A Gem of a Country

A Gem of a Country

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Montana – Montana Sapphire & Montana Agate

The truth of the matter is that the Montana Sapphire wasn’t really appreciated when it was first found. In the 1860’s the stone was considered a nuisance because it clogged up the tools of the gold miners. It wasn’t until the 1890’s when European companies caught wind of the pretty stones that anyone had any interest in mining the sapphires in Montana. Shortly after this the first Yogo Sapphire was found (also while mining for gold). Yogo sapphires stand out from all other sapphires because they retain their color (cornflower blue) and brilliance under artificial light whereas most sapphires absorb the light making them black and dull.

The sapphire, known as the “wisdom stone” brings wisdom to the wearer while, releasing mental tension, depression and unwanted thoughts. It is also known as the “stone of prosperity” attracting gifts and fulfilling dreams. Specifically the blue sapphire is associated with love and purity. It encourages self-expression and promotes the communication of your beliefs and truths.

Adding a Yogo Sapphire to my necklace (not going to happen) will assist with the treatment of blood disorders, heal the thyroid and calm the nervous system.

The co-state gemstone, Montana Agate, is a milky ivory colored agate with streaks of ochre, rust, brown and black, accented with moss-like patterns. It is found primarily around the Yellowstone River valley. The really exciting ones have naturally produced landscape designs and are used in jewelry and decorative pieces.

The agate helps to determine the truth and is a healer of emotions. It is also said that the agate can improve memory and concentration. (Where’s an agate when you need one.) The agate can also improve one’s analytical skills. Of course, if you can’t remember anything that could be useless. The Montana Agate can help a person learn positive lessons from negative experiences.

Legend has it that when worn as a talisman, the agate helps the wearer to distinguish between true friends and false ones.

A bead of Montana Agate added to my necklace will prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams and increase my physical endurance.

Since 1969 the Montana Sapphire and Montana Agate have shared the state gemstone glory.

Wyoming – NEPHRITE JADE

Nephrite Jade, which coincidentally is also known as “Wyoming Jade”, was first discovered in the Granite Mountain area of central Wyoming in 1936. The discovery was followed by an intense mining blitz for the next 20 years or so. A renewed interest in the gem has occurred in recent years, again increasing the mining activity.

Wyoming Jade is said to be some of the finest nephrite in the world and ranges from translucent to opaque in density and covers the complete spectrum of green from pale to olive. This gem should not be confused with jadeite, also known as jade, which is often found in colors of pink, yellow, lavender and orange as well as green. Both gems can be fashioned into jewelry but jadeite is the preferred and more valuable stone.

Jade has been used, historically, to attract love. In China, a jade butterfly is used as a symbol to invite a love interest. An ancient Chinese legend tells of a young man who follows a beautiful butterfly into a wealthy family’s garden and meets his true love. Jade can also be used to bring money into your life. Love…..money (visualize me using the universal scale weighing gesture), I guess you can’t lose if the gem spirits get mixed up. Holding a stone of jade while making a fiscal business decision will help you use your funds more creatively and productively.

Jade can be used as a protective amulet against accidents and misfortune. It is particularly good to protect children from illness. Chinese parents often give their sons and daughters jade bracelets to remind them of their love and to keep them safe.

The addition of a nephrite jade bead to my necklace will be helpful in the healing of lung, kidney, heart and stomach ailments. It can also strengthen my mental faculties, assist in clear reasoning and encourage emotional balance and stability. (Good Luck.) It can also be used to heal PTSD and nervous system overload.

The state of Wyoming designated Jade (Nephrite) as its official gemstone in 1967.