Stone: Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Japan, China, Canada, USA

General information: This stone is commonly black and white but it may also be brown and white. The way that the minerals are arranged in the stone resembles the flower chrysanthemum, thus explaining its name.

Physical Properties: This is a naturally occurring stone that is composed of a mixture of gypsum, dolomite and limestone. There are inclusions of various other minerals such as celestite, calcite, andalusite, and feldspar within this stone as well. 

Metaphysical properties: Chrysanthemum stone contains an energy that helps you overcome through obstacles to joy, love and abundance in your life. It helps create a balance between our physical and spiritual sides. This stone is said to bring unexpected opportunities and help in one's life. This stone is associated with both the heart and crown 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.