May 18th, 2017

Apophyllite

Physical Characteristics: Apophyllite refers to a specific group of phyllosilicates (sheet silicates formed in parallel layers). All phyllosilicates are hydrated minerals, Apophyllite being a variety which contains water in its chemical structure.

There are technically three varieties of Apophyllite, each varying slightly in chemical composition: Fluorapophyllite (white, colorless, yellow, green, or violet specimens), Hydroxyapophyllite (white or colorless specimens), and Natroapophyllite (brown, yellow, or colorless specimens). Heating the crystal causes water loss, which in turn can cause it to flake apart.

In Nature: This crystal is typically found in vesicles of Basalt or other volcanic rocks.

Chemical Composition: (K, Na)Ca4Si8O20(F, OH)•8H2O

Mohs Scale Hardness: 4.5-5 (medium)

Can be Found: India, Germany, Canada, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Brazil, Japan, United States

Healing Properties*: Placed on the eyelids, Apophyllite is thought to reduce eye strain. It relieves anxiety and stress, and can also reduce allergy symptoms. Apophyllite is a common tool in Reiki healing.

Magickal Properties: Apophyllite is perhaps best-known for being a high-vibration crystal. The stone's energy is uplifting, and is often used for removing energy blockages and for helping its bearer grow spiritually. It opens the Third Eye, and in so doing furthers psychic development; use it to enhance clairvoyance, for dream work, for astral travel/projection, meditation, and similar exercises. The stone is ideal for scrying, in part because many specimens contain prismatic defects that help the mind relax. It also opens the Crown Chakra, making it easier to contact spiritual guides, angels, and other higher powers.

The water content of the stone improves its energy-conducting capacity, which may be further enhanced by the shape of the crystal (e.g. a pyramidal form). To cleanse and empower a room with Apophyllite, create a crystal grid by placing one stone in each corner of the room and another in the room's center.

Generally speaking, it is inadvisable to cleanse hydrated crystals with water. As heat can damage the stone, it is likewise inadvisable to cleanse Apophyllite in direct sunlight.

Chakra Association: Third Eye (Sixth) and Crown (Seventh) chakras

Element: Air

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

April 9th, 2017

Bismuth

Physical Characteristics: Bismuth is a brittle white metal, but when oxidized will display iridescent colors ranging from red to yellow to blue. Its iconic stair-stepped shape results from a higher growth rate along its outside edges than on its interior. The metal is also strongly diamagnetic, meaning that it is repelled by magnetic fields, and is one of the principal components of MagLev train systems.

In Nature*: One of the periodic chemical elements, Bismuth is written with the symbol Bi, and has an atomic number of 83. It is chemically similar to arsenic, antimony, tin, and lead, but curiously has a much lower toxicity. It also has a very low thermal conductivity, and is weakly radioactive, though given that its half-life is a billion times the estimated age of the universe, it is considered stable in virtually all scientific scenarios and is harmless to humans.

*Note: Bismuth's crystal-lattice structure is rarely found in nature. As such, the Bismuth crystals on the market are lab-grown specimens. This does not decrease their metaphysical value, but it is something to be aware of. Websites claiming to sell natural Bismuth crystals are likely running a scam.

Chemical Composition: Bi

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.25 (very low)

Can be Found: Australia, Bolivia, China, Vietnam, Mexico

Healing Properties*: Bismuth may be used to slow degenerative muscular conditions.

Magickal Properties: With a unique combination of chemical properties and a long, convoluted history of use, Bismuth is a very odd, not to mention fascinating, metal.

It was commonly utilized in alchemical practices, and even had its own designated symbol (see right image) which crops up in the work of such notable scientist-alchemists as Sir Isaac Newton, but records of how or why it was used do not appear to have survived. Modern-day scientists, including Glenn T. Seaborg, continued this ancient tradition by using nuclear collisions to transform Bismuth into Gold as recently as 1980. This website provides an interesting overview of the major alchemical metals, and provides a good background of the associated semiotics and history, but even there Bismuth is not mentioned except in passing.

As with many multicolored or iridescent crystals, Bismuth can be used as a point of focus in shamanic journeying, astral projection, etc. It could act as a focusing crystal in other areas of life as well, and may be beneficial to people with ADHD or other neurotypes characterized by poor executive function. It also enhances visualization, and may improve meditation experiences.

Bismuth reduces feelings of isolation, and can improve connections with other people. Its rainbow colors make it ideal for energy work, and it can be instrumental in cleansing the aura.

Chakra Association: All, but especially the Crown (Seventh) Chakra

Element: Air

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Saturn

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

September 5th, 2015

Title: Astral Travel for Beginners: Transcend Time and Space with Out-of-Body Experiences

Author: Richard Webster
©1998

I picked this book up at a thrift store over the summer and read part of it, but only just got around to finishing it this afternoon. Astral Travel for Beginners covers a wide range of subjects, and provides both a comprehensive guide to basic astral travel and also insights into hypnosis, remote viewing, and other psychic phenomenon.

The book is divided into fifteen chapters, the topics of which include:

• Astral travel requirements
• Involuntary astral travel
• The astral world
• Your first astral travel
• Advanced astral travel

and so on. Drawing on a wide variety of sources, Webster cites recorded examples of astral travel occurring throughout history and around the world. He defines terms like the "astral plane", "silver cord", and etcetera, He also discusses concepts of bi-location, astral doubles, and doppelgangers. 

Webster goes on to describe relaxation techniques to incite one's first astral travel experience. He does this in stages, beginning with the very basic "mind travel" and moving on to ways by which to completely separate the consciousness from the body. For more practiced astral travelers, Webster suggests how to visit other countries, times, and even planets. He further provides additional methods for achieving astral travel, should one be inclined to experiment, or if more "standard" techniques are unhelpful. 

For those interested in astral traveling while sleeping, the book contains a script one could record and play back before going to bed. There are also scripts for people who would like to work astral travels in a group, or as a couple. The book concludes with a discussion of how Numerology can enhance astral travel, along with a few of the author's personal experiencing teaching workshops and assisting clients.

On the whole, I quite enjoyed this book, finding it well-researched and informative. I also feel confident that given the time to practice, I could find the methods discussed very useful for achieving voluntary astral travel. Granted, the book shows its age in certain ways (hardly anyone uses cassettes anymore, for one thing), but the advice Webster provides definitely continues to hold up.

To anyone looking to start astral travelling, or hoping to expand their knowledge on the subject, I would definitely recommend Richard Webster's Astral Travel for Beginners.

July 7th, 2015

I've been very absorbed the last couple of days in a craft project, but I finished it this evening, so here I am!

Mom took my brother and I to the thrift store this morning. She needed an ugly Christmas sweater or two for a convention, and I wanted to look around a little. I hadn't actually been planning to get anything, but I suppose the moral of that story ought to be, never let me into a thrift store.

I get a little excited around books (to put it mildly), and they had paperbacks for only $0.89. Most of them were things I'd never look twice at - weight loss manuals, Christian memoirs, you know the type - but after some digging, I was able to find a couple that looked promising.

From left to right, I found:

Power of the Witch, by Laurie Cabot with Tom Cowan

Astral Travel for Beginners, by Richard Webster

Celtic Lore, by Ward Rutherford

I'm hoping that I'll find the one on astral travel helpful; I've made attempts at it before, but haven't been especially successful. Also, Power of the Witch had unexpectedly positive reviews on Amazon, so that should be an interesting read as well. Reviewers were less enthused by Celtic Lore, but it was only 89¢, so I can't really complain.

September 14th, 2014

Tektite

Physical Characteristics: These gravel-sized stones occur in shades of black, green, brown, and grey, and are generally opaque. They are essentially pure glass, because they are created so quickly that even microcrystals do not have time to form within the structure. Also, they contain almost no water, unlike other natural glasses, such as Obsidian. Tektites are found in huge numbers spread across meteoric "strewnfields" - one such field stretches halfway across the United States!

In Nature: Tektites are often confused with meteorites, but please note that there is a distinction. Tektites are made wholly from terrestrial matter, forming when an extraterrestrial object hits the ground and melts or vaporizes earthly debris. To translate that into English: when a meteorite hits the earth, the impact melts the surrounding rock, and it is this which solidifies as Tektites, not the meteor itself. 

Chemical Composition: SiO2, nominally, but the composition is largely determined by the location of the impact crater.

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 7 (middle to middle-high)

Can be Found: Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Ghana, USA, China, Belize

Healing Properties*: Use Tektites to speed recovery from injury and illness. The stone may also help those with depression lift their spirits. Tektites improves blood circulation and capillary health.

Magickal Properties: Tektites are a stone of psychism, especially telepathy. The longer they stay in one's energy field, the stronger the effects become. They raise one's personal vibratory energy and strengthen the aura, while additionally allowing you to expand your consciousness during meditation. Tektites ward off negative entities - keep one in your pillowcase and it may also encourage lucid dreaming and astral travel. When working a manifestation spell, include a Tektite to encourage synchronicities (i.e. beneficial "coincidences"). The stone clears blockages in the lower chakras and links them energetically with the higher ones. The stone's connection to the extraterrestrial enhances communication with other worlds and allows access to higher knowledge. Tektite helps one release undesirable experiences, retaining lessons learned, but also allowing one to move on. Traditionally, the stone encourages fertility, which may also be taken to mean creativity. It balances male and female energies in the body and is considered a stone of good fortune in numerous cultures. 

Chakra Association: First (Root) through Third (Solar Plexus)

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Tektites do not have a planetary association that I could find. Given the nature of their formation, it makes most sense to associate them with meteors and asteroids. 

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

August 5th, 2014

I bought several new stones this weekend, and will naturally be posting information about them as I research it. This is the first such post.

Ametrine

Physical Characteristics: Ametrine is a translucent mixture of Amethyst and Citrine. The color gradient blends Amethyst's purple with Citrine's gold.

In Nature: Technically called Trystine or Bolivianite, the stone's coloration comes from different oxidation states of the Quartz, which is in turn caused by different temperatures being applied across the crystal's length during its formation.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Bolivia, Brazil, and India

Healing Properties*: This stone strengthens the nerves and promotes oxygen distribution in the body. Water that has held an Ametrine for several hours will reduce fever and the associated aches, while worn around the neck the stone reduces trembling and sweating. Generally, Ametrine combats hardening of the arteries, as well as more specific complaints like dementia, deafness, and problems with the eyes. When preparing for an artificial implant or limb, Ametrine is said to help the body accept the addition.

Magickal Properties: Ametrine has the properties of both Amethyst and Citrine, but it also possesses unique qualities of its own. In particular, it is known for blending masculine and feminine energies. The stone, as a result, can benefit anyone (societal gender roles make a habit of squashing one energy or the other), but it could perhaps be most helpful to those of a non-standard gender identity or sexual orientation. It links the higher spiritual chakras with the lower, mundane energy vortexes, enhancing mental and spiritual clarity. The powerful Citrine/Amethyst combination strengthens the will while also releasing stress. It is a particularly potent stone for battling addiction. Ametrine stimulates the intellect and banishes negativity from the aura. The stone also gives a major boost to psychic workings, whether one is doing readings, spirit communication, or astral travel. It can likewise protect against psychic attack.

Chakra Association: First (Root) and Seventh (Crown) chakras

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

July 12th, 2014

Desert Rose

Physical Characteristics: These rose-like crystal formations have "petals" of crystal flattened along the "C Crystallographic" axis, fanning open in radiating clusters. Ambient sand is incorporated into the crystal, which affects the overall color.

In Nature: Desert Rose is formed of Gypsum, Barite, or Selenite. These clusters form in arid, sandy regions such as shallow salt basins where evaporation occurs. Celestine and other evaporites may also form Desert Rose.

(Some websites have tried to tell me that this is a stone formed at lightning strikes or by some other equally improbable means. Sorry, but I'm trusting Wikipedia on this one.)

Chemical Composition: CaSO4・H2O

 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Desert Rose already contains water. DO NOT cleanse it in liquid, as it will dissolve. Some websites talk about making "Desert Rose Water", but I strongly advise against it.

 
Mohs Scale Hardness: 2 - 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Tunisia, Algeria, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the USA (Barite Desert Rose is the state mineral of Oklahoma)

Healing Properties*: Use Desert Rose to shield against X-rays, radioactivity, and UV rays. Further applied, this stone will treat sunburn and similar skin conditions, or ease geopathic stress caused by nearby power lines or computers. It may treat acne or eczema.

 
Magickal Properties: There is a lot of BS on the internet about this crystal, and very little that is actually useful. For example, a couple of websites recommend it for warding off "redundancy". What? How is that useful to anybody? The irony of this particular "property" being listed in multiple places is not lost on me. Even my crystal books are markedly unhelpful. However, where minerals are concerned, let it not be said that I have no enthusiasm for research. 

I dug around a bit, and found some information that actually looked credible. Right off the bat, if you have a Selenite Desert Rose, all the properties of Selenite apply. The same goes for stones formed out of Gypsum or Barite. Moreover, Desert Rose clarifies thinking and calms the mind, making it ideal for use in meditation. It is a stabilizing stone, and is considered a helpmate in business transactions because it removes obstacles from one's path and assists in financial growth. Native Americans believed that spirits of the deceased carved these "roses", and so they are ideal for psychic magicks, communing with the Otherworld, and remembering one's ancestors. The stone has generally protective qualities, and will link the Sixth and Seventh chakras to initiate psychic experiences tempered by sensory experience. Meditating on Desert Rose may make multi-layered situations plainer to understand, and has a marked effect on one's dream state. If lucid dreaming, astral travel, or astral projection is desired, working with Desert Rose may ease the process.

Chakra Association: Sixth (Third Eye) chakra

Element: Air (This is my own association, owing to the stone's airy texture coupled with it's associations with the mind and receiving information. Those few sources that even list an elemental correspondence put it down as Fire, which to me doesn't make a lot of sense.)

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury (Also my own association, for most of the same reasons as above.)

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

August 14th, 2013

Celestite

 

Physical Characteristics: This crystal is the primary source of Strontium, used in both fireworks and many metal alloys.

In Nature: Celestite occurs as crystals and en masse; it is also a common geode stone, and is found primarily in sedimentary rock deposits.

Chemical Composition: SrSO4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3 - 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Worldwide, but especially the United States and Madagascar

Healing Properties*: Celestite is known to ease stress on the physical body, thus preventing stress-induced disease. It improves eyesight and hearing, and also alleviates conditions of the throat. The stone both aids in the functioning of the thyroid gland and detoxifies the body.

Magickal Properties: Celestite is excellent for fostering communications with angelic beings and spirit guides. It opens a channel to the Universe's pure, positive energy, and enables a better understanding of the energetic ebbs and flows in one's life. The stone assists greatly in dream recall, and may also induce lucid dreaming. Astral travelers can use the crystal to improve accuracy in reaching a pre-determined location. Its blue color links the crystal to the throat; as such, it boosts eloquence and demands truth from its bearer - use it if you think you're being lied to, but don't be the liar. Celsetite only needs occasional recharging, and ought not be left in direct sunlight, as this can cause discoloration.

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat), Sixth (Third Eye), and Seventh (Crown) chakras

Element: Air

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Neptune

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

August 10th, 2013

Apache Tears

Physical Characteristics: These unique stones are natural spheres of Obsidian that are translucent when held up to the light.

In Nature: From a scientific perspective, Apache Tears form when lava cools in small droplets before hitting the ground. These deposits are usually found in matrices of Perlite. According to legend, however, the stones originated when fewer than 100 Apache Native Americans were cornered by army cavalry on an Arizona cliff. The Natives leaped off the cliff face rather than be captured, and the mourning tears of their families turned into Apache Tear stones.

Chemical Composition: SiO2, with various impurities

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 5.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Mexico and the United States

Healing Properties*: The stone relieves muscle tremors, and can be used to expel bodily toxins. It may help defeat addiction and personality disorders, especially OCD.

Magickal Properties: According to folklore, any who carry an Apache Tear, especially if received as a gift, need never cry of grief, for the Apache have shed enough tears for all people. The stones allow for the release of grief and the healing of emotional and physical problems created by grief improperly expressed. This can be a very difficult process, so if possible, work with an experienced crystal healer or a close, sympathetic friend. Apache Tears give their bearers the strength for close emotional self-examination without becoming overwhelmed by feelings. People may develop a close magickal bond with the stone as it guides them through difficult times. It enhances meditation, spirit journeying, and prophetic dreaming; regular meditation with an Apache Tear develops a sense of inner peace and acceptance. Work the meditations outside to allow the stone to ground excess energy. The crystal balances the intellect, keeping one level-headed. use Apache Tears to to protect against subconscious doubts that manifest as self-defeating behavior. It doesn't sugar-coat things - if you work with Apache Tear for the purpose of self-help or improvement, it will tell you your strengths and weaknesses exactly as they are. This stone is an excellent ward of negativity, totally banishing it from its bearer's presence. It may also be helpful for empaths and psychics who are too sensitive to others' energy.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth and Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Saturn

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

August 9th, 2013

Howlite

Physical Characteristics: Howlite is a white mineral veined with grey. Rarely forming crystals, the most common form of Howlite is large, cauliflower-like nodules of stone. As it is both soft and white, the stone is easily dyed. The most common dye is a light blue. Given the natural grey veins, this causes the Howlite to look like Turquoise, and it is sold under the name Turquenite. Do not be fooled - Turquoise and Turquenite are not the same stone.

In Nature: This stone occurs in evaporite deposits, and especially around Gypsum-heavy regions. Some Gypsum miners actually consider Howlite a nuisance stone.

Chemical Composition: Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Canada and the United States

Healing Properties*: Physically, Howlite releases muscle tension and heals stress-related conditions: ulcers, heart problems, rashes, acne, etc. The stone also assists in balancing the body's calcium level.

Magickal Properties: Howlite is recognized for its associations with self-awareness, creativity, and improving one's attitude. The stone enables character building and dispels anger, resentfulness, and selfishness. It enables one to look within for answers and helps one communicate clearly in the midst of emotional crisis. Students will love this stone, as it is great for beating procrastination (I think everyone at my high school needs a piece!). Meditating with Howlite takes one on journeys outside the body and activates past life recall. Predominantly a calming stone, Howlite eases insomnia and soothes the overactive mind - light sleepers will be especially appreciative of its effects. It relieves stress and bolsters dream recollection.

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat), Sixth (Third Eye), and Seventh (Crown) chakras

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Moon (Yes, we know it's not technically a planet.)

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

August 8th, 2013

Lepidolite

Physical Characteristics: Lepidolite is a form of Mica that appears in a classic mottling of white, lavender, purple, and sometimes pink.

In Nature: The stone is often found in the same rock as Tourmaline and Amblygamite. Its color comes from the presence of Lithium in the stone.

Chemical Composition: K(Li, Al)3(Al, Si)4O10(F, OH)2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.5 - 4 (low)

Can be Found: The United States and Brazil

Healing Properties*: With regard to health, Lepidolite helps its bearer to overcome insomnia as well as all kinds of addictions, including anorexia and similar disorders. Placed on the body, Lepidolite finds the source of disease, allegedly giving off a gentle vibration when it locates the problem. It combats a wide range of conditions, from the average (allergies, exhaustion, etc.) to the severe (Alzheimer's and epilepsy). A glass of water in which a chunk of Lepidolite has been soaked is an ideal elixir for dealing with the effects of menopause. The stone is a powerful painkiller and reduces the ill-effects of anaesthetics. Likewise, it may reduce one's dependency on medication.

Magickal Properties: Lepidolite is a stone epitomizing calm, trust, and acceptance, thus enhancing self-love, patience, and optimism. It is extremely useful to those working to reduce stress, depression, and obsessive modes of thought. As a stone of transformation, Lepidolite releases old psychological and behavioral patterns, thus inducing change. It calms the mind in periods of transition and encourages the ability to achieve goals independently. It is a wonderful agent of dream recall, and lends growing energy to gardening endeavors. The stone attracts supportive friends and colleagues, as well as opportunities to succeed. Given its purple color, Lepidolite is a stone of spirituality and grants access to spiritual realms and the Akashic Records. It is reassuring for those new to psychic work, or for those who previously had a bad psychic experience.

Chakra Association: Fourth (Hearth), Fifth (Throat), Sixth (Third Eye), and Seventh (Crown) chakras

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Jupiter and Neptune

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

May 7th, 2013

Goldstone

 

 

Physical Characteristics: Goldstone is created when Silica, Copper oxides, and other metals are melted together. A chemical reaction occurs, causing elemental Copper to precipitate out, and the vat of melted material is sealed until it cools. The finished product is one of a sienna-colored glass with glittering copper suspended throughout it. Varieties using Cobalt instead of Copper may appear a dark blue.

In Nature: THIS STONE DOES NOT OCCUR IN NATURE. According to legend, Italian monks practicing alchemy created this stone instead of the gold they were seeking; whether this is true or not, the best-known producer of Goldstone is an Italian family.

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + Cu

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 6 (low - middle)

Can be Found: Anywhere where someone has a mind to make it, but predominately Italy and China

Healing Properties*: Since this stone contains Copper, it can be used to increase bloodflow and reduce inflammation. It also protects one from ulcers and bacterial infections. Called by some a "Master Healer", Goldstone stimulates the flow of healing energy through the hands, and may assist in long-distance healings.

Magickal Properties: In some ways, Goldstone acts like Sunstone, especially in that it alleviates depression. It promotes calm, and channels energy well, such that it may be employed to charge other stones or generate energy for spellwork. The stone deflects negativity, and assists in reaching lofty goals. In addition to the aspects of physical health listed above, Goldstone may also help to heal spiritual crises, enhancing faith and belief. It balances and grounds one's energy, and, in accordance with its alchemical associations, can be used for personal transformation. Associated with Aventurine (indeed, it is sometimes called Aventurine Glass), Goldstone shares its connections to good fortune, especially in gambling and matters of money, and in travel, both astral and physical. 

Chakra Association: Goldstone is associated with the Second (Sacral) chakra.

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Venus

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate

 

Physical Characteristics: Blue Lace Agate is a periwinkle blue stone characterized by banding in pale grey and white. As this coloration resembles a cloudy sky, this Agate has been nicknamed the "Stone of Ecology".

In Nature: A form of chalcedony, Blue Lace Agate forms when siliceous matter crystallizes inside cracks in lava rock or granite.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5 - 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Namibia, South Africa, Germany

Healing Properties*: This Agate may be used to lessen pain from arthritis, bone and/or growing pains, headaches, and digestive disorders. For centuries, the stone has been used to quench thirst and cure fevers.

Magickal Properties: Blue Lace Agate assists in flight - use it for astral travel or even to get a discount on those airplane tickets you need. It increases grace and agility, and helps one reach higher spiritual planes. The stone has a strong calming effect, reducing anger and uneasiness, while the blue color stimulates the Throat Chakra, improving communication and even helping one overcome speech impediments. Persian magicians used this stone to divert storms, perhaps making the above connection between the stone and the sky. One might also use it to discern truth, prevent insomnia, and increase analytical abilities. Furthermore, the stone has a long history of protecting children, especially from falling. This is a Pisces stone (that's me!), and as such, I would infer that Blue Lace Agate could be used to stimulate creativity, the ability to visualize, and positive dreams.

Chakra Association: The Fifth - or Throat - Chakra

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!