Natural Settings: Conversation Fun

Creative Designs and Unique Stones

Natural Settings has been making and selling wholesale and retail weathered wood home & garden decor and pet apparel for over 12 years. I have also been making wedding accessories for over 22 years.

Natural Gem Designs are unique jewelry creations using natural gemstones found around the world.

* I take a lot of time searching the world to bring my customers the best quality and lowest price gemstones possible. *

I will be introducing new designs and supplies each week.

I am just an email away on any suggestions that you many have for a new product or changing an existing one that is listed on Etsy so don't hesitate to ask any questions that you may have.

***Buy more and save on shipping on your second item. Get a bigger savings after the 6th item purchased in the bead and pendant section receive a 5% discount on your total shipping cost. ***

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Conversation Fun

Did you ever see gray/ green stuff growing on three branches, grassy green layers on rocks and a spongy looking thing growing out in the woods in a very shaded area or mushy looking mushroom flowered spores and wonder what it was? You probably said that is some kind of a moss.

Well what you saw was lichen. Lichen is a symbiosis. That means that it is two or more organisms living together such that both are more successful within the partnership than they would have been if they were living on their own. With lichens the basic components of this partnership are 1) a fungus called the 'mycobiont' and 2) one or more algae and/or a cyanobacteria called the 'photobiont'.

Lichen make look cool but in time it will kill the trees.

Natural Settings Estate Sale Liquidating Service

**Downsizing, Living Estate Sale, Divorce, Moving, Inheritance, Bankruptcy, Business Liquidations** We have been working for years helping customers liquidate their estate & our experienced staff is willing to go that extra mile to get you more money. This can be a very stressful time for many families with weeks of hard work in pricing, research, marketing, cleaning & setting up merchandise, so let our company do it for you. Let us help you make more money and your life easier. We will be happy to answer any questions so just give us a call between 10-4 Monday - Friday.

Ear Candles Wholesale & Retail Orders contact allnatural@suddenlink.net

Natural Settings has been handcrafting these ear candles and selling them all over the world for over 12 years. Once you try these ear candles you will wonder how you did without them because your ears fell so good and clean after the treatment. We send you easy to read instructions and all it takes is 5 minutes of your time to a cleaner ear.

Ear Candles are hollow cones that are hand made from muslin cloth and a special wax.

Ear candling, an old home remedy, that is used to clean the ears and believed to help with various ear disorders. Using ear candles is more comfortable and less expensive than conventional ear cleaning where water is forced into the ear canal or poked with a sharp instrument. They were used by the early Tibetans, Egyptians, Mayans and American Indians.

Free Stuff, Coupons & Discounts

Below is a list of websites for great deals on restaurants, department stores, groceries, cosmetics and more. Beware of any site that asks for your credit card information.

http://www.freestuff.com/

http://www.thunderfap.com/

http://www.totallyfreestuff.com/

http://beingresourceful.wordpress.com/

http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm (State Parks Discount)

http://www.restaurant.com (I have used these coupons several times-Great Deals!)

Grocery Coupons

(I have used all of these-great savings)

www.shopathome.com

http://www.super1foods.com/cnt/coupons.html
www.couponbug.com

www.alice.com

Natural, Stabilized, Treated, Fake, and Synthetic Turquoise

An article by Lee Anderson

This article discusses various types of turquoise as they relate to the jewelry industry.

Natural
This turquoise comes directly from the mine. It is cut, shaped, polished, and set into jewelry. Perhaps it had only been drilled, polished, and suspended on a necklace. In any event, the stone has had no man-made treatment or additives other than the polishing compounds to set off its luster. Most stones used in their natural state are very good to gem quality — in other words, hard and dense, with an inherent luster that does not lessen as it is exposed to its natural setting.

Stabilized
This is a natural turquoise, usually in nugget form, that is too porous or soft to hold a luster. It is therefore submerged into a stabilizing compound, frequently an epoxy resin. The natural capillary action of the porous stone draws this stabilizing compound throughout the stone. It is then dried. When thoroughly dried, it can be cut, drilled, cabbed, etc., and prepared for jewelry. Please note that the turquoise has not been altered; rather, the pores of the stone have been filled with a clear resin that makes the stone usable. If this type of turquoise were not on the market, many, many, jewelry artisans would be unemployed. It allows wide diversity. For example, necklaces of tiny turquoise beads now can be made and tiny inlay is possible. Colors will not change because the pores are sealed. It is not practical to use a high-grade natural stone for heishe; too much turquoise is wasted in the grinding, and the resultant bead will be fragile and eventually change color.

On the other hand, some stabilizing compounds can have color added. This causes the turquoise to assume a color that is not naturally inherent to that stone. This is referred to as “color shot” or “color stabilized,” a misleading term that implies the natural color is “stabilized.” This, of course, is not true; color has been added. This practice is not necessarily bad. Jewelry-making is an art, and this color enhancement can improve the appearance of the piece. It goes without saying that the value is less than that of naturally colored turquoise.

Treated
This form of color enhancement has existed for thousands of years. Pogue discusses writings on this subject that pre-date Christ. A common treatment is to submerge the stone in animal or vegetable oil and later air-dry it to give it a luster that did not previously exist. Unfortunately, this luster will not last long, and wearing the piece will likely leave oil stains. Many sellers have had to leave the area shortly after making such a sale! Even today, some turquoise merchants submerge the stone in water to enhance its color and weight.

Fake and Synthetic
People have been faking turquoise for centuries using ceramics, bone, color-enhanced minerals, and more recently, celluloid and plastic, among other things. This “fake” turquoise not much of a problem now, as people are simply too familiar with turquoise. However, “synthetic” turquoise, frequently chemically perfect, has appeared on the market in some quantity. This is literally stove-top turquoise. It has a very natural matrix created by placing stones in the “batter” or sprinkling in pyrite, etc. When the mix is cut, then cabbed, these foreign additives, which are real, add to the illusion that the entire stone is natural. Synthetics become fake if not properly identified.

Gemstone History & Facts

Agate

Fact: Agate is a "chalcedony" which is one of the many varieties of quartz. It is scientifically classified as a cryptocystalline or microcrystalline quartz.

Agates come in many different forms. The main conditions necessary for agate formation are the presence of silica from devitrified volcanic ash, water from rainfall or ground sources, and manganese, iron and other mineral oxides that form the bands and inclusions.

Agates in many different varieties are distributed worldwide. The crazy lace agate pictured on my agate cabochons page is found in Mexico. The plume agate is among the many agates found in Eastern Oregon close to the Idaho border. Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are known for having beautiful agates as are Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia to name a few places in the United States where it is found.

Fancy: People have admired agates for thousands of years. It has been used for jewelry, decorative ornaments, and even furniture. It was believed that agate had unique properties that protected the wearer from dangers and promoted strength and healing.

Amber

The first time I picked out Amber at the gem show in Tuscon, I carefully picked out pieces that didn't have bugs in them, just interesting seed and pollen. Low and behold, after I had made a few pieces of jewelry and put them on display, I found out it is bugs my customers want! Live and learn. It is becoming very difficult to find amber with included insects at a reasonable price. Very recently I found a source for amber with bugs and as I have time to cut and polish and create the jewelry I will add it to my inventory - so come back often.

Fact: Amber is resin of pine that has fossilized. It was formed 50 million years ago. This resin imprisoned vegetable remains and sometimes even insects. Amber comes from all the countries along the Baltic Sea, Venezuela, Russia, Romania, Burma and the Dominican Republic.

Fancy: One tale about amber is that it cleans and purifies the system of the wearer. The aura of this stone is believed to act on endocrine and digestive systems. Its magnetic properties (rubbed against wool, amber attracts paper) is believed to be beneficial against fatigue and depression. Amber brings joy to life and gives the courage necessary to overcome anxiety. Stone of the sun, amber warms the heart in literal and figurative sense and is believed to be a good remedy for colds and flu.

Amethyst

Amethyst (meaning): It is a purple colored stone, which helps the wearer in several ways. It wards off tendency to switch over from one activity to another, protects the wearer from sudden unexpected happenings, dangers of witchcraft, devils and evil spirits. It is also good for financial stability and is good for those, who find it difficult to manage their financial affairs. It is also good for modern mangers, computer scientists and financial experts, particularly those engaged in major or big enterprises.

Amethyst is good for natives born in the month of January or February of any year and for Pisces (those born between February 21 – March 20), particularly those who many wish to obtain professional advancement, long life. It ensures them material and financial gains. They would acquire magnetic personality and would be able to win over the opposite sex with ease, with the use of this gem. Young ladies from affluent societies will be able to secure good husbands of their own choice by the use of this gem.

The Greeks believed that the wearers of this gem would be blessed with happiness and unending love and affection, and enjoy protection from excessive dangers from indulgences like intoxication, temptations to go in for excessive involvements, drugging etc. scientists, technocrats, mathematicians and research scholars too can use this gem as it would provide them with greater powers fro concentration, seriousness of purpose, sustained work. Many social reformers who wish to have good public rapport, social welfare like charitable deeds and humanitarian causes have tested this gem with full confidence. Promotions, transfer to their desired levels too can be acquired by the wearer within a few months of the use of amethyst. Those dealing with fashion garments, beauty parlors, travel & tourism and show business as also in public relation jobs can hope to achieve instant success through the use of amethyst. Natives with birth number 3 those with birth numbers 4 or 8 would find sudden upturn in their financial fortunes as also position and prestige, if they can acquire and use amethyst. Amethyst is also good for the physical well being of the wearers and is good for those who may wish to give up drinking and wishes to lead a simple and healthy life. Amethyst is a recommended gemstone for the Aquarians.

Carmeliam

Carnelian (meaning): It leads to clearing the voice of the wearer and helps to preserve peace of mind, tranquility, harmony. It is also recommended for those, who suffer from ailments of nose, particularly nose bleeding. It can be also effective for those suffering from tumors.

Carnelian is good for those in public life, speakers and orators. It is good for general good health, wealth and prosperity. It can also be effective in cases of chronic fevers like typhoid, yellow fever etc. The wearers are however advised to refrain from excessive smoking.

Chalcedony

Chalcedony meaning: Chalcedony is a variety of the mineral quartz that occurs in in a great variety of colors inlcuding blue, lavender, white, buff, light tan, gray, yellow, pink, red or brown. If chalcedony is conspicuously color-banded, it may be called agate and with other minerals it has various other names including carnelian, mocha stone, onyx, bloodstone to name a few.

Considered a sacred stone by the Native American Indians, chalcedony nurtures and promotes brotherhood and good will. Used to assist telepathy, Absorbs negative energy and dissipates it, Harmonizes mind, body, and spirit, Instills generosity

Healing properties of chalcedony: Chalcedony is a powerful cleanser, including open sores. Mothers use it to increase lactation, and it also fosters the maternal instinct. It increases physical energy. Healers use it to decrease ill effects of senility and dementia as well as to heal the eyes, gallbladder, bones, spleen, blood and circulatory system.

Sources of chalcedony: Chalcedony is a common quartz found in United States, Austria, Czech Republic, Iceland, Mexico, Britain, New Zealand, Turkey, Russia, Brazil.

Coral

Coral has been called the 'garden of the sea'. It was once believed to be a plant, but is now known to actually contain living animals called polyps. Coral is the result of accumulated skeletal masses from these polyps. Red is considered the most sought after color but coral also can be found in pink, white, yellow and black.

Records dating back thousands of years confirm that coral was used in decorative art objects. It was believed to prevent ill fortune and offer protection from skin disease when worn as a necklace. Dreams about coral are believed to foretell recovery from a long illness. Ancients believed that Mars was composed of red coral.

Coral is a good aid for meditation or visualization.

Healing properties of coral: Coral symbolizes life and blood force energy. Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades restore harmony to the heart. It is used as an aid to depression, lethargy or deficient nutrition.

Sources of coral: Locations where coral can be found include the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Australia, the South Pacific, the waters of Japan, and Africa.

Charoite

The swirling purples of Charoite resemble the eddys and rushing waters in a fast moving stream. The colors range from deep purple to pale lavender inter-spiced with white. It almost looks unnatural, the colors are so intensely beautiful. In fact, there is so much going on in this stone that I find myself gazing at it for many minutes - it reminds me of life, as you look back on your life you understand that it was full of eddys, perhaps whirlpools and mountains to climb and descend. With God's help it is a beautiful pattern. (See, when you get old you get to be a philosopher.)

Fact: Charoite is composed of: Hydrated Sodium, Calcium, Barium Strontium, Silicate Hydroxide Fluoride. (That is probably more than you wanted to know.)

Charoite is found only along the Chara River Valley in a very remote area of East Central Siberia. The only source for these gems is located about 325 miles NE of the northern tip of Lake Baikal. It is in the Chara Region (State) and is near the Region's northern border. The Russians first discovered charoite in 1947, but I believe it was not known in the west until 1978.

My thanks to Thomas M. French, Chairman, San Francisco World Trade Associates, Inc. for this information.

Fancy: It is said to be useful for the cleansing and purification of one's energy body as well as for the transmutation of negative energies within oneself.

Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla Gemstone meaningL Chrysocolla is a very beautiful stone with many beneficial energies. It is known as a healing stone among Native American Indian cultures where it was used for strengthening the body's resistance and bringing about calm feelings where there is upset.

Chrysocolla is a stone of peace, increased wisdom, discretion. It promotes level headedness, encouraging clarity of thought and a neutral, cool attitude during turbulence. It can be used to decrease nervousness and irritability.

Healing properties of Chrysocolla: Chrysocolla can be placed directly on the affected body part. Laying it on the forehead as a 'third eye' offers spiritual benefit: Help with infections (especially the throat area), Used by healers to detoxify the liver, lower blood pressure, Has a cooling effect for fever reduction, Can assist in speeding up recovery from burns and Alleviates cramps.

Sources of Chrysocolla: It is found in copper mining areas, particularly Chile, the former USSR, and Zaire.

Howlite

This calcium silicoborate is naturally white, often with a dark gray or black spider-web matrix. Howlite is commonly dyed to imitate turquoise and lapis lazuli. Howlite is named after mineralogist Henry How, who first discovered the gemstone in Nova Scotia during the 19th century. Howlite is the stone of memory, knowledge and progress, and is said to encourage reasoning, observation, discernment, patience and tact. It also is believed to eliminate pain, stress and anger, and help balance calcium levels in the body, aiding absorption and distribution. North America is the world's primary source of howlite. Focusing on a piece of howlite can assist in journeying outside the body and gaining insight from past lives. Placed on the third eye, it opens memories of previous times and lifetimes.

Howlite teaches patience: Place a howlite stone in your pocket to absorb your own anger - or another's anger that is directed toward you. It helps to overcome critical or selfish behaviour.

Healing properties of howlite: Relieves insomnia, Balances calcium levels, Strengthens teeth and bones

Jade

Fact: The name Jade is applied to jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is composed of microscopic interlocking crystals that produce a very tough material. Nephrite is actually not a mineral, but a variety of the mineral actinolite. The nephrite variety is composed of fibrous crystals inter-twinned in a tough compact mass. The emerald green jade called Imperial Jade is colored by chromium. The presence of iron produces other greens and brown, and manganese the violet colors. Nephrite is usually only green and creamy white, while jadeite can have the full range of jade's colors. Jade is an extremely tough stone. Besides jewelry it is used in gem carving.

It is found in the Far East, Central America and British Columbia, Canada and other places. Imperial Jade is found in Burma, Guatemala and Russia.

Fancy: Jade is said to relieve kidney problems, bladder trouble and eye problems. When worn as a piece of jewelry, jade is thought to provide protection from one's enemies and can be used to protect one on long journeys. It is also used to attract good luck, it is used for wisdom, for long life and a peaceful death.

In ancient China and ancient Egypt it was widely used as a talisman to attract good fortune, friendship and loyalty.

Jasper

Fact: Jasper is a catch-all term applied to opaque, colored chalcedonies. Often jasper displays no pattern, but the body coloration is usually heavy and rich, in shades of brown, red, green and yellow. The material is dense and hard and takes a high polish. It has been used and admired throughout the ages for jewelry, ornaments and small sculptures.

Jasper is found all over the world. We have some very beautiful scenic jasper in the Western United States, especially in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon.

I love the jaspers with patterns that look like desert scenes or forests. Its as though God has painted a miniture landscape and placed it in the earth for us to find and enjoy.

Fancy: Jasper is said to stimulate the sense of smell, promote general healing, tissue regeneration and stimulation of the immune system. Yellow jasper stimulates the heart area. Red is used for bronchial problems, brown is for grounding and green jasper has overall healing use when worn or held in the hands.

Kyanite

Kyanite Gemstone meaning: Kyanite is an interesting gem that was discovered during the nineteenth century. The most highly prized kyanite is the vibrant blue or blue-green hue. It is also found in shades of gray, yellow, white and a colorless variety that is considered quite rare.

It was once believed that a kyanite suspended from a human hair could follow the earth's magnetic force. Early travellers sometimes used it as a compass when exploring unknown territories.

Healing properties of kyanite: The fan like clusters or blades that are formed by kyanite make it an ideal stone for restoring energy balance. It is a very effective energy conduit that can balance most systems of the body. It can quickly create stillness and tranquility, making it an excellent stone for meditation.

Sources of kyanite: Kyanite is found in mountainous regions in the United States (Montana and North Carolina), Switzerland, Brazil and Myanmar.

Labradorite

Labradorite Gemstone meaning: Labradorite is a power stone, allowing you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals. It is excellent for strengthening intuitions.

Use labradorite to: Stimulate imagination, Develop enthusiasm and thus, new ideas, To see more clearly in meditation

Sources of Labradorite: Labradorite was first found in 1770 on the Labrador Peninsula in Canada. It is also found in Norway, and the former USSR. There is a blue semi-transparent variety called spectrolite that is only found in Finland.

Lapis

Fact: Lapis lazuli or lapis for short is mostly lazurite but commonly contains pyrite and calcite. The name means blue rock and is always a brilliant blue with violet or greenish tints. The rich blue color is due to the sulfur that is inherent in the structure of lazurite. In a piece of jewelry the small crystals of pyrite found in lapis blend with the setting, looking like gold in a gold setting and silver in a silver setting, giving the stone a personality all its own.

The best source of lapis is in the remote mountains in Afghanistan. It is also found in Chile and in lesser quantities elsewhere.

It was first mined (in Afghanistan) 6000 years ago. The rock was transported to Egypt and present day Iraq and later to Europe where it was used in jewelry and for ornamental stone. It was even ground down and used for paint.

Fancy: Lapis is one of the oldest spiritual stones known, it was used mainly by priests and royalty in ancient Egypt. Many believe that the Biblical sapphire was actually lapis lazuli.Through the ages, lapis has been associated with power, wisdom, love, and most frequently as a stimulator for psychic abilities.

It is believed to stimulate inner vision, give enhanced wisdom, insight and good judgment.

Larimar

Larimar (dolphin stone, atlantis stone) meaning: Larimar is a relatively new find that occurs one place on earth - on the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean Sea.

Larimar was originally discovered in 1916 by a Spanish priest who reported the discovery but no mining was done. Then, in 1974, the American Peace Corps Volunteer, Norman Rilling, and the Dominican, Miguel Mendez, rediscovered the stone on the beaches of Barahona. It was determined by geologists that larimar is a rare form of blue pectolite.

Named for Mr. Mendez’s daughter “Larissa” and the Spanish word for sea “Mar”, Larimar contains the blue hues of the caribbean sea, with white and gray 'clouds'. It is a stunning stone.

The available quantity at the mine is unknown, which makes the future supply of Larimar uncertain.

Some believe that larimar is the blue stone with extraordinary healing powers that Edgar Cayce predicted would be discovered in the Caribbean, where he said part of Atlantis could be found.

Larimar awakens feminine power and soothes the emotions.

Created by volcanic activity, it balances water and fire energy, Powerful throat chakra stone, assists in expression of emotions, Teaches respect, love and nurturing, Cleanses unhealthy emotional blocks, releases attachments, Excellent for pregnant or new mothers to relieve depression and stress

Malachite

Fact: Azurite and Malachite are basic carbonates of copper. The two stones are often found mixed together creating beautiful patterns. They are found wherever there are copper deposits. Large copper deposits are in the southwest United States, Australia, Chile, central Africa and France.

The name azurite comes from its beautiful blue color (azul means blue in Arabic). The ancient Egyptians used it as a make-up for the eyes.

Malachite has bands of light and dark green. It is used for gem carving, some massive works are part of the collection in Moscow at the Hermitage Museum.

Fancy: Azurite is believed to fortify memory and intellectual receptivity. It is believed to help ease rheumatism.

Malachite is also believed to ease rheumatism. It is a symbol of creativity and is used to make one conscience of fears and desires.

Moonstone

It is said if you give your lover a moonstone necklace when the moon is full you will always have passion with each other. Moonstone is a highly valued gemstone for these reasons: Brings good fortune, Assists in foretelling the future, Enhances intuition, Promotes inspiration, Brings success in love as well as business matters and Offers protection on land and at sea.

The moonstone is associated with the moon and was the stone of the goddess Diana. The most powerful time to use the moonstone is in a full moon.

It has been worn as an amulet to bring good emotions to the wearer, while protecting those of a sensitive nature. It can reunite lovers who have quarreled. Moonstone is also considered a good luck stone.

Moonstone is a very personal stone. It is a reflection of the person who owns it. It does not add or detract, only shows how it is. This is why the moonstone is said to perceive that which "is". Moonstone is an excellent stone to use in meditation to understand oneself. Placing it in the moonlight of a moon reaching its fullness, not a full or waning moon, can revitalize it. This is a particularly good gemstone for women. It is a good stone for young women or teenagers.

Healing properties of Moonstone: Moonstone stimulates the functioning of the pineal gland and balances internal hormone cycles with nature's rhythms. Moonstone is a stone of inner growth and strength. Though often considered to be a woman's stone, it can be beneficial to men in opening the emotional self.

Sources of moonstone: There are two moonstones. Adularia moonstone is an almost transparent pale gray or silvery white or blue shimmer. It is mainly found in Sri Lanka, Burma, India and Madagascar. Albite moonstone is in the feldspar group. It is semitransparent with a pale, shimmering reflection. It may be a little dull. It comes mainly from Canada.

Obsidian

Obsidian is volcanic glass, produced as lava flows or on the surface of lava which contains high levels of silica. Most obsidian is black, but brown and red are also common. Green and blue are rare. Internal bubbles or crystals produce "snowflake" obsidian. Obsidian is found throughout the Pacific Rim, and in Iceland, Hungary, and Italy. Glass Mountain in south-central Oregon has a large obsidian flow. People in the area used to scavenge the mountain for obsidian boulders for yard decorations. A few homes even have large outdoor grills built entirely from obsidian boulders. The flows are protected by law today. Small nodules found in Arizona and New Mexico are called "Apache Tears." Similar nodules in Hawaii are called "Pele's Tears," for the volcano goddess. Thin glassy strands found near the Hawaiian volcanoes are called "Pele's Hair."

Onyx

Onyx (Meaning): It is good for general happiness and prosperity and it is also supposed to cure nightmares, fantasies and visions. It effectively wards off the evil eye, acting as if alive, by creeping about and removing anything obnoxious.

In China, people fear to go in mines, where onyx is found. It should be used under expert guidance. Onyx gemstone can be used for those, who are engaged in mines, metals, machinery, lands, property and those, who believe in hard work. Its use can effectively counter adverse criticism and gives extra courage to meet critical situations in calm and relaxed manner. Politicians can use it to influence their adversaries and win over them with ease. It has been observed that onyx gemstone was able in many cases to reverse unhappy professional trends and restore confidence in love and life.

Pearl

A pearl begins as an oyster's itch. A small grain of sand gets into an oyster's shell, and the animal secretes layers of nacre -- composed of calcium carbonate and conchiolin -- to form a smooth coating. Light reflected from the thin, overlapping layers produces the characteristic pearly lustre. Cultured pearls begin as glass beads carefully inserted into oysters. The nacre coating is thin, but the pearls are produced in less time than it takes to coat a tiny grain of grit. Natural pearls vary in color from creamy white to pink, gray, yellow, brown, or black. Because they are made largely of calcium carbonate, they are sensitive to acids. They can also be damaged by excessive heat, dryness, or humidity. The Persian Gulf is the historical source of natural pearls. Cultured pearls are produced in Polynesia, Australia, Japan, and China. Freshwater pearls also come from Asia, as well as Scotland, Ireland, France, Austria, Germany, and the Mississippi River in the U.S.

Quartz

Quartz crystal points and quartz crystal clusters should be in every home to bring harmony to the life force in the home. Quartz crystals are used for: Healing, Meditation, Chakra Balancing, Protection and Changing bad vibrations.

Quartz crystals are used in expanding the mind to touch the spirit world. Crystals are used to enhance the beneficial life force. Crystal water (water that a quartz crystal has been placed) has been drunk for its healthy benefits for centuries.

Some people think crystals are new age. How can something that has been used since cave living man be new age? It has been said Atlantis was destroyed by the incorrect use of quartz crystals. Edgar Cayce spoke about an energy stone in Atlantis. Mr. Cayce's description of the energy stone fits quartz crystal. The Bible mentions many gemstones, including quartz. There is much disagreement on the stones used in the Breastplate of Aaron (Ex. 28). In some translations of the Bible the sixth stone, which is the third stone of the second row is the diamond. Some scholars believe the sixth stone is rock crystal or quartz crystal. The diamond was not used until about 800 B.C.

Rhodonite

Rhodonite Gemstone meaning: Rhodonite soothes the nervous system. This gemstone vibrates with love. Just holding this gemstone promotes relaxation and brings a sense of well-being. This is a balance gemstone and is used to clear the psychic centers.

Healing properties of Rhodonite: Rhodonite raises self worth and helps ward off negativity. It has been known as a "rescue stone".

Sandstone

Sandstone formed about 400 million years ago, mountain ranges started to form of Pangaea. As those mountains formed, sand, silt, tiny pieces of rock, and other sediments washed into the water between the two mountain ranges. Over time, these sediments sank in the water and formed layers and layers of sediments, one on top of the other. As the layers grew thicker, they became squeezed and cemented to form sandstone. The term "Healthy red glow" in makeup, that comes from the iron in sandstone.

Sodalite

Sodalite is composed of sodium aluminum silicate. It is one of the minerals that makes up the valuable stone, lapis lazuli. Unlike lapis, sodalite does not have brassy pyrite inclusions, but it is close enough in color that it is sometimes used as a less-expensive substitute in jewelry. It often has white streaks of calcite, giving sodalite a mottled appearance. Ontario, Canada is the largest producer of sodalite today. Because the mine in Bancroft, Ontario, was discovered during a visit by Princess Margaret of England, Bancroft sodalite is sometimes called Princess Blue.

Serpentine

Serpentine is found in many metamorphic and weather igneous rocks. Most rocks that have a greenish color probably contain serpentine in some amount. The serpentine along with other material make for a beautiful patterns in the stone. Some of it reminds me of Japanese water color paintings.

Fact: Chemistry: Magnesium Iron silicate Hydroxide. Serpentine's structure is composed of layers of silicate tetrahedrons linked into sheets. Between the silicate layers are brucite layers. The stacking is not perfect and has the effect of blending the layers. In most serpentines the silicate layers and brucite layers are more mixed and produce convoluted sheets. In the asbestos varieties the brucite layers and silicate layers blend into tubes that produce the fibers. The type of serpentine used for jewelry and carvings is an attractive green stone that takes a nice polish and is sometimes difficult to distinguish from jade.

Fancy: Serpentine inspires respect for the elderly, longevity, retrieval of ancient wisdom and rembembrance of past lives.

Suglite

Fact: Sugilite is a stone of fairly recent discovery. It does not form well shaped crystals but is usually massive; therefore, it is used as a cabachon for jewelry. The polished stones are mostly opaque with an almost waxy luster and a deep reddish purple color. It can be very dark, almost black, to a nice pale pinkish mauve. It may have black, swirly lines and spots of yellow.

It is found in South Africa.

Fancy: It is believed by some to be a stone of a very high conscience that would help one adapt to circumstances. It would be particularly efficient for a new beginning in a spiritual sense - with its powerful vibrations, would drive one to the highest spirituality and teach one humility.

Sunstone

Oregon Sunstone was declared the official Gemstone of the State of Oregon in 1987. It is found in the high desert of Southeastern Oregon near the small town of Plush in Warner Valley. This is very close to where I live. Our local Rock and Arrowhead Club has a claim, but so far all the sunstones found there have been the colorless variety.

Fact:Sunstone is a member of the feldspar group of minerals and is closely related to Moonstone. It is formed and crystalized in a lava flow. Sunstones range in color "from water clear through pale yellow, soft pink, and blood red to deep blue and green. Some of the deeper colored stones have bands of varying color; a few stones show two different colors when viewed from different directions." (quote, Oregon Geology) The color is caused by tiny crystals of copper within the stones which often results in "schiller" or shimmer that is usually a peach color. Sunstone is cut into cabochons or the deeper transparent colors may be faceted.

Sunstone is an ancient gem, in fact sunstones have been discovered in Viking Burial mounds. Sunstone also occurs in Tvedestrand, Norway; near Lake Baikal, Russia; Middletown, PA., and Statesville, NC. Only the Oregon Sunstone has the copper inclusions giving it the unique colors.

Fancy: Among the Vikings it was thought to be an aid to navagation. The Native people in Oregon used it for trade and barter.

Tiger's Eye

Tiger's eye (meaning): It keeps stomach ailments under a reasonable check. It also reduces tensions. It gives extra energies and good stamina. It also bestows the wearer with considerable initiative and drive, without which one cannot easily make a mark in this complex world.

Tiger's eye is recommended and lucky stone for those having their birth numbers as 2 or 7.

Tiger's eye is good for children suffering from insomnia or those not having proper concentration in studies. It is good for those, who have Saturn in retrogression in their natal charts or have tensions or digestive problems. It is also good for financial gains. It is also good for those who may waiver to take decisions.

Turquoise

Fact: Turquoise is a hydrous copper aluminum sulfate found in every color of blue, greenish blue or deep green. The rich blues are due to the abundance of copper while green turquoise has more aluminum. It has been mined from at least 6000 BC by early Egyptians. Its history also includes beautiful ornamental creations by Native Americans and Persians.

It is found in Arizona and New Mexico, USA; Australia; Iran; Afghanistan and other places in the Middle East.

Fancy: In the Orient, a turquoise ring was worn as a protector against all things evil. The Indians of Mexico and the Southwestern United States used turquoise to guard burial sites. To the prehistoric Indian, turquoise, worn on the body or used in ceremonies, always signified the god of the sky alive in the earth, and in that way, it acted as a divining stope.

Turquoise is believed to relax the mind and relieve mental tensions, calming the emotions and easing stress.

Unakite

Unakite is a rock made up primarily of epidote, which is composed of calcium aluminium iron hydrosilicate. As a gem, epidote is generally yellow, green, or dark brown. Rock made up of epidote is cut, polished, and sold as unakite. The stone is mottled with rich greens and reds. The name of the stone comes from the name of a town in South Carolina, where the stone was discovered.

Unakite (or Epidote) can be used to draw off negative energy and blockage from the Heart Chakra.

Unakite is said to lift your spirits when you are feeling down - this is the gemstone to help you to see the beauty in life. It is also used to uncover deception. Used in magic spell casting, unakite will give the user a more confident control of any spell, and the user will find things that have been lost.

Variscite

Fact: Variscite is a reatively rare phosphate mineral that is sometimes confused with turquoise. It is usually greener, it ranges from a beautiful apple green to the more common pale green. It often has veins of crandallite which make wonderful patterns.

Variscite is found in Nevada, Utah, USA; Germany; Australia and Brazil.

Fancy: Variscite is believed by some to be soothing, calming, and balancing for both the body and mind. It is said to aid the blood and heart, give emotional stability, self confidence and bring abundance.

Zoisite

Zoisite has been known for nearly two centuries as an ornamental stone. It was first discovered in 1805 in the mountains of Austria, and was at that time called "saualpite". Zoisite was named after the Austrian natural scientist, minerologist, and collector, the baron Sigmund Zois, who was the first to study it and inform European minerologists of its existance. Specifically, Zoisite's stone is blue zoisite, which was discovered in 1967 in the mountains of Tanzania. It's beauty was so evident that it was called the "Gemstone of the 20th Century" when Tiffany's released it. However, some thought that the term "blue zoisite" sounded too much like the word "suicide", so Tiffany's renamed it Tanzanite, after the one place where it can be found. Tanzanite is not very resistant, and must be worn with care.

Zoisite is said to enhance integrity, confidence, optimism, growth, and abundance. Zoisite and ruby together are supposed to be powerful healers.

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