August 31st, 2008 Comments(0)
Jade is a general name applied for two different kinds of rocks, which are nephrite and jadeite. Both are different minerals in chemical composition, but for the casual layman, there is hardly any difference. Nephrite is a kind of calcium magnesium actinolite, while jadeite is a kind of sodium-aluminum pyroxene. Both have a hardness of around 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.
Jade is more well known because of its significance in China, and Chinese culture worldwide. Why is jade held in such high regard? Well, firstly, jade was used as a decorative material thousands of years ago by Neolithic men in China.
When China became a kingdom during the Qing dynasty, jade was mined back from the Khotan region and the outlier provinces of China, where it became a highly sought material for carving imperial objects. Jade became to be prized even more than gold or silver, and many countries started to pay tribute to China in the form of jade.
For much of the intervening period between prehistoric times until around the early 19th century, the form of jade most often used was nephrite. But after jadeite from Burma was imported into China, artisans began to appreciate the qualities of jadeite, and replaced nephrite in terms of popularity.
Jade is regarded highly in China because it symbolizes the qualities of beauty and strength, both in its durability and in its delicate shades of color. Emperors were buried with jade, and they even had armor vests made out of jade. Till today, jade is considered the imperial gem of China. Here’s more info about the jade stone.
July 13th, 2008 Comments(0)
A crystal wand is defined as a long, rod shaped crystal that is shaped like a crystal wand. Those that are very long, thin, and sharp ended, are also called laser wands. Most crystal wands are from the quartz group, because among quartz crystal formations, there are indeed natural quartz crystals that are shaped like wands. Also, you can cut and facet a quartz crystal to resemble a wand.
Most quartz crystal wands are man-made. The real, natural, crystal wands are rare, and not readily found. Even rarer, are laser wands that “sing.” These singing laser wands produce a high pitch sound when knocked gently. The sound is like the delicate tinkling of glass. There are also other kinds of crystal wands, like double terminated crystal wands, which could be the rarest of the lot.
Crystal wands have been associated with legends and fairy tales since hundreds or thousands of years. But, the real crystal wand is nothing more than a tool for New Agers or an exotic type of crystal for collecting. Learn more about these crystal wands.
Ever wanted to learn all about crystals? Come right into the fascinating world of Crystals and Gems.
July 04th, 2008 Comments(0)
Quartz, or silicon dioxide, is a very common mineral of the earth, which crystallizes as beautiful, white or transparent crystals. Quartz crystals are both extremely durable, and long lasting. But more than just jewelry, quartz crystals are also good for something else - helping us in personal growth and development.
Alternative healers and New Age fans have long believed quartz crystals hold a lot of potential in helping the mind to function on even keel by modulating brain waves. How is this possible?
Well, quartz is one of the most efficient conductors of electromagnetic energy known to us. It can transform kinetic vibrations into electrical currents, and likewise, do the same with heat. Ancient civilizations have long known about its abilities, but it was only during the 20th century that quartz saw widespread use in many industries because of its characteristic ability of transforming other forms of energy into electrical currents.
Another name for this phenomenon is “piezoelectricity.” An alternating electrical charge on a quartz crystal wafer can cause it vibrate with astonishing regularity of vibration per second. This is why quartz is used in so many time keeping devices.
The use of quartz to help modulate brain waves and thought patterns seems a more eclectic use of quartz, but one which is highly relevant to the inherent ability of quartz. By holding or carrying a quartz crystal which has been attuned to our energy vibrations, we can over time, change our thought patterns in the direction we would want it to go. The energy from our thoughts interact with the quartz crystal and imbue it with our “mental blueprint.”
Over time, the more healthy and positive aspects of our characters will begin to become more conspicuous and dominant. In this very regard, quartz is a good tool for personal development.
July 03rd, 2008 Comments(0)
Crystals and gems make up the mineralogical bounty of the earth. They form specific polygonal shapes which are the same for all the crystals of a particular mineral, no matter what size the crystals are. The form and structure of crystals were determined scientifically by Max Von Laue around the beginning of the Twentieth Century, and as of now, there are more than 15,000 structural determinations in existence, so far.
Most crystals are formed in a group, which are different, depending on the kind of mineral. There are crystals with specific optical properties, like chatoyancy, luminescence, magnetism, and allochromatic ability.
There are even crystals that emit radioactivity, although these are rare. One such crystal which is quite well known, is zircon. These minerals emit natural radioactivity, which normally pose no danger to the human body. Radioactivity demands special care to minimize the risk of contracting radioactive poisoning.
Why do people collect crystals in the first place? Collecting beautiful crystal specimens or even collecting the micro mounts of specific crystals are some of the ways to embark on this fascinating hobby. If you’re crazy about jewelry, the large variety of gemstones in our world is more than enough reason to embark on this hobby.
Other people collect crystals simply because of the chance to possess some unique and rare crystal specimens. And many collect crystals because they believe in crystal healing. It is the different characteristics of each kind of crystal that makes the hobby of collecting crystals and gems, perpetually fascinating.