Cool rocks and other gems!

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Spessartine Garnet

The name "garnet" comes from the Latin granatus, a grain possibly in reference to malum garanatum (pomegranate) a plant with red seeds similar in shape, size and color to some garnet crystals. An expert may understand "Garnet” as the denomination for a group of over ten different gemstones with a similar chemical structure. Although the color red is the one which occurs most frequently, as told, there are also Garnets showing different shades of green, pale to bright yellow, fiery orange and fine earth- and umbra-shades. Only blue is a color which is not truly available in Garnet. It is an unfortunate fact that very few people are aware of the realm of garnets and the colors they possess, as they are each quite beautiful in their own right.

Spessartine - bright orange when pure, dark orange to red due to iron Spessartites or Spessartines are not often cut into gemstones; this is probably due more to a lack of promotion than rarity, they are sold as tumbled stones and beads. These focus on productivity in the home; excellent for anyone whose career is in the home; strengthens happiness and contentment. These gemstones vibrate at a very high rate, which imparts a willingness to help others and strengthens the heart. Spessartine enhances analytical process and your rational mind. It is considered an antidepressant as well as suppressant of nightmares.

 

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Aquamarine

Aquamarine (Lat. aqua marina, "water of the sea") is a gemstone -quality transparent variety of beryl, having a delicate blue or bluish-green color, suggestive of the tint of sea-water. It's closely related to emerald. Almost all aquamarine on the current market has been heat treated to enhance it's color, therefore care must be taken to not overheat these gems, as they may inadvertently become colorless. This practice continues as gem dealers have never been able to successfully duplicate or synthesize aquamarine.

A stone of courage and serenity...Clear light blue, blue-green, this lovely and gentle gem evokes the sea in both its name and its color. It is held in quite high regard in the East as the Stone of the Seer and Mystic, a gemstone that imparts purity to the wearer, as well as encouraging the gentle nature and personality in the wearer. It is a symbol of peace. If you are especially sensitive to the thoughts and vibrations of other people, wear aquamarine with smoky quartz, as this combination will ease the sharpness of the incoming impressions, and the quartz will help to ground you in the physical. In this manner you may avoid being overcome by unwanted impressions.

 

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That was fun.

 

[Saslou]

I am into crystal therapy and own:
Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz, Turquoise, Calcite, Sodalite, Tree Agate, Red and orange Jasper.

I have given my children Calcite and Tiger Eye.

Rose Quartz is my favourite at present and used with Clear Quartz can amplify it's effects.
Properties: Emotionally rose quartz brings gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness and tolerance. It raises one's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. It helps balance emotions and heal emotional wounds and traumas, even grief, bringing peace and calm. Rose quartz removes fears, resentments and anger. It can also heal and release childhood traumas, neglect, and lack of love, in part by enhancing inner awareness. It can help with reconciliation with family and others. Overwhelming or unreasonable guilt is eased by rose quartz.

 

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Quartz
The name "quartz" comes from the Greek derivative krustallos, meaning ice. Rock Crystal Encompasses a large family of stones and crystals, all of which are made up primarily of silicon dioxide, one of the most common and most important substances in the world. Crystals of pure Quartz, generally six-sided, can be found in all shades and colors. Quartz crystals grow singularly or in groups and take on different shapes according to the temperature at the time of their formation. Quartz crystals can also contain other minerals "frozen" within, as in Rutilated Quartz. Quartz can be formed of microscopic crystals and take on entirely different appearances and qualities.

Clear Quartz
The transparent colorless variety of quartz is still known as rock crystal. The best rock crystal has the clarity and shimmer of crystal clear water. Although colorless quartz is relatively common, large flawless specimens are not.

Crystal Quartz is the ultimate "anything-stone" as it radiates all the color vibrations within the spectrum of light and thus can be utilized and programmed for any use which bring light and energy into our spiritual bodies. A "stone of the mind", quartz can be used to imprint with any energy or information and helps to focus the mind, aides in concentration and enhances mental ability.

Rose Quartz is my favourite at present and used with Clear Quartz can amplify it's effects.

Properties: Emotionally rose quartz brings gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness and tolerance. It raises one's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. It helps balance emotions and heal emotional wounds and traumas, even grief, bringing peace and calm. Rose quartz removes fears, resentments and anger. It can also heal and release childhood traumas, neglect, and lack of love, in part by enhancing inner awareness. It can help with reconciliation with family and others. Overwhelming or unreasonable guilt is eased by rose quartz.

Looking at the site I was getting info from, I'm way slack.
Looks for more info.

Rose Quartz is one macrocrystalline (visible to the naked eye) variety of Quartz and is, in fact, one of its very highly desired varieties. It's pink color is unique in the mineral kingdom. When occurring in masses, this pink color is thought to be caused by impurities such as titanium, iron or manganese, although more recent study has shown through X-ray diffraction that the color may be due to thin microscopic fibers such as that which comprises Dumortierite. When in its rarer crystal form, its color is thought to be due to traces of phosphate or aluminum. The origins of Rose Quartz's color are still in debate. If Rutile needles are present during the growth of Rose Quartz, they orient at right angles to the C-axis and a star pattern, or asterism, may be visible when back-lit and peering through the crystal, as opposed to, for instance, certain Sapphires whose asterisms are seen when light shines on the surface of the gem.

Rose Quartz normally occurs as solid masses found in the cores of large pegmatites (a coarse-grained Granite) and sometimes in massive hydrothermal veins. Actual crystals of Rose Quartz are fairly rare; so rare that the first to be found were dismissed as fakes. But true crystals they are; the first was found near Rumford, Maine, but the majority hail from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Still, it is an oddity that Rose Quartz is found somewhat lacking when it comes to crystal formation, as all other forms of Quartz are commonly found in crystal form.

Rose Quartz is a veritable love stone. It is a soft and gentle stone, and it is charming in more ways than one. Not only is it simply an attractive and alluring stone, but it also possesses the power to actually charm its bearer, and, in turn, may charm those he or she chooses to relate to. It opens our hearts to acknowledge and more easily identify all the beauty that surrounds us, not only within all things and within all others, but within ourselves. It also encourages forgiveness through its soothing, healing properties.

 

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Turquoise
Copper is key to beginning the process of creating Turquoise. The mineral is introduced into host rocks by heated magma rising to the earth’s surface. Hydrothermal actions created by the heat of the magma will break down nearby feldspar, releasing aluminum. Phosphoric acids leach from apatites (rocks not usually found near copper deposits) leaving the needed phosphorus. Turquoise is a complicated, persnickety gemstone. Just the right type of minerals must be in just the right place for a very very long time (millions of years) before turquoise is finally created.

Turquoise is considered to be a symbol of generosity, sincerity, and affection. It preserves friendships and can make friends out of enemies in time. Traditionally is is said to only bring good luck if given, not purchased. However, this is not always the case. One must take into consideration the innate energy of each stone individually.

 

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Calcite
Calcite is often the primary constituent of the shells of marine organisms (e.g. plankton, bivalves, etc.). Calcite represents the stable form of calcium carbonate; aragonite will change to calcite at 470°C. It is a common constituent of sedimentary rocks, limestone in particular. It is also the primary mineral in metamorphic marble. It also occurs as a vein mineral in deposits from hot springs, and also occurs in caverns as stalactites and stalagmites.

Calcite in general will amplify and increase energy, it is protecting, purifying, grounding and centering, that will assist in bringing one inner peace. Most all calcite has the unique optical quality of double refraction.

 

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Sodalite
Sodalite, whose name reflects its sodium content is found in all shades and hues of blue and is a major constituent of the rock lapis lazuli, therefore these two stones are easily confused. However, unlike lapis, sodalite very rarely contains the brassy pyrite specks, and it has a lower specific gravity. Sodalite will likely contain white streaks of calcite and is often carved as well as used for jewelry.

It is a stone wonderfully beneficial for healing breaches in communication. A stone of truth, it brings this to all communications. It can help end arguments or other disagreements that have to do with communication or when communication has become an issue. It is particularly useful for honesty of emotions. It increases intelligence, knowledge and learning and will unite the logical with the spiritual.

 

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had to post those so cool.

 

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Agate
Agates occur in nodular masses in rock such as volcanic lavas. When split open, they often reveal in amazing variety of colors and patterns and a distinct banding that distinguishes agate from other forms of chalcedony (the compact, microcrystalline variety of quart).

It is believed to prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams, to enhance personal courage and protect one against danger. Agate provides a calming influence, improves perception, concentration and helps to develop and increase one's analytical talents.

Tree Agate
Tree (Dendritic) Agate is said to assist with introspection and self-discovery. It can give a wider viewpoint of the world. Tree agate relives tension, fever, and skin eruptions. It also brings plentiful crops.

Tree Agate is a stone of inner peace. Gentle Tree Agate calms nerves, and can be combined with Clear Quartz to deepen meditation and prayer. Tree Agate brings our focus to the oneness of us all, dissolving egoism and arrogance. Use Tree Agate to ease relationship problems with children.

Tree Agate is a highly supportive stone that boosts the immune system and regulates the balance of water in the body. Tree Agate helps to clear energy blockages in the Nadis (energy channels) to allow for a greater flow of this energy throughout the body. By opening up these pathways, Tree Agate can help connect to the natural cycles in life, thereby opening one up to a flow of abundance and prosperity.

Having a deep connection to nature, Tree Agate can assist those involved with conservation projects. Tree Agate is a healer of geopathic stress; by emitting its calming and centering energies into the environment. Physically, Tree Agate can help ailments of the nerves and blood capillaries, but is especially helpful to those with neuralgia.

 

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Jasper
Jasper is a massive, fine-grained, opaque variety of chalcedony, believed to protect against sight defects and drought. It may occur in shades of brown, grayish-blue, red, yellow, green and even purple.
"Orbicular" jasper has white or gray, eye-shaped patters surrounded by red jasper. "Ribbon" Jasper is striped and used in carvings, cameos and intaglios, which help to show off it's layered structure. Hornstone is a gray variety of jasper.

Red Jasper
A fine protective stone it is often used in defensively, as it sends negativity back to the original sender. It is also used during health and healing, as well red jasper is worn by young women to promote beauty and grace.

Orange Jasper
Orange is the combination of red and yellow colors. It is a warm, positive and stimulating color. This color stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Orange symbolizes vitality with endurance. It is said to be the color of Lady Luck. This stone also offers powerful protection against things that are not good for you and helps in balancing vibrations of the body.

 

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Yeah that was way cool

 

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Oh forgot about the Tiger eye.

This quartz composite gemstone begins as a fibrous blue mineral called croicidolite, which is comprised of iron and sodium. The transformation begins as clear quartz becomes imbedded between the fibers of crocidolite, and the completed process will result in one of two gemstones; a blue stone called Hawk’s Eye or the golden brown stone called Tiger’s Eye. Chatoyant Quartz as it is also known, there are three varieties of this type of quartz. It is the inclusion of croicidolite (blue asbestos) that causes a cat's eye effect known as chatoyancy. Tiger's Eye is black with iron oxide staining that gives the yellow and golden brown stripes. Hawk's Eye forms when the croicidolite changes to quartz but the blue-gray or blue-green color of the original material remains. Whew!

With its vibrant golden color, tiger-eye is used to increase wealth and vitality. It enhances courage, brings passion and physical strength, and allows these attributes to be tempered with mental clarity and a joyful outlook. A good luck stone, it is also used for discerning the truth in any situation, it can help with understanding of any cycle through which one is living.

 

[LadyJaye]

I like shist because it's fun to say it. And there are so many kinds. Also, I like gniess.

 

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I like shist because it's fun to say it. And there are so many kinds. Also, I like gniess.

You mean Gneiss and Schist?
I hope you didn't mean genius shit. hahahaha, I'm good.
But seriously metamorphic rocks are awesome, geekily looks into it and such.

 

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• Gneiss is a high grade metamorphic rock. This means that gneiss has been subjected to more heat and pressure than schist. Gneiss is coarser than schist and has distinct banding. This banding has alternating layers that are composed of different minerals. The minerals that compose gneiss are the same as granite. Feldspar is the most important mineral that makes up gneiss along with mica and quartz. Gneiss can be formed from a sedimentary rock such as sandstone or shale, or it can be formed from the metamorphism of the igneouse rock grantite. Gneiss can be used by man as paving and building stone.

Gneiss is an old German word meaning bright or sparkling. Gneiss is a typical rock type formed by regional metamorphism, in which a sedimentary or igneous rock has been deeply buried and subjected to high temperatures and pressures. Nearly all traces of the original structures (including fossils) and fabric (such as layering and ripple marks) are wiped out as the minerals migrate and recrystallize. The streaks are composed of minerals, like hornblende, that do not occur in sedimentary rocks.

In gneiss, less than 50 percent of the minerals are aligned in thin, foliated layers. You can see that unlike schist, which is more strongly aligned, gneiss doesn't fracture along the planes of the mineral streaks. And thicker veins of large-grained minerals form in it, unlike the more evenly layered appearance of schist. With still more metamorphism, gneisses can turn to migmatite and then totally recrystallize into granite.

Despite its highly altered nature, gneiss can preserve geochemical evidence of its history, especially in minerals like zircon which resist metamorphism. The oldest crustal rocks known are gneisses from western Greenland. Their carbon isotopes show that life existed there at that time, nearly four billion years ago.

Gneiss makes up the largest part of the Earth's lower crust. Pretty much everywhere on the continents, you will drill straight down and eventually strike gneiss.

 

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• Schist is a medium grade metamorphic rock. This means that it has been subjected to more heat and pressure than slate, which is a low grade metamorphic rock. The individual grains of minerals can be seen by the naked eye and many of the original minerals have been altered into flakes. Because it has been squeezed harder than slate it is often found folded and crumpled. Schists are usually named by the main mineral from which they are formed. Bitotite mica schist, hornblende schist, garnet mica schist, and talc schist are some examples of this.

Schist is formed by regional metamorphism and has schistose fabric—it has coarse mineral grains and is fissile, splitting in thin layers. Schist is a metamorphic rock that comes in almost infinite variety, but its main characteristic is hinted at in its name: schist comes from the ancient Greek for "split," through Latin and French. Schist is a rock formed by dynamic metamorphism at high temperatures and high pressures that aligns the grains of mica, hornblende and other flat or elongated minerals into thin layers, or foliation. At least 50 percent of the mineral grains in schist are aligned this way (less than 50 percent makes it gneiss). The rock may or may not be actually deformed in the direction of the foliation, although a strong foliation probably is a sign of high strain.

Schists are commonly described in terms of their predominant minerals. This specimen, for example, would be called a mica schist because the flat, shiny grains of mica are so abundant. Other possibilities include blueschist (glaucophane schist) or amphibole schist.

 

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[youtube="_ClY8C7-IbY"]Finding Light Saber Crystals[/youtube]

I wish there really were light sabers.

[youtube="bFfftJ-Y8UQ"]Collecting Crystals[/youtube]

[youtube="NNRxVE8yxg4"]Crystalline and Amorphous Solids[/youtube]

Stuff I was looking at

 

[Saslou]

Synapse .. Do you own any stones personally?? You seem very interested
Nice pics you added though

 

[Vasilisa]

So, one of the geologists that used to work with me gave me arsenic crystals from his own mineral collection because I admired it once.

It looks a bit like this

But you have to ask yourself, if someone gives you arsenic, should you be flattered?