Thursday, October 2, 2014

Goethite in Amethyst: Sirius Amethyst/Super 7

Sirius Amethyst From Madagascar with Hematite and Goethite

I have recently acquired several beautiful collections of Sirius Amethysts (sometimes marketed as “Super 7” crystals) and have spent considerable time identifying their mineral inclusions while also working with them energetically. These stones are visually complex, mineralogically fascinating, and, for me, unusually powerful from a healing perspective. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned so far. The material discussed here comes from the Antsakaonimanta Deposit, Mangatabohangy Commune (Mangatobangy), Ambatofinandrahana District, Amoron'i Mania Region, Fianarantsoa Province, Madagascar.  I currently have one ring available, and I may offer crystals by request or create custom jewelry using pieces from my collection.

Sirius Amethyst Ring From DoodlepunkArt

So far, I have been able to confidently identify goethite in all of these crystals. Some of the more reddish needles and flecks may be lepidocrocite, while other inclusions appear to be iron-based minerals with mauve or purplish-red coloration. Hematite is also a possibility in some cases, though the range of colors and textures suggests that multiple iron phases may be present. There is a great deal happening inside these crystals, both visually and mineralogically, and much of it remains complex and intriguing.

Sirius Amethyst With Geothite and Amphibole Inclusions

In some of these specimens, I also observe very fine whitish fibers or hair-like inclusions. These are sometimes labeled as rutile by other sellers, however I am quite certain they are not. Rutile forms straight, rigid needles, while these fibers bend and appear much more delicate. I believe these inclusions are likely a type of amphibole; tremolite appears to be the closest match, though definitive identification is difficult due to their extreme fineness. As is often the case with inclusion-rich quartz, there are additional minerals present that I have not yet been able to identify with certainty.

Sirius Amethyst From Madagascar

All of these crystals contain amethyst, smoky quartz, and clear or milky quartz, along with goethite. Some of these specimens also shows elestial growth and trigonic markings, adding another layer of interest for collectors and mineral enthusiasts.

Sirius Amethyst Elestial with Glittery Silver Goethite
Rutile and cacoxenite are the only inclusions traditionally cited as missing from this specimen for it to qualify as a “Super 7.” However, in my experience, none of the crystals sold as Super 7 that I have encountered have contained confirmed rutile or cacoxenite. To date, cacoxenite has not been conclusively identified by mineralogists within amethyst-hosted inclusions; samples taken from amethyst and labeled as cacoxenite have consistently tested as goethite. Based on available scientific literature and mineralogical databases such as Mindat, I do not believe there is clear evidence that a true “Super 7” exists as it is commonly described. From a mineralogical standpoint, these stones are more accurately described as containing four to six confirmed components rather than seven.

Hematite and/or Iron Plumes, Goethite and/or Lepidochrosite

I have also handled crystals sold as Super 7 by other sellers, and while some are visually attractive, they have not stood out to me energetically when compared to the Sirius Amethysts I have been collecting. Many are tumbled or fragmented pieces rather than intact crystals with original terminations, which are rarely seen in material marketed under the Super 7 name.

Goethite and Lepidochrosite Inclusions Under Magnification

By contrast, these amethysts were not sold to me as Super 7 at all, but simply as amethyst. The prices were far more reasonable, and the crystals are whole, natural formations with intact terminations. When it comes to metaphysical work, I strongly prefer naturally terminated crystals to cut stones, as the energy tends to move more readily and in a more predictable direction.

Magnification of Goethite Inclusions in Sirius Amethyst

Energetic and Metaphysical Observations

I am particularly enamored with these Sirius Amethysts because of the way they feel energetically. When I point one toward my left palm, I experience a very strong, focused beam of tingling energy. As I rotate or move the crystal, the sensation moves with it. The feeling is not the static-like buzz I associate with clear quartz, but something more nervy and alive, reminiscent of circulation returning to a limb that has fallen asleep. It is not painful, but unmistakable.

Sirius Amethyst with Trigonic Markings

The first time I experienced this sensation, I was completely taken aback, in much the same way I was when I first handled a Brazilian Lemurian. For me, however, these feel even more powerful. I don’t know whether this response is specific to my own energetic sensitivities or higher energy needs, or whether others will feel the same intensity, but I respond very positively to these stones. Even the smallest crystals pack a surprisingly strong punch.

Very Small Sirius Amethyst With Intense Warm Color

I suspect that people with conditions affecting energy levels, such as autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or adrenal fatigue, may resonate with these stones in a similar way. In my experience, these are advanced healing crystals, and each one feels uniquely expressive and purposeful.

Unusual Amethyst with Goethite from Madagarcar

Metaphysical Properties of Goethite in Amethyst

Goethite is often referred to as the stone of death and rebirth. It is commonly used in rebirthing work, which involves tracing emotional patterns back to their original wounds in order to fully experience and release long-held grief or pain. Goethite helps bring suppressed emotions into conscious awareness so they can be examined with clarity and objectivity. This process can loosen the attachment we often have to our personal stories and ultimately free us from cycles of suffering.

Sirius Amethyst with Various Iron Inclusions
Working with stones containing goethite inclusions can help increase emotional awareness and illuminate the thought patterns that generate those emotions. For artists, writers, and musicians, goethite can be particularly supportive when the goal is to express deep and personal truths with honesty and maturity. It encourages the expression of mastery gained through experience rather than raw pain alone.

A Mixture of Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz & Amethyst with Goethite Needles

Goethite also heightens the senses and supports the development of spiritual perception. When combined with amethyst and quartz, as it is in these crystals, it can be especially helpful for work involving the third eye and higher ethereal chakras, including clairvoyance and clairsentience. At the same time, goethite is a grounding stone, anchoring these higher frequencies into the body and connecting the user more deeply to their Earth source.

Sirius Amethyst From Madagascar

One of the most exciting recent finds for me has been a group of much smaller crystals from Madagascar that contain very metallic, sparkly goethite. Despite their size, they carry a remarkably strong energetic presence. I previously sold several of these through my Etsy shop and set others into rings. At present, I still have one ring available.


Sirius Amethyst Ring From DoodlepunkArt



Friday, September 26, 2014

Quartz with Hedenbergite from Inner Mongolia–Green Angel Dreamstone

 

I’m so excited to show you one of my new green quartz crystals from the Huanggang Mine of Inner Mongolia, China.    I’ve managed to recently acquired a small collection of these crystals, and am parting with this one in DoodlepunkArt.  I’m trying to resist the urge to hoard them all to myself.  (Don’t worry, I will share, I just have to figure out which ones.)  I will be editing and adding more specimens to this article in the upcoming months, so check back here periodically for more information.

This specimen is quartz with hedenbergite inclusions.  It is very similar to the Seriphos green quartz from Greece, only it is much larger that the crystals found at this location, and the energy and appearance of these crystals is unique.  This crystal also goes by these names: prase, prasem and Robert Simmons has named them quite appropriately, “Green Angel Dreamstone.” 

These are not the same as dream quartz, which is colored green by epidote.  Hedenbergite is the mineral that tints this Inner Mongolian quartz an earthy green color.  It also may be part of what caused the crystals to grow in such a very unusual and spectacular way:  The sides of these crystals are covered with hundreds of small, cathedral-like, rhombohedral faces. 

Many of the quartz crystals from this location have a multi-sceptered appearance due to a dipyramidal habit.  These dipyramidal crystal are missing their m-faces, so they are essentially two terminations (or six-sided pyramids) attached to each other.  (“M-faces” are the straight sides of a quartz crystal that lead to the termination.)  Hundreds of dipyramids line the m-faces of the main crystals on many of these stones.

I have not identified all of the minerals in this particular specimen, but there are at least three other minerals, a yellow one, a silvery black one and a white one.  Here is a list of minerals that have been accurately identified on these crystals by the pros:

  • Arsenopyrite
  • Calcite
  • Dolomite
  • Fluorite
  • Genthelvite
  • Hedenbergite
  • Helvine
  • Ilvaite
  • Lollingite
  • Magnetite
  • Molybdenite
  • Sheelite

I showed these crystals to a very knowlegable rock hound friend of mine who also identified the zeolites, apophyllite and stilbite on some of these crystals.  She thought what I had identified as calcite was albite, but I just performed a scratch test.  It is softer than fluorite, so it is definitely not albite, and calcite is consistent with what we know about the mine location.  I have verified that stilbite and apophyllite are correctly identified as well.  I’ll show you those specimens soon.

These crystal come from the Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.  This mine area covers 22 square kilometers, and there are 185 different mineral lodes.  Mostly ores have come from this very prolific mine, but recently some spectacular quartz specimens have been released onto the market.   I have seen the more flawless specimens go for thousands of dollars.  (See links at the bottom of this article.)  I found a great report on the mine location, complete with geological information, history and photos of the mines, miners and some of the minerals found there:  http://www.chinesefineminerals.com/huanggang.htm

Metaphysically, these crystals have a peaceful and comforting energy.  They feel very protective and calming.  This is a stone for profound inner and spiritual exploration.  These crystals make you spiritually more open, perceptive, sensitive and allowing.  They help you let go of your control during spiritual journeys so you can be more open to whatever adventure is about to happen.  You can either sleep with or meditate with them to help with astral travel.  It is the perfect companion stone for anyone learning the art of lucid dreaming. 

Our conscious and material reality is greatly influenced by our unconscious reality, which includes dreams, thoughts, feelings and mental images.  By becoming aware of and learning to master the unconscious reality we can learn to influence and manifest what we want in our conscious and material reality.  In this way, this is a manifestation stone, but instead of acting through the center of our will (at solar plexus chakra,) like citrine, green angel dreamstone acts through heart energy (located on the physical body at the heart chakra.)  This stone is not only a great tool for tapping into and directing the unconscious, it is also a great tool for healing the heart chakra and expanding heart energy, which is also an important manifestation tool.

The heart chakra (or Anahata) is associated with the inner child, actions of the hand, and the ability to make decisions that are directed (or in alignment with) the Higher-Self (aka. Higher-Power, Universe, Source, God, Spirit – whatever terminology works best for you,) as opposed to making decisions with the mind that are greatly influenced by emotions, judgments, desires, fate and karma.  The heart chakra is also the center for compassion and unconditional love – not simply romantic love, but love of life and everything in general that is Heart Energy.  It is the love that finds great joy in the sound of rain or the smell of fir needles warming in the sun.   

Heart energy is a very high vibration that takes love beyond the physical love we are more familiar with, and turns it into something very profound that has the power to affect the world around you at an quantum level.  This is the heart of “The Secret.”  Heart energy is the manifestation tool used by quantum activists.  Manifestation through the heart energy happens through use of the Law of Attraction by becoming aligned with The Higher-Self.  Alignment with The Higher-Self requires one to let go of their control (control that is by the physical or material self, who is in turn controlled by desires, emotions, fate and karma.)  It involves allowing heart energy to expand outwards into the world around you. 

So it isn’t just its ability to help the user understand and alter the inner-self and subconscious that makes this a manifestation stone.  By healing the heart, supporting and enhancing heart energy (universal love) and making one more aligned with the Higher-Self, it helps one make use of the law of attraction to alter the course of the physical/material life. 

I have added this crystal to my etsy shop, DoodlepunkArt .  Others will be coming in the future.  My prices will not be astronomical, but these are very rare so if price is an issue let me know.  I’m waiting for some smaller ones to arrive.  There are minor chips and dings in many of the crystals that I have, which allows me to provide these amazing stones at a reduced price, but you can see in the links below what they can go for when in pristine condition.  These specimens don’t all have hedenbergite, but they are all from the same location.  I am also including below, links to other people’s healing properties descriptions.  Please feel free to convo me though etsy or post here any questions that you have. 

I hope you enjoyed the information I’ve provided here.  Everything on this blog and in my shop listings, including the metaphysical descriptions are all written by me.  They are mostly based on my own work and personal exploration with stones, and only minimally influenced by the work of others, therefore these descriptions are my own intellectual property and are copyrighted.  Please do not copy without written consent.  I am perfectly happy with being quoted, but please do contact me first for permission.  Thank you for understanding.

Minfind.com Specimen (For Sale) Links: 

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-108446.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-211701.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-189600.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-107284.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-190825.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-189604.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-107267.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-107260.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-99605.html

http://www.minfind.com/mineral-190833.html

Other Sites with Green Angel Dreamstones For Sale:

http://www.chinesemineral.cn/News/Show.asp?id=2554

http://www.scholtensminerals.com/minerals9.html

http://www.kacha-stones.com/mongolian-dual-core-blue-green-quartz-5-c2x14094631 

http://www.chinesefineminerals.com/Galleries.htm

http://www.kacha-stones.com/mongolian-dual-core-blue-green-quartz-2-c2x14094628

http://www.crystalarium.com/index.php/quartz-rock-crystal/quartz-natural-scepter-crystal-cluster-mongolia.html

http://khyberminerals.com/inner_mongolia_2.htm

http://www.quartz-crystals-for-sale.com/hedenbergite/

http://www.irocks.com/minerals/specimen/41709

http://www.geokrazy.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=1377

Mindat Specimens (Not For Sale):

http://www.mindat.org/photo-459343.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-529263.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-526080.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-523072.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-504759.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-481365.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-481362.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-481366.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-481118.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-480933.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-479799.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-479796.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-479712.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-504410.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-553352.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-572476.html

http://www.mindat.org/photo-568845.html

Healing Properties:

http://supramundanehealingminerals.blogspot.com/2014/02/heddenbergite-new-deposit-found-in.html

http://heavenandearthjewelry.com/49-Crystal-Healing-News.aspx

http://www.metaguides.net/49newsletter.pdf

©Jennifer Shipley
The text in this article is the intellectual property of Jennifer Shipley. Please do not copy without written consent.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Lepidolite / Lithium Mica– Mineral Info & Healing Properties of the “Happy Crystal”



Lepidolite is a member of the mica family and is colored purple, lavender, lilac, pink, pale yellow, colorless or gray by the presence of lithium. This is a very soft, but flexible mineral with a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3. 

Lepidolite crystals are translucent, pearly and reflective.  It grows in pseudohexagonal or botryoidal crystals, reniform masses or in flat, interlocking plates.  Layers of lepidolite crystals can easily be separated from each other into books, sheets or thin flakes.  The crystals that are flat like this are also called blades.  These photos are of bladed crystals. 

Lepidolite should not be confused with pink muscovite, also a member of the mica family, but a different mineral which is usually not colored by lithium. Muscovite is a potassium mica, but lepidolite is a lithium mica.

Lepidolite is an important source of lithium and the rare minerals rubidium and caesium.  Lepidolite is also used in the production of glass, ceramics and enamels, among other things.

Metaphysically, lepidolite is a stone of purification, balance, empathy, release, acceptance and presence. It is a great stone to assist anyone going through painful or stressful times. Its calming and soothing energy inspires an acceptance of “what is”, making this one of the best stones for those practicing the art of letting go of pain, resentment, resistance and aversion, an important part of Buddhist practices. It is the best stone that I know of for anyone who is committed to releasing their identification with the ego, “story” and/or “pain body”.

Lepidolite acts on all chakras, but is especially helpful with the heart chakra, third eye and crown chakra. It is ruled by the element of water and works very well with water. Placing it in the bathtub with you will enhance your relaxation experience. It can also heal the body by being placed directly on the point of pain, injury or disease. Placing under pillow can help prevent nightmares and promote a more restful sleep. Its potential to calm, soothe and heal is increased when used in combination with positive affirmations.

The metaphysical properties of stones with lithium can be very beneficial for anyone with emotional suffering or mood disorders. Lithium is used medically to treat bipolar disorder and depression because it helps to stabilize the mood and brings about a sense of well-being. Using a stone with lithium for gem therapy allows you to take advantage of the healing properties of lithium present in the stone’s EMF (electromagnetic field) without taking any medication. Many people report that just holding stones like lepidolite or lithium quartz brings about a feeling of calm, well-being and positivity.

Lepidolite is very helpful for use with issues of a mental or emotional nature, but it also has a healing effect on the entire body, but especially on the immune system (particularly with allergies), the skin, the nervous system (particularly the brain) and the endocrine system (particularly the pituitary and reproductive glands). 

I am now carrying lepidolite blades at DoodlepunkArt.  I have many crystals that are not online, so if I am currently sold out, please convo me through my shop and I’ll be glad to add some new lepidolite crystals for you. 
















Thursday, August 1, 2013

Boho Bling Bracelets for Charity

 

I found out that an old friend of mine, Kevin, has cancer.  His mother-in-law set up an online fundraiser to help his family pay for his chemotherapy and help pay the bills while he is unable to work.  You can read about Kevin and donate to his fund by going here:  http://www.gofundme.com/3oota4  

I was not able to donate as much as I would like to because I am disabled.  In order to be able to help more substantially, I designed a simple adjustable sliding knot bracelet to sell in my new shop, ThunderBlingJewelry

There is a category called, “Boho Bling Bracelets” that I created for Kevin’s Cancer Fund bracelets.  The bracelets are $20 with FREE SHIPPING.  For each bracelet sold, I will donate $15 to Kevin.  The remaining $5 will pay for shipping, materials and etsy/paypal transaction fees. 

These bracelets look great alone or layered with other Boho Bling Bracelets.  They are a great gift idea for women, teens and even girls.  I can make them to fit any wrist. 

If I sell 33 bracelets I will be able to donate $500 to Kevin.  I’m hoping to at least raise that much for him.  Please help Kevin by going to https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThunderBlingJewelry?section_id=13977825 and picking out some Boho Bling Bracelets, or go to his fundraiser site at http://www.gofundme.com/3oota4 and donate directly to him.

I’ve known Kevin since I was a very little girl when he lived down the street from me.  We used to sit on the bus together and sing.  He taught me “The Crazy Old Man From China,” only he sang, “…China na nah…”  We also had matching brown tennis shoes at the time when only white shoes were “cool,” which was pretty awesome for me because he was cool in my opinion and I was a bit dorky…still am, I guess. Winking smile 

His brothers were really good to me when I was in high school.  One time I got a ride home from track practice from a really creepy guy who scared me nearly to death.  I never told them, but from then on, one of them always drove me home from practice. 

They are good people and treated me like a sister, so after hearing about Kevin’s illness, I naturally wanted to help.  Please help out.  By getting some of my bracelets, you get a great product and I am able to turn my time into money for Kevin’s fund. 

Kevin is a wonderful husband and father of two, and the financial burden of this setback is not an easy thing to manage when you are a breadwinner.  He had just missed a bunch of work because he had back surgery, and was still paying that off when his cancer was discovered.  Then he had to have surgery again, plus chemo. 

He has missed a lot of work and will miss a lot more and the bills are piling up.  His insurance pays for some of the treatments, but what it doesn’t is still an astronomical amount and the clinic insisted that he pay that money up front, so money is needed NOW to pay for the life saving treatments. 

Thank you for reading about Kevin.  If you can, please help by donating directly to his fund at Cancer Sucks or by buying some of my Boho Bling Bracelets.  Thanks.