The Michigan State Gem, Chlorastrolite, commonly called "Greenstone" or "Isle Royale Greenstone", is a bluish-green stone with patterns often associated with the back of a turtle. Greenstone pebbles are chiefly found on the beaches of Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
Michigan designated the Isle Royale greenstone as the official state gem in 1973.
Although a very attractive stone, I couldn’t find any healing properties associated with Chlorastrolite so I’ll move on to the state stone of Michigan, the Petoskey Stone.
The Petoskey stone is a rock and a fossil, often pebble-shaped, that is composed of a fossilized coral. It is made up of fragments of a coral reef deposited millions of years ago and is only found in Michigan. Lapidary techniques bring out the distinctive mottled pattern, making it a favorite of decorative object designers.
Petoskey Stone is said to keep mischievous spirits from channeling incorrect information or interfering with one's life. It is said to enhance awareness of the emotions and to clear out negative energies from the environment. The Petoskey Stone is believed to enhance creative expression.
Traditional healing folklore contends that the Petoskey Stone is helpful for healing AIDS, Cancer, infections, diseases of the skeletal system, and tumors of all kinds.
The addition of the Petoskey stone to my necklace can help me to be the best I can be at work and to instill excellence at home.
Michigan designated the Petoskey stone as its official "state stone" in 1965.
A Gem of a Country
Friday, November 18, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
New Jersey - PREHNITE and AMBER
Even though New Jersey ranks among the world's three most noted gem and mineral producing regions it does not have an official state gemstone. The northern Skylands Region is rich with rubies, sapphires, blood-red garnets, pink Rhodonite, fluorescent Willamette, prehnite, amber and other precious beauties. Jersey is home to more than 200 mineral species.
Prehnite
According to Franklin Mines, NJ, this gemstone is the Unofficial State Mineral of New Jersey. A colorless, gray, yellow, yellowish-green or white stone, Prehnite is named for the Dutch mineralogist and early governor of the “Cape of Good Hope” colony, Colonel Hendrik Von Prehn (1733-1785), who discovered it in South Africa in the early 18th century. Prehnite was the first mineral to be named after a person.
Prehnite is said to make dreams easier to remember and reduce nightmares. It is thought to bring balance and harmony to the flow of life energy. Prehnite can assist in forming healthy relationships and is known as a “stone of unconditional love”. Some feel that Prehnite crystals can also assist one to release old, painful memories.
Prehnite helps to clear toxins from the body and can assist in finding the root cause of an illness.
The addition of Prehnite to my necklace can ease the pain of kidney, shoulder, chest and lung ailments.
Amber
Amber is polymerized tree resin that has hardened and has been preserved. An especially rich bed of Amber was found in New Jersey that yielded samples dating back as much as 94 million years. The most treasured Amber encases species of insects, spiders, frogs, marine microfossils, feathers and other small organisms.
Amber has been used historically in the manufacture of jewelry and ornaments, and also forms the flavoring for akvavit liquor.
In Lithuania, an amber necklace was placed around a child to prevent kidnapping. Beaded amber necklaces are still a traditional gift for a child to express love and protection. In Latvia, bands of amber rings were used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize an eternal bond.
Amber can help the wearer fight depression. It absorbs pain and negative energy and promotes self-confidence and creative self-expression. Amber helps to attract joy and bring wisdom, balance and patience.
Adding Amber to my necklace will combat depression and aid in the treatment of throat, stomach, kidney and joint problems.
Willemite
Northwest New Jersey is known as "The Fluorescent Capital of the World." One of these fluorescent minerals is Willemite. Willemite, in its normal state, is a rather non-descript stone but hit it with a fluorescent light and you see neon colors of green, orange and blue.
Willemite helps us to be kind to all creatures, and is associated with caring and tenderness.
Prehnite
According to Franklin Mines, NJ, this gemstone is the Unofficial State Mineral of New Jersey. A colorless, gray, yellow, yellowish-green or white stone, Prehnite is named for the Dutch mineralogist and early governor of the “Cape of Good Hope” colony, Colonel Hendrik Von Prehn (1733-1785), who discovered it in South Africa in the early 18th century. Prehnite was the first mineral to be named after a person.
Prehnite is said to make dreams easier to remember and reduce nightmares. It is thought to bring balance and harmony to the flow of life energy. Prehnite can assist in forming healthy relationships and is known as a “stone of unconditional love”. Some feel that Prehnite crystals can also assist one to release old, painful memories.
Prehnite helps to clear toxins from the body and can assist in finding the root cause of an illness.
The addition of Prehnite to my necklace can ease the pain of kidney, shoulder, chest and lung ailments.
Amber
Amber is polymerized tree resin that has hardened and has been preserved. An especially rich bed of Amber was found in New Jersey that yielded samples dating back as much as 94 million years. The most treasured Amber encases species of insects, spiders, frogs, marine microfossils, feathers and other small organisms.
Amber has been used historically in the manufacture of jewelry and ornaments, and also forms the flavoring for akvavit liquor.
In Lithuania, an amber necklace was placed around a child to prevent kidnapping. Beaded amber necklaces are still a traditional gift for a child to express love and protection. In Latvia, bands of amber rings were used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize an eternal bond.
Amber can help the wearer fight depression. It absorbs pain and negative energy and promotes self-confidence and creative self-expression. Amber helps to attract joy and bring wisdom, balance and patience.
Adding Amber to my necklace will combat depression and aid in the treatment of throat, stomach, kidney and joint problems.
Willemite
Northwest New Jersey is known as "The Fluorescent Capital of the World." One of these fluorescent minerals is Willemite. Willemite, in its normal state, is a rather non-descript stone but hit it with a fluorescent light and you see neon colors of green, orange and blue.
Willemite helps us to be kind to all creatures, and is associated with caring and tenderness.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
New Mexico – TURQUOISE
Turquoise is possibly the oldest gemstones known to man. It is an opaque stone typically ranging in color from blue-to-green with some rarer strains in purple and yellow. The majority of the world's finest-quality turquoise comes from the western and southwestern United States with New Mexico coming in first in production up until the 1920’s.
As rich as it is in color, Turquoise is rich in heritage. This gemstone was considered by the ancients to be a sacred stone, protective against all manners of evil and ill health. The Apache believed that Turquoise assisted warriors and hunters to aim accurately. The Zuni believed that Turquoise held the demons at bay while the Apache believe that placing Turquoise on a bow or gun would make it shoot straight. In the Middle Ages they believed that Turquoise had the power to protect the wearer from injury from falling, especially falling from horse-back, and that it made the horse more sure-footed. Native American medicine men kept Turquoise stones in their sacred bundles because they possess the powers of healing. In modern times there is a belief that turquoise has the power to protect and cleanse while being a symbol of good fortune and success. If you’re wearing a turquoise ring and you look down and see a crack in the stone, the Native Americans would say “the stone took it”, meaning the stone took the blow that was meant for you.
One Native American legend tells of a chief with turquoise colored skin who was being pursued by his enemies in the hot desert. As he fled beads of perspiration would fall to the ground and became Turquoise gems scattered throughout the Southwest.
Over the years Turquoise has become the stone of sky, stone of water, stone of blessings, good fortune, protection, good health and long life. (Decorate my rose quartz body suit with beads of Turquoise.) It is said that Turquoise will grow pale on an ill person and regain its color when the person’s health is restored.
Turquoise is known as an aid in mental functions, communications and expression. It can be worn to protect against pollutants in the atmosphere. The gemstone is excellent for reducing depression and exhaustion and has the power to prevent panic attacks. Turquoise also symbolizes friendship, generosity, sincerity, affection and romantic love. It is a stone of peace and tranquility. A gift of Turquoise represents friendship and luck and bestows wealth and happiness to its receiver.
The addition of a Turquoise bead to my necklace will enhance my immune system, stimulate the regeneration of tissue, and alleviate cramps and pain. It will also sooth a sore throat, tone and strengthen the body and heal the eyes. (And hopefully bring wealth, happiness and long life.)
New Mexico designated Turquoise as its official state gem in 1967.
As rich as it is in color, Turquoise is rich in heritage. This gemstone was considered by the ancients to be a sacred stone, protective against all manners of evil and ill health. The Apache believed that Turquoise assisted warriors and hunters to aim accurately. The Zuni believed that Turquoise held the demons at bay while the Apache believe that placing Turquoise on a bow or gun would make it shoot straight. In the Middle Ages they believed that Turquoise had the power to protect the wearer from injury from falling, especially falling from horse-back, and that it made the horse more sure-footed. Native American medicine men kept Turquoise stones in their sacred bundles because they possess the powers of healing. In modern times there is a belief that turquoise has the power to protect and cleanse while being a symbol of good fortune and success. If you’re wearing a turquoise ring and you look down and see a crack in the stone, the Native Americans would say “the stone took it”, meaning the stone took the blow that was meant for you.
One Native American legend tells of a chief with turquoise colored skin who was being pursued by his enemies in the hot desert. As he fled beads of perspiration would fall to the ground and became Turquoise gems scattered throughout the Southwest.
Over the years Turquoise has become the stone of sky, stone of water, stone of blessings, good fortune, protection, good health and long life. (Decorate my rose quartz body suit with beads of Turquoise.) It is said that Turquoise will grow pale on an ill person and regain its color when the person’s health is restored.
Turquoise is known as an aid in mental functions, communications and expression. It can be worn to protect against pollutants in the atmosphere. The gemstone is excellent for reducing depression and exhaustion and has the power to prevent panic attacks. Turquoise also symbolizes friendship, generosity, sincerity, affection and romantic love. It is a stone of peace and tranquility. A gift of Turquoise represents friendship and luck and bestows wealth and happiness to its receiver.
The addition of a Turquoise bead to my necklace will enhance my immune system, stimulate the regeneration of tissue, and alleviate cramps and pain. It will also sooth a sore throat, tone and strengthen the body and heal the eyes. (And hopefully bring wealth, happiness and long life.)
New Mexico designated Turquoise as its official state gem in 1967.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Georgia - QUARTZ
Quartz is commonly found in the mountains of Georgia. It can be found in a wide array of colors but the Quartz predominately from Georgia is amethyst (purple to lavender) and clear quartz (Rock Crystal). Other varieties of Quartz are Citrine, a yellow to orange gemstone, Prasiolite, a pale green stone, Rose quartz, and Smoky quartz.
Besides its wide spread and varied use in fashion and fine jewelry, Quartz has been used since the middle ages in the making of crystal balls to predict the future.
Not only is Quartz one of the most prominent substances found on Earth, it has also been found on the moon.
In Ancient Japan, Quartz was believed to be formed from the breath of a white dragon and thus represents perfection. Australian Aborigines used it to encourage rain in rain rituals.
To this day, Quartz is still considered a power stone. It absorbs, stores, amplifies, and focuses energy. It is excellent for harmonizing and balancing one's environment and for clearing away negative forces. Quartz can also enhance concentration and aid in the ability to study and retain information. It can even be helpful in romantic relationships.
Rose Quartz can be used to assist in weight loss, to clear the complexion and protect against wrinkles. (EBay, search for a rose quartz body suit.) Add some Rutilated quartz and you can slow down the aging process as well.
The addition of a Quartz bauble to my necklace will assist in the healing of chronic fatigue, arthritis, bone injuries, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and intestinal troubles.
Because it’s so interesting, I thought I’d mention Georgia’s state mineral, Staurolite. Staurolite, popularly called "Fairy Crosses" or "Fairy Stones" is abundant in northern Georgia. It is distinctive because of the crossed crystals that make up its structure. Staurolite has been collected for generations as good luck charms.
Quartz was designated as the official state gem of Georgia in 1976, the same year that Staurolite was named Georgia’s official state mineral.
Besides its wide spread and varied use in fashion and fine jewelry, Quartz has been used since the middle ages in the making of crystal balls to predict the future.
Not only is Quartz one of the most prominent substances found on Earth, it has also been found on the moon.
In Ancient Japan, Quartz was believed to be formed from the breath of a white dragon and thus represents perfection. Australian Aborigines used it to encourage rain in rain rituals.
To this day, Quartz is still considered a power stone. It absorbs, stores, amplifies, and focuses energy. It is excellent for harmonizing and balancing one's environment and for clearing away negative forces. Quartz can also enhance concentration and aid in the ability to study and retain information. It can even be helpful in romantic relationships.
Rose Quartz can be used to assist in weight loss, to clear the complexion and protect against wrinkles. (EBay, search for a rose quartz body suit.) Add some Rutilated quartz and you can slow down the aging process as well.
The addition of a Quartz bauble to my necklace will assist in the healing of chronic fatigue, arthritis, bone injuries, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and intestinal troubles.
Because it’s so interesting, I thought I’d mention Georgia’s state mineral, Staurolite. Staurolite, popularly called "Fairy Crosses" or "Fairy Stones" is abundant in northern Georgia. It is distinctive because of the crossed crystals that make up its structure. Staurolite has been collected for generations as good luck charms.
Quartz was designated as the official state gem of Georgia in 1976, the same year that Staurolite was named Georgia’s official state mineral.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ohio - FLINT
When I pulled Ohio out of the “hat” and looked up their official state gemstone I was sorely disappointed. Flint?…… that’s that grey rock that you use to build a campfire if you’re a Boy Scout or a Survivor contestant. But was I wrong. Flint is actually found in a bevy of colors from red, pink, green, blue, yellow, grey, white, to black. Some of its coloring is quite vibrant and it seems to be a popular stone in contemporary jewelry design. I saw some exquisite pieces which, believe it or not, I actually resisted buying, all but the lovely stone to include in my necklace and a Native American Flint arrowhead.
Large quantities of Flint can still be found in eastern and central Ohio.
Flint was used historically in the making of tools, weapons, ceremonial pieces and pipes. Since we no longer fashion our weapons out of stone, Flint today, polished to a glowing shine, is used in the making of jewelry. Make love, not war! (How do you make a peace sign on the keyboard? I’m sure there’s some cutesy F5, Ctrl, Alt, turn around in your seat and hit any key way, but I’d have to ask a teenager or a twenty-something.)
Also known as fairy shot, elf shot, and elf arrow, Flint was once used in Ireland as a protective amulet against mischievous fairies and elves.
Flint is said to be able to assist one to survive in difficult circumstances. It also enhances will-power and courage. You can wear an amulet of Flint to protect against evil forces and to overcome shyness. It can also help one to separate themselves from stressful situations.
The additional of Flint to my necklace will help in the treatment of kidney stones, skin lesions, indigestion and disorders of the lungs and liver. (To think we wasted its powers in weaponry.)
In 1965, the Ohio General adopted Flint as Ohio's official gemstone.
Large quantities of Flint can still be found in eastern and central Ohio.
Flint was used historically in the making of tools, weapons, ceremonial pieces and pipes. Since we no longer fashion our weapons out of stone, Flint today, polished to a glowing shine, is used in the making of jewelry. Make love, not war! (How do you make a peace sign on the keyboard? I’m sure there’s some cutesy F5, Ctrl, Alt, turn around in your seat and hit any key way, but I’d have to ask a teenager or a twenty-something.)
Also known as fairy shot, elf shot, and elf arrow, Flint was once used in Ireland as a protective amulet against mischievous fairies and elves.
Flint is said to be able to assist one to survive in difficult circumstances. It also enhances will-power and courage. You can wear an amulet of Flint to protect against evil forces and to overcome shyness. It can also help one to separate themselves from stressful situations.
The additional of Flint to my necklace will help in the treatment of kidney stones, skin lesions, indigestion and disorders of the lungs and liver. (To think we wasted its powers in weaponry.)
In 1965, the Ohio General adopted Flint as Ohio's official gemstone.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Maine – TOURMALINE
There is an old Egyptian legend that when the Tourmaline traveled up from the center of the Earth it passed over a rainbow and assumed all the colors of the rainbow. This is how the Tourmaline got to be known as the “gemstone of the rainbow”.
The Tourmaline is one of the most beautiful of all minerals found in Maine. It ranges in color from black to white including brilliant shades of red, fuchsia, green, and blue. The widely sought after "watermelon" variety has a green outer layer with a pink core.
Except for the treasures found by the prehistoric or Native American “miners”, Tourmaline was the first gemstone mined in the United States. The mining began in Mount Mica, ME, in 1822 and continues to the present.
Tourmaline increases flexibility, happiness, objectivity, compassion and serenity. WOW! The watermelon Tourmaline can open one up to accept love and friendship. The gem is worn to promote sympathy towards others and to calm the negative emotions that often upset relationships.
Pink tourmaline can help people with difficulty dealing with fear and who have panic attacks and it can instill confidence.
The addition of the tourmaline to my necklace will encourage the completion of my goals (maybe I will finish this blog) and invite the energy that attracts money, healing and friendship. It will also assist in keeping my digestive system healthy and strengthening my teeth and bones.
Maine designated tourmaline as the official state gemstone in 1971.
The Tourmaline is one of the most beautiful of all minerals found in Maine. It ranges in color from black to white including brilliant shades of red, fuchsia, green, and blue. The widely sought after "watermelon" variety has a green outer layer with a pink core.
Except for the treasures found by the prehistoric or Native American “miners”, Tourmaline was the first gemstone mined in the United States. The mining began in Mount Mica, ME, in 1822 and continues to the present.
Tourmaline increases flexibility, happiness, objectivity, compassion and serenity. WOW! The watermelon Tourmaline can open one up to accept love and friendship. The gem is worn to promote sympathy towards others and to calm the negative emotions that often upset relationships.
Pink tourmaline can help people with difficulty dealing with fear and who have panic attacks and it can instill confidence.
The addition of the tourmaline to my necklace will encourage the completion of my goals (maybe I will finish this blog) and invite the energy that attracts money, healing and friendship. It will also assist in keeping my digestive system healthy and strengthening my teeth and bones.
Maine designated tourmaline as the official state gemstone in 1971.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Nevada – FIRE OPAL & SANDSTONE
To illustrate the significance of both the Nevada official state gemstone and official state rock I need to tell you about the official state tartan (I’m seeing another blog emerging here). The tartan has a blue background with silver, red, yellow and white intersecting lines with the red representing the Virgin Valley black fire opal and the crossing of the yellow and red stripes representing the different colors of Nevada sandstone. Now that’s a noteworthy plaid.
Sandstone, found throughout the state as regular sandstone or as quartzite, is responsible for some of Nevada’s most spectacular landscapes.
In the spiritual arena Sandstone is associated with creativity. It also helps to strengthen the facets of interpersonal relationships. Sandstone encourages truth and advances clarity in thought and sight.
In the same way Sandstone is used as a building material and in the creation of decorative stones, tiles, and monuments, it is also used to build one’s reality and improve the foundation of relationships.
Adding Sandstone to my necklace will dampen bad temper and inhibit general grouchiness, improve water retention and assist in the restoration of weak fingernails and thinning hair.
Nevada's state precious gemstone is the Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal (turquoise is the Nevada state semi-precious gemstone but I‘ll leave that for another state post). The only place that the black fire opal is found in any significant quantity is in northern Nevada's Virgin Valley. This opal rivals most others because of its brilliant play of bright colors on a midnight background.
Legend has it that a black opal encased in gold worn near the heart is said to protect one from the evil eye and other dangers and protect travelers on far away journeys.
The fire opal is used to encourage spontaneous action and new ideas, stimulate enthusiasm and to act as a magnet to draw money and customers to a business.
The opal awakens one’s inner fire and is used as an energy amplifier. It gives the wearer the ability to act in a creative, artistic and passionate manner and encourages confidence and optimism.
Adding the black fire opal to my necklace (and you’ll need to look very hard to find the opal in this bead, but it’s there), can assist in the healing of intestine and adrenal gland ailments, blood disorders, depression and apathy. It will increase vitality and dispel fatigue.
A fifth grade class in Las Vegas lobbied for sandstone to become the official rock of Nevada in 1987. Also in 1987, Nevada adopted the Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal as the official precious gemstone.
Sandstone, found throughout the state as regular sandstone or as quartzite, is responsible for some of Nevada’s most spectacular landscapes.
In the spiritual arena Sandstone is associated with creativity. It also helps to strengthen the facets of interpersonal relationships. Sandstone encourages truth and advances clarity in thought and sight.
In the same way Sandstone is used as a building material and in the creation of decorative stones, tiles, and monuments, it is also used to build one’s reality and improve the foundation of relationships.
Adding Sandstone to my necklace will dampen bad temper and inhibit general grouchiness, improve water retention and assist in the restoration of weak fingernails and thinning hair.
Nevada's state precious gemstone is the Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal (turquoise is the Nevada state semi-precious gemstone but I‘ll leave that for another state post). The only place that the black fire opal is found in any significant quantity is in northern Nevada's Virgin Valley. This opal rivals most others because of its brilliant play of bright colors on a midnight background.
Legend has it that a black opal encased in gold worn near the heart is said to protect one from the evil eye and other dangers and protect travelers on far away journeys.
The fire opal is used to encourage spontaneous action and new ideas, stimulate enthusiasm and to act as a magnet to draw money and customers to a business.
The opal awakens one’s inner fire and is used as an energy amplifier. It gives the wearer the ability to act in a creative, artistic and passionate manner and encourages confidence and optimism.
Adding the black fire opal to my necklace (and you’ll need to look very hard to find the opal in this bead, but it’s there), can assist in the healing of intestine and adrenal gland ailments, blood disorders, depression and apathy. It will increase vitality and dispel fatigue.
A fifth grade class in Las Vegas lobbied for sandstone to become the official rock of Nevada in 1987. Also in 1987, Nevada adopted the Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal as the official precious gemstone.
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