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.
A Gem of a Country
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Alabama – STAR BLUE QUARTZ
One of the most beautiful gemstones on earth, Alabama's state gem is the Star Blue Quartz.
Different colored quartz stones are popular state gems. New Hampshire has the smokey quartz, South Dakota the rose and Arkansas and Georgia share the star blue with Alabama. Commercially, quartz is made into glass, eyeglasses, electrical components, abrasives, and gemstones. Since it is so prevalent, the blue quartz is a popular but not costly jewelry selection.
The Star blue quartz is a good healing stone. It eases throat tension, aids the immune system, calms over-stimulation and hyperactivity and assists with detoxification.
It helps the wearer to expand self expression and creativity, enhances organizational abilities, and promotes self-discipline and orderliness. It encourages one to see and accept reality as it actually is.
As a stone of hope, the star blue can lift depression and replace it with peace and happiness. It also has been known to reduce stubbornness and emotional tension.
If you sit with blue quartz between your hands and focus on a person you want to send good thoughts to, you may hear from that person soon. It can also help one express their thoughts and dreams and aid in meditation.
The addition of the Star Blue to my necklace will bring peace and happiness, reduce emotional tension and moderate stubbornness (never happened).
The Star Blue Quartz was named the Alabama state gemstone in 1990.
Different colored quartz stones are popular state gems. New Hampshire has the smokey quartz, South Dakota the rose and Arkansas and Georgia share the star blue with Alabama. Commercially, quartz is made into glass, eyeglasses, electrical components, abrasives, and gemstones. Since it is so prevalent, the blue quartz is a popular but not costly jewelry selection.
The Star blue quartz is a good healing stone. It eases throat tension, aids the immune system, calms over-stimulation and hyperactivity and assists with detoxification.
It helps the wearer to expand self expression and creativity, enhances organizational abilities, and promotes self-discipline and orderliness. It encourages one to see and accept reality as it actually is.
As a stone of hope, the star blue can lift depression and replace it with peace and happiness. It also has been known to reduce stubbornness and emotional tension.
If you sit with blue quartz between your hands and focus on a person you want to send good thoughts to, you may hear from that person soon. It can also help one express their thoughts and dreams and aid in meditation.
The addition of the Star Blue to my necklace will bring peace and happiness, reduce emotional tension and moderate stubbornness (never happened).
The Star Blue Quartz was named the Alabama state gemstone in 1990.
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