Healing Properties of Amazonite

Amazonite is a silicate mineral from a feldspar family of minerals that share  similar crystalline structure and chemical composition. 

Amazonite forms short prismatic or tabular crystals and masses. Its color ranges from light blue, blue-green, turquoise to light green with white or grayish veins. Latest research suggests that the blue-green color derives from small quantities of lead and water in the feldspar and not from copper as was previously assumed. 

It is not quite clear whether amazonite was named after the Amazon river or the mythological tribe of women warriors called Amazons. Although amazonite occurs in Brazil, no deposits were found near the Amazon river.

Amazonite is rather rare and is usually mined in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Russia, India, Mozambique, Namibia, Brazil and even Austria. Amazonite was known in Ancient Israel. It is believed that the green stone in the High Priest Aaron's breast plate was in fact amazonite and not emerald.

Ancient Egyptians also used the stone to induce fertility and to attract luck and good fortune. Artifacts made of amazonite were discovered in King Tutankhamun's tomb.  Amazonite is sometimes called the Stone of Courage or the Stone of Truth.

It is believed that the stone encourages its wearer to self-discovery and the search for truth within one's heart. It reinforces self-discipline, courage and integrity, and helps one to live free from the judgement of others. It facilitates free communication and expression of feelings, and encourages empathy and a peaceful resolution of conflicts.

On the spiritual plane, amazonite balances the male and female energies. It also helps align all chakras and strengthens the heart and the throat chakra thus allowing undisturbed flow of feelings and truthful speech.

Amazonite has a great healing potential. The stone is believed to have the capacity to absorb the radiation from cell phones and the microwave ovens, and protect its wearer from electrosmog. People who spend long hours working on computers should place it near their device.

It is believed that amazonite has the potential to calm the nervous system. It harmonizes body and mind thus leading to well-being and health. Inner conflicts can be resolved and emotional balance restored. Amazonite can calm trauma and dispel fear. It reduces stress and can help induce peaceful sleep.

On the physical plane, amazonite is believed to help heal problems associated with metabolism. If used as an elixir it can help with osteoporosis, tooth decay and muscle cramps. It can help correct calcium deficit in the body. To enhance peaceful communication this beautiful stone should be placed in places where people interact together, such as living rooms, bedrooms and offices. Placed in the workplace, the amazonite helps dispel negativity and aggression. As a stone of good luck and prosperity it may even help to grow the business since it can attract new customers. 

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2016

 
*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.


Images source here

Healing Properties of Citirine

Citrine cluster

Citrine is a silicon dioxide (quartz) mineral whose color ranges from light yellow, orange-yellow, amber to rusty brown. The name derives from the Latin word "citrinus" which means citron colored.

The distinctive yellow color comes from the inclusions of iron, but yellow citrine rarely occurs in nature. Most commercially sold citrine is a actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Sometimes citrine is found together with amethyst. The cluster is then referred as ametrine. Citrine is mined in Brazil, Russia, Myanmar, France, Spain, Great Britain, Madagascar and the USA.

Citrine forms hexagonal crystals that often occur as clusters of small pyramids on a geode base or as short, stubby terminated crystal that exist alone or in drusy aggregates.

Citrine is a purifying and energizing stone that carries the joyful healing energy of the sun. It is believed that citrine has the power to expand and purify the aura and to align the chakras. It is often used to purify and activate the solar plexus chakra, but it also has the ability to clear and amplify the crown chakra and open pathways to increased creativity and intuition.

This wonderful purifying stone has the ability to amplify positive energy and clear negativity without absorbing it. It removes negative vibrations, transforms and dissipates them. This is why, unlike most crystals, it does not need any cleansing.

Citrine is believed to be a stone of wealth and is often called the "merchant's stone." It symbolizes honest profit, wealth and success. It brings luck in business and increases generosity. To improve the money flow in business a citrine gem should be kept in the cash register.

Citrine is a perfect stone for those who want to improve themselves. This stone of positive energy can help to dissipate self-doubt and destructive tendencies. It helps to develop courage, confidence, self-respect and a positive outlook on life. With the help of citrine criticism becomes less hurtful and is rather understood as a motivation to change than a destructive force. Irrational fears and phobias disappear as citrine brings calm and opens the gates to deep, inner wisdom. Those who lost purpose in life may find new direction. 

On physical plane citrin helps recharge depleted energy and heal chronic diseases. It helps activate digestion and detoxification. It helps improve the function of the thyroid gland and pancreas. It helps increase energy and strengthen the immune system. 

Citrine is a very beautiful gem. It brings light an joy to anyone who contemplates it. Placed at home it enhances positive energy of any room, harmonizes and helps dissipate negativity.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2014

*This information is for educational purpose only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Healing Properties of Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite from the Margarita Mine, Peru

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral. Pure rhodochrosite is rather rare. In its pure form, it is typically pale pink or rose-red, but the color of more prevalent impure specimens can vary from shades of pink, deep red, orange to pale brown. 

Rhodochrosite crystallizes in form of masses, grains, columns, botroyidal structures and  rhombohedral crystals.  It is often confused with the manganese silicate mineral rhodonite, but is distinctly softer than the other one.

Rhodochrosite was first described in 1813 in reference to a sample found in Cavnic, Maramureş Valey, in the northern part of Romania. Its name is derived from the Greek word rhodochros meaning rose-colored. It occurs together with other manganese minerals in low temperature ore deposits in silver mines of Romania and Argentina. It is also mined in the USA, South Africa, Russia, Peru  and Uruguay.

 

Rhodochrosite

In 2002 the State of Colorado officially named rhodochrosite as its state mineral since quite impressive specimens have been found in the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado. 

While rodochrosite is found all over the world, large red crystals are found only in a few places. 

Rhodochrosite is considered to be a stone of love, balance and creativity. The crystal is believed to open the heart center, alleviate depression and encourage positive and cheerful outlook. It helps integrate physical and spiritual energies, stimulate love and passion, and energize the soul. People with low self esteem profit from it as the crystal is believed to improve one's self-worth and develop unconditional self-love and self-acceptance. 

Rhodochrosite alleviates physical and emotional stress, encourages positive attitude, creativity and innovation, and enhances dream states thus allowing a deeper insight into the subconscious mind. The stone can help us accept negative and painful emotions as part of our emotional make-up. It helps us understand that pain and suffering are step stones to personal growth. Negative experiences and challenges are lessons that help us grow. 

Rhodochrosite can help heal emotional patterns that prevent us from realizing our full emotional potential. It is a perfect stone for balancing, cleansing and energizing the root and solar plexus chakras. It helps us face irrational fear and deal with anxiety. It is believed that rhodochrosite allows us to express emotions, especially those long denied that are buried deep within our souls. People who wear it develop tendency to be cheerful and optimistic. 

On the physical plane rhodochrosite is believed to regulate heart beat, stabilize blood circulation, and balance the blood pressure. The stone is also believed to have a positive influence on kidneys, intestines, thyroid gland, skin, and the reproductive organs. It can  help improve eye sight and alleviate mild migraine. 

Best results are achieved when it is worn as a bracelet or placed over the heart and solar plexus. A gem elixir made of rhodochrosite helps heal and prevent infections, improve the skin, calm inflammation, and regulate thyroid gland.

The beauty of rhodochrosite makes it a desired collectors' object that will not only bring joy to the beholder, but also enhance energy flow in any room of the house. 

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2013

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. 

Image source here

Healing Properties of Hemimorphite

Blue Hemimorphite

Hemimorphite is a sorosilicate mineral that occurs in the upper layers of zinc and lead ores. Hemimorphite is usually found together with smithsonite. In fact, when hemimorphite was first discovered in Romania 1853, both minerals were considered to be a variety of a mineral then called calamine. Only later mineralogists found out that although the two minerals resembled each other, they varied in chemical composition: Smithsonite was a zink carbonate; Hemimorphite - a zink silicate.

The name hemimorphite derives from the word "hemi" or half and "morph" meaning shape and points to a  hemimorph development of crystals. This unusual crystalline form, which is typical to only few minerals, means that the crystals are terminated by dissimilar faces.

Hemimorphite most commonly forms crystalline crusts and layers, but also massive, granular, rounded aggregates. Rarely it forms fan-shaped clusters of crystals. The color ranges from white to blue, blue-green and even violet.

Hemimorphite is mined at the German-Belgium border, in Austria, Poland, China, Thailand, Mexico, United States, Namibia and North Africa.

White hemimorphite

Many energy healers consider hemimorphite to be a stone of happiness and joy. The gem can be used to assist personal transformation and growth as it helps develop positive self-image and overcome the inferiority complex. 

It facilitates communication and self-expression and is considered to be a perfect harmony stone for troubled relationships. It allows us to be who we are and respect the other person's need for self-expression.

The gentle healing energy of this stone endows one with generosity, a healthy dose of self-respect and respect for others. Negative emotional patterns are dissolved; anger and  hostility are released. 

The stone promotes inner balance and tranquility, and helps access one's creative energies. It also helps protect from malice and the destructive energies of others.

In the spiritual realm, hemimorphite has the power to enhance the aura and amplify psychic abilities. It helps align the heart and throat chakras and opens the third eye. It aides meditation and clears channels to psychic communication. It helps the seeker to define his spiritual direction and find a purpose in life. 

As a healing stone, hemimorphite is often used to heal ailments in the chest and throat region, but also to alleviate hormonal imbalances, blood related disorders, immune deficiencies, headaches, stress and overall pain. The stone's subtle energies bring gentle, gradual relief.

Hemimorphite is a stone of unusual beauty. It adds a peaceful aura to any space and if worn as jewelry, allows for more self-confidence and compassion. Its beauty brings joy to all. 

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2012

 

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

 

Healing Properties of Fluorite

Fluorite, also known as fluorspar, is the most important natural fluoride. In the past fluorite was known as spatum vitreum or calx fluorata. The current name "fluorite" derives from the Latin word fluere which means "to flow" and pertains to the fact that fluorite was, and still, is used as flow agent in iron smelting. Thanks to its ionic nature, fluorite has the capacity to increase fluidity. It reaches the melting point at 1360°C. This qualities were first mentioned in 1530 by Georgius Agricola in his work on metals.

Fluorite is a halide mineral composed of calcium fluoride. It is an isometric mineral with a cubic habit, although octahedral and even more complex crystal forms are not uncommon. So called crystal twinning is rather common and adds complexity to the observed crystal habits.

Although fluorite gave its name to fluorescence in 1852, not all specimen of fluorite are fluorescent. Many fluorites, however, emit a fascinating blue-violet light thanks to traces of europium, yttrium or organic impurities in crystal lattice.

Fluorite is easily available. It occurs in large deposits in many regions, most notably in the United States, China, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, North-Eastern Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and Kenya. 

Fluorite often forms vein deposits with metallic minerals and is often associated with sphalerite, calcite, barite, and quartz. 

Fluorite is regarded to be the most colorful mineral in the world. It comes in many colors. The most common are pink, purple, green, blue, yellow, colorless, and rainbow.

 

In esoteric circles fluorite is believed to be a very powerful healing crystal. It is a stone of protection, especially in the mental sphere. It protects from manipulation and helps one recognize the undesirable outside influences. 

Fluorite creates clarity and awareness, and helps reduce mental and physical stress. It helps maintain focus and concentration and can be used during meditation as a grounding stone. The crystal can facilitate spiritual growth and help attain enlightenment.

Fluorite is considered to be the best purifying stone. It can neutralize and dispel negative energy of any kind. It cleanses and stabilizes the aura. It helps reorganize the flow of energy. It clarifies and purifies energetic chaos and helps create a more harmonious structures. It can be used to neutralize the electromagnetic field emanated by cell phones and computers. 

Fluorite restores inner balance and can be used to heal emotional disorders. It encourages positivity and optimism, helps restore trust in one's own power. Fluorite helps clarify vision and redefine one's purpose in life. It helps eliminate bad habits and destructive behavior.

Fluorite is also very effective on the physical plane. It helps to restore the harmony between the body and the mind and can be used to heal many psycho-somatic disorders. 

Fluorite is believed to boost the immune system and stimulate the regeneration on cellular level. It can be used to heal wounds, ulcers, skin disorders, and inflammatory diseases. 

Because fluorite comes in so many colors, it can be used in chakra meditation to restore the energy flow in respective chakras:

• red fluorite - root chakra
• yellow fluorite- solar plexus
• green fluorite - heart chakra
• blue fluorite - throat chakra
• purple fluorite - third eye

This beautiful mineral can be worn as jewelry or placed in living spaces to harmonize the energy flow. It should be placed near TV-sets and computers to neutralize the electromagnetic smog. 

 

 

Fluorite absorbs negative energies and has to be purified after each use. 

By Dominique Allmon

*This article was written for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Healing Properties of Fluorite by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Healing Properties of Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz Cluster

Smoky quartz is a macro-crystalline variety of quartz. Like other quartz crystals smoky quartz is a silicon dioxide mineral. It usually forms transparent hexagonal, rhombohedral  crystals. Macroscopic crystals commonly occur as horizontally striated hexagonal prisms terminated by a combination of positive and negative rhombohedrons forming six sided pyramids. 

The name smoky quartz derives from the smoky color that ranges from grayish-brown to dark brown and even black. The smoky color results from natural exposure to radiation. It forms from free silicon that was released from silicon dioxide during the formation of crystals. Smoky quartz is a rather prevalent mineral that is mostly mined in Colorado, USA, in Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, Switzerland, and Scotland where it is considered to be a national stone. 

Since ancient times smoky quartz was used in many cultures because it was rather easy to cut it to gems and ornaments. This beautiful crystal was considered sacred by the Druids. In shamanic cultures smoky quartz was used in rain gathering ceremonies. The gem was often found on top of the ritual wands used by some of the North American native tribes, especially the Cherokees. Smoky quartz was also popular for making snuff bottles in ancient China. Ancient Romans used it for carving intaglio seals. 

In esoteric circles smoky quartz is regarded as a grounding stone providing physical and psychic protection from negative energies. It can help remove negative energy and transform negativity of any kind into positive energy. It can be used to cleanse the aura.

Smoky quartz is considered to be a stone of abundance and a luck bringer. In difficult times it helps enhance the survival instinct and determination as it keeps one's mind focused on success and the realizations of personal goals and dreams. It enhances intuition and promotes personal pride and joy.

It helps elevate mood and gently remove emotional blockages. It can transform negative emotions such as fear, anger and jealousy into positive energy. It helps clear mental clutter and promotes focus. It brings calm and serenity and helps relieve grief and depression.

Smoky quartz is considered to be a perfect stone for meditation as it helps refine the vibratory energies within body and create clarity of the mind thus facilitating access to subconscious wisdom. It grounds during the meditation and facilitates alignment between the lower and higher selves. It activates the flow of the kundalini energy and enables access to higher states of consciousness. The gem also helps accept one's own sexuality.

The gem is associated with the root chakra and is, therefore, believed to promote physical health of organs of the abdomen including stomach, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, and the reproductive organs. It can help alleviate leg cramps and ease the hip pain. It can even cure headaches. Smoky quartz promotes detoxification, regulates body fluids and facilitates the healing process. 

For healing purposes smoky quartz crystals can be placed on the body, especially where pain is experienced. To reduce stress it is suggested to hold a crystal in each hand and sit quietly for a few moments. Smoky quartz can be used to produce gem elixir that gently works within the body.

This amazingly beautiful mineral can be placed in any room of the house to purify and balance the energies. It is believed that smoky quartz placed in the bedroom near or around the bed helps the couple to overcome communication problems.

For best results make sure that you purchase natural smoky quartz crystals. Artificially irradiated crystals are dark and opaque and may not bring the same healing results.

By Dominique Allmon

Healing Properties of Smoky Quartz by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
 
*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. 

Healing Properties of Malachite

Malachite Crystal

Malachite is a hydrous copper carbonate that is responsible for the greenish hue of a tarnished copper and bronze. It is often results from weathering copper ores and is often found with azurite and calcite. It has a vibrant color that can vary from bright to dark green.

Malachite crystallizes in form of monoclinic crystal system and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses. Individual crystals are rather rare but do occur as slender to acicular prisms.

The name malachite most probably originates from the Greek  word malachos which means soft, but it was also called molochitis lithos - mallow-green stone because it resembles the leaves of the mallow plant.

Large quantities of malachite are mined in Israel, Russia, Congo, Namibia, Zambia, and in Mexico. In the United States it mostly occurs in the South West, especially in Arizona.

Malachite was known in Egypt as early as ca 4000 BC. Ancient Greeks made malachite amulets for the protection of their children. During the Middle Ages malachite was believed to protect from black magic and sorcery.The stone was also used to protect travelers from accidents and other evils of a journey. It was often placed in the bedroom to protect the sleeping person from nightmares. For centuries malachite was used by artists as a mineral pigment in green paints, but was later replaced with synthetic pigments.

Malachite is considered to be a very powerful healing crystal that has the potential to amplify the energy. It can help clear and remove past traumas and deep seated negative emotions, but some caution is advised. The healing process might be too overwhelming as the stone is able to amplify both, the positive and the negative energies. The stone should be cleansed before each application. The best way to cleanse malachite crystals is to place them in the sun or on a quartz crystal cluster.

Malachite is regarded as a stone of transformation that helps facilitate change. It helps to clear and activate the chakras and re-arrange the energy pattern in the body. It is particularly useful in balancing the heart chakra and opens this energy center to unconditional love. It helps to clarify thoughts and break old patterns of behavior. It encourages decision making process, determination and acceptance of change. It teaches one to assume responsibility for his own thoughts, feelings, and actions. It clarifies the thinking process, strengthens intuition and enables deep insight.

Malachite can be used to alleviate many physical conditions, especially those associated with heart and blood circulation. It is believed to enhance the immune system and activate liver, pancreas and spleen. It can help detoxify the body at the cellular level and remove chemical pollutants and radiation from the system.

The stone can be placed on the body during a crystal therapy session. It can also be worn as a jewelry. However, malachite encased in metal is believed to lose its healing power.

Malachite is a beautiful mineral and, like many other crystals, it can bring a beautiful energy to any space. Its green color is calming to the mind and induces relaxation.

By Dominique Allmon

*This article was written for informative purpose only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Healing Properties of Mlachite by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Healing Properties of Calcite

Cobaltoan calcite

Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral which forms wide variety of trigonal-rhombohedral crystals. There are actually more than three hundred crystalline forms of calcite. 

The name "calcite" derives from the Greek word "chalix" which means lime. Calcite can be found in sedimentary rocks, especially limestone and its metamorphic equivalent - marble. It can also be found in some volcanic rocks such as carnonatite. Calcite is also a building block of egg shells and the shells of invertebrate organisms.

Calcite crystals are transparent to opaque and may occasionally be phosphorescent or fluorescent. A transparent variety called Iceland spar known for its strong double refraction and perfect cleavage has been used for optical purposes since the 17th century. Acute scalenohedral crystals are sometimes referred to as dogtooth spar while the rhombohedral form is sometimes called nailhead spar.

Dogtooth calcite

Calcite is easily found. The largest deposits are found in USA, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Iceland, Peru, and Brazil.

It comes in variety of colors. It can be white, pink, gray, blue, green, orange, red, black, or colorless. Its color depends on the content of various minerals during the crystallization process.

In esoteric circles calcite is regarded as a fire stone with an amazing ability to cleanse and purify. It is an excellent healing stone. It can be used to purify the aura and to align the chakras. For this purpose calcite crystals of different colors should be placed accordingly on the corresponding energy centers. Healing properties of calcite depend on the color of the particular crystal used in chakra therapy.

Calcite is known to dispel negative energy and to amplify the good one. This quality is very useful during astral travel and channeling as calcite enhances memory of the experience. 

This mineral helps establish connection between emotions and the rational mind. It promotes creativity and imagination, facilitates insight and learning, and helps crystallize and realize ideas.

Golden Calcite on Dolostone from Tennessee

It is a stone of confidence. It helps reduce stress, pacify the mind, and dispel fear. Lazy people or those who lost hope or motivation find new energy to follow their path. 

On the physical plane calcite is believed to enhance elimination of toxins from the body. It speeds up the healing process and soothes troubled skin. It may enhance the immune system and alleviate ailments of the digestive tract. It may also enhance the absorption of calcium. Calcite elixir is very effective in healing various skin conditions. It can be directly applied to warts, boils, or to festering sores.

Calcite is a very beautiful mineral that brings light to any space. It increases the energy flow and can be used to clear negativity from the environment. Stagnant energy begins to flow again. 

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.



Healing Properties of Calcite by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Healing Properties of Howlite

Howlite is a calcium boron-silicate hydroxide that usually occurs in sedimentary rock formations. This mineral was named after a Canadian mineralogist Henry How who first discovered it a Nova Scotia gypsum quarry in 1868.

The gem has a rather dull, porcelain-like white or ivory color with pronounced grayish veins that make it look like an albino turquoise. This fact is sometimes exploited by dishonest gem dealers who dye it and sell it as the more expensive turquoise.

Howlite is a rather soft mineral with a hardness 3.5 on the 1-10 Mohs scale. It dissolves in a hydrochloric acid solution.

It forms nodules that can be quite large and look like cauliflowers. Crystals are rare and sometimes form spiky aggregations. They are translucent or transparent, creamy white or light brown.

The largest deposits of howlite were found in Canada, mostly in Nova Scotia, but this mineral is also mined in the USA, especially in California, and in South Africa.

Howlite is considered to be a stone of calm and tranquility. It can be used to calm the troubled or overactive mind, reduce stress, and induce peaceful sleep at night. Energy healers suggest drinking a howlite gem elixir one hour before bedtime or putting pieces of howlite on the bedside table or under the pillow.

Howlite is believed to help control rage and other negative impulses. It can help develop patience, tolerance, and a positive outlook on life. It can also bring calm, reason, and clarity to any verbal exchange. To experience these balancing effects, angry and disappointed people are advised to carry howlite on the their bodies or in their pockets.

This gem is thought to help clarify one's mind and became aware of one's goals and ambitions. It can help expand the horizons and to open the mind to wisdom and new knowledge. It can improve memory, facilitate learning, and help access and balance unprocessed emotions.

Howlite is associated with the third eye chakra. In esoteric circles the gem is believed to facilitate insight and meditation as well as the out of body travel. It helps access deep seated memories including these of the past lives.

On a physical plane, howlite is said to accelerate metabolism and elimination and to heal various skin conditions. It purifies the blood and helps regenerate bodily tissues. It helps reduce pain and loosen the muscles. High calcium content makes it useful in balancing calcium deficits in the body.

Howlite is a stone of modesty and understatement. It balances energy flow in chaotic spaces and infuses them with peaceful energy and tranquility. It helps reduce conflicts and facilitates respectful communication. It promotes kindness, compassionate behavior, and peaceful coexistence. Howlite can be placed everywhere where balance and calm are needed, particularly in rooms where people meet together and in bedrooms. The gem can be worn as jewelry, placed directly on the body or taken as a gem elixir.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Healing properties of howlite by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Healing Properties of Creedite

Creedite is a rare calcium aluminium sulfate fluoro hydroxide mineral that usually forms from the oxidation of fluorite ore deposits. It occurs mostly on fluorite-calcite-quartz matrix.

Creedite was named after Creede Quadrangle, Mineral county in Colorado, where it was first discovered in 1916. It was also found in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico. There are also some deposits in Bolivia, China, as well as in Kazahstan and Tajikistan. 

It forms monoclinic prismatic crystals that may resemble sharp blades or needles clustered together. The crystals may be either colorless or white, pale to dark orange, pinkish or violet, either translucent or transparent.

It is believed that creedite helps align the upper chakras, especially the throat and the crown chakras, and expand awareness. This allows an undisturbed access to higher realms and a better expression of one's own spirituality. The gem may also help facilitate connection and improve communication with others.

Creedite crystals emanate high vibrations and can be used for channeling. They help verbalize and render the transmitted messages with utmost clarity. 

Creedite also aides meditation. It creates clarity of the mind and helps cut through intellectual obstacles. It promotes spiritual growth and helps expand awareness. It may help develop the ability to move between different levels of consciousness.

Occasionally, creedite is used to facilitate the out of body experiences and the transition to the realm of Light. 

Creedite crystals can be used to enhance vibrational energy of spaces and to increase the creativity and productivity at work. 

Creedite has the potential to increase one's level of vibration and to expand the energy field. The increased energy flow in the meridians may help speed healing and detoxification. 

Because of its aluminum content, creedite should not be used in crystal elixirs or ingested in any other form. 

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. 

Healing Properties of Creedite by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Healing Properties of Carnelian

Carnelian, also known as carnelian, is a translucent, micro-crystalline chalcedony quartz. It is closely related to sard and sardonite which only slightly differ in color and hardness. Its color ranges from orange and pale red to dark brown and comes from iron oxide (hematite) colloidally dispersed in the trigonal crystalline structure.

Carnelian is a rather prevalent mineral. It occurs in the cavities of many rock formations, but most often it develops silica-rich rocks that solidified at low temperatures but it is also found in volcanic rocks. Carnelian typically forms nodules and cone-shaped masses. Considerable amounts of Carnelian have been found in India, with some of the oldest known deposits in Bengal. Carnelian is also mined in Brazil, Uruguay, USA (mostly in Texas, Colorado, and North Carolina), Botswana, Madagascar, and South Africa.

In the Middle Ages carnelian was called carneolus. This name derived from the Latin word carneus which meant fleshy, made of flesh. The French called this gem corneline which probably came from cornele or cornel cherry in Old French.

Carnelian was highly valued in Antiquity and worn as jewelry. In ancient Egypt the stone was used to protect the living and the dead. The Egyptian Pharaohs believed that the stone has supernatural qualities. They regarded this stone as a symbol of renewal and loyalty. An Isis knot or tyet, made of carnelian was placed on the neck of a mummy to ensure safe passage and a peaceful afterlife. An Eye of the Horus ornament made of carnelian was believed to protect from the evil eye.

The Greeks and the Babylonians believed that the stone would bring luck to those who wore it. The Greeks also associated carnelian with the returning sun and used it as ornaments as early as the Bronze Age. For the Romans, the stone was a symbol of courage and power and was worn in rings and signets that were used as seals to seal documents as the wax did not stick to the surface of the stone. The Buddhists in China, India, Nepal, and Tibet use carnelian for protection and often set it with turquoise and lapis lazuli to enhance its powers. This practice was also known in ancient Egypt.

For ages carnelian was considered to be a stone of power, courage, ambition, and inspiration. It is supposed to increase physical energy and personal power. It is a stone of action which is very useful in all decision making processes as it helps to stay focused and motivated. It is a stone of confidence, creativity, individuality, and self-realization. Carnelian helps dispel apathy and indolence. It helps discover hidden talents and awakens curiosity in the people who wear it.

Carnelian is believed to have the capability to protect the wearer from negative energies. It wards off negative emotions such as anger, fear, jealousy, and resentment. It improves mood and helps to deal with sorrow and depression. Carnelian encourages love and friendship. It helps accept the flow of life and takes away the fear of dying. It brings peace and serenity to a troubled soul as it helps heal trauma and emotional wounds.

Carnelian is associated with the root and the sacral chakras. It clears imbalances in these energy centers and enhances the energy flow within the body. The gem helps establish better connection with the surroundings and ground people who meditate.

On the physical plane carnelian is associated with sexuality. It helps awaken passion and balances sexual energies. It helps alleviate disorders of the reproductive system. In folk medicine this mineral was used to heal impotence and fertility problems. Carnelian is believed to relieve menstrual cramps and other problems in the abdomen area. It was used traditionally to heal disorders of the gal bladder, pancreas, and the kidneys. Carnelian is believed to speed up metabolism, warm and cleanse the blood, and stimulate appetite. It can help absorb vitamins and minerals, rejuvenate bodily tissues, increase blood circulation, and accelerate the healing and detoxification process within the body.

Carnelian is a beautiful, sensual stone that can be placed on the body, worn as jewelry or a talisman, taken as gem elixir or displayed to increase energy of any space. It brings warmth and positivity. Placed in the central area of the house, carnelian brings balance and harmony. To increase creativity, carnelian should be placed in the West. To attract luck and success, it should be placed in the South. Carnelian is a stone of renewal that brings joy and increases self esteem. 

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

healing properties of carnelian by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Healing Properties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine crystals cluster with light green fluorite

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl. It is a relatively common mineral that mostly occurs in pegmatite rocks and is often found together with the ordinary beryl. The biggest deposits were found in Brazil, Colombia, United States, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Russia, India and Pakistan.

Aquamarine forms pyramidal crystals that can be quite large. Its color ranges from pale blue and transparent turquoise to bluish-green and depends on the concentration of the iron particles within the hexagonal crystalline structure of beryl. The bluish-greenish hue is responsible for the stone's name which comes from the Latin "aqua marina" or sea water.

The stone was well known and valued in Antiquity. It was regarded as a symbol of peace and tranquility. Aquamarine jewelry was highly prized not only for its beauty, but also for its protective value especially for sailors and those who had to undertake a sea journey as this stone would ensure a safe passage to those who wore it. Aquamarine amulets would protect them from sea sickness and from drowning in raging seas.

Aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra and has the ability to activate this energy center. It stimulates, balances, and cleanses the throat chakra. It gives the courage to articulate one's deepest convictions. It also helps improve communication skills and takes away the fear of public speaking. The stone helps clear doubt and uncertainty and enhances creative verbal expression. It encourages tolerance and honesty and enables the expression of truth.

Aquamarine is a stone of beauty, honesty, courage, and loyalty. It has the ability to clarify the thought process and perception and to speed up response in difficult situations. It helps deal with difficult emotions and grief. The stone emanates calming energy that helps reduce stress and pacify the mind. It also sharpens intuition and brings inner peace and serenity. These qualities make it a perfect stone for deep meditation. One gains the ability to access higher levels of awareness.

Aquamarine is sometimes used in thanatology as it is believed to ease the pain of the dying person and to facilitate transition. The stone helps release the karmic bonds. 

In Antiquity aquamarine was used to cure eye diseases. To achieve an healing effect the eyes were washed with aquamarine gem water. Aquamarine was also used traditionally to cure conditions of the throat and the thyroid gland. The stone is considered to be useful for curing toothache, cough, and pain in the jaw. It helps balance the hormones and calms an overactive immune system. It is believed that aquamarine strengthens the kidneys and helps reduce water retention. For best results, aquamarine should be worn next to the skin.

Aquamarine is a very beautiful gemstone that balances energy flow and creates harmony in the house. Those who contemplate its beauty report enhanced awareness and tranquility. The calming energy of aquamarine gives any home the quality of a sanctuary.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Healing properties of aquamarine by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

What Is Crystal Therapy?

Crystal therapy is an alternative healing method that uses gemstones and crystals to induce healing. Critics of crystal therapy consider it to be a pseudoscience that uses unscientific methods. Healing, if any at all, is attributed to the placebo effect. Proponents of vibrational medicine, however, regard crystal therapy as a powerful, yet subtle, healing method that utilizes crystalline structures of various minerals to alter the energy patterns within the human body.

Crystal therapy takes a holistic approach to health and disease. Any disturbance of energy flow within the body results in disease and must be corrected. When balance is restored, healing occurs not only on the physical, but also on the emotional and spiritual planes.

Gemstones and crystals fascinated humans in most ancient cultures. Their beauty had a magical appeal. Their rarity elevated them to the symbols of wealth and status. In most ancient cultures they were used in magic rituals, in divination, for healing, and for protection of the living and the dead. They were offered to the gods, used as gifts or as currency, and worn as jewelry.

The first known written reference to the healing properties of crystals, however, comes form an ancient Egyptian papyrus that dates back to around 1550 BC. Lapis lazuli, malachite, and red jasper were to be placed around the neck of a sick person so that the disease could pass through the crystals and then dissipate.

Crystals were mentioned in the Old Testament. The High Priest Aaron wore a breastplate that was adorned with various jewels. They were the symbols of wisdom and were worn for protection.

Sumerians, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and the Romans, learned how to use gemstones and crystals in magic formulas and for healing. Gems, especially the green jade, were used by the Chinese thousands of years ago. Around 400 BC, the Indians began using crystals in Ayurveda. Their healing properties were also known to the Hopi Indians, the Inuit, and to the Hawaiian Islanders. Australian Aborigines and New Zealand Maoris, Aztecs and the Maya, all used crystals for healing. Interestingly enough, all these cultures attributed similar properties to the same gemstones.

In Europe gemstone therapy was popular during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. A number of medical treatises extolled the healing properties of various gems and crystals. Hildegard of Bingen, Sir John Mandeville, and Arnoldus Saxo used gemstones together with herbs. This practice was forgotten with the onset of the Age of Reason, but revived in the 19th century with the ascent of Spiritualism and the revival of ancient esoteric traditions.

The efficacy of crystal therapy is based on the premise that every living organism constitutes a complex energy system which includes meridians, chakras, and the electromagnetic field known as aura.

Every crystal or gemstone has a different crystalline structure with atoms placed on the crystal lattice in a particular order. The atoms oscillate forming a specific energy pattern. These patterns resonate with the vibrational energies of somatic cells, thus tuning and re-balancing the energy flow in the entire body. A balanced energy flow is a sign of perfect health. Because energetic re-balancing takes place on cellular level, healing is gradual and may take longer periods of time depending on an individual condition.

During a healing session, gemstones and crystals are placed on a body in a special configuration. They work in synergy to enhance the energy flow and to open the energy blockages. More than one session is necessary, especially when energy imbalance manifests itself as a physical symptom or a disease.

The stones can also be placed in homes and other spaces, and carried in pockets or worn on the body during the day for a continuous exposure to the subtle energy of the healing stones. 

The practice of wearing gemstones or placing them on various parts of the body is only one form of therapeutic application of crystals. Preparation of gem elixirs is another.

Gemstone elixirs can prepared to heal wide range of ailments. Cleansed, mostly raw, unpolished gemstones and crystals are placed in a jar of purified water and left for a designated period of time. The water is then consumed for enhanced energetic balancing and detoxification. Elixirs not only use the energetic properties of crystals, but they also take advantage of their mineral content.

Traditionally, pulverized gemstones and crystals were also added to ointments and applied on areas that needed attention. To this day, the Chinese use pulverized pearls in their skincare products.The famous Pearl Cream is believed to have almost miraculous anti-aging properties.

The human body has an incredible potential to heal itself. Vibrational therapies such as chakra balancing or the crystal therapy may not yet be scientifically confirmed, healing effect is considerable when such methods are applied to correct energetic imbalances in the body. And although the possible placebo effect does not necessarily discredit these healing methods, a caution is advised. 

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2011
 

*This article was written for educational purpose only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Healing Properties of Rose Quartz

 A rare rose quartz crystal from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Rose quartz is a translucent, often turbid, coarsely grained variety of quartz found mostly in pegmatite rock formations. Its color ranges from pale pink to rich rose red. The origin of this color is not well understood. For a long time mineralogists suspected that it is a result of titanium, iron, manganese or even colloidal gold impurities present in a crystal structure of quartz, but the most recent X-ray diffraction tests suggest the existence of yet unknown, fibrous mineral causing the pink hue in massive rose quartz.

Rose quartz occurs Brazil, USA, South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar, Germany, Sweden, Japan, India, and Australia.

Rose quartz forms solid masses, veins, druses, granular structures, and, very seldom, euhedral crystal structures which are then classified as pink quartz.

Not much is known about the historical use of rose quartz. Some beads that date back to 7000 B.C. were found in archeological sites of Mesopotamia (present day Iraq). Assyrians used rose quartz to make jewelry. Romans took advantage of the gem's hardness and made seals of property out of it. In the Middle Ages rose quartz was used to decorate royal insignia. It was also appreciated for its magical and healing properties and was regarded as a symbol of gentle love and beauty.

Nowadays, rose quartz is considered to be the stone of love and self-love. It is supposed to gently remove all negativity and self-doubt. It quiets the emotions and brings peace of mind. It gives courage and heals traumatic emotions and emotional wounds. It also reduces stress and soothes the nerves. It brings calm and clarity and restores harmony after chaotic emotional experiences. It may reduce aggression and resentment and bring forgiveness. It can help develop tolerance and restore self-esteem.

This gem is associated with the heart chakra which is the seat of our emotions. It can be used to clear and balance this energy center. It may help us establish emotional connection with others, develop trust, feel empathy, and allow us to experience love and self-love, especially when we think that we do not deserve to be loved.

In esoteric circles rose quartz is used to attract love. Because of its capacity to dispel fear, it is also used to ease the transition of new born babies into their new lives and to aid the dying so that they can peacefully let go of attachments and enter the new realm at the end of their earthly existence. 

Like other quartz varieties, rose quartz is characterized by high conductivity. This quality makes it a perfect and powerful healing stone. It is often used to strengthen the heart and improve blood circulation which helps detoxify the body and has an overall rejuvenating effect. The gem can help heal scars and improve complexion. It is also believed to energize the gonads and increase fertility.

Rose quartz can be used in crystal therapy, worn as jewelry, or taken as a gem elixir. It is attractive enough to adorn spaces. Its peaceful energy helps fortify and heal relationships and dispel negativity from areas where people interact. The gem is believed to clear electromagnetic radiation and should be placed near computers and TV sets. It must, however, be cleansed and recharged very often since it absorbs negativity. 

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or heal a disease.

Healing Properties of Rose Quartz by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.