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Very pleased and will come back for sure!!!
I received the order on Tuesday 24th. June.
Thank you, I am very pleased and will come back for sure! Anja
Aquamarine Beads.
Brazil is currently the prime source for aquamarines. Extraordinary crystals have been found there, including a 550,000-carat aquamarine crystal that was found in 1910. Though, sky-blue and dark blue stones are now the most highly prized, in the 19th century, sea-green stones were preferred. Most aquamarines today are heat-treated, which removes the green hues, resulting in a purer blue.
It wasn’t until the 1600s that the stone was actually called aquamarine. Before that it was known as “sea-green beryl.” The Roman naturalist Pliny, who lived from 23-79 A.D., referred to it as a remedy for eye disease. More poetically, an ancient legend claimed that aquamarines were taken from the treasures chests of sea nymphs and carried to the shore by seahorses. Sailors wore aquamarines as amulets, believing that the stone would ensure that they would cross the sea and return home safely. Known as a “stone of courage,” aquamarine was also believed to give ocean travelers courage for the journey; it was believed that the stone’s powers strengthened when it was immersed in water. Aquamarine was also said to carry the energy of young love, and bring good things to those in love. Husbands gave it as love token to their wives, after the marriage was consummated. Dreaming of the stone was said to bring new friends in one’s life.
From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, aquamarine’s pale blue color was connected with the moon and said to be subject to lunar influences. Considered most powerful during full moon, aquamarine was used for crystal gazing and finding lost objects.
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Fluorite.
Color: Colorless, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, nearly black
Chemical composition: CaF2 calcium fluoride
Mohs’ hardness: 4
Transparency: Transparent, translucent
Luster: Vitreous
Fracture: Even to conchoidal, brittle
Crystal system: Isometric; cubes, octahedra
Cleavage: Perfect
Specific gravity: 3.18
Refractive index: 1.434
Dispersion: 0.007
Pleochroism: None
Fluorescence: Usually strong; blue-violet
Occurrence: Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, United States
Astrology: Pisces and Capricorn
Chakra: 6th (brow or 3rd eye) for violet fluorite
Fluorite is a fairly common and affordable stone that naturally occurs in a dazzling range of colors. In some cases – often with purple and green – the colors occur in bands. Fluorite wasn’t traditionally considered gemstone because it’s relatively soft and easily scratched or chipped. Originally called fluorspar, its name comes from the Latin word fleure meaning to flow, because fluorite melts easily; it’s used as flux in the smelting of ores. It commonly fluoresces under ultra-violet light. Fluorites origins trace back 150 to 200 million years ago when hot water containing fluorine and other minerals was forced up from deep inside the Earth. This solution eventually reached calcium-rich limestone bedrock where the fluorite crystals formed. The mineral is found in Alpine clefts and in hydrothermal veins, often around hot springs, in masses of interpenetrating cubes and octahedral crystals; when broken it often forms perfect triangular shapes on the corners of the crystals. Although fluorite wasn’t considered a precious gem, it was known and valued in ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians carved fluorites statues and scarabs, and the Chinese also used it in carvings. Gemologists now believe that fluorite has been in use throughout human history but wasn’t recognized as a separate mineral. Instead, it was believed that fluorite was simply a softer version of other minerals – i.e. a violet fluorite crystal was just a soft amethyst. In fact, the Romans carved cups of purple-banded fluorite believing that like amethyst, the purple fluorite would keep them from becoming intoxicated. In the 1600s powdered fluorite was believed to ease the symptoms of kidney disease. In 18th-century England, Blue John (a purple banded fluorite) became popular as a material for urns, vases, and even tables. From the time of the Ancient Egyptians, there have been records of “luminous” stones, which were greatly valued by priests and shamans. It’s now believed that these were stones that we now identify as phosphorescent or fluorescent. Frederick W. Kunz, the famous mineralogist, noted that chlorophane, which is a pale violet Siberian fluorite, gave off white light when warmed by the heat of a hand, green light when heated in boiling water, and when set on a burning coal, gave off a light that could be seen from a distance. Metaphysically, fluorite is considered a stone that aids in discernment and organization, a kind of antidote to chaos. Psychically, it’s said to help you determine whether or not you’re being influenced by outside forces and to cut through any sort of illusion. It’s also believed to help concentration, especially in learning. It is considered one of the great psychic protectors, as well as a stone that cleanses the aura and can help to open the third eye. Green fluorite is known to a healing stone, while purple is said to to be a stone that strengthens intuition. Fluorite beads are somewhat fragile, and so are recommended for earrings and necklaces. If you use them in bracelets or anklets, wear them carefully because they’re vulnerable to chipping and cracking. The clear and purple banded beads will look lovely when strung with amethyst and clear crystal. For contrast, try stringing fluorite with malachite, sugilite, and/or smoky quartz.
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