Cherry Quartz, unlike Rose Quartz, is human-made by melting glass in a furnace and combining it with swirls of pink to give it its distinct color and infusions or needles. Because of its soft color, it has long been regarded as a soothing, calming crystal that promotes love and healing. It is said to help clear negative emotions such as jealousy, anger and fear, and also alleviate heartache and psychic traumas. Wearing cherry quartz at night might promote peaceful sleep and creative inspiration. And, of course, it’s a lovely color for a gift for Mother’s Day.
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November 2012 Gemstone of the Month – Tiger Iron
Is the thought of Christmas shopping stressing you out? Are you tired of wallowing in indecision about problems with kids, parents, in-laws, the dog? November’s stone of the month will come to your rescue. Tiger iron renews energy and gives you the support necessary to take action on all fronts.
Although its name may not be as intriguing as Australian Dragon’s blood jade, Tiger Iron makes up for that in beauty. It looks nothing like iron, rather it is steely silver, warm mahogany and chatoyant gold.
Quiz: Who remembers what chatoyant means? Hint: Check back to Tiger eye.
Relatively new to the gemstone market, Tiger Iron is a metamorphosed rock consisting of red jasper , tigereye and hematite . Billions of years ago deposits of these three parent stones were smashed together between shifting tectonic plates. The resulting stone has distinctive bands of these three, a perfect complement to many earth-toned fashions. Deposits are found primarily in South Africa.
Tiger Iron is said to be beneficial for those who are deeply exhausted and drained by taking on other people’s feelings and emotions. It is also valuable for those suffering from emotional or mental burnout or family stress.
Tiger Iron encourages and supports change, giving you the energy to take necessary action. It is also a creative and artistic stone believed to bring out hidden talents and to help with creative endeavors.
So with the holidays looming, Tiger Iron is just the thing to wear to combat stress and exhaustion. Join us to make something for yourself or as a gift at one of our Bead with Us soirees.
Mary Szakmeister
mary@artistsatheart.com
October 2012 Gemstone of the Month – Labradorite
There is very good news about this month’s gemstone. It purportedly detoxifies the body and slows down the aging process! Bring it on! As if that were not enough to get our total attention, it is useful when experiencing change, as it imparts strength and perseverance. It is said to help with psychic abilities and revealing the truth behind illusion. In addition, it banishes fear and insecurities, strengthening faith in oneself and the universe. For those of an artistic bent, it stimulates the imagination, and for those who are too intense, it calms an overactive mind.
On the physical side, it is said to help the eyes and brain, and stimulate metabolism and balance. No wonder it slows aging, it also lowers blood pressure.
Geologically, Labradorite is plagioclase feldspar which just means it’s a mineral within feldspar. The term comes from the Greek, meaning “oblique fracture” referring to its cleavage (in mineralogy, cleavage is the tendency of crystalline materials to split along definite structural planes).
As its name would suggest, it was originally found at Paul’s Island, Labrador. It was also found in WWII in Finland. It has been found in some meteorites.
According to legend, when a wandering Eskimo freed the Northern Lights from imprisonment, a few were left trapped in the stone, giving today’s Labradorite its iridescence. That iridescence gives it its other name, “Falcon’s Eye.”
And so, I close with, Good Luck! because that is what this gorgeous iridescent gray stone is supposed to bring.