Crystal/Gemstone Meaning/Property Guide A3

Ametrine

Many believe that Ametrine contains the powers of Amethyst and Citrine (because it is a rare combination of the two) in one stone, making it a very powerful money stone as well as an excellent conductor to higher psychic awareness and spiritual enlightenment.

Andalusite (aka Fairy Cross)

Named after Andalucia, Spain, where it was first discovered, andalusite displays many different colors; the angle of light refraction aids in the wide array of colors seen in the stone. Typical colors include green, brown, red and yellow. The angle at which the stone is cut directly affects the resulting color of the stone.

Andalusite is very hard and is suitable for wearing, but it is not often seen in jewelry pieces in its purest form. It is an aluminum silicate polymorph, sharing the same chemical composition as kyanite and sillimanite. Polymorphic stones share the same chemical composition as one or more other gemstones, but their crystals form in unique patterns, giving each stone its own look.

Andalusite is used as a gemstone and in ceramics, particularly in the manufacturing of spark plugs. This stone was once called the "poor man's alexandrite" because you get color play at a low price.

Andalusite is used to encourage one to look at issues rationally by helping one to see the various sides to a problem or situation. It also helps one to realize the self-sacrifice is okay, but never required.

Angelite

Powers: Facilitates contact with the angelic realm. It enhaces telepathic communication and enables out-of-body journeys.

Apatite (aka Asparagus Stone, Berilo)

The name apatite is quite appropriate, considering this mineral makes up the teeth in all vertebrate animals (and teeth are used to satisfy appetite!). In fact, it comprises more than 60% of the bones and teeth in humans, fish, birds, cows, and even mammoths and dinosaurs. Apatite is a calcium phosphate that is typically green, but also can be blue, yellow, reddish-brown, violet, yellow-green ("asparagus stone"), colorless or multicolored. Colors often form due to natural irradiation or the presence of rare earth elements. This clear to opaque stone will sometimes show a cat's-eye effect. Its name comes from the Greek word apate, meaning "to deceive," as apatite is deceivingly similar to more-valuable minerals like olivine, beryl, Peridot and topaz. Apatite is actually three different minerals, depending on the predominance of either fluorine, chlorine or the hydroxyl group. These minerals are therefore called fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxylapatite. However, since it is difficult to distinguish among them, they are usually classified as a single mineral. The majority of apatite on the market is fluorapatite, the most common member.

Apatite is widely distributed in all rock types — igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic — but is usually found only as small, scattered grains or cryptocrystalline fragments. It can be cut into gems and beads, yet its softness and brittle nature have prevented it from becoming particularly popular or gaining widespread acceptance as a gemstone. Apatite is best utilized in earrings and necklaces, where it is least vulnerable to damage and will catch the light for optimum shine. Never use a steamer, hot water or ultrasonic cleaner with apatite. Mild soap, lukewarm tap water and a soft cloth are the best cleaning tools, as they won't scratch the surface or diminish its luster.

Apatite's history with humans is long, yet surprisingly vague. While the stone has been associated with appetite suppression for centuries, few other traditions are known. Its true non-gemstone uses have only been discovered in the last 100 years. For instance, since it became known as a source of phosphorus for plants, apatite has been widely used in the manufacture of fertilizers. It also is valuable in fission track dating of rocks. Archeologists especially have benefited from the mineral — unlike shale and other rocks, apatite can uniquely preserve soft-tissue fossils. Apatite precipitates (condenses) very rapidly, forming tiny crystals that replace the muscles, blood vessels and other tissues in ancient animals. Its small crystal size means apatite can preserve delicate details of the fossilized animals' structure, providing a wealth of information for researchers.

This corresponds nicely with metaphysical theory, which holds that apatite can stimulate the thoughts and ideas, and help people maintain focus, learn, concentrate effectively and think clearly. Psychics use the stone to open the third eye and bring revelations closer. Many also say it brings love, harmony and peace. Healers say it is helpful for fighting viruses and controlling weight gain.

Apatite connects one to a very high level of spiritual guidance and opens the throat chakra for increased communication skills. Apatite is also a very diverse healing stone.

It can help to integrate , co-ordinate , and balance the emotional intellectual , physical , and etheric bodies. It can further the connection with UFOs and can provide access to past - life insight and telepathy. Apatite enhances creativity. It is a stone of the future and will bring knowledge to those attuned to it by clearing mental confusion. It truly awakens the finer , inner - self. Wearing or carrying apatite has successfully produced hunger suppression: an elixir made of the material has also produced the same results.

Aquamarine (aka Sea Turquoise)

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl gemstone family, and has a more evenly distributed color than its relative the emerald. Gem-quality aquamarine is usually free of inclusions and possesses a superior brilliance, while bead-grade aquamarine tends to have many interesting inclusions and numerous opaque areas. The more intense the color of this stone, the higher its value. Aquamarine is a hard gemstone, which makes it an excellent choice for jewelry that will be worn frequently. However, be sure to store aquamarine beads in a dark place, as they often become paler if left out in the sun. Also be aware that far too much blue topaz (which is much cheaper) has been sold as aquamarine.

The legendary origin of aquamarine is that it was found in mermaids' treasure chests, making it renowned as a lucky stone for sailors. Its name is derived from the Latin words for "water" and "sea." Consequently, aquamarine is said to protect from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It also is said to heal nerve pain, glandular problems, toothaches and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat.

Aquamarine has been called "Water of the Sea,” because of its color. The aquamarine is the stone of sailors, believing it would be protection for them on water. Folklore says the aquamarine will protect against gossip. It is also said the Aquamarine will pick up spirits. It is an excellent stone to use for meditating. Aquamarine is most powerful as a meditation stone, as it brings a great peace and serenity. Some people can meditate on an Aquamarine to receive the wisdom to see truth, but this is a very advanced meditation. Aquamarine is the stone to help you be in touch with your spiritual being. This stone is used in deep meditations.

Powers: Courage, Mental Powers, Psychism, Purification, Aligns Chakras, Shields Aura, Improves Vision.

Magickal Uses: Pack in suitcase to guard against storms when traveling by water.

Aqua Aura

Aqua Aura is quartz crystal that has been treated with pure gold in solution and when electrical current is applied in a special machine, fuses the gold molecules to the surface of the quartz. Metaphysically it has the qualities of both quartz and gold. Quartz has a harmonizing effect and aligns the chakra system. Gold imparts a more assertive energy to the wearer and the blue color helps stimulate the throat chakra, improving communications abilities through speaking.

Atlantisite

Atlantisite promotes successful thinking in business or regarding possessions.

Aventurine (aka Adventurine, Aventurine Quartz, Indian Jade)

Aventurine is a form of chalcedony (quartz) that contains small inclusions of various shiny minerals. These materials, usually spangles of mica or iron oxide, give the stone a glistening effect known as aventurescence. Aventurine's granular appearance and particular translucence are its most distinctive characteristics. Most aventurine is naturally reddish brown or yellow, though a green variety is also known. The green aventurine you'll find on the market, as well as the red and blue, is almost certainly dyed to achieve its color.

The mineral aventurine is named for its resemblance to the well-known aventurine glass of Venice, Italy. As for how the glass obtained its name, tradition has it that a Murano workman accidentally dropped some copper filings in molten glass, creating an attractive new material. And so the glass was named avventurino for the Italian word avventura, or "by chance."

Aventurine is said to calm a troubled mind, thereby bringing inner peace. It is also supposed to increase confidence and gratitude, and promote emotional tranquility and positive attitudes.

You should never buy a lottery ticket without an aventurine in your left pocket. Lady Luck will be in your left pocket. This is the stone of opportunity. Aventurine is known as the stone of chance or luck. If you gamble or play the lotto, keep this stone in your left pocket. Aventurine aid nearsightedness, mental and emotional clarity, joy, positive attitude, releasing anxiety and fear, alignment, independence, stillness, meditation, good luck and chance, increases perception and creative insight. Heart Chakra.

Powers: Creativity, Mental Powers, Gambling, Money, Peace, Luck.

Magickal Uses: Wear, carry, or use in spells to stimulate creativity, enhance intelligence, aid in gambling, to attract money and luck.

Green Aventurine - It reinforces ones decisiveness, amplifies ones leadership qualities, and is a willing participant in instinctive action. Emotional tranquility, positive attitudes towards life, brings one into alignment with their center. Independence, health and well being , heals the heart chakra.

Red/Orange Aventurine - This material provides reflective qualities so that one can recognize the flaws of humanity and can remain in the heart space to continue to love this same humanity. It can help one look at a situation incomplete detail, magnifying those aspects of importance. It provides for self reflection, and allows one to recognize that In each person you see but the reflection of that which you choose to have that person be. It can be used when fasting, to reduce hunger.

Azurite (aka Azure Copper Ore, Chessylite)

This soft, deep-blue mineral is a basic copper carbonate, formed in copper deposits deep in the earth. In some locations, azurite undergoes a chemical change and loses some hydroxyl, turning it into malachite. In some cases, part of the azurite is altered to malachite while the other part remains azurite; these specimens are green on one end and blue on the other. Because of this close association, it's rare to find one of these stones without the other. Malachite and azurite are actually chemical twins; aside from color, their only difference is that azurite holds less water than malachite. The two can frequently be found in the same copper deposits as their cousin, turquoise. The rarest of the three, azurite is popular for its deep-blue hue. Its name is even derived from the Persian word for blue, lazhward. Unfortunately, azurite's color can turn out so dark that larger crystals can appear black; small crystals show the lighter azure color best. Azurite is overall opaque, but can be translucent in thin splinters.

The stone linarite is sometimes mistakenly sold as azurite, since they occur in the same locations and can strikingly resemble each other. However, simple tests of their physical properties can accurately distinguish the two. Azurite is available on the market in several forms. Never clean azurite with any product containing ammonia, as this will remove the stone's polish. Also, if you attempt to cut or carve azurite, be aware that its dust is moderately toxic.

For eons, azurite was crushed and used as a dye for paints and fabrics. The process began in Fourth-Dynasty Egypt (2575-2467 B.C.), but didn't become common until the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when azurite was the most important pigment in European painting. It was eventually abandoned, as people realized that certain environments turned the azurite into malachite (and horrified artists saw their masterpiece blue skies and seas turn green!). In its solid form, azurite has long been known as a "stone of heaven" and was used in many ancient cultures to help contact divine consciousness. Native Americans considered it a sacred aid to journeys with their spirit guides. Today, azurite is reputed to heighten one's insight and wisdom; enhance prophesy and divination; improve and control energy flow; fortify the memory and enhance intellectual receptivity; and help evaluate and dissolve a person's unwanted beliefs. It is also thought to aid the power of healing, specifically for the liver, arthritis, joints, sinuses, skin, throat, spleen and spine.