The Ending…….

Believe it or not this post will bring this journey through our country’s gems to an end.  7 years and 55 beads later the map is complete and the necklace is ready to be revealed.

Throughout this exploration my life has changed significantly and through adversity has been enriched.  We lost one of our friends who started our 50 plus 2 celebration with us far too early.  

But one constant is, and will always be, (if we take care of her) that our earth produces gems of beauty, magic, wonder and mystery.  And it is our responsibility to protect and nurture her for the short time that we’re here.

Tennessee – Tennessee River Pearls & Tennessee Paint Rock Agate

Interesting enough Tennessee’s neighbor to the north has adopted the same state symbols.  (See the Kentucky post earlier in this journey for more information.)  It is also important to note that the bead added to my necklace is indeed an agate but not a Paint Rock Agate. 

Tennessee River Pearls

Native Americans of the Atlantic Coastal areas and the Mississippi River Basin were the first to collect and use freshwater pearls for ornamentation and trade.

Freshwater pearls are noted for their wide range of color and can be found in white, silvery white, pink, salmon, red, copper, bronze, brown, lavender, purple, green, blue, cream, and yellow.   The Tennessee River Pearl can be found in most of these colors and in various shapes - spherical, pear-shaped and baroque. 

Since 1963, pearls have been cultivated in Tennessee when the 1st US freshwater cultured pearl farm was established.  

Besides considering pearls for their healing properties associated with childbirth and digestive ailments, pearl dust is often used in facial lotions & moisturizers. 

A Tennessee River Pearl added to my necklace would encourage honesty and integrity and give my skin a pearlized luster. 

Tennessee Paint Rock Agate

Some of the most interesting agates in the states are found in Tennessee. The Paint Rock Agate being the most famous.  It has the typical agate swirls and bands of red and yellowish brown but the bands are sometimes softened as if they were washed in watercolor. 

The Agate is thought to calm anger or tension and create a sense of security and peace. It also is believed to heal skin disorders.  The agate can set the table for important decision-making.

A Tennessee Paint Rock Agate added to my necklace would give me focus and help the pearl to add to the beauty of my skin.

Tennessee River Pearls were designated the state gem of Tennessee in 1979.  Agate was designated the official state stone of Tennessee in 1969, then re-named the state mineral in 2009.

Kansas – MOSS OPAL

The Moss Opal can be identified by its milky white to brownish color stone containing green moss-like patterns. The most exciting of these stones look like little landscapes.

As far back as the Middle Ages, opals were considered lucky.  At one time it was believed that an opal would provide the owner with the power of invisibility.  The Opal was thought to assist one to achieve their personal goals and to obtain prosperity.  The Opal is a seductive gemstone that can intensify or stabilize emotions.  It is thought to assist in comforting those who are grieving.

The Moss Opal is considered to be the gemstone of relationships, and can strengthen family bonds as well as reconnect estranged lovers.  It can also be the “patron” stone of newlyweds as it encourages acceptance and harmony.

The Moss Opal is believed to help cure circulatory disorders, alleviate PMS, help to treat fevers and infections, and to improve memory function.  It is also rumored to aid in ailments of the eye.  The Moss Opal can also help with abdomen issues brought on by emotional stress and regulate the production of insulin. 

This variety of Opal is believed to have power over female hormones and help with issues related to childbirth.  As if that’s not enough, the Moss Opal is believed to be able to cure pneumonia.

The addition of a Moss Opal to my necklace will keep my emotions in check while I obtain personal prosperity.

Although Kansas does not have an official state gemstone, there are hints that legislation is pending to adopt Moss Opal to be its representative.  (Any bets on which comes first, the end of this blog or the adoption?)

Delaware – SILLIMANITE

I don’t know about you, but this is a new one for me.  Although technically classified as a mineral, Sillimanite can be found in gemstone quality.  Sillimanite has been found in a variety of colors from colorless to gray-white, yellowish, brownish and bluish but is rarely transparent. It is primarily used as an industrial mineral in the manufacture of furnaces, ovens, ceramics; and glass.  Native Americans used Sillimanite in the making of tools.

Sillimanite aligns ones energies allowing for keen focus and concentration in areas of interest.  It assists one with tasks that can be overwhelming and seemingly impossible to complete.  Since it’s taken me over 7 years to complete this 1 year project, this would have been a good stone to start with.

The vibe emerging from this stone encourage feelings of euphoria and its energy can make you feel good to be alive!

The Sillimanite energy can be helpful to reduce stress and depression and can boost feelings of confidence and hope.  When worn correctly, it is said to help alleviate problems with glaucoma, cataracts and vision problems such as near or far-sightedness.

The addition of Sillimanite to my necklace will ensure that it doesn’t take another year to complete this blog.

Delaware recognized Sillimanite as the official state mineral in 1977.

Idaho – STAR GARNET

As luck would have it, Idaho also claims the Star Garnet is its state gemstone.  More precious than either star rubies or star sapphires, the Idaho garnet is usually plum in color, with four rays in the star.

Feel free to go back to my New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut posts to see the advantages of keeping the Garnet in your gem arsenal.

I add the Star Garnet to my necklace to feel safe and to keep me protected.

The Star Garnet was designated the official state stone of Idaho in 1967.

New York - GARNET

The Barton Mine in the Adirondack Mountains is the world's largest garnet mine, mining mostly industrial abrasive grade garnet, but gemstone quality garnet is occasionally found.

Throughout history the Garnet has been a symbol of love and compassion.  It has been used to represent purity and truth in relationships, personal and in business.

Also throughout history Garnets have been used to light the way for sea travelers.  Because of its guiding quality, the garnet was the stone of choice to keep travelers safe on their journeys.

The Garnet has been thought to encourage success in business.  Putting Garnets on your desk is believed to turn-around a declining business.

The Garnet can support ingenuity, encourage charitable giving and enhance creativity.

This beautiful cranberry colored gem can cure ailments of the thyroid, kidneys and spleen, and reduce depression.  It has been known to aid in the healing of blood related disorders & diseases.

The addition of a Garnet to my necklace will foster my creativity, elevate my energy level and keep my blood pressure low.

The wine red garnet was designated the official state gem of New York in 1969.

Oklahoma – BARITE ROSE

The beauty of the Barite Rose symbolizes that all things are possible.  Legend has it that the Indian Warriors that have passed on return at night to carve the magnificent roses. The loveliest of all the rose specimens are found in Norman, OK, also known as the “Rose Rock Capital of the World”. 

The energy from the rose can enhance love and motivate teamwork.  It can encourage the sharing of new ideas and inspire one to make their dreams reality.  The “Rose” motivates us to be independent and frees us from the restraints of others on us. Use your Barite Rose while meditating to calm your inner state.

The Barite Rose can be used to remove toxins from your body and help recovering addicts to stay on their path.  It can also relax jittery nerves.  Barite is thought to absorb radioactivity and can protect one while working around computers.

The “Rose” can assist with memory & the retention of information.

The addition of a bead of Barite Rose to my necklace will keep me calm as I realize my memory is not as good as it used to be.

The Barite Rose was designated the official state rock of Oklahoma in 1968.

Mississippi – PETRIFIED WOOD

We’ve been here several times, with the most recent being 2 posts ago.  Who would have thought so many states would have chosen the beautiful but unsexy Petrified Wood as their state representative.

Although Petrified Wood can be found throughout Mississippi, the largest deposit can be found in the Mississippi Petrified Forest, a privately operated park and museum in Flora, created by a prehistoric log jam that occurred about 36 million years ago.

Borrowed from the Washington entry - Petrified Wood is an excellent gem for leaders who must adapt to the changes of time and become stronger, much like the gem itself.  Petrified Wood can help those who live in the city connect with nature and feel its presence.  Using a piece of Petrified Wood during meditation may help you feel the time when your Spirit was cradled by Nature.

Petrified Wood can help one feel safe and secure, calming natural basic fears.  The lovely but strong gem can strengthen one’s backbone, physically and figuratively.  It is beneficial to the skeletal system, skin and hair. Petrified wood is also known as the stone of patience.

It is said to be able to aid in the healing of age related disorders such as Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

The addition of a bead of Mississippi Petrified Wood to my necklace will keep me erect as I face my fears.

Petrified Wood was designated the official state gem of Mississippi in 1976. (Just 1 year after Washington.)

Utah - TOPAZ

The Thomas Range of western Utah is one of the world's best sources for finding Topaz. Topaz occurs in a rainbow of colors. Topaz found in Colorado is usually pale blue while the Topaz mined in Utah is sherry or amber in color. True Topaz will lose color when exposed to sunlight.

In ancient Greece one believed that Topaz improved one’s strength and had the ability to render one invisible in times of need. It was also thought to have had the ability to detect the presence of poison in food or drink.

The birthstone of November it said to be able to cure insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages. It promotes relaxation while reducing tension. Topaz can aid with digestion and is thought to combat eating disorders such as anorexia & bulimia. Topaz assists with the treatments of ailments of the liver, gallbladder & endocrine glands.

Then golden stone is believed to encourage truth and forgiveness, openness and honesty. It can be used as a stone of love and good fortune. Topaz can assist with problem solving skills and help one to express their true thoughts & ideas. Utah Topaz strengthens faith and optimism, builds charisma & confidence.

The addition of Topaz to my necklace will help me to approach the daily parade of problems while remaining relaxed and indigestion free.

Utah designated the Topaz as its official state gemstone in 1969.

Washington – PETRIFIED WOOD

Well, we’ve been here before.  We’ve already explored Petrified Palmwood in Texas and Teredo Petrified Wood in North Dakota.  And now to Washington state…..

You can see a great selection of Petrified Wood at Gingko Petrified Forest State Park in Vantage, Washington.

Petrified Wood is an excellent gem for leaders who must adapt to the changes of time and become stronger, much like the gem itself.  Petrified Wood can help those who live in the city connect with nature and feel its presence.  Using a piece of Petrified Wood during meditation may help you feel the time when your Spirit was cradled by Nature.

Petrified Wood can help one feel safe and secure, calming natural basic fears.  The lovely but strong gem can strengthen one’s backbone, physically and figuratively.  It is beneficial to the skeletal system, skin and hair. Petrified wood is also known as the stone of patience. 

It is said to be able to aid in the healing of age related disorders such as Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

Addition of a bead of Petrified Wood to my necklace will improve my patience and help me to connect with my natural side.  Peace, Love & Rock ‘n Roll.

Petrified Wood was designated the official state gem (although really a fossil) of Washington in 1975.

Minnesota - LAKE SUPERIOR AGATE

Well, it’s been almost a year since I made my last post.  At the rate, I will be retired before I finish all 50 states.  Hopefully I can submit my next post in the next few weeks and, hopefully, someone out there is still listening.

The Lake Superior Agate is a beautiful stone made up of geometric patterns of deep reds, browns and oranges, no doubt a product of the iron rich soil.  Found mostly in northeastern and north central Minnesota, Lake Superior Agates were deposited there by the last Ice Age glaciers.

This country is rich with a vast variety of agates, many of which represent the states in which they are found.  South Dakota has the Fairburn Agate, Kentucky the Fortification Agate, while Montana has the, you guessed it, Montana Agate.  (Take a journey back to these states to get a broader picture.)

Historically, the Lake Superior Agate was placed in cooking or drinking water to drive out a variety of illnesses.

The Lake Superior Agate can promote courage and improve one’s self-confidence.  It can be used to repair and improve personal relationships.

All Agates can be used to enhance creativity and fortify the intellect, making them beneficial stones for both students and artists.  Look to the Lake Superior Agate if you are too serious and need help finding your inner child.

The Lake Superior Agate encourages one to be faithful.  It helps to improve perception and memory, strengthen one’s concentration and is thought to develop one's analytical skills.

When you need an extra boost of energy put a Lake Superior Agate in your pocket.  The Lake Superior Agate can help to ease stress and anxiety and can cure insomnia. 

Select a Lake Superior Agate to assist in the healing of tooth & stomach issues, cure arthritis and reduce headaches.  It is also thought to improve digestion and heal ulcers.

The addition of a Lake Superior Agate to my necklace will encourage my creativity (maybe with finger paints and Play-Doh).

The Lake Superior Agate was designated the official gemstone of Minnesota in 1969.

Iowa - GEODE

Most people have been exposed to Geodes from childhood.  Who doesn’t remember the excitement of taking a hammer to that ugly, boring gray rock just to reveal its inner beauty of sparkling crystals?

The majority of Geodes have quartz crystals in their interior but there can be Amethyst, Jasper and Citrine as well.

Geodes can be found all around the world, mostly located in deserts and volcanic regions.  They are especially plentiful in the U.S. in California, Illinois, Nevada, Arizona, Missouri, Kentucky, Utah, and, of course, Iowa.

A Geode can be good for family harmony by encouraging a willingness to work together.  This can work in family, social & business situations.

Geodes in general are known to have very strong powers.  It is believed that they can help one to see situations from different viewpoints or to see the whole picture when making important decisions.  It is also believed that they can stimulate creativity.

A Geode can help you to remember to do something; exercise, make a call or buy a present.  The trick is to find one that connects to you.

Agate Geodes are especially powerful in alleviating stress, although all Geodes can be good for soothing & de-stressing.  The Geode helps to stimulate positive thought and boost moods.  This sparkling gemstone can help one to deal with difficult memories from the past.

The Geode can aid in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system, hands & lungs.  It can also promote the healing of allergic reactions and control obsessive behavior.

The addition of a Geode to my necklace will encourage me to work well with other and remind me when I forget to do so.

The Geode was designated the official rock of Iowa in 1967 to encourage state tourism.

Colorado – AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine is the blue variety of the mineral beryl, making it a distant cousin of the Emerald.   Its name originates from the Latin, meaning 'water of the sea'.

Aquamarine draws its energy from the ocean allowing its holder to unite with the spirits of the sea.  

In ancient times sea travelers would carry it with them to protect them during their journeys.  Like the ocean, the Aquamarine has a calming effect and can diminish fears and phobias and has been thought of as a “Stone of Courage and Protection”.

The Aquamarine is a perfect stone to give your students as it can aid in the absorption of new knowledge and encourages intellectual growth.  It can also expedite the ability to problem-solve and to “think quickly on one’s feet”.   Aquamarine will help to sharpen intuition and promote clear thinking.

This beautiful blue stone encourages one to see other perspectives’ and promotes tolerance.  Aquamarine can help one to change old, sometimes destructive, habits and replace them with more positive behaviors.

Aquamarine aids in the healing of diseases of the throat, jaw & teeth, including the thyroid and pituitary gland.  And works on all sorts of stomach issues.  It can also help with allergies by calming an overactive immune system. 

This calming stone can help you to reduce stress by releasing damaging angers.  In the same way, the Aquamarine minimizes the chance of miscarriage.

The addition of Aquamarine to my necklace will calm my rebellious stomach while protecting me on the high seas.

Colorado designated Aquamarine as its official state mineral in 1971.

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.)