Quartz
SiO2 Silicate Transparent 7
Most Common
Worldwide
Colors: Clear, Pink, Orange, Purple, Dark Brown, Black
Quartz is a crystalline silicate mineral with a typical Mohs hardness of 7. They range from being transparent to nearly opaque and are the second most abundant mineral found in the Earth's continental crust. Many different varieties of Quartz are classified as gemstones or other stones and go by different names.
Uses: Due to its ability to balance, quartz is excellent for harmonizing and stabilizing one's environment and is helpful in romantic relationships. It is said to amplify healing energy and is particularly effective for chronic fatigue, arthritis, bone injuries, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia and intestinal troubles.
Properties: Good-quality quartz is cool to the touch, like glass; a piece of plastic that has been manufactured to resemble quartz will feel warm or room temperature to the touch. Keep in mind, however, that glass made to resemble quartz will also be cool to the touch, although it will be smoother and less varied.
Major Quartz Varieties
Jade
Vitreous Jadeite/Nephrite Opaque/Translucent 6-7
Uncommon-Rare
China, Myanmar, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Guatemala, and Canada
Colors: Green, Black, White, Blue, Red, Yellow, Purple, Pink, Grey, Brown, Orange
Uses: Jade is a gemstone believed to have several benefits, including increasing fortune, grounding, and enhancing maturity in relationships. Different crystals and stones are believed to harness their own energies and provide unique benefits.
Properties: A protective stone, Jade keeps the wearer from harm and brings harmony. Jade attracts good luck and friendship. It stabilises the personality and promotes self-sufficiency. Soothes the mind, releasing negative thoughts.
Labradorite
Pearly/Iridescent Feldspar Translucent/Transparent 6-6.5
Common-Rare
Canada, Madagascar, Norway, Australia, and India
Colors: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Grey, Purple, Brown
Uses: Labradorite is a mystical gemstone known to enhance mental clarity and bring about transformation. It's a crystal connected to the third eye chakra which is our gateway to inner wisdom and deeper intuition.
Properties: Labradorite treats disorders of the eyes and brain, stimulates mental acuity, and relieves anxiety and stress. It regulates metabolism, balances hormones and relieves menstrual tension. Labradorite treats colds, gout, and rheumatism, lowers blood pressure, and aids in digestion.
Howlite
Veined Borate Translucent 3.5
Uncommon-Rare
California and Nova Scotia
Colors: White, Colorless
Uses: Howlite strengthens memory and stimulates desire for knowledge. It teaches patience and helps to eliminate rage, pain and stress. A calming stone, Howlite calms communication, facilitates awareness and encourages emotional expression. Howlite balances calcium levels in the body.
Properties: Howlite is a soft stone, so it can easily be scratched. With its calcium structure, it is also vulnerable to many chemical cleaners, acidic perspiration and damage from sand and dust. To clean howlite, use lukewarm, slightly soapy water and a soft cloth (cotton is best).
Obsidian
Glassy Volcanic Glass Translucent 5-5.5
Uncommon-Rare
Volcanic Regions
Colors: Jet Black (Mahogany, Rainbow, gold, green)
Uses: Some ancient cultures used obsidian mirrors as a divinity tool because they look like crystal balls. Obsidian has been used across history to make weapons, implements, tools, ornaments, and mirrors. Because of its conchoidal fracture (smooth curved surfaces and sharp edges), the sharpest stone artifacts were fashioned from obsidian.
Properties: Still today, it is widely believed that the Obsidian is a protective stone that shields against negative energy. Given its sharpness, the stone is considered to pierce into darkness to reveal the truth itself.
Opalite
Cat’s Eye Synthetic Glass Translucent 5-6.5
Synthetic
Man Made
Colors: Milky, Orange, Pink, Blue
Uses: Opalite is said to stabilize mood swings and helps to overcome tiredness. It helps you face your fears and accepting change. Opalite is a merchant stone, helping to manifest and accumulate monetary wealth. It is a business stone and encourages success in all endeavors.
Properties: Opalite improves communication on all levels, especially the spiritual. It removes energy blockages of the chakras and meridians. Emotionally, Opalite helps by assisting during transitions of all kinds. It engenders persistence and gives us strength in verbalising our hidden feelings.
Goldstone
Glittering Synthetic Glass Opaque 6
Synthetic
Man Made
Colors: Blue, Green, Orange
Uses: Called the stone of ambition, goldstone is thought to assist in attaining goals. Some consider goldstone to be a symbol of ingenuity, ambition, and drive. It believed to reduce tension, revitalize the wearer and encourage a positive attitude.
Properties: Called the Stone of Ambition, it is said that Goldstone will assist in attaining one's goals. In keeping one's emotions stable and calm, this energy generator revitalizes one's personal energy field, building confidence, courage, a positive attitude and promotes vitality.
