Stone: Sodalite

Sodalite - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Brazil, Russia, Greenland, Romania, France, India, Myanmar, Namibia, Canada, and USA. 

General information: Sodalite is named in reference to its sodium content. This stone is a member of the feldspathoid group of minerals. Stones whose chemistry are close to that of the alkali feldspar, but are poor in silica content, are called feldspathoids. Sodalite, when not blue, is hard to distinguish from other feldspathoids. 

Physical Properties: Sodalite is a dark blue stone with white calcite intermixed. It is sometimes confused with Lapis Lauzli as it also has small specks of pyrite in it. There are some Sodalites that contain inclusions in shades of yellow, red, and green. 

Metaphysical properties: Sodalite is the stone of athletics, as it stimulates endurance. It is said Sodalite will harmonize the inner being or the conscious and subconscious mind. Sodalite promotes peace and harmony. Sodalite is extra lucky for writers. This stone is most powerful within the throat and third eye chakra. 

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. 

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.

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.