Category: Crystals/Gems

Ruby

Ruby

Magickal Properties:

  • Acts like the Sun – as a reliable source of life-energy – and brings the wearer benefits associated with the Sun (for example, vitality and success).

  • Smoothes relationships with other people.

Crystal Lattice Patterns

Cubic

A cube-shaped lattice. Most crystals  of this type consist of a number of interpenetrating cubes, rather than single cubes. Examples: garnet, pyrite, sodalite, diamond, halite, fluorite and copper. Qualities: releasing tension and encouraging creativity

Tetragonal

This lattice is shaped like two pyramids joined base to base, with elongated upper and lower points. Examples: apophyllite pyramid, zircon, rutile and chalcopyrite Qualities: balancing and harmonizing

Orthorhombic

Shaped like a small squashed matchbox, with all sides unequal in length. Examples: danburite blade, peridot, topaz and celestite. Qualities: linking, aiding, the flow of information.

Trigonal

This lattice is shaped like a diamond or a barrel-shaped lozenge. Examples: sapphire, alpha quartz, tourmaline and ruby. Qualities: energizing and anchoring

Monoclinic

Shaped like an elongated squashed matchbox. Examples: selenite wand and kunzite Qualities: affects movement and perception.

Hexagonal

Shaped like a hexagonal prism. Examples: aquamarine, beta quartz, emerald and apatite. Qualities: organizing and supporting.

Triclinic

This lattice is the most variable, having no set angles or lengths. Examples: kyanite blade, labradorite and ulexite Qualities:  opening and protective.

Crystal Systems

Crystals can remain unchanged for millions of years because their constituent atoms are arranged in a stable, regular pattern, called a lattice. This lattice repeats throughout the crystal and ensures that every crystal of the same mineral will show the same geometrical characteristics, with the same number of flat faces always meeting at the same angles. This precise repetition is the same no matter what size the crystal or whether it is a faceted gem or a dull, rough piece. A crystal’s external form is simply a reflection of its internal atomic structure. These shapes have a significant influence over the magickal and healing properties of a crystal.

The lattices fall into seven major types. Different minerals that share the same core pattern will have similar basic shapes. Unfortunately, these simple forms are seldom obvious from the external appearance of crystals owing to the variable conditions in which they form. However, careful scrutiny will allow you to recognize certain identifying traits (for example, the hexagonal cross-section of quartz or emerald).

Birthstones

The link between heavenly bodies and gems is continued in the concept of birthstones. Birthstone lists vary because some are arranged according to the zodiac and some according to calendar months. The list presented here is an abbreviated list of the most authentic traditions. However, it is always  more beneficial to use a stone to which you are attracted too, rather than one you feel you should have simply because it is linked to your zodiac sun sign, which is only one aspect of your full birthchart.

Aries (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19) – carnelian, bloodstone, jasper, diamond

Taurus (Apr. 20 – May 20) – tourmaline, tiger’s eye, topaz, emerald.

Gemini ( May 21 – Jun. 20) – aquamarine, citrine, chrysocolla, tiger’s eye, pearl

Cancer (Jun. 21 – Jul. 22) – moonstone, pearl, ruby, emerald

Leo (Jul. 23 – Aug 22) – ruby, heliodor, sunstone, clear quartz

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22) – sapphire, peridot, carnelian, citrine

Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22) – lapis lazuli, opal, aventurine, peridot

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – obsidian, Herkimer diamond, topaz, aquamarine

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – blue quartz, amethyst, malachite, turquoise

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) – jet, black onyx cl,ear quartz, black tourmaline

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – amethyst, sapphire, chalcedony, garnet

Pisces (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20) – turquoise, pearl, rose quartz, aquamarine

Bloodstone

Bloodstone

This traditional names of the quartz family can be a little  misleading making the varieties seem more different from each other than they actually are. Bloodstone is essentially green jasper that has the addition of red brown or yellow markings created by iron oxides. However, this tiny variation brings quite a range of healing qualities, as well as making the best specimens – with distinct blood-red markings against a deep green base a sought-after carving material.

Identification and care

  • Good-quality bloodstone is used in the jewelry trade to lesser grades with smaller areas of colors are easier to find.

Magick

  • Offers protection from loss of life-energy
  • Helps to increase our worldly influence and prestige
  • Is traditionally linked with healing wounds and stopping blood-loss-a warrior’s stone. under the influence of the planet Mars

Using Quartz to Ease Unhappiness

If you are feeling out of sorts or can’t shake off a sadness, try this simple spell to lift your spirits. During a new moon phase, take a piece of clear quartz and place it on a bed of sea salt, either on a small plate or in a bowl. Light a white candle next to it and say this spell nine times:

Painful feelings leave me,
Bring joy and pleasure swiftly,
Angels heal my suffering,
Light up my heart with speed.

When you have said the spell nine times, close by saying:

So mote it be!

Quartz (Clear)

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth, but it is considered an essential part of any witch’s crystal collection. It is a multipurpose stone that can be included in almost any spell to bring about a positive result. Quartz is wonderful for balancing emotions, especially if you are trying to heal painful feelings such as child abuse issues or if you have problems with self-esteem. This crystal amplifies magickal wishes and will bring extra power to any spell. Use it to tap into a higher consciousness and to keep in touch with your spiritual side.