Golden Dyrite

Golden Dyrite
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Gold

GOLD
** Gold is the most highly valued metal in the world, in all cultures. Its beauty and usefulness is unsurpassed by any other. It has been known and used since prehistoric times, and its value has never wavered.** Gold is indestructible. Being completely non-reactive, it will not rust, corrode, or tarnish. It is 100% recyclable, and is regularly used in medical, industrial, and electrical applications. It is highly ductile (meaning it can be drawn into a very thin thread), and is so malleable that one ounce of Gold can be beaten into 300 square feet of Gold Leaf. It can be rolled out so thin that light will shine through it.** Gold is found naturally by itself, with no other elements contaminating it. It is usually mixed with other elements (such as copper or silver) to aid its usefulness, according to the intended purpose. Its purity is measured in carats. 24 carats is pure Gold; 18 carats is an alloy that contains 75% Gold.** Gold is the world's only naturally-occurring yellow metal. Its primary color is yellow, but is also sometimes found in black, red, and purple.** Gold is incredibly rare, and only comprises about five ten-millionths of the earth's crust.** The word "gold" comes from the Old English word geolo, meaning "yellow."** Gold is the traditional gift for the 50th wedding anniversary.** While the 1849 Gold Rush makes us think of California as a big mining spot, most Gold in America is mined in Nevada and the Dakotas.

Goldstone

Goldstone
Green Goldstone
Brown Goldstone
Blue Goldstone
** Guess what? Goldstone is NOT a real gemstone! It is basically glass with copper flecks in it. ** Goldstone was created by accident in the European Renaissance period, when alchemists were trying to create gold.** Goldstone was originally made by a group of monks in Italy, and to this day most of it is still made at this particular monastery (though it is made elsewhere too). The "recipe" was for a long time a very closely guarded secret. Due to its origins in the monastery, Goldstone is used frequently in religious (especially Catholic) jewelry.** In the making of Goldstone, copper salts are added to brown-colored liquid glass. As the glass cools, the salts turn into copper crystals.** The color of the stone is dependant on the color of the glass, not the crystals (which are always copper). Reddish Goldstone and dark Blue Goldstone are both popular and easy to find. Little mention is made of Green Goldstone, which is NOT well heard-of and is very hard to find but which I have located for you! (Aren't I special?)** Because it is a man-made stone, it is hard to define any true crystal healing attributes of it. However, some people feel that it has the same powers as natural glass like Obsidian, and that the copper crystals in it provide great conduction of energy. Goldstone is said to promote calmness & stability.

Green Hemimorphite

Green Hemimorphite
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Hematite

Hematite
Hematite is a shiny, metallic gray colored opaque stone widely used in jewelry. It is very attractive with either silver or gold, and is commonly cut into beads and cabochons. Hematite is a form of iron ore. It fractures easily, although it is pretty durable once cut and set into jewelry. Most of the hematite available today is man made. It is virtually impossible to tell natural hematite from the synthetic, so it's pretty safe to assume that if you have bought hematite jewelry in recent years, it is probably the synthetic variety.
Folklore, Legend, Healing Properties:
People have traditionally believed that hematite has power over many traits and personal characteristics such as trust, confidence in self as well as others, reliability, mental focus, and stability. Hematite is used to improve relationships. It is also good for increasing intuition. Its energies are love, protection, and healing.
Jewelry containing hematite is easily maintained with a commercially available rouge jewelry polishing cloth.
** Hematite is an iron-rich (70% iron) stone that is a major ore mineral of iron. Its metallic sheen hides its secret "true" color, which is blood red! When Hematite is sliced very thin, the slices are red and transparent. In powdered form, it is blood red and is used for pigments (and is the ingredient of the Red Ochre that some Native American tribes use for face paint).** Hematite is usually found in globular (round, bumpy) form; actual crystals are very rare and sought after by collectors.** Crystal healers use Hematite for any disorder of the blood, as well as for leg cramps and insomnia. It is thought of as the "Stone of the Mind," bringing clarity of thought to the wearer, helping to focus the mind, enhancing metal capabilities, enhancing memory, and promoting original thinking. It is said to be a calming stone, and helps to allow the wearer to "Reach for the Stars" and understand that personal limitations exist only in the mind.** The word "Hematite" comes from the Greek haima, meaning "blood." ** Hematite is thought to protect against unionized radiation, and is therefore a good stone to wear when working around computers.** Long ago, polished Hematite was used as mirrors.** Legend has it that Hematite formed in the earth during battles, when the blood shed during fighting fell to the earth.

Honey Stone

Honey Stone
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Howlite

Howlite
Howlite encourages emotional expression whilst calming the mind and bringing patience. It is known to induce peaceful sleep.

Hessonite

HESSONITE
** Also known as "Cinnamon Garnet," this is a variety of Garnet that is brown, orange, red, or peach colored.** Hessonite is thought to aid in letting go of outgrown ideas, views, habits, and behaviors of the past. It promotes positive change in the wearer's life. It encourages new challenges, and provides the courage to accept those challenges. ** Called the "Creativity Stone," Hessonite stimulates creativity in all forms. It aids in self-respect and respect of others, and eliminates feelings of inferiority that may lead one to give up creative tasks. It is considered a strong spiritual stone for wise people; it prevents gossip-spreading and gives the ability to approach troubles with intelligence.** Physically, Hessonite is used to regulate hormone, stimulate metabolism, bolster the immune system, and promote good health through better absorption of nutrients in foods.** The word "Hessonite" comes from the Greek hesson, meaning "slight," which refers to the fact that it has a low specific gravity.

Hydrogrossular Garnet

HYDROGROSSULAR GARNET
** There are several families of Garnets. One of these families is the Grossular group (also called Grossularite), which includes Hessonite, Tsavorite, and several others. The Grossular group comes in colorless (which is very rare), red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and black. It is the most colorful group of all the Garnets.** The Garnet we are going to discuss today is a Grossular Garnet known as Hydrogrossular. It is a generally opaque stone in shades of yellow, green, and brown. (Our Hydrogrossular Chip Beads are olive green.)** Hydrogrossular Garnet is sometimes called the "Gooseberry Stone" due to its resemblance to gooseberries. It is also colloquially known as "African Jade," and makes a good substitute for Jade in color and workability. (It is seldom faceted; it works better as cabs and carvings like Jade.) It is also sometimes called "Transvaal Jade," which is its official trade name.** One of the unique characteristics of Grossular Garnets is that they contain tiny crystals (usually of the mineral Diopside), which, when viewed under a microscope, give the stones a particular swirled pattern known as "treacle." This is one way to positively identify a stone from the Grossularite group.** The word "Grossular" comes from the Greek grossularia, meaning "gooseberry."** Crystal healers use Hydrogrossular to treat problems with the kidneys and intestines. ** Hydrogrossular Garnets are thought to help solidify partnerships, thus they are good to use in business partnerships. It is also a good stone for husband and wife to give to each other. It helps to keep long-distance relationships (whether friendship, romance, or business) going strong. It is thought to help keep the wearer cool in times of crisis.

Iolite

Iolite
Iolite is a transparent, deep blue coloredstone that is very popular for jewelry. It is very attractive with either silver or gold, and is commonly cut into beads,faceted stones and cabochons. Iolite is a form of cordierite. It is pleochroic, which means that it appears dark blue when viewed from one direction and, when it is turned, it can appear almost colorless.
Iolite is also popularly known as "water sapphire."
From the Greek word meaning violet. Iolite is known as the gemstone of clear vision.
Folklore, Legend, Healing Properties
Some people belive the garnet to have the power to guide lost sailors to the brilliance of the sun in order to find their way home.People have traditionally believed that iolite has influence over many traits and personal characteristics such as leadership ability, confidence in self, and inner strength. Iolite opens a light pathway from the throat up through the crown. It helps create a higher awareness level and is believed to help the wearer seek truth, simplicity, imagery, and peace.
Jewelry containing iolite is easily maintained with a commercially available jewelry cleaning solutions and a rouge jewelry polishing cloth.
Iolite is a generally blue-violet stone, but shows extreme pleochroism, which means it looks different colors when viewed from different angles. In a cut Iolite gemstone, the stone looks dark when viewed from above (down the crystal axis), and lighter when viewed from the side (across the crystal axis). In a cube-shaped Iolite, it may look as dark as a sapphire from one side, clear as water from the other side, and honey-yellow from the top.** Iolite is one of the most difficult stones to cut; not because of its hardness, but because of its pleochroism. The stone must be cut in a certain direction to take the best advantage of the color-change properties, and this can be hard when the shape of the rough stone doesn't flow well with the pleochroism.** Iolite has a very important place in history as the world's first polarizing filter. Viking mariners would use it in their journeys as a rough compass. The stone's pleochroism enabled them to determine the sun's location on overcast days. Looking through an Iolite lens, they could tell the position of the sun (the lens would look bluest at 90 degrees from the sun).** Iolite is also known as "Water Sapphire," a reference both to its color and to its ancient usefulness at sea. Today, it is thought to protect the wearer on marine journeys.** The name "Iolite" comes from the Greek ios, meaning "violet," and lithos, meaning "stone." The scientific name is Cordierite.** Crystal healers use Iolite to help in dealing with addictions. It assists in detoxifying the body and squelching impulses.** Iolite is also thought to enhance curiosity, and to help in building relationships.** Iolite is used as a gemstone for the 21st anniversary.

Jet

JET
** Jet is a black stone that is comprised of a coal called Lignite. It is from ancient trees that burned and fossilized. It is the only gemstone that is naturally pure black. It is sometimes called Black Amber, because it is organic like Amber and comes from trees, but it really is not related to Amber.** Due to its composition of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon, Jet can be burned. In ancient times, it was burned and the smoke used to ward off evil spirits.** Jet is a fairly soft material, but lends itself well to carving. In Victorian times, Jet was often made into intricately carved beads and buttons. Back then, it was believed to be a good stone to wear in mourning, as it was thought to bring grief to the surface to be healed. It was also used to protect against the evil eye, and against thunderstorms. To dream of jet was thought to foreshadow upcoming sorrow.** Metaphysical healers recognize the power of Jet as a natural organic material. It is thought to enable the wearer to tap into the ancient wisdom and power of Mother Earth, and to draw power and knowledge to the wearer. It is also thought to stabilize finances.** Like Amber, Jet has an electrical charge, and will pick up little bits of paper when rubbed

Kunzite

KUNZITE
** Kunzite is a relatively new stone, discovered in the early 1900s. It is the lilac and pink version of Spodumene (the green version is called Hiddenite), and is very rare and expensive (it is not uncommon to see prices of $10.00 or more for a SINGLE BEAD!).** While Kunzite is fairly hard--about the same hardness as Quartz--it is extremely fragile. It has perfect cleavage (planes of weakness), which makes it very hard to cut. If it is hit hard, it can fracture along the cleavage lines. Kunzite should never be left near overly hot areas, it should be protected from scratches and blows, and will fade if exposed to sunlight.** Kunzite is pleochroic, which means it appears to be different colors when viewed from different angles. From one angle it looks clear, while from another it looks pink. Gem cutters have a hard task of cutting it so that it looks pink from above. Smaller stones don't look very pink when cut; a gem must be 10 carats or larger for a good pink color.** Physically, Kunzite is thought to aid in problems of the heart, nerves, circulatory system, and lungs.** Emotionally, Kunzite is thought to bring peace and inner calm, to help the wearer to focus on the task at hand, and to remove mental obstacles and dissolve negative emotions. This stone helps to foster self-discipline, and to break habits. It promotes love in all forms, and brings the wearer a sense of self-respect, self-love, and inner strength. Its high lithium content makes it an excellent stone for aiding in depression.** Kunzite was named after George F. Kunz, who first described it.** Kunzite is not a birthstone or anniversary stone, but it is the Patriotic Stone of September. In all my research on gemstones, I have NEVER heard of a monthly Patriotic Stone, so this is entirely new to me!

Kyanite

KYANITE
** Kyanite is a very unusual stone in that it has two hardnesses on Moh's Scale, depending on the direction it is tested. It grows in crystals shaped like long, flat blades, and it cleaves along perfect lines. Whereas other minerals have the same hardness all around, Kyanite shows a hardness of 4-5 when tested lengthwise, and 6-7 (harder) when tested crosswise.** While Kyanite is typically a blue color, it sometimes comes in green, white, and yellow. It exhibits strong pleochroism, which means it looks different colors when viewed from different angles. Its color can look dark blue from one angle, and white or colorless from another.** The word "Kyanite" comes from the Greek kyanos, which means "blue," in reference to its color. This mineral is also known as Disthene, which comes from the Greek di, meaning "two," and stenos, meaning "hardness," a name given because it has two hardnesses.** Metaphysical healers use Kyanite as a claming stone. It helps to focus the mind and dissolve mental and emotional confusion. It helps the wearer let go of his or her anxiety. It keeps the mind focused and able to ward off distractions.** Kyanite is thought to be a highly creative stone, enabling the wearer to tap into his or her creative talent in art, music, dance, writing, and other artistic expressions.** Gem-quality Kyanite is extremely rare. Its perfect lines of cleavage and its brittle, splintery nature make it very difficult to cut, and stones of fine color and transparency are rare.** Commercially, Kyanite is used in the manufacture of spark plugs and heat resistant ceramics

Lapidalite

Lapidalite
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Lepidolite

LEPIDOLITE
** Lepidolite also goes by the name of Lavenderine.** It's an uncommon form of the common mineral, mica. Mica is very soft and tends to flake easily into very thin panes.** Lepidolite contains a large percentage of lithium, and is a main source for lithium.** The pretty purple-pink color comes from the presence of rubillite, AKA pink tourmaline.** The name "Lepidolite" comes from the Greek lepidos, which means "Scale." The stone's thin flakes look scaly.** The presence of lithium causes Lepidolite to be used as a healing stone for stress, depression, and bad dreams (especially those caused by stress). It is sometimes known as "The Dream Stone," believed to eliminate nightmares. It is also used to heal muscle pain.** Lepidolite has only recently been considered for a gemstone. The flaky nature of the stone causes it to be hard to cut, so it tends to be expensive. It's beautiful sparkly lavender color makes it very attractive in jewelry, though.** Lepidolite can be used as a birthstone for April.

Leopard Skin

Leopard skin
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Light Green Obsidian

Light Green Obsidian
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Limestone

Limestone
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Mohogany Obsidian

Mohogany Obsidian

** Please see general information about Obsidian .** When volcanic lava cools, it doesn't have time to form crystals, so it cools into a sort of natural glass. This glass is often black, but a high concentration of iron in the lava can make it a reddish-brown color. When two lava flows of different colors cool side by side, the result is a streaked rock. Mahogany Obsidian is the result of iron-rich lava (red-brown) that cooled with regular lava (black).** Small shards of Mahogany Obsidian (formed when droplets of lava cooled in the air after an eruption) are called Apache Tears.** Early Americans used Mahogany Obsidian as arrows and spears. Ancient Incas used it for mirrors, weapons, and masks.** Crystal healers use Mahogany Obsidian to increase sensuality, particularly the sense of touch. It stimulates the growth of physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional centers, and provides strength in times of need.** Physically, Mahogany Obsidian is thought to be good for the gums.** This stone promotes environmental awareness and a desire to care for the earth. It helps the wearer to connect to planet Earth, and to help Earth healing.

Mookaite

MOOKAITE
Chances are, you have not bought any of these beads. Only a few adventurous buyers have been curious enough to check these out. They sort of get hidden among the better-known beads. So here's a little info about them:** Mookaite is almost exclusively mined in Australia. It is found primarily on Mooka Station, a sheep ranch in Western Australia.** Mookaite, also spelled Moukaite and Mookite, is the common name for the stone Windalia Radiolarite.** Mookaite is a form of Jasper that has mainly red and yellow colors, and a few other secondary colors. The stone often shows very interesting swirled designs.** In Australia, Mookaite was and still is considered a powerful healing stone. Its main purpose is to promote the acceptance of chance, and to encourage the desire for variety and new experiences. It promotes inner calm while simultaneously promoting the desire for adventure.** Physically, it is believed to promote good health by stimulating the immune system.** It is also often made into jewelry for children, believing that it helps to modify children's behavior.

Moonstone

Moonstone


According to Hindu legend, moonstone is formed by moonbeams. It was once believed if you held one in your mouth during a full moon, you could see your future. In India, moonstone is known as a sacred stone and is believed to bring good fortune. It is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses tender passion.
Moonstone, so named because of its resemblance to the shimmering moon, comes in several colors (white, yellow, blue, pink), with the best specimens being of a milky-white color. Rainbow Moonstone exhibits a bluish chatoyancy (luminous reflections or "fire"), and other Moonstone exhibits adularescence (shimmer). ** Moonstone is a feminine stone. It's called the "Mother Earth Stone," and is helpful for all manner of feminine situations, including emotional balance, menstrual difficulties, hormone imbalances, menopause, and childbirth.** Moonstone is said to soothe emotions, guard against worry, and help the wearer to trust his or her intuition.** Known as the Traveler's Stone, it is thought to protect the traveler from the perils of journey.** In India, Moonstone is considered sacred, and is known as a talisman of good fortune.** Moonstone is used for the 4th Wedding Anniversary, and is a birthstone for June.** In 1969, when humans first walked on the moon, the state of Florida (from where the moon launch had originated) wanted to claim Moonstone as its official gemstone. A year later, this request was granted--thought there is no Moonstone to be found in Florida (or on the moon, for that matter!).

Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl

Mugglestone

MUGGLESTONE
** Mugglestone is a rock consisting of Red Jasper and Hematite, and as such, all properties for either of these stones can apply to Mugglestone as well. You can find more information on these stones by looking at the Stone Fun Facts page:Info about Red JasperInfo about Hematite** Crystal healers use Mugglestone to help recover from anesthesia and surgery, and to reduce bleeding. It is thought to alleviate pain.** Mugglestone is thought to be useful in calming quarrels between friends or lovers. It helps to alleviate anger and stress, particularly in conflicts with other people.** This stone is also thought to be useful in encouraging understanding, compassion, kindness, and empathy

Myrrh

MYRRH
** Even though we have it in the form of beads, Myrrh is not a gemstone. It is the resinous sap from a desert tree called the dindin. The sap forms in small beads and has a very sharp, strong smell. (Our beads have a much more mild smell, because they were made from the by-product of the sap after the strong oils were removed.)** Myrrh has been used since ancient times in perfumes, incense, and embalming. The ancient Egyptians used Myrrh to preserve mummies. Today, it is used in any application that warrants fragrance, such as candles, soaps, etc. It is also found in several commercial mouthwashes.** While it is usually known for its smell, Myrrh can also be used as a flavoring for candy and baked goods. (Our Myrrh beads smell like cinnamon-vanilla cookie dough, and my 9-month-old baby loves to chew on his own strand!)** Myrrh has a large number of healing uses. It is an astringent and antiseptic, and can be used to cure acne, boils, and other inflammations of the skin. It is also widely used to help heal infections of the mouth, such as gingivitis, ulcers, and bad breath. It is highly useful in applications of the throat, and is thought to help heal pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and sore throat. It can be used as an expectorant (cough syrup).** Myrrh makes a helpful childbirth aid, making contractions more efficient, and relieving pain.** The word "myrrh" comes from the Arabic murr, meaning "bitter."** The ancients found this resin to be so valuable, the Bible tells of it being given as a gift, along with Frankincense (another aromatic resin) and Gold to the baby Jesus.** Modern science has recently discovered that Myrrh may be a cure for cancer! Laboratory studies show that a compound in Myrrh was effective in killing breast cancer cells. More research on this is currently in the works.

Nevada Lapis

NEVADA LAPIS
** Not a lot of information to be found on this stone. Also known as "Lapis Nevada," this gem is not in any way related to real Lapis! It is a rock that consists of several minerals, which differ from specimen to specimen. The mineral composition determines the color of the stone. Most Nevada Lapis is of a pinkish color, sometimes with green, cream, blue, or white mottling. (Our Nevada Lapis Chip Beads are mainly pink with gray-white mottling.)** "Nevada Lapis" is the commercial name for what is more commonly known as Nevada Stone. It occurs exclusively in Nevada.** Crystal healers use this stone to promote creativity and knowledge. It is said to promote courage, and is known as a protective stone.** Nevada Lapis can be used as a birthstone for May.

Obsidian

OBSIDIAN
** Obsidian is natural volcanic glass. It is formed when rhyolite lava from a volcanic eruption comes in contact with water, thus cooling it very fast. It cools so fast that crystals do not have time to grow, and that's why Obsidian breaks randomly, like glass, rather than along crystal lines.** Obsidian is usually black, but the presence of other minerals during cooling sometimes gives it various dark colors. Hematite in the lava makes it reddish-brown. Crystals of cristobalite in the lava result in the white specks found in Snowflake Obsidian. ** When two colors of lava flow together, they occasionally mix with each other, but are so viscous that the colors do not mix; they appear side by side. This is how we get certain streaked Obsidians, such as Mahogany Obsidian.** Bubbles of air trapped between layers of cooling lava form the unique deep stripes of Rainbow Obsidian.** Metaphysical healers use Obsidian to clear insight into problems.** Being glass, Obsidian can be very sharp when broken. Therefore, it was a favorite material with which to make arrowheads.** In ancient times, Obsidian was used for mirrors.

Ocean Jasper

OCEAN JASPER
** Ocean Jasper is a very rare stone, mined in one place in the world. It is found off the coast of the remote area of Marovato, Madagascar, and the deposit is so close to the ocean that it can only be mined at low tide.** Ocean Jasper is known for its beautiful orbicular designs. (These show a little in our chip beads, but the patterns are best seen in large cabochons and spheres.) The patterns are spherical inclusions floating in solid jasper, and the little circles are often heavily banded in many colors. The deposit is a massive Rhyolite (a volcanic stone) flow that was silicified: as the hot liquid magma cooled, the silica precipitated out of the magma, forming small balls.** Ocean Jasper got its name both from its proximity to the ocean, and also because the patterns look like foaming bubbles. ** Ocean Jasper is mined by local Malagasy natives, who gather it at low tide, take it ashore, then place it in a boat to be taken to the nearest area with a road, as Marovato is very remote and has no access other than by boat.** This is a very new stone, discovered a few years ago after a very long search. Long ago, a local fisherman told of the beautiful rock formation he had seen on the beach, and people have been looking for it ever since. Its discovery at the turn of the millennium, as well as the fact that it is found under the ocean, have caused people to nickname it the "Atlantis Stone."** Ocean Jasper is also known as Orbicular Jasper and "Moon Jewel Jasper," even though it is technically an agate! Madagascar natives call it "Snake Agate."** Crystal healers use Ocean Jasper to promote patience and help in meditation. It helps to bring peace of mind. The circular patterns suggest that all of nature is interconnected, and that nature is cyclical.** Physically, Ocean Jasper is said to aid in problems of digestion, and to help remove toxins from the body

Redsard Onyx

Redsard Onyx
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Praise Beads

Paise beads

Pietersite

Pietersite
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Purple Crazy Lace

Purple Crazy Lace
** Agates are a type of chalcedony quartz that form in concentric layers in various colors. They form as round, lumpy nodules within rough, ugly crusts (geodes). Many beautiful agates are discovered in rivers after the water has eroded the outer crust away. The Crazy Lace variety consists of whorls and "eyes" of cream, tan, pink, brown and other colors. ** Crazy Lace Agate is mined ONLY in Mexico. Because of this, it is often called Mexican Lace Agate.** Crystal healers use this particular Agate to absorb emotional pain, to counteract physical low periods, to bring stamina to the wearer, and to gain insight to many options available in any decision-making process. It is thought to aid in sleep disorders such as insomnia and nightmares. It promotes laughter and humor, and helps the wearer see life as a game.** In ancient times, the "eye" patterns on Crazy Lace were believed to ward off the evil eye.** This stone is known as the Generational Stone. It helps to bring grandparents and grandchildren to a closer understanding of each other. It is a great stone to wear when visiting with grandchildren, because it promotes calm in chaotic environments!** Agates in general are the stone for the 12th anniversary.

Prehnite

PREHNITE
** Prehnite is a mineral that is usually NOT used in jewelry. It is used for ornamental decoration and as mineral specimens, and it is occasionally cut into faceted or cabochon jewelry, but not often. Its lovely clean light green color makes it a good stone for the few jewelry items it makes.** This is a highly mystical stone, loved by New Age proponents as a stone of prophesy, protection, out of body experiences, and communication with extraterrestrial life.** Crystal healers use Prehnite to stimulate energy in the body, and to aid in calming. Rubbing Prehnite right before going to sleep is thought to aid in lucid dreaming. It is thought to help the wearer back to his or her original dreams, plans, and wishes.** Physically, it is said to help the immune system and encourage healing after an illness. ** The stone was named for Dutch Colonel Hendrick Von Prehn.** Prehnite can change into Garnet under metamorphosis.** Also known as "Cape Emerald," it is occasionally sold by unscrupulous sellers as Emerald

Pyrite

PYRITE
** We've all heard of Fool's Gold--that bane of the Old West Gold Rush. Pyrite is a common mineral with a brassy yellow or gray-yellow metallic color. It is heavy (thought not nearly as heavy as gold), and was often mistaken for gold by frustrated miners. Unfortunately, it had no commercial value. Interestingly, though, the rock formations that contain Pyrite often contain Gold as well, so the experienced miner, having found Pyrite, might press on in the same locale, knowing that he might find Gold in the same area.
** When Pyrite is cut into small faceted gems and used in jewelry, it is called by its commercial name Marcasite. However, Marcasite tends to tarnish easily and actually does not make a very stable gemstone.
** Crystal healers use Pyrite as a general aid in metal activity. It helps improve memory, aids concentration and learning, and improves communication skills. It is thought to balance creative & intuitive impulses with practical impulses, and thus makes a very good stone to wear when dealing in business and education.
** The word "Pyrite" comes from the Greek pyrites lithos, meaning "stone which strikes fire." Ancient Greeks discovered that sparks were produced when iron was struck with a lump of Pyrite. For this reason, Pyrite was often used as a fire-starting stone similar to flint.
** Some Native American groups make mirrors out of Pyrite. Gazing into the mirrors, they say they can see the future, and see into a person's soul.