Rhode Island - BOWENITE

Bowenite is classified as a variety of Serpentine, ranging in color from pale yellow to deep green.

Bowenite can be used to help a romantic partner make a commitment and to keep them faithful.  It can also protect one from dominating co-workers.  Bowenite is thought to encourage children to be more independent.

Bowenite is a dream stone and assists its wearer to remember their dreams and helps to define their meanings.  It can also prevent sleep problems such as nightmares. 

Bowenite can help one to realize their personal goals and ambitions.

Bowenite can prevent the onset of skin disorders, stabilize hormonal imbalances, strengthen the heart, and assist diabetics manage their blood-sugar levels.  It can also be used to promote the healing of past traumas.  Bowenite can aid in the cure of headaches.

Wearing Bowenite can eliminate the struggles associated with the fear of heights.

The addition of Bowenite to my necklace can help me to realize my goals and avoid the inevitable headaches associated with reaching them.

Rhode Island designated Bowenite as its official state mineral in 1966.

Maryland – PATUXENT RIVER STONE

There seems to be an on-going debate whether the Patuxent River Stone is actually an agate or a quartzite.  And there are some arguments that it is actually dinosaur bone.   For the sake of this blog, I’m going with the agate.  Since the US is rich with multiple varieties of agates, some of which represent other states, it makes sense for our conversation.  And since we have the option of taking liberties when we want, I admit that I can’t certify that the Patuxent River Stone selected for my necklace is in fact a Patuxent River Stone.

The Patuxent River Stone is found only in Maryland and its colors of red, orange and yellow reflect the Maryland State Flag.

The Patuxent River Stone is believed by the ancients to divert storms. It is also thought to leave the wearer invisible.  Wow, how many times do I wish I had been donning an agate? The Patuxent River Stone enhances creativity and increases energy.  It will also help you to release the negativity in your life.

The Patuxent River Stone is thought to be able to quench thirst and ward off fever.  It has been used to cure insomnia, protect against danger, promote strength and general healing, and ensure a healthy life.  Patuxent River Stone can diminish anxiety and build self-confidence.

See former posts for South Dakota (Fairburn agate), Kentucky (Kentucky Agate) and Montana for more about agates.

The addition of the Patuxent River Stone will help me to stop worrying and to put my problems in perspective.  Right…..

Maryland designated Patuxent River Stone as its official state gemstone in 2004.

California – SERPENTINE & BENITOITE

California is home to so many rocks, minerals and gems that it not only has a State Gemstone, Benitoite, it also has a State Rock, Serpentine.  California was actually the first state to designate a State Rock.

Serpentine, usually a green and blue rock, is found throughout California and was so named because it resembles the skin of a snake.  It is, however, also found in a variety of colors including red, brownish red, brownish yellow and white.

It has been used since ancient times to guard against disease and sorcery.  Drinking vessels made of Serpentine were used to protect against poison.

Benitoite, only found in San Benito, California, is sometimes called the "blue diamond." It is a very rare gem that ranges in color from a light transparent blue to dark, sapphire blue.

Serpentine has been used to help one find inner peace.  It aids in meditation and improves spiritual exploration.  It can help one to restore their memories of past lives and retrieve forgotten knowledge.  Serpentine encourages the use of peaceful means to solve conflicts, corrects mental and emotional imbalances and helps one to let go of contained anger.

One can wear Serpentine to relieve lethargy, protect against poisonous creatures, relax cramps and balance mood swings.  Nursing women can use it to regulate their milk supply.  It can reduce kidney and stomach ailments; treat diabetes and aid in the absorption of calcium and magnesium.  Serpentine can control cardiac irregularities, assist with the healing of lung problems, relieve headaches, colds, and nervousness.

The addition of Serpentine to my necklace will strengthen my bones and stabilize my moods while protecting me from snakes and other creepy crawlers.

Serpentine was named the official State Rock of California in 1965.

Benitoite can be used to enhance psychic ability and clairvoyance.  It can also be helpful to overcome one's fear of water. 

Benitoite is believed to cure excessive bleeding and accelerate the healing process. 

California designated Benitoite as its official state gemstone in 1985.

South Carolina - AMETHYST

It seems like I’ve taken an extended break from my blog entries but as long as the Cardinals keep winning all other extra curriculums take a back seat.  Well the Cards have a day off to travel to LA to win the Pennant race in the City of Angels, so I thought I’d try and catch up.  (BTW – They had to come home and win it in St. Lou, but all the same, we’re World Series bound.)

First let me fill my wine glass before we talk about Amethyst, the purple quartz believed by the ancient Romans to prevent drunkenness. OK, too late.  The name given to South Carolina’s state gemstone comes from the Greek word "amethystus" meaning not intoxicated.  Amethyst, better known as the patron stone of the designated driver.  

Amethyst is a calming stone which is used to provide serenity, balance and patience.  It can be helpful when dealing with legal problems and money matters.  This stone has been known to protect one from thieves and to watch over travelers.  Amethyst has also been helpful during times of grief and to promote inner strength.  The Amethyst is thought to be a natural tranquilizer which can relieve stress and tension and equalize mood swings.  It can calm your fears and take away your anxieties.

This beautiful purple stone has been used to aid in the healing of addictions to alcohol, drugs and smoking as well as compulsive behavior of all kinds.  It has also been used to cure headaches, insomnia, arthritis and diabetes.  The Amethyst can help you with your circulatory and respiratory issues and lessen the symptoms of menopause and PMS. It can help the body to fight against cancer and aid in tissue regeneration.

The addition of an Amethyst to my necklace will prevent me from drinking too much while I’m traveling.  Oh, that’s no fun.  So I’ll use it to help with the morning after headache.

South Carolina designated the Amethyst as the official state gemstone in 1969.

Missouri - MOZARKITE

As I sit looking out on the waters of the Lake of the Ozarks, there couldn’t be a better time to write about Missouri’s state rock. Mozarkite.

I had the hardest time remembering the name of this stone until I read an article that explained that the name Mozarkite is formed from Mo (Missouri), zark (Ozarks), and ite (meaning rock).  Now it seems so simple.

If you think that was quaint, here’s another Missouri gem, no pun intended.  Leave it to a Missouri rockhound to coin the descriptive term for a rock specimen that’s not worth keeping as a piece of “leavarite” — as in “leave it right there.”

Mozarkite can increase your listening abilities and help you to find and develop your creativity.  If you have a tendency to over worry, this stone can assist you to set aside your worries for a while.  If you have an issue with recreational drug use, Mozarkite can help you to quit.  It can stimulate communication, mental concentration and rational thought.  Oh, and as an encore, it can help you to find lost items.

It is believed that Mozarkite can assist the liver and kidneys perform their jobs.  If you travel a lot, it can help to alleviate jet lag by encouraging sleep and healthy digestion. Mozarkite can be used in the treatment of chemical imbalances and to soothe allergic reactions.

The addition of a Mozarkite stone to my necklace will help me to worry less, listen better and find my keys.

The Missouri General Assembly adopted Mozarkite the official state rock in 1967.

Connecticut – ALMANDINE GARNET

Connecticut, another state without a designated gemstone, has elected an old favorite as its state mineral, Almandine Garnet.  Although unlike Pennsylvania (2 gemstones ago), Connecticut is one of the most plentiful sources of this brilliant gemstone in the world.

This mineral’s hardness has made the garnet useful as an abrasive, resulting in an important industry throughout Connecticut's history, the production of garnet grinding wheels, saws, and a superior variety of sandpaper, garnet paper.

The addition of the Almandine Garnet to my necklace will keep my eyes healthy, prevent panic attacks (good luck) and encourage my creativity.   (See Pennsylvania’s post for more healing properties of the Almandine Garnet.)

The Almandine Garnet was named the state mineral of Connecticut by its General Assembly in 1977.   

New Hampshire – SMOKY QUARTZ

Quartz, the most common of all minerals, has been, over the ages, the mineral most commonly used as a gemstone.  Quartz crystal has been used in religious rites and by shamans for thousands of years.  Ancients thought Quartz to be solidified water or ice and therefore used it to bring rain to many parts of the globe.  Wiccans use Quartz to represent the God and Goddess, the creative powers of the universe.   Myths often have Quartz as the protector of forest and gardens. 

Throughout history, Quartz mounted in silver, was worn by the British as amulets against illness.
Smoky Quartz is nature's stone of endurance.  Carry it with you for that extra boost.  Smoky Quartz also promotes joy in living, creativity in business, and the desire to learn.  It also enhances organizational skills.  Place Smoky Quartz by your bed to improve dream interpretation.

Smoky Quartz is a protection stone that reduces negative energy and enables you to get everyday things done. 

Smoky Quartz can help to relieve depression, build self esteem and provide balance to the nervous system.

Physically, Smoky Quartz improves the overall health of the kidneys, abdomen, pancreas and reproductive organs and helps to reduce menstrual cramps, fertility issues and water retention.

It is thought to relieve headaches, back pain and ease muscular spasms.  Smoky Quartz benefits the heart, muscles and nerve tissue and helps the body to absorb minerals.

The addition of Smoky Quartz to my necklace will keep me more organized, in a better mood and prevent my ankles from swelling.

New Hampshire selected the Smoky Quartz as its official gemstone in 1985.  (Maybe that’s why everyone is so happy there and I thought it was the lack of Income Tax.)