Mineral Properties

 

We will add to this page as time goes by to share the knowledge.

 

Agate

 

Agate is a banded form of Chalcedony that forms within cavities of volcanic rocks through the introduction of silica-rich fluids, drawing its range of colour and patterns from various impurities. An example of these impurities is Iron Oxides and Manganese.

The name is believed to of occurred due to its discovery around the shoreline of the Achates River in Sicily.

The most likely locations of reserves are said to be in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Botswana, and the United States.

The majority of Agates are hollow with a crystal-lined cavity or geode of druzy quartz or Amethyst.

Some examples of agate are:

Blue Lace Agate, Moss Agate, Black Agate, Lace Agate, and Dendritic Agate.

Agate is reported to be a strong grounding stone which encourages stability and strength.

 

 

 

Amber

 

Amber is fossilised tree resin that was exuded from the bark of trees millions of years ago.

The resin is believed to have dropped to the forest floor, become embedded into the local sediments, and be compressed by overlying deposits, then fossilised over millions of years.

Amber can be found in several different colours such as yellow, orange, red, white, brown, green, bluish, or “black”. It is believed that different types of trees, or different impurities in the resin produced the different colours of amber.

Rainbow colours within the amber are caused by the light interference of air bubbles or strain created during an insect’s death struggle.

The most beautiful thing about amber is the enclosed flora and fauna. Usually insects, spiders and plant remnants ended up in the resin when it was still soft and sticky.

Natural amber, regardless of the colour, may darken to a mellow brown after long exposure to the air.

The most likely origination of Amber is Lithuania, Latvia, Russia (Kaliningrad), Poland, southern Sweden, northern Germany, and Denmark.

 

 

 

Amethyst

 

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz. The name comes from the Greek word amethystos which means to not intoxicate or not drunken which is a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.

Amethyst is a variety of Quartz found in many locations around the world such as Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Canada, south Africa and America. It’s purple colour comes from the impurities of iron within the stone, without which it would be colourless.

Inclusions like Phantoms can add visual appeal. Minerals such as Goethite & Hematite, along with trapped gas & water bubbles, may be present which add to the value of the stone.

Amethyst is also frequently heat-treated to enhance color or to create 'Citrine' & Prasiolite.

amethyst stone is considered the stone of humility and wisdom.

Amethyst is reported to stimulate creativity, imagination and clarity. Equally, this stone plays a major role in promoting contemplation, concentration and also spiritual elevation. It also alleviates anger, fear, anxiety, distress, sadness and grief.

 

 

 

Black Obsidian

 

The name "Obsidian" originates from the Latin word "obsidianus," named after Obsius, a Roman explorer credited with discovering a similar volcanic glass in Ethiopia.

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. Obsidian has a glassy lustre and is slightly harder than window glass. Normally Obsidian is jet-black in colour, but due to the presence of hematite (iron oxide) red and brown varieties could be produced. The inclusion of tiny gas bubbles may also create a golden sheen. Other types with dark bands or mottling in gray, green, or yellow are also known.

Obsidian can be found in many locations throughout the world but, it’s best known occurrences are Mount Hekla in Iceland, the Eolie Islands off the coast of Italy, and Obsidian Cliff in Yellowstone National Park, U.S.

Black Obsidian is reported to be a powerful gemstone, known for its grounding and protective properties shielding the wearer from negativity. It’s been used by many cultures around the world for centuries believed to have access to hidden knowledge and activate spiritual powers.

 

 

 

Calcite

 The name calcite is derived from the Greek word chalix, meaning "lime." This mineral is a common constituent of sedimentary rocks, particularly limestone, and is the primary mineral in metamorphic marble. Water often contains much dissolved calcium that can react with carbon dioxide to precipitate calcite also known as calcium carbonate or CaC03. A good example is the formation of stalactites and stalagmites in caves. Calcite is one of the most common minerals in the world but some large deposits are in the following places Tsumeb Mine, Namibia, Brazil, Germany, Romania, England, Canada, China, Pakistan, Mexico, Russia, New Jersey, Elmwood Mine, Tennessee, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Nevada, Missouri, Colorado, Massachusetts.

Calcite is number 3 on the Mohs hardness scale; thus, it can be scratched readily by a knife blade or geologic pick.

Calcite is said to be is a carbonate mineral known for its energy-amplifying properties and is symbolically recognized for strength of spirit and energy.

 

 

Orange calcite

 

 The properties of orange Calcite are the same as normal Calcite other than the orange coloration which is typically due to the presence of iron or other impurities.

Orange Calcite is said to be a powerful healing stone, it is reported to contain the element of fire. It has been said to link to the physical body and aid in healing emotional issues. This crystal is highly energising to your health and life force energies.

 

 

 Celestite

 

 Celestite derives its name from the Latin word caelestis meaning celestial which in turn is derived from the Latin word caelum meaning sky or heaven.

Celestite is a mineral which consists of strontium sulphate SrSO4 and typically forms within sedimentary rocks, Celestite commonly coexists with Gypsum.

Celestite can be found in many areas of the world but mainly Madagascar, Mexico, United States, Germany, and Italy.

Celestite's hardness on the Mohs scale is 3-3.5, which means it's very soft and prone to scratching.

According to some Celestite is reported to have a calming and soothing energy which extends to the realm of mental and emotional healing. It is often used as a tool for stress relief, helping individuals find inner peace and emotional balance. By reducing anxiety and tension, Celestite fosters a sense of serenity and emotional clarity.

 

 

 

Citrine

 

 Citrine gets its name from the French word "citron," meaning lemon, which describes the gemstone's yellow to orange-yellow hue.

Citrine is mainly comprised of Quartz and most of the available Citrine is actually man made by heat-treating purple amethyst which in turn changes the colour somewhere between yellow to brownish red.

There are some rare natural deposits of Citrine in the Ural Mountains of Russia and in Madagascar. Most Citrine out of Brazil is most likely heat-treated Amethyst.

Citrine has a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This indicates that it is a fairly durable gem.

Citrine is reported as a highly protective stone, promoting spiritual growth and cleansing the aura. It is believed to absorb negative energies and transmute them into positive vibrations.

 

 

 

 Quartz

 

Quartz comes from the German word quarz, which traces its roots back to Slavic and Polish terms for the word meaning hard.

Quartz is a mineral that is composed of silica (silicon dioxide). Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, behind feldspar.

Quartz comes in many variations, an example of these are Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine, and Girasol Quartz.

Most quartz forms in either igneous rocks or environments with geothermal waters.

In igneous rocks, quartz forms as magma cools. Like water turning into ice, silicon dioxide will crystallize as it cools. Slow cooling generally allows the crystals to grow larger.

Smoky Quarts will form when the rocks around it contain radioactive elements. Over time, the radiation alters the crystal, causing defects. The most common type of smoky quartz available on the open market will be heat-treated quartz and not natural smoky quartz.

Quartz is available in many locations throughout the world. The most common locations are Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, Russia, and the Alps.

It is said that quartz is Known for its amazing healing properties and ability to amplify positive energy, clear quartz is often referred to as the “Master Healer”.

 

 

 

Rose Quartz

 

Its name is derived from its soft rose color, which ranges from very pale pink to deep reddish pink. Its coloration is attributed to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese within the crystal structure. The color can vary due to different concentrations of these impurities.

It usually occurs in massive form, though it sometimes grows in clusters of small prismatic crystals.

The crystal can be found across the United States, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, India, Sweden, and Germany.

Rose quartz is said to symbolizes love, emotional healing, and compassion. Many believe it promotes self-love, healing, and positive energy.

 

 

 

Lapis Lazuli

 

The name comes from the Latin word ‘lapis’ meaning ‘stone’ and the Persian lazhward meaning ‘blue.

Lapis is a Metamorphic rock composed primarily of the minerals lazurite, pyrite and calcite.

Lapis can be made into jewellery, carvings, boxes, mosaics, ornaments, small statues, and vases. Interior items and finishing buildings can be also made with lapis.

A large source of Lapis Lazuli is from the mine in northeast Afghanistan. Important amounts are also produced from mines west of Lake Baikal in Russia, and in the Andes mountains in Chile. Smaller quantities are mined in Pakistan, Italy, Mongolia, the United States, and Canada.

Lapis Lazuli is said to be a stone of protection. It also reported that it can recognize a psychic attack and works to negate the effects of any harmful energies coming your way. Some people also believe that Lapis Lazuli encourages self-awareness and taking charge of your own life.