Carnelian

Crystal of the Day

Carnelian

 

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Carnelian is the clear red to brownish red member of the Chalcedony family. It is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz (Silicone Dioxide) and may contain small amounts of iron oxides. The hardness is 7, and the streak is white.

ENVIRONMENT: Chalcedony is formed in several environments, generally near the surface of the earth where temperatures and pressures are relatively low. It commonly forms in the zone of alteration of lode and massive hydrothermal replacement deposits and as bodies of chert in chemical sedimentary rocks.

OCCURENCE: Fine carnelian comes from India and South America.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Carnelian is used as an alternate birthstone for the month of May. It is normally cut into cabochons, engraved, or made into seal stones or rounded, polished, and pierced for necklaces and other items of jewelry.

NAME: The name means “flesh-colored”, from [caro], meaning “genitive” and [carnis], meaning “flesh”.

LEGEND and LORE: Carnelian has long been associated with courage and cleansing of the blood. It was believed that the stone would improve one’s outlook, making the individual cheerful and expelling fears.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Katrina Raphaell says that Carnelian can be used to “see into the past”. The “Crystal Oracle” says that Carnelian refers to the Self, and Current Conditions. It is a grounding stone, and associated with the Earth. As such, it is considered practical, sensible and balanced. Cunningham associates the stone with the element of Fire. He suggests it as a talisman against Telepathic invasion.

HEALING: It is recommended for infertility or impotency. In addition it is used for purification of the blood. It has also been suggested that this stone will stop nosebleeding.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I call this the “sexy” stone…since I believe it stimulates sexual appetites. I use it in the lower Chakras for infertility and impotency for men(I use Coral as the feminine counterpart.) I always get a good chuckle when I notice a man wearing a LARGE Cornelian belt buckle. In addition, I would use this stone for relief of pain from arthritis in men.

——-bibliography——-

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) “The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals”.

2. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from “Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.

3. Other Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from “Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.

4. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

5. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

6. Some of the healing information may come from “A Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.

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Gemstone of the Day for 4/6 is Amethyst Spirit Quartz

Gemstone of the Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amethyst Spirit Quartz (Cactus Quartz, Porcupine Quartz)

Spirit Quartz is an unusual variety of quartz that forms multiple terminated points emerging from a main crystal body. The presence of many tiny points covering the body give it a shimmer and glow that is quite beautiful.

Spirit quartz is found only in Magaliesberg mountains in the Gauteng Province of South Africa and is unique in the colorful drusy covering. It occurs in amethyst (shown here) as well as citrine and sometimes white quartz.

Spirit Quartz harmonizes the aura, chakra points, and physical body.

Use spirit quartz for these energies:

  • Merge with Higher Self
  • Balance the Crown Chakra
  • Purification & Protection
  • Release fear

Crystal of the Day for 3/30 is Chalcedony

Crystal of the Day

Chalcedony promotes calm and peace.

Stone’s names: Chalcedony, Calcedony.

Color: Chalcedony can be virtually any color of the rainbow. It is commonly pale blue, yellow, brown or gray with nearly waxlike luster. A white, buff, or light tan species of chalcedony are also occured.

Description: SiO2 Chalcedony is a finely crystallized or fibrous quartz that forms rounded crusts, rinds, or stalactites in volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Chalcedony is a precious stone that occurs in many forms, colors, and shapes. Chalcedony, agates, jaspers, bloodstone, cornelian, onyx, and chrysoprase all make up the chalcedony gemstones. Chalcedonic pseudomorphs after other minerals often give rise to very interesting specimens.
Other physical properties are those of quartz.
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Care and treatment: Protect chalcedony from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

From the stone history: The Romans prized chalcedony as seals, and the Victorians carved them into an endless array of cameos and intaglios. Chalcedony was used in Renaissance magic for health and safety. In all ages chalcedony has been the stone most used by the gem engraver, and many colored varieties are still cut and polished as ornamental stones.
Chalcedony is one of the gemstones, that used in commesso, also called florentine mosaic. Commesso is a technique of fashioning pictures with thin, cut-to-shape pieces of brightly colored, semiprecious stones, developed in Florence in the late 16th century. The stones most commonly used are agates, quartzes, chalcedonies, jaspers, granites, porphyries, petrified woods, and lapis lazuli. Commesso pictures, used mainly for tabletops and small wall panels, range from emblematic and floral subjects to landscapes.

Shopping guide: Chalcedony is an inexpensive stone. It is one of the best wearing stones on the market. Chalcedony also one of the most collected gemstones today.

Healing ability: This beautiful stone is believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. Chalcedony reduces fever. Wearing chalcedony is believed to be excellent for eyes.

Mystical power: Chalcedony prevents from touchiness and melancholy. Worn by many to promote calm and peace. Chalcedony also stimulates creativity.

Deposits: Chalcedony is found in many parts of the world, but the most prized Chalcedony are from India, Madagascar, Burma, Brazil, Mexico & USA