Africa, Canada

General information: Stichtite in Serpentine, discovered in 1910 in Tasmania, Australia, is named after Robert Carl Stich who was an American Born industrialist and metallurgist that worked in Tasmania from 1897-1922. At Mt. Dundas, on the west coast of Tasmania, Stichtite is found associated with green Serpentine. This stone also goes by the name of Atlantisite. 

Physical Properties: Stichtite in Serpentine is a rare stone, a carbonate of chromium and magnesium. Its color ranges from pink through lilac to a rich purple color. This rock is thought to have originally formed from mantle-derived igneous intrusions crystallizing below sea floor, which were later altered to Serpentine-Stichtite rocks by lower temperature fluids. 

Metaphysical properties: This stone is excellent for deepening meditation, clearing your chakras (energy centers) and detoxifying your thoughts. Stichtite in Serpentine has also been used understand the concept and energies of love. This stone resonates and links the energies of the crown and heart chakra.

Stone: Bloodstone Jasper


Bloodstone Jasper - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Australia, Czech Republic, Russia Indian, China, Brazil, USA

General information: In the past there were various stories told about this stone. It was said that the Bloodstone had special powers for reasons that it was formed when drops of blood fell and stained jasper at the foot where Jesus was crucified. Ancient warriors carried Bloodstone amulets because they believed that their bleeding would stop whenever they were wounded. Bloodstone Jasper was also known as Heliotrope in Greek which means "Sun Turner". Many believed that the sun turns red when this stone is immersed in water. 

Physical Properties: The name of this stone if derived from the red spots or patches that are inclusion of iron oxide. These stones are a variety of Chalcedony, which is a crypto crystalline quartz. It appears to be glassy to waxy with an inconsistent color as the green is derived from chlorite particles. 

Metaphysical properties: Bloodstones are known to be stones of courage. It improves physical strength, enhances self-esteem and self-appreciation, and calms anxiousness. It promotes love for family and enhances wealth by improving the business and its legal matters. This stone works predominantly within the base and root chakra. 

Stone: Brecciated Mookaite


Brecciated Mookaite - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Outback of Western Australia

General information: The name Brecciated Mookaite is derived from the term "Brecciation", which refers to a geological process where earth movements cause mineral deposits to break and shatter. Over time, as water rich in silica flows between the broken pieces, the silica crystallizes and fuses the pieces together again. The end result is this beautiful stone with a mosaic of varying hues. 

Physical Properties: Brecciated Mookaite is from the same deposit as normal Mookaite, but is a few levels deeper in the ground. This stone is composed of opaque segments bordered with translucent borders. This creates a puzzle/mosaic of colors that range from mustard yellow, creamy whites and tan browns. 

Metaphysical properties: This stone encourages the desire for new experiences and helps to keep a balance between external activities and internal responses. It imparts a deep calm while encouraging versatility. This stone is known for encouraging adventure yet at the same time aids physical protection when carried. Brecciated Mookaite targets the base and sacral chakra. 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Stone: Dendrite Opal/Merilinite


Dendrite Opal - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Brazil, India, Madagascar, the USA, Mexico and Kazakhstan.

General information: Dendrite Opal, also known as Moss Opal or Merilinite, gets its name from the tree-like appearance of the inclusions. Dendrites, comes from the Greek word, "dendron", meaning "tree". The word "opal" is thought to be derived from the sanskrit word "upala", meaning "precious stone". During the Middles Ages, opals were considered lucky and some even believed that an opal wrapped in a bay leaf would provide the owner with the power of invisibility. 

Physical Properties: Opal is considered to be a hydrated silicon dioxide, always containing 3 to 30% water. This characteristic results in the relative softness of this stone. Dendrite Opals are usually identified by its milky white to brownish color, with black inclusions. These inclusions are typically caused by hornblende. 

Metaphysical properties: The energy of Dendrite Opal helps with one's spiritual and physical growth. It is believed that Dendrite Opals also facilitate the fulfillment of desires and helps wearers recover from difficult past lives. This stone is associated with the base root chakra, heart chakra, and crown chakra

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Stone: Rhyolite Rainforest Jasper



Rhyolite Rainforest Jasper - Image by Sonatona


Country of Origin: Western Australia, Mexico

General information: Rhyolite Rainforest Jasper, also known by the names of Australian Rainforest Jasper, Orbiscular Jasper, and Spherulitic Rhyolite, came from a molten flow of magma from the now extinct Mount Hay volcano that was located near Queensland, Australia about 120 million years ago. The Rhyolitic magma that had escaped from the volcano was dense and settled down through the lighter magma. The cooling of the magma allowed for the spherical and phenocryst crystalline structures to form together. The final result of this unique occurrence is this beautiful Rhyolite. 

Physical Properties: This stone got its name from the striking colors of green, red, brown, yellow, creams, and oranges, which evoke scenes of a rainforest. The orbs and nodules that cover the surface of this stone contains Quartz and Feldspar. 

Metaphysical properties: A balancing stone, Rhyolite Rainforest Jasper is recommended for help with issues of self-esteem and emotional strength. This stone aids in finding your expression in the wake of problems and anxieties. Rhyolite Rainforest Jasper helps to stimulate insight into solutions and alternatives. This stone works primarily on the heart chakra.

Stone: Chrysocolla


Chrysocolla - Image of Sonatona

Country of Origin: Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, Israel, Zaire and England (some of the notable occurrences)

General information: Chrysocolla is a sharply colored stone. Its colors can be among the brightest shade of blue and green, and is caused by its copper content. This stone is often coated by a layer of glossy clear Quartz, or intergrown together with the Quartz. Chrysocolla is often found in association with Malachite and Azurite. 

Physical Properties: Chrysocolla has a basic copper silicate composition, often with some aluminum included as well. Copper forms in the oxidation zones of copper rich ore bodies, hydrothermal replacement deposits and in igneous rocks. 

Metaphysical properties: Chrysocolla is considered to be the stone of communication. It emphasizes the power our words and action have on those around us, and encourages compassion and strengthening of character. This stone is powerful for opening and stimulating the throat chakra. 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Stone: Arizona Pietersite


Arizona Pietersite - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Arizona Desert

General information: The Arizona pietersite, also known by the name of Arizona tiger-eye, is in fact a serpentine and is produced when water from magma changed igneous rocks. These stones are known for their superb chatoyant, which appears to make them glow from their own internal light. 

Physical PropertiesThe fibrous veins that are seen in this stone are chrysotile and come in several varieties - from gold to root beer to silver flash, and from green to brown Serpentine.

Metaphysical properties: Serpentine soothes emotions and helps one overcome fear of change and look to the future with anticipation. Chrysotile is used to support honesty and integrity.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Stone: K2 Blue Jasper


K2 Blue Jasper - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Pakistan

General information: This beautiful stone is a fairly recent discovery. Mined in the foothills of the world's second largest peak, K2. 

Physical Properties: The minerals in the round blue orbs have been identified as Azurite, with Magnesium, Titanium, Strontium, and Chromium, as secondary minerals.  

Metaphysical properties: This stone helps us to keep control over our own emotion and to fell more centered and balanced in our every day lives. It helps to keep negative thoughts and traits at bay, thus facilitating positivity and harmony. This stone is most closely related to the third eye chakra, and will also work to align all of the other chakra. 

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Stone: Septarian Geode


Septarian Geode - Image by Sonatona
Country of Origin: Utah, New Zealand, Madagascar

General information: Septarian geodes formed 70-90 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. The high rise of sea levels during this period caused the Gulf of Mexico to reach inland to Southern Utah. As the sea life disappeared, it became trapped in sediments and formed mud balls. Eventually the water receded, which caused the mud balls to dry up and crack into beautiful patterns. The water once again returned, and the calcium from newly decomposing shells eventually seeped into the cracks and re-crystallized as calcite. 

Physical properties: The thin brown wall is aragonite and the gray exterior is betonite clay. Septarian geode is also composed of yellow calcite, limestone, and white/clear barite. 

Metaphysical properties: Septarian is considered to be a healing stone; beneficial to overall health and well being. This stone is related to the lower chakras: root, sacral and solar plexus. This is a stone for the regulation of spiritual, mental and physical prowness.