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.
A Gem of a Country
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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.
Friday, April 29, 2011
West Virginia - FOSSIL CORAL (LITHOSTROTIONELLA)
Do you need a gemstone to go with your tie-dyed shirts and dresses? Well, fossil coral could be what you’re looking for. Fossil coral looks like little tie-dyed “flowers” of white on a brown, gray, black, yellow or red background. Over time the coral, that was encased in chalcedony, was replaced by agate giving the stone the appearance of little batiked gems. Jerry Garcia would have been proud.
Fossil coral has been worn for many centuries to ward off the "evil eye." If placed as an ornament in the home it is said to bring good luck. Historically sailors used coral as a talisman against bad weather.
Coral was thought to give its wearer wisdom and modesty, bravery and prudence and to promote a balanced and stable family life. The fossil coral is believed to be helpful in recalling past lives and to help you understand the influence past lives has on the present. (I believe we’re talking about Karma here.)
A fossil coral bead added to my necklace can reduce stress and fear and combat foolishness, nervousness, depression, panic and nightmares. It can act as a remedy for intestinal spasms, bladder issues, poisoning and sleeplessness. If dissolved in wine, it can be used as an effective pain-killer. (In large does, what can’t?)
Although not technically a gemstone, Fossil Coral became West Virginia’s State Gem on March 10, 1990.
Fossil coral has been worn for many centuries to ward off the "evil eye." If placed as an ornament in the home it is said to bring good luck. Historically sailors used coral as a talisman against bad weather.
Coral was thought to give its wearer wisdom and modesty, bravery and prudence and to promote a balanced and stable family life. The fossil coral is believed to be helpful in recalling past lives and to help you understand the influence past lives has on the present. (I believe we’re talking about Karma here.)
A fossil coral bead added to my necklace can reduce stress and fear and combat foolishness, nervousness, depression, panic and nightmares. It can act as a remedy for intestinal spasms, bladder issues, poisoning and sleeplessness. If dissolved in wine, it can be used as an effective pain-killer. (In large does, what can’t?)
Although not technically a gemstone, Fossil Coral became West Virginia’s State Gem on March 10, 1990.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Kentucky - FRESHWATER PEARL and KENTUCKY AGATE
I’m a pearl girl so this is very exciting for me. How about a whole necklace of freshwater pearls and agates? You laugh but during our 50 Plus 2 in 52 excursion I purchased one in honor of South Dakota’s Fairburn Agate. So hooray for Kentucky for putting these two wonderful “stones” together.
In 1986, schoolchildren in western Kentucky petitioned their state representative to propose the freshwater pearl as the state gemstone and it became official on July 15, 1986. The stories don’t tell why the children specifically thought this should happen but since, historically, freshwater pearls were naturally found throughout the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys, they probably wanted to salute a beautiful local resource.
Presently, mussels with freshwater pearls are cultivated through man-made processes on "pearl farms" along Kentucky Lake. Pearl cultivation in Tennessee is a multi-million dollar industry, providing pearls, primarily, to the Japanese cultured pearl industry. Okay, I don’t know about you but this shoots down my illusion of Japanese pearls. They’re actually from Tennessee….. Really?
Freshwater pearls are thought to bring love, money, protection, and luck. They are believed to keep children safe. (Maybe the children of Kentucky were hedging their bets.) The Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying. (Is this why so many brides wear pearls? And why my parents gave me a pair of baroque pearl earrings on my wedding day. This explains so much.)
Pearls are symbolic of purity, innocence and faith as well as love, success and happiness. I don’t know about the rest but they make me happy and if you ever saw my Mother’s pearl collection you would think she was the happiest woman on earth.
A pearl added to my necklace would improve endurance and emotional stability and help balance body rhythms and hormone levels with the natural world. It would also aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems.
The Kentucky agate is a variety of Fortification agate which is an agate that has a pattern where all bands connect to each other resembling a medieval fortress and its protective moat. These agates typically sport bands of red, black, yellow, and gray and are often discovered along river and creek drainage.
Stringing yet another agate onto my necklace will promote courage, emotional strength, self-confidence, and will dispel fears. Agates enhance healing of all kinds by bringing the elements of the wearer into harmony. Physically, agate is helpful in healing tooth and gum issues, stomach problems, and insomnia.
The Freshwater Pearl became Kentucky's "Official Gemstone" in 1986 and the Kentucky Agate it’s "Official State Rock" in 2000.
In 1986, schoolchildren in western Kentucky petitioned their state representative to propose the freshwater pearl as the state gemstone and it became official on July 15, 1986. The stories don’t tell why the children specifically thought this should happen but since, historically, freshwater pearls were naturally found throughout the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys, they probably wanted to salute a beautiful local resource.
Presently, mussels with freshwater pearls are cultivated through man-made processes on "pearl farms" along Kentucky Lake. Pearl cultivation in Tennessee is a multi-million dollar industry, providing pearls, primarily, to the Japanese cultured pearl industry. Okay, I don’t know about you but this shoots down my illusion of Japanese pearls. They’re actually from Tennessee….. Really?
Freshwater pearls are thought to bring love, money, protection, and luck. They are believed to keep children safe. (Maybe the children of Kentucky were hedging their bets.) The Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying. (Is this why so many brides wear pearls? And why my parents gave me a pair of baroque pearl earrings on my wedding day. This explains so much.)
Pearls are symbolic of purity, innocence and faith as well as love, success and happiness. I don’t know about the rest but they make me happy and if you ever saw my Mother’s pearl collection you would think she was the happiest woman on earth.
A pearl added to my necklace would improve endurance and emotional stability and help balance body rhythms and hormone levels with the natural world. It would also aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems.
The Kentucky agate is a variety of Fortification agate which is an agate that has a pattern where all bands connect to each other resembling a medieval fortress and its protective moat. These agates typically sport bands of red, black, yellow, and gray and are often discovered along river and creek drainage.
Stringing yet another agate onto my necklace will promote courage, emotional strength, self-confidence, and will dispel fears. Agates enhance healing of all kinds by bringing the elements of the wearer into harmony. Physically, agate is helpful in healing tooth and gum issues, stomach problems, and insomnia.
The Freshwater Pearl became Kentucky's "Official Gemstone" in 1986 and the Kentucky Agate it’s "Official State Rock" in 2000.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Massachusetts – RHODONITE
Rhodonite is considered the most beautiful gem material found in Massachusetts. I don’t know what its competition is but it is quite lovely and is used, often, in jewelry and ornamental pieces. It is named after the Greek word for rose, rhodon, which describes its rosy-pink color. The stone varies in hue from light pink to deep rose but the most popular is a stone that contains veins of black manganese running through it.
Known as the “Stone of Peace”, Rhodonite is thought to help resolve conflicts and establish balance. Holding this gem promotes relaxation and brings a sense of well being. The pink of the stone is said to enhance love and decrease anxiety while the black inclusions help keep the wearer grounded. Rhodonite raises self worth and helps ward off negativity. Placing Rhodonite on your desk can ward off unwanted visitors and interruptions. One Rhodonite paper weight, please.
The addition of a Rhodonite bead to my necklace can help to reduce inflammation of the joints and help restore physical energy after a trauma. It will improve hearing, decrease sensitivity to light and improve muscle reflex. If carried or worn after a serious illness or heart attack, it will quicken the recovery time. Wounds and cuts will heal more rapidly, with less scarring if applied directly to the injury.
Rhodonite was recognized by Massachusetts in 1979 as the state gem.
Known as the “Stone of Peace”, Rhodonite is thought to help resolve conflicts and establish balance. Holding this gem promotes relaxation and brings a sense of well being. The pink of the stone is said to enhance love and decrease anxiety while the black inclusions help keep the wearer grounded. Rhodonite raises self worth and helps ward off negativity. Placing Rhodonite on your desk can ward off unwanted visitors and interruptions. One Rhodonite paper weight, please.
The addition of a Rhodonite bead to my necklace can help to reduce inflammation of the joints and help restore physical energy after a trauma. It will improve hearing, decrease sensitivity to light and improve muscle reflex. If carried or worn after a serious illness or heart attack, it will quicken the recovery time. Wounds and cuts will heal more rapidly, with less scarring if applied directly to the injury.
Rhodonite was recognized by Massachusetts in 1979 as the state gem.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Hawaii – BLACK CORAL
The Hawaiian state gemstone, black coral (‘ēkaha kū moana), is in reality a skeleton from the living organism and is almost exclusively used, commercially, in jewelry. Live coral is considerably rarer and almost never used in jewelry, although I’m picturing a perfect Lady Ga Ga ensemble. Black coral is a tree-like coral that is mostly found in the deep warm waters of the south Pacific and the Caribbean. I personally prefer the vibrant reds and coral color versions but I’m warming up to the shiny luster of the black coral.
Coral has so many healing and protective properties associated with it that it’s not surprising that it plays a significant role in the talisman, amulets and sacred jewelry of so many cultures. It is often seen in spiritual jewelry and adornment from the ancient Romans, who believed it protected children from harm and cured snake and scorpion bites. And have you ever seen an Egyptian antiquity that doesn’t incorporate coral? This gemstone was also thought to be magical since it was a favorite of and frequently visited by the mermaids.
All corals are linked to soothing and the release of stress while black coral is also thought to increase creativity. It is told that black coral will absorb the surrounding negative energy. I think I need a door made out of black coral for my office.
The addition of a black coral bead to my necklace will bring peace, stimulate creativity, relieve stress, and assist in curing blood-related ailments. (Although I’m told that it works better if it is rimmed in silver and worn on the ring finger.)
Black coral was designated as Hawaii’s official state gemstone in 1987.
Coral has so many healing and protective properties associated with it that it’s not surprising that it plays a significant role in the talisman, amulets and sacred jewelry of so many cultures. It is often seen in spiritual jewelry and adornment from the ancient Romans, who believed it protected children from harm and cured snake and scorpion bites. And have you ever seen an Egyptian antiquity that doesn’t incorporate coral? This gemstone was also thought to be magical since it was a favorite of and frequently visited by the mermaids.
All corals are linked to soothing and the release of stress while black coral is also thought to increase creativity. It is told that black coral will absorb the surrounding negative energy. I think I need a door made out of black coral for my office.
The addition of a black coral bead to my necklace will bring peace, stimulate creativity, relieve stress, and assist in curing blood-related ailments. (Although I’m told that it works better if it is rimmed in silver and worn on the ring finger.)
Black coral was designated as Hawaii’s official state gemstone in 1987.
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