August 7th, 2014

Smoky Quartz

Physical Characteristics: Smoky Quartz ranges from almost complete clarity to almost black; typically, it is a translucent brown or grey.

In Nature: Natural irradiation creates free Silicon ions within the crystal, thus giving it its color. The same effect can be obtained artificially using radiation techniques. Artificial Smoky Quartz will be lesser in quality but may be more inexpensive.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Worldwide, but especially Brazil, the USA, and the Swiss Alps

Healing Properties*: Physically, this crystal treats ailments of the lower abdomen: cramps, back pain, kidney and liver problems, sexual dysfunction, etc. Moreover, it relieves mental disorders, ADD, and hyperactivity.

Magickal Properties: Smoky Quartz possesses many of the same properties as Clear Quartz, including energy amplification, but because of its chemical differences, it is rooted in the physical plane rather than the psychic. It is a grounding stone, but unlike its opaque relatives, Smoky Quartz's energy is joyful, connecting one to safety and security while lifting the spirit and transmuting negativity into positivity instead of just neutralizing it. It relieves depression, stress, and anger while keeping its bearer relaxed and centered. The stone strengthens one's survival instincts (Live in a dangerous neighborhood? Carry some Smoky Quartz.), and also eases the grieving process. Like many dark stones, this crystal is a good choice for a focus when scrying the future. Hung or placed near the bedside, it prevents nightmares and insomnia. Meditation with Smoky Quartz encourages creative solutions to problems.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Jupiter

*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 11th, 2013

Lapis Lazuli

Physical Characteristics: Lapis Lazuli is a stone containing Lazurite, Calcite, Sodalite, and Pyrite.

In Nature: This conglomeration forms when weathered rock undergoes a chemical transformation to become Lazurite, an essential component of Lapis Lazuli. The Lazurite must then bond with Calcite and Sodalite to become the final stone. The presence of Pyrite is not required, but makes a beautiful and unique element.

Chemical Composition: (Na, Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S, SO4, Cl)1-2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, Siberia, Angola, Argentina, Burma, Pakistan, Canada, India, the United States

Healing Properties*: This stone balances the function of the thyroid gland while strengthening the neck and vocal cords. Use it to soothe sore throats and inflammation of the neck and head.

Magickal Properties: Lapis Lazuli enhances one's awareness, insight, and intellect. It imparts ancient wisdom to its bearer, bringing with it peacefulness, self-acceptance, and objectivity. Lapis expands one's tendency toward leadership while lending aid in legal matters. The stone was carried by Egyptian judges and was dedicated to Ma'at, Goddess of Truth. Use during a court case when you need the truth to come out. Lapis Lazuli shields its bearer from psychic attack, relieves insomnia, and releases anxiety. As an elixir, the stone aligns the energy bodies. Lapis Lazuli has a very high vibration - it is a stone of Deity, and will encourage its bearer to raise his/her own vibratory level to match it. Finally, Lapis Lazuli is a draw for both love and fidelity.

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat) chakra

Element: Water, Air

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Venus, Jupiter

*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!