Month: July 2021

The meaning of this stones name comes in two parts with the first part astro coming from the Greek word “astron” that means star.

The second part of its name “phyllite”, comes from the Greek word “phyllon” meaning leaf. So together the meaning is “star leaf” Together it is “star leaf” as the people who found it first noticed the way it exhibited this type of display..

Astrophyllite typically forms as bladed, radiating stellate aggregates It has a great dark submetallic gleam which contrasts sharply with the light matrix the mineral is regularly found within. Astrophyllite is usually opaque to translucent but may be transparent in thin specimens.

Metaphysical properties

This is a stone to assist moving forward quickly on your life journey and it may assist you to find your true path. Its vibration may illuminate your true self, the inner you and make you aware of the things within yourself that you need to act on.

These are storm element stones, which means they have a strong element of transformation within them. 

This stone works within all chakras, as it will connect the eighth chakra (soul star chakra) with the earth star chakra. This connection between these two chakras, will activate, stimulate and align the entire chakra system.

Chakras Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, Crown

Properties

Abundance, Action, Adventures, Alignment with the Higher Self, Alignment of Chakra, Angelic Communication, Ancient Knowledge, Anxiety Relief, Ascension, Astral Travel, Attraction, Attunement, Attunement With Higher Realms, Balance, Balancing Polarities, Breaking Addictions, Bridging the Spiritual and Physical Worlds, Calming and Patience, Chakra Cleansing, Channelling, Channelling and Grounding Higher Vibrations, Claiming Wholeness, Clairvoyance, Clarity, Communication with Guides, Communication With Higher Realms, Consciousness, Courage, Creating Your Own Reality, Decisiveness, Determination, Emotional Understanding, Enhancing, Enlightenment, Expanded Awareness, Expansion, Focus, Gentle Self-Expression, Grounding, Growth, Inner Peace, Inner Vision, Insight, Inspiration, Intuition, Knowledge, Joy, Leadership, Life Path, Living in the Present Moment, Longevity, Manifestation, Mastering Fear, Meditation, Motivation, New Beginnings, Nourishing and Rejuvenation, Nurturing, Opportunities, Passion, Peace of Mind, Physical Healing, Power, Prosperity, PTSD, Purification, Relaxation, Resolution, Self-Discipline, Self- Healing, Self Discovery, Selflessness, Sense of Purpose, Soothing, Spiritual Awakening, Strength, Stress Relief, Transformation, Trauma, Travel, Trust, Truth, Wisdom,

Planets Pluto

Zodiacs Scorpio

Elements Storm

Colours Brown, Black, Metallic

Hardness 3-4

Chemical Formula K2NaFe2+7Ti2Si8O26(OH)4F

This beautiful pale blue-green stone is said by ancient lore to be the treasure of the mermaids! The name Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words: aqua (water) and marina (of the sea).

The Sumerians, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Greeks all admired aquamarine gemstones. Beads were discovered with Egyptian mummies. It was believed that the Hebrew High Priest of the Second Temple wore aquamarine stones engraved with the six tribes of Israel. Two thousand years ago, people in Greece engraved designs into aquamarine stones, turning them into intaglios.

Roman fishermen called the gemstone “water of the sea” and used it as protection whilst at sea and for luck in catching fish. Aquamarine was linked to the apostle St. Thomas, because it “imitated the sea and the air” and the Saint “made long journeys by sea, even to India, to preach salvation.” Identifying a certain jewel with one of the twelve apostles was common practice at that time

The Romans believed that if the figure of a frog were carved on an aquamarine, it served to reconcile enemies and make them friends. Another Roman legend stated that the stone absorbs the atmosphere of young love: “When blessed and worn, it joins in love, and does great things.” Aquamarine was also considered the most appropriate morning gift to give to a bride by her groom following the consummation of their marriage. Roman physicians also used it to treat overeating and bloating.

In Medieval times, the stone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples. It was also believed to render soldiers invincible.

William Langland’s “The Vision Concerning Piers and the Plowman,” from 1377, mentions the aquamarine as an antidote for poison. This antidote was widely known throughout Europe because poisonings amongst royalty was quite frequent. It was not necessary to pulverise the stone, as it was with other gemstones. Simply wearing the stone as a pendant or in a ring was just as effective.

Aquamarine is a blue variety of Beryl that crystallises in hexagonal columns. The blue colour of this stone comes from minor traces of iron. It can commonly be found in association with Muscovite. This crystal is a very rare stone that has a long history. The first recorded use of this mineral was around 400 B.C. in Greece but has been used throughout multiple societies for over 2,000 years. Aquamarine can be found in the United States, Brazil, Australia and several other countries throughout Africa. The highest quality specimens currently on the market are coming out of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Metaphysical

Aquamarine helps open a clear channel between your heart and throat chakras.

This connection allows you to speak from the heart and to help in solving of arguments and disagreements. Aquamarine can also support in cooling emotions and provide mental clarity.

Aquamarine underpins our wisdom, intellect, knowledge and clarity of the mind. If you have an open heart and clear mind opportunities and relationships will become easier to deal with.

Aquamarine is perfect for any teacher, manager, therapist or anyone else who speaks publicly. The stone can boost confidence when speaking to a large crowd and can help with stage fright.

Aquamarine is a very high vibrational stone and works very well with other especially with other heart stones (Rhodonite, Green Opal, Rose Quartz, Pink Halite, Chrysocolla, Green Calcite etc.)  to boost cleansing and clearing.

Chakras Throat Heart

Properties

Anger & Stress, Energy/Rejuvenation, Calming and Patience, Inspiration, Protection, Higher Self, Insight, Expanded Awareness, Inner Peace, Peace of Mind, Anxiety Relief, Planets Neptune

Zodiacs Aries, Gemini, Pisces

Elements Water

Colours Blue, Green, Light Blue

Hardness 8

Chemical Formula Be3Al2Si6O18

Ametrine, also known as trystine or by its trade name as bolivianite, is a naturally occurring variety of quartz. It is a mixture of amethyst and citrine with zones of purple and yellow or orange.

This gem only exists in south eastern Bolivia where it comes from the Ricón del Tigre area. The world’s only commercial source of ametrine is the Anahi mine.

Legend has it that a Spanish conquistador discovered the mine’s location in the 1600s and introduced the gem to Europeans when he presented several specimens to his queen. The mine had been given to him as a dowry when he married a native princess named Anahi. After that, the mine was lost for more than three centuries. Rediscovered in the 1960s, the mine’s ametrine began appearing on the market again during the 1970s. Today the mine, named Anahi for the legendary princess, also produces natural amethyst and citrine.

Amethyst in history

Amethyst is one of the most famous and prominent quartz crystals because of its beautiful coloration as well as its spiritual and literal meaning.

The name comes from the Greek amethystos a-, “not” methysko “intoxicate”, a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. The ancient Greeks wore amethyst and carved drinking vessels from it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

In Ancient Egypt, Amethyst was known as “Hemag.” It was carved into hearts and worn as amulets by travellers to keep them safe from being taken advantage of or attack and during burial ceremonies with pieces dating as far back as 3000 BCE. An Amethyst Scarab beetle shaped was found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.

The Hebrews called Amethyst “Ahlamah,” which was derived from the Hebrew word, “halam,” which means “to dream.” Still knowns as the “Dream Stone” it is believed that it can help deter nightmares while giving more positive, vivid dreams.

Beads of amethyst were found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. Medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle in the belief that amethysts heal people and keep them cool-headed.

Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an amethyst. In the Catholic religion, Amethyst was used in prayer beads and rosaries. It was known as the Bishop’s Stone because it symbolized ecclesiastical dignity. Today, Bishops still wear it on the second finger of their right hand as it gives clergymen the power of restraint so that they could uphold their vows.

For the Chinese practitioners of Feng Shui, Amethyst can be used to transform lower vibrations into positive ones.

Buddhists believe amethysts to be a sacred stone to Buddha and use prayer beads of amethysts. In ancient times, Amethyst was known as a “Gem of Fire,” because it was thought to hold the energy of fire, which is passionate, creative, and spiritual in nature. In the Eastern world, Amethyst was used in the tree of life, in the gem cities, and in temples of worship. It was also used in offerings and for spiritual practices and meditation.

The colour purple has historically been associated with royalty due to the costly process and expensive nature of making purple dye. As a stone of royalty, it was used in crowns, sceptres, and jewellery by the royal house because it helped leaders with decision-making. One of the oldest surviving crowns with amethyst jewels is the “Iron Crown of Lombardy” from Italy and dates to the early Middle Ages. It is alleged that the crown contains a band of iron from the crucifixion nails of Christ. The golden crown is decorated with 22 gemstones, 7 red garnets, 7 blue sapphires, 4 violet amethysts and 4 gems made of glass.

The Cursed Amethyst also known as the “Blasted Amethyst” is legend of a jewel looted from the Temple of Indra in Kanpur during the Rebellion of 1857. Brought to England by cavalryman Colonel W. Ferris. Soon after returning to England Ferris lost his life’s savings and passed away.  His son inherited the jewel and began having misfortune.   The Colonel’s son gave the jewel to a friend who had admired the gem. Shortly after receiving the jewel this friend committed suicide, willing it back to the previous owner.

In 1660, upon the restoration of the monarchy by Charles II of England, Amethyst was used as the centrepiece for the recreated crown jewels.

In 1890 the Blasted Amethyst fell into the possession of Edward Heron-Allen, a 19th-century author and musician. Yet he soon found himself rattled by a series of disasters. Smitten by the voice of a Lady friend, unaware of its past Edward gave her the jewel. The Lady soon fell ill and lost her voice never to sing again. After learning the gems history, Edward reclaimed the Jewel, vowing to get rid of the Blasted Amethyst for good and tossed the jewel into the Regent’s Canal. However, three months later the stone was returned to him after dredgers found the stone in the canal.

Edward finally decided to lock the jewel away in a bank vault. Encased within seven locked boxes. Instructing the bank to donate the Jewel to the Natural History Museum of London three years after his death and to never let his daughter touch the Blasted Amethyst.

Spiritual

Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone. 

It guards the wearer from all types of harm, transforming negative energy and ill wishes from others.  into love. Amethyst is naturally calming and relieves stress and strain and stabilises the mood, removing irritability, anger, rage etc  but also fear and anxiety.  It can lift the mood by reducing sadness and grief. 

Amethyst activates spiritual awareness, opens intuition and enhances psychic abilities.  It has strong healing and cleansing powers. 

It calms and stimulates the mind, helping you become more focused, enhancing memory and improving motivation.  Hence it encourages sobriety reducing the need for alcohol, drugs.

Amethyst can assist with sleep to relieve insomnia and to remember and understand dreams leading to spiritual wisdom.

Health

It is believed that Amethyst aids hormone production and the metabolism.  It can boost the immune system, reduces pain and strengthens the body to fight major illness. 

Positive thought relieves physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress.  Amethyst eases headaches and releases tension.  It reduces bruising, swellings, injuries, and treats hearing disorders.  Amethyst is related to healing of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin conditions, cellular disorders

Amethyst Associations

Chakras – Third Eye Chakra, Crown Chakra

Birthstone – February

Zodiac – Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

Planet – Jupiter

Element – Air, Water

Vibration – Number 3

Typical colours – light pink violet through to deep purple

Amber is not a stone or crystal; it is organic matter composed of fossilised tree resin. Amber has been appreciated for its colour and natural beauty since Neolithic times. True Amber must be over 1 million years old

Amber in history

The English word amber derives from Arabic and Middle Persian ambar. The word was adopted in Middle English in the 14th century as referring to what is now known as ambergris (ambre gris or “grey amber”), a solid waxy substance derived from the sperm whale. The two substances (“yellow amber” and “grey amber”) became associated or confused because both were found washed up on beaches. Ambergris is less dense than water and floats, whereas amber is too dense to float, though less dense than stone.

The classical names for amber, Latin electrum and Ancient Greek elektron, are connected to a term elektor) meaning “beaming Sun”. The word elektron gave rise to the words electric, electricity, and because of amber’s ability to bear a charge of static electricity.

The early Chinese believed the souls of tigers became amber when they died It was customary to burn amber during large festivities. When burned, amber does give off a characteristic “pinewood” fragrance and if heated under the right conditions, amber oil is released. Amber oil combined carefully with nitric acid to creates “artificial musk”.

Stone Age gravesites have been discovered containing amulets with spiral patterns, beads, and pendants all carved from amber. Amber ornaments have been found in Mycenaean tombs and elsewhere across the Mediterranean.

The Ancient Greek historian Nicias believed amber to be congealed droplets of sweat formed on the Earth as The Sun set beneath the waves. Other ancient writers depicted these “droplets” of fossilized sap as the tears of gods or heroes on various quests.

Phaethon was the son of Helios (Sun god) we had foolishly lost control of his father’s sun chariot (the sun) and was about to crash to earth. To prevent the word from being scorched by the falling sun, Zeus the head of the gods, shot Phaethon down with one of his thunderbolts. Hence the Greeks called amber ‘electrum’ after their name for the sun (elector) and gives us the word electricity

Ovid, the Roman writer describes the tale that amber is the crystallised tears of his mother Clymene and her daughters. The family were so grief stricken, after Phaethon’s death, they were transformed into poplar trees.

There is Lithuanian tale about Perkunas (God of Thunder) whom had a beautiful daughter Jurate. Jurate lived in an underwater palace completely built of amber in the Baltic Sea. Kastytis a fisherman, frequently cast his fishing nets within the forbidden underwater kingdom. Jurate sent her many handmaids to stop Kastytis fishing in her kingdom. The Kastytis ignored the maid’s warnings and kept on poaching. Jurate was forced to warn him in person. But as soon as she saw him, she fell in love and took the fisherman back to the amber palace with her.

Jurate’s father had already betrothed his daughter to Patrimpas, the God of Water. Perkunas was incensed that his daughter had chosen a mortal and destroyed the amber palace with a lightning bolt. Kastytis was killed and Jurate was imprisoned within its ruins for eternity.

Legends say that the amber found on the Baltic Sea coast are fragments of the underwater palace. Many of these small pieces and fragments are tear-shaped and are said to be the tears of grieving Jurate who still cries for her lost lover.

Amber in Medicine

Amber has long history in folk medicine for its alleged healing properties. Amber and its extracts have been used for a wide variety of treatments from the time of Hippocrates in ancient Greece through to the Middle Ages and to the early twentieth century.

The Roman historian, Pliny notes in his Natural History that some people believed amber could help with problems with the tonsils, mouth, and throat, as well as mental disorders and the bladder. Amber was ground and mixed with rose oil and honey to treat eye and ear infections. Amber contains succinic acid which is a mild antibiotic which was used before modern antibiotics.

The Vikings believed animal carved in amber inherited the strengths of the original animals. In Ancient Greek and Roman times, women wore amber fish, frog, and rabbit figurines to ensure fertility.

Traditional Chinese medicine still uses amber to “tranquilise the mind”.

Metaphysical

Amber has a hardness of 2.5 and holds within it purely solidified solar energy that nature depends upon. American Indians used the stone in ceremonies involving the element fire. Amber was burned as an incense to clear the environment of negativity. This ritual allowed the Indians to shine light on and see any negative energies. This is the very reason that Amber became recognized as solidified “sunlight”.

Amber is an Alchemical healer to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself. Place Amber in direct physical contact with the human body to absorb negative energy and to transmute those energies into positive energy. Just like trees take in the carbon dioxide and turn it to oxygen

Keeping a piece of Amber close to you will stimulate the ability to make choices and be decisive

It is a great remedy if you are nervous or anxious by delivering a sense of calm due to Its warm and sunny brightness. It can sooth the mind and emotions and energise body. Via the solar plexus chakra, it allows us to manifest our desires into reality.

Amber works with the crown chakra to align energies in the physical, mental and emotional bodies. Amber stimulates order and distribution of energy allowing one to feel its physical vitality while staying in balance.

Amber is formed by sunlight and then solidified, capturing light energy and intergalactic light, aiding heavily in the manifestation of prosperity, wealth and abundance.

Chakras Throat, Solar Plexus, Sacral

Properties Creativity, Protection, Physical Healing, Purification

Wisdom, Light, Longevity, Connection with Nature

Planets Sun,

Zodiacs Leo, Libra, Aquarius

Elements Fire

Colours Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Pale Yellow, Brass Yellow, Blood Red

Hardness 2-3

Chemical Formula C10H16O