Crystal/Gemstone Meaning/Property Guide S2

Shattuckite

Shattuckite is often called a stone of reconciliation. It is reputed to have properties of assisting with reconcilation and renewal. Shattuckite is also used to channel information, particularly from extra-terrestrials; and it is used for automatic writing. It is said to calm the mind and create harmony. Crystal healing lore reputes that shattuckite is helpful for healing diabetes, calcium absorption problems, parathyroid, mites and other infestations, and tonsilitis. Shattuckite is primarily associated with the throat chakra.

Smithsonite

In 1802, John Smithson, the English chemist and mineralogist whose estate later became the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., proved zinc carbonates were true carbonate minerals, not zinc oxides. This scientific development divided what was previously known as calamine (the same calamine in calamine lotion that relieves the itch of mosquito bites) into two separate minerals: hemimorphite (zinc oxide) and smithsonite (zinc carbonate). Smithsonite is known for its fine luster, which is often described as "melted wax." This mineral is found in a variety of colors, from its typical apple and bluish green to lavender (highly sought), white, tan, brown, yellow, orange, pink and peach. We sell "quartz" (glass) beads with vibrant colors based on smithsonite's natural palette that we describe as "rainbow blue 'quartz.'" Sometimes others erroneously call this "quartz" smithsonite, but the real deal is fairly easy to identify. Smithsonite is harder than other carbonates (such as calcite) but softer than prehnite. It is popular with mineral collectors and is known as bonamite when used as an ornamental stone.

Among healers, it is used for meditation and aligning the chakras.

Soapstone

Soft (by rock standards) with a smooth and characteristic “soapy” feel, soapstone has been a popular material for both utilitarian and artistic sculpting in cultures around the world since prehistoric times. The ancient city of Tepe Yahya, located in Iran, served as a distribution center for soapstone from the 5th to 3rd millennia B.C., and Native American vessels dating as far back as 1300 B.C. have been found in Maryland.

Soapstone occurs in shades of green, brown and gray. It is often sold under various marketing names, and is sometimes presented as jade. A magnesium-rich metamorphic rock, soapstone is comprised mostly of the mineral talc, which scores 1 (softest) on the Mohs hardness scale. Its properties vary depending on common mineral impurities. Soapstone used in jewelry is often treated with a stabilizing resin or vitrified (made glassy through heat treatment). Soapstone retains heat extremely well, and because it is resistant to acids, it is a popular material for countertops, sinks and other industrial applications.

Sodalite

(aka Canadian Blue Stone, Canadian Lapis)

Sodalite is characterized by its dark, intense blue color with white and sometimes yellow streaks. This sodium aluminum chlorine silicate is almost identical in composition to lapis lazuli, except lapis contains sulfur instead of chlorine. In fact, it often is confused with its lapis cousin. Sodalite is a member of the feldspathoid group (minerals with similar chemistries to feldspar but which have poor silica content). Its name probably is culled from its sodium content, though some say it comes from the Latin solidus ("solid") since it was a solid used in the process of glass making. Never clean this stone in an ultrasonic machine; steaming is possible but risky, so your best bet is warm, soapy water. Also, avoid rough handling. The gemstone fuses to a colorless glass in heat and can be damaged by hydrochloric acid.

Sodalite has been discovered in ancient tombs and ruins in various ornamental forms, often as a replacement for lapis lazuli. It is said that Egyptian priests often used sodalite to dispel fears and to promote a clear, insightful mind.

Mystics today say the gemstone can help change the way you feel about yourself. It is believed to have subtle, soothing energies and help you to see the wisdom of adopting a simpler, less hectic lifestyle. It also is said to be effective in combating radiation. Physically, sodalite is said to help boost the immune system, balance the metabolism and cleanse the organs.

Sodalite is a stone of mental and emotional balance. When we're in a state of emotional turmoil it can help to restore us to a calm and reflective state.

Sodalite helps one to stimulate communications and psychic abilities. Also balances male/female polarities; alleviates fear, calms and clears the mind, brings clarity and truth. Aids pancreas, balances endocrine system, strengthens metabolism and lymphatic system.

Sodalite is one of the stones of the Deep Journey. It provides insight into the self, and a dispassionate assessment of one’s motivations, strengths, weaknesses, desires, gifts, and patterns of personal destiny. Sodalite can increase ones capacity for intuition. It increases the frequency and accuracy of one’s 'hunches' and gives one confidence in ones 'Inner Knowing'.

Sodalite helps one see where ones path lies. It acts as a 'signpost' in one’s personal journey, helping one become immersed in the experience of Spiritual Growth, without obsessing in the 'magic tricks' that can go with ones awakening.

Sodalite can be effective in achieving hypnotic or trance states. It removes one from the pressures and worries of life and allows one to sink deeply into the subconscious and unconscious mind. It can be used to help one recall ones dreams, or to practice lucid dreaming.

A stone of logic, rationality, and efficiency. Helpful for work in groups by stimulating thought and protecting against negative energies.. Heals breaches in communication. A stone of truth, it can help end arguments or other disagreements. Useful for honesty of emotions. It increases intelligence, knowledge and learning, and can unite the logical with the spiritual. Associated with the thyroid, it can help in losing a few pounds. Beneficial for the glands, digestive system, relieving insomnia, and decreasing calcium deficiency. Useful for quicker healing of head colds. Associated with the throat and brow chakras.

Powers: Healing, Peace, Meditation, Wisdom.

Magickal Uses: Wear or hold to still the mind, relax the body and calm inner turmoil.

Spectrolite

(aka Finnish Labradorite)

This brilliantly iridescent material is regarded as the world's most beautiful form of labradorite (a variety of plagioclase feldspar). Specifically, "spectrolite" is a trade name for high-grade labradorite found only in Finland. While standard labradorite has a light green-gray base and moderate play of color (called labradorescence or schiller), spectrolite has a dark or black base and reflects an entire spectrum of colors. Blue is spectrolite's most common play of color, followed by a range of yellows: lime-yellow to gold to bright canary yellow. Orange and green also can be seen and, more rarely, red, magenta and purple. Composed of calcium sodium aluminum silicate, spectrolite is a versatile gemstone.

Its brilliant pastels and deep gold colors make it perfect for spring and summer wardrobes. Every movement creates a shifting pattern of surface colors. Spectrolite is heat sensitive, prone to splitting and has medium hardness; it is therefore relatively fragile and must be worn and cleaned with care. Ultrasonic or steam cleaning is too risky, and beads to be used in bracelets should be worn carefully and infrequently. The best uses for this stone are earrings, brooches and pendants, which are worry free.

Spectrolite was discovered by accident in 1940 during World War II, as stone was being quarried along Finland's eastern border to create tank obstacles. This makes it a more recent discovery than the well-known labradorite from Canada and Madagascar. Countries are allowed to name their own gemstones, and so Finland was faced with an opportunity. Professor Aarne Laitakari, then director of the Geological Survey of Finland, selected the name "spectrolite." This choice reportedly stemmed from the stone's wide spectrum of colors. It's also said that each color symbolizes a trait of Finland: blue represents the thousands of lakes; green suggests the forested wilderness; and yellow, red and orange reflect the glow of fall foliage. Spectrolite is now Finland's national stone.

Metaphysical properties associated with spectrolite include providing clarity to the inner self, enhancing patience, dispelling negativity, improving cooperation and giving perseverance and strength. It is also purported to help treat eye and brain disorders, and to help regulate metabolism and the digestive process.

Staurolite

Staurolite is a good luck stone shaped like a cross. Used for protection against accidents, and for courage.

Stibnite

Stibnite can assist in attracting new opportunities for growth and wealth. Use it with sodalite to ensure your intuition is healthy when exploring new investments or chances for personal gain. Stibnite energizes your dreams for big changes in career, self-image, personal power, and spiritual life.

Sugilite

(aka Gem Sugilite, Luvulite, Purple Turquoise, Royal Azel, Royal Lavulite, Royal Lazelle)

Sugilite (SOO-gih-light) is a somewhat obscure mineral named for the Japanese geologist who discovered the first specimen in 1944, Ken-ichi Sugi. It is a potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminum silicate (now that's a mouthful!). Sugilite forms in syenite, a rock that was created through volcanic activity deep beneath the earth's surface. It is usually opaque with a waxy luster but can be translucent. It often has brown, pink and white inclusions, looking like a purple version of turquoise (though the two minerals are unrelated). The most valuable sugilite is a deep purple or reddish purple — colors it derives from manganese. However, some sugilite is gray, white or yellow. These color variations are caused by the presence of quartz or various other silicate materials. Warm soapy water is the best cleanser for this gemstone, as it is risky to clean sugilite by ultrasonic machine or steaming.

Sugilite has been called the stone of the New Age. The variety Professor Sugi first discovered in Japan in 1944 was a light brownish yellow. The second known occurrence of sugilite came in 1955, when a single dark-red ore specimen with pink crystals across its surface was found in central India. However, this specimen was not identified as sugilite until many years later. It was not until 1975 that sugilite was discovered in a significant quantity: a thin, bright-magenta band running through a core sample obtained at a manganese mine in South Africa, near a small desert town called Hotazel. Though this was a low-grade ore, by 1979 a major deposit of gem-grade sugilite was exposed in the area. Most of this original material has since been used up, making quality sugilite a relatively rare item on the market. Only a few, much-smaller finds have followed.

Sugilite is considered a great balancer of mind, body and spirit, and is said to attract healing power. Mystics say it helps with self-forgiveness and brings forth acceptance and belief in oneself. It also is said to eliminate hostility and infuse the being with inspiration and confidence. Yoga enthusiasts believe sugilite stimulates the crown chakra and aids in opening all the chakras, allowing for the movement of Kundalini energy. It is highly regarded for centering spiritual light into the body and drawing out both physical and emotional pain. Sugilite seems to protect against, absorb and dissipate anger. Many also believe it will heal headaches and discomforts, simply by holding it.

Sugilite enhances the magical understanding of Higher things. Symbol of universal love. The crown chakra and spiritual understanding.

Sunstone

(aka Aventurine Orthoclase, Heliolite, Aventurine Feldspar)

This bright, sparkling stone is a feldspar crystal formed in molten lava and then discharged onto the surface of the earth by a volcano. As the lava weathers away or is broken up, crystals are released. Sunstone gets its name from the ways its inclusions reflect the sun's light. This gemstone varies from golden to orange to red-brown, and can be transparent or translucent. Sunstone has a distinctly metallic look, due to sparkling inclusions (usually hematite or goethite crystals) of red, orange or green. Many sunstones also contain copper or pyrite inclusions, giving an extra flash of light; the darker stones contain larger amounts of copper. These gemstone beads are cut in India, so irregularities in shape, size or other qualities should be expected.

The ancient natives in Oregon (U.S.A.) once used sunstone for barter. In addition, the Vikings considered the gemstone to be a talisman for navigation, and sunstones have been discovered in Viking burial mounds.

Sunstone is believed to strengthen the life force, bring luck, instill optimism, and increase strength and vitality. Many say it assists contemplative processes and bolsters the energy level. It might lend extra physical energy in times of stress or ill health. Sunstone also is thought to bring luck and romance to the wearer, and is believed helpful to the liver and kidneys.