Stone: Nephrite Jade

Nephrite Jade - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: New Zealand, China, Canada, Russia, Australia, Brazil

General Information: Jade is one of the oldest and most important gemstones, with a history dating over 7,000 years. It is especially prized throughout Chinese and Latin American cultures, often holding more value than gold. The name 'nephrite' was derived from the Greek word for 'kidney', which refers to its supposed ability to cure kidney disease. Nephrite is one of two distinct mineral forms classified as jade (the other is jadeite) and up until 1863, nephrite was believed to be one and the same as jadeite.

Physical Properties: Nephrite is a fibrous aggregate variety of tremolite-actinolite, a basic calcium magnesium iron silicate, whereas jadeite is a pyroxene mineral. Nephrite is more common than jadeite and although it is slightly softer than jadeite, it is considered tougher due to its denser structure. 

Metaphysical properties: Since ancient times, nephrite jade has been used by many cultures for its powers. It was often used in burial ceremonies, since jade was believed to be an 'imperial gem'. Nephrite Jade is a protective stone that will transmute negative energies in your life into positive and uplifting ones. Nephrite Jade also helps open the Heart Chakra to allow good fortune to flow naturally into one's experience of this physical realm.

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Stone: Coffee Bean Jasper

Coffee Bean Jasper - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Australia, Canada, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan and Uruguay. 

General information: The various shades/colors of coffee give this gemstone its name. Traditionally, it is revered that it is a stone that cherishes and nurtures the well-being of its carrier in all ways. It is also considered to be a sacred stone, as it protects its carrier from the negativity of earth. Ancient Egyptians whispered it to be an arrowhead of love as well as protection. In the medieval period, this stone was worn as a talisman.  

Physical Properties: Coffee Bean Jasper is so unique in its qualities that no two pieces of this stone seem to be alike. It is said to be the gemstone of fortification as well as grounding. It possesses the color of coffee which further contains blotches of grayish, blacking rust as well as wine. This stone is a variety of Chalcedony, and is opaque as it contains impure varieties of silica.

Metaphysical properties: Coffee Bean Jasper is thought to be the gem of protection and grounding that is known to associate with the vitality of the world. It tends to open and resonate within the base/root chakra. This jasper is said to be the foundation of corporeal and spiritual energy, and frequently contributes to independence and spontaneous leadership.

Stone: Crazy Lace Agate

Crazy Lace Agate - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Russia, Africa, Australia, Brazil, USA, Chile, Romania

General information: Crazy Lace Agate is also known by the name of "Laughter Stone", "Happy Lace", or "Mexican Agate". It is associated with sunny Mexican fiestas and dancing, and brings joy to those who wear it. Historically, Agate has been discovered with the artifacts of Neolithic people, and was used as a healing amulet and ornamentation dating back to Babylon. Agate sparked a world renowned stone cutting and polishing industry in Germany that flourished from the 15th to the 19th century, and exists today.

Physical Properties: Crazy Lace Agate is a variety of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It is predominantly white, with layers of creamy browns, blacks and grays. Some include layers of yellow ochre, gold, scarlet and red. Agate is sometimes called the "earth rainbow" because the concentric bands in nature form nearly every color the earth can produce, including a colorless form.

Metaphysical properties: Crazy Lace Agate is said to help people stay focused. It is also a balancing and protective stone. It bring laughter and absorbs emotional pain. This agate is useful as a protective amulet when travelling, and is especially effective against traffic accidents, that is why it is also said to ward off the "evil eye".