Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the blue/purple variety of the mineral zoisite (a calcium aluminium hydroxy silicate) which was discovered in the Mererani Hills of Northern Tanzania in 1967, near the city of Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro. It is unique in the gemstone world because it was discovered quite recently (in 1967).  It is used as a gemstone. Tanzanite is noted for its remarkably strong trichroism, appearing alternately sapphire blue, violet and burgundy depending on crystal orientation. Tanzanite can also appear differently when viewed under alternate lighting conditions. The blues appear more evident when subjected to fluorescent light and the violet hues can be seen readily when viewed under incandescent illumination.

Tanzanite in its rough state is usually a reddish brown color. It requires artificial heat treatment to 600 °C in a gemological oven to bring out the blue violet of the stone. Tanzanite is a rare gem. It is found mostly in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mineral is named after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered.  The major known Tanzanite deposits are in East Africa and seem to be mostly exhausted.  It is a very popular gemstone and fine Tanzanite pieces are getting increasingly hard to find.

Officially called "Blue Zoisite" it was marketed as Tanzanite by Tiffany & Co., who wanted to capitalize on the rarity of the gem, then only found in Tanzania, but who thought that "Blue Zoisite" (which might be pronounced like "blue suicide") wouldn't sell well.  From 1967 to 1972, an estimated two million carats of Tanzanite were mined in Tanzania before the mines were nationalized by the Tanzanian government.

The world's largest faceted Tanzanite is 737.81 carats^. One of the most famous large Tanzanites (242 carats) is the "Queen of Kilimanjaro". It is set in a tiara and accented with 803 brilliant cut Tsavorite garnets and 913 brilliant cut Diamonds. Because Tanzanite is relatively soft, it is usually set in necklaces and earrings, so the tiara is truly a rarity.  The tiara is currently on display in the Gallery of Gold and Gems at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The exhibition is from the private collection of Michael Scott, the first CEO of Apple Computers.

5 Things You Should Know Before Buying Tanzanite

1.   Color: The most important factor in the value of a Tanzanite is its color. The ideal color is a rich purple-blue.  Less valuable colors of Tanzanite tend to be pale and greyish.  Getting a sense for what the best colors for Tanzanite is essential for making a wise purchase decision. 

2.     Size: Large pieces of Tanzanite are exceptionally rare, and therefore command very high prices.  A Tanzanite over 3 carats is hard to find and very expensive. 

3.   Clarity: After color, clarity is probably the most important factor in Tanzanite.  Lower quality, lower priced Tanzanite will have many internal flaws, or inclusions, inside it.  Perfectly clear Tanzanite is hard to find and priced accordingly.

4.     Cut: When the color and clarity of a Tanzanite are of high quality, a good cut will make the difference between a nice stone and a once-in-a-lifetime stone.

5.  Treatments, Synthetics and Imitations: Tanzanite often goes through some kind of laboratory treatment and is also sometimes imitated.  Tanzanite is also sensitive and requires care when handling.

The Most Valuable Tanzanite

The most valuable Tanzanite is bright blue with violet pleochroism (as you turn the stone in the light, you see flashes of violet).  It is large (over 3 carats), perfectly clear and perfectly cut.

Excepting stones found close to the surface in the early days of the discovery, Tanzanite is universally heat treated to produce a range of hues between bluish-violet to violetish-blue. Since heat treatment is universal, it has no effect on price, and finished gems are assumed to be heat-treated. Tanzanite is sometimes found in other colors, such as green, although technically it would be called 'green zoisite' rather than Tanzanite. Tanzanite may be subjected to other forms of treatment as well.

 Recently coated Tanzanites were discovered and tested by the AGTA and AGL laboratories. A thin layer of coatings was applied to improve the color of the Tanzanite. Tanzanite is heat treated in a furnace with a temperature between 550 and 700 degrees Celsius. It should not have any cracks or bubbles in it, as it could shatter or the cracks/ bubble will increase in size.

Tanzanite is sometimes called the "workaholic's stone", this is due to the fact that this stone will help you slow down and take it easy. This in turn will bring success in more areas of your life. It is very balancing for highly active people, mellowing out extremes in personality.

Tanzanite relieves stress and enhances composure, poise and harmony. It is very balancing for highly active folk, mellowing out extremes in a personality. It helps us in understanding why things are happening in life giving us awareness from the balance.

Tanzanite is a "stone of magic" that facilitates spiritual awareness and stimulates insight. It is also said to relieve depression. Tanzanite is known to both dispel and transmute negativity.

Physically tanzanite is beneficial for stress related illnesses and high blood pressure in particular. It will restore vitality to the body, especially the skin and hair, as it encourages cell regeneration. IT will slow down the aging process and increase the bearer's inner light. 

Malachite

 Malachite’s name derives (via Latin: molochītis, Middle French: melochite, and Middle English melochites) from Greek Μολοχίτης λίθος molochitis lithos, "mallow-green stone", from μολόχη molōchē, variant of μαλάχη malāchē, "mallow".  The mineral was given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the Mallow plant. Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. The pigment is moderately lightfast, very sensitive to acids and varying in color. The natural form was being replaced by its synthetic form, verditer amongst other synthetic greens. It is also used for decorative purposes, such as in the Malachite Room in the Hermitage, which features a large malachite vase. "The Tazza", one of the largest pieces of malachite in North America and a gift from Tsar Nicholas II, stands as the focal point in the center of the room of Linda Hall Library.

The Tazza

Malachite often results from weathering of copper ores and is often found together with azurite (Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂), goethite, and calcite. Except for its vibrant green color, the properties of malachite are similar to those of azurite and aggregates of the two minerals occur frequently. Malachite is more common than azurite and is typically associated with copper deposits around limestones, the source of the carbonate.

Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the Urals, Russia. It is found worldwide including in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Gabon; Zambia; Tsumeb,Namibia; Mexico; Broken Hill, New South Wales; Lyon, France; and in the Southwestern United States notably in Arizona.

In Israel, malachite is extensively mined at Timna valley, often called King Solomon's Mines, although research has revealed an interruption in mining activity at the site during the 10th century BC, the time of the biblical Solomon.  Archeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined and smelted at the site for over 3,000 years. Most of Timna's current production is also smelted, but the finest pieces are worked into silver jewelry.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used malachite for jewelry and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the Middle Ages it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers.  It has traditionally been worn by pilots and aircraft operators as a protective stone and to help with symptoms of vertigo.

Malachite is believed to be a strong protector of children. It is said to protect the wearer from accidents and protects travelers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.

Malachite can be used to identify the step-by-step way to get to a goal.  It also helps one to accept responsibility for one’s actions and situation, helping the wearer to be more pro-active.

Malachite stimulates the throat chakra and facilitates love and friendship, as well as responsible business relationships.

Malachite is believed to protect against radiation and can uncover hidden emotional causes of disease.  It can be beneficial in improving ailments such as asthma, arthritis, tumors, broken bones and torn muscles.  It can be worn to boost the immune system and ease child labor.

Malachite is a stone that should not be used for physical healing. Malachite has been called the "mirror of the soul". It is variable in its condition. It reaches the inner feelings of the person and reflects what is there, negative or positive. It is so beautiful that one would like to wear it in jewelry, but caution must be used when wearing Malachite.


 It will always reflect how you feel, if you feel negative don't wear Malachite. It reminds us that we have a dual nature and it is up to each person to know and rule his own person. To help get rid of nightmares, keep a piece of Malachite in your bedroom.

Abalone

Abalone is a univalve mollusk of the genus Haliotis. The shell is lined with mother-of-pearl, and used for ornamental purposes; the sea-ear.

Abalone is used in crystal and gemstone healing and is known for its relaxing effects. 

According to research on ancient civilizations, it is said that abalone is a gift from the sea, which creates a connection to the heart, healing it.  Abalone shell has been used in many cultures as a decorative jewelry and for carvings.  Studies on native northwest American Indians indicate that they used abalone for prayer.  A disc of abalone shell is worn on the forehead of Apache girls as they greet the sun in the morning of their initiation into womanhood.

Although it is used in crystal and gemstone healing, abalone is not actually a gemstone or a crystal. It is a mollusk that belongs to the same class of shellfish as scallops and clams. An abalone has a very strong shell and a flattened, oval shape with an iridescent interior.

Abalone is very beautiful and oftentimes is used as simple decoration, as it possesses the magnificent colors of the sea. An abalone is usually blue, indigo, green, yellow or pink and many abalones are a mix of several of these colors. It is a wonderful representation of the sea. It can be found off the coasts of China, Japan and South America. Several large species are found on the coast of California, clinging closely to the rocks.

Crystal and gemstone healing therapists suggest that abalone should be washed before being used.

First and foremost, abalone has a relaxing, peaceful effect. It radiates the energies of gentleness and comfort. Individuals who carry this stone with them report that just looking at an abalone makes them feel like they are back in the ocean.

Various sources claim that for concentration purposes or deep meditation, abalone is a very helpful stone as it is said to be associated with the first three chakras: The base chakra, the sacral chakra and the solar plexus.

Energy wise, abalone is well known for its muscle growth properties. It helps build muscle and protects muscle issue. It also improves digestion and the heart. It also aids the endocrine system.

For very stressful times abalone can be of great service as it can help an individual restore his emotional balance. Abalone is known to be very useful in times of extreme emotional strife. When emotions seem to be running rampart and when it seems like the mind does not have even one moment of peace and quiet, this is when the relaxing and soothing effect of abalone can come into play.

Some crystal and gemstone books also suggest that abalone can be helpful in psychic development.

Beautiful abalone crystals are usually quite cheap, so if you have been feeling a little emotional vulnerable and it seems like you could do with a little relaxation in your life, then consider purchasing an abalone.

Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and the functions of the heart chakra. Both pearl and abalone shell hold the same divinatory meaning:

o  Abalone shell is great for working through emotional issues, as it encourages calmness and soothing in emotional situations.

o  Abalone shell stimulates our intuition and imagination.

o  Holding a piece of abalone shell makes you feel beauty, love, comfort, caring, gentleness, delight, peacefulness, and solace.

o  Abalone shell connected with family in particular motherhood.

o  Abalone shell helps with the easy flow of feelings and sensitivities to others.

o  Abalone shell is intimately connected to the sea - it represents the tides of emotion.

o  Abalone shell helps give harmony to relationships.

o  Abalone shells play and variety of colors represent change as the beauty of existence.

o  A comforting shell to hold and very tactile.

o  Abalone shell increases our ability to be more emotionally expressive and encourages co-operation between ourselves and others.

o  Abalone shell is extremely useful in stimulating our psychic development.

Made by Karen Kroha
'tiques n t'ing
www.tntings.com

References:

Raphaell, Katrina (1987). Crystal Healing: Applying the Therapeutic Properties of Crystals and Stones. New Mexico: Aurora Press; Hall, Judy (2006). Crystal Prescriptions: The A-Z Guide to Over 1,200 Symptoms and Their Healing Crystals. Hampshire: O Books; Hall, Judy (2003). The Crystal Bible. Ohio: Walking Stick Press; Hall, Judy (2007). The Encyclopedia of Crystals. Massachusetts: Fair Winds Press; Gienger, Michael (2005). Healing Crystals: The A-Z Guide to 430 Gemstones. Moray: Findhorn Press