Quartz Crystal

In my opinion, fools gold looks absolutely nothing like the real thing, which is probably how it got its name. The scientific name for fools gold is iron pyrite, which is an iron sulfide. Although its name is widespread today, the mineral’s uses are somewhat limited.

Centuries ago, fools gold was used as ignition in firearms, but that use has long been antiquated. In the early 20th century, iron pyrite was used in radio receivers, although the vacuum tube eventually overtook it. There is some hope for a pragmatic use of fools gold however; researchers are experimenting with the mineral to see if the cost efficient material can be utilized in photovoltaic solar panels.

In chemistry, mineralogy and materials science, a crystal is a solid in which the constituent atoms, molecules or ions are packed in a regularly ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. The word crystal is derived from the ancient Greek word krustallos, which had the same meaning, but according to the ancient understanding of crystal. At root, it means anything congealed by freezing, such as ice. The word once referred particularly to quartz, or “rock crystal”.

 Most metals encountered in everyday life are polycrystals. Crystals are often symmetrically grown to form crystal twins. There are numerous applications of crystals, including jewelry and home décor figures. In my home I keep a collection of exquisite quartz crystal points on the mantel.

There’s nothing quite as hectic and exciting as working in the world of theater. The preparation that goes into any given play is tremendous, both on the individual and group level. Before the curtain ever rises on opening night, there has already been days upon days of work, preparation, and dedication that have gone into the production. Especially if you work behind the scenes on costume, set, or prop design, you don’t have to worry so much about onstage jitters, but you do have that opening night anxiety as you see the fruits of your labor displayed and used onstage.

If you’re looking to put together a play at your local community center, high school, or even your own backyard, you have an amazing selection of tried and true favorites to choose from. One of the most celebrated and often performed plays is Shakespeare’s Hamlet. And if you decide to tackle this challenging and moving play, remember that props and sets can make all the difference. For Hamlet specifically, the most important prop is the skull used in the famous graveyard scene. Every audience member will be waiting for that skull, so make sure you have something special on hand. In my high school production, we invested in a set crystal skulls to help make the climatic scene more dramatic.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula comprises the vast swath of land east of Wisconsin and north of the Mackinac Bridge. This proud region was once home to a booming mining industry, although most of the copper and iron mines have closed down. Logging and tourism now make up the framework of the local economy, but reminders of the U.P.’s rich mining heritage still abound. It’s apparent in a few of the town names: Iron Mountain, Copper Harbor; and the daily newspaper in Houghton, called the Mining Gazette.

The Upper Peninsula’s soil is still littered with copper nuggets – small pieces of raw material that bring to mind a distant time and way of life. Hobbyists like to collect, polish and display these copper deposits, whether or not they’ve ever been lucky enough to visit Michigan’s northern reaches.

In a dark and quiet room light one or two candles.  Place your crystal ball or other favorite meditation crystal on a table in front of you.  ( My favorite is an all natural quartz crystal ball filled with wonderful inclusions and a few rainbows.)  Burning incense is sometimes helpful for setting the mood.  I use a wood scent.  Sandlewood, cedar wood, etc.

 Relax, gaze into the crystal.  Try not to blink.  Slowly take deep breaths in and out while gazing deeply.  You should feel a sense of calm and peacefulness.  At this point, gaze steadly for 15 minutes.  You may increase your time by 5 minutes every new session until you reach 30 minutes or so.

 You might see a fluffy cloud forming in the center of your crystal.  This is your “focusing area” where your visions will appear.  You may or may not get a vision on your first try.  For some it might take several sessions.  Always relax and don’t force anything.  Whether you receive a vision or not this is always an excellent relaxing and stress reducing exercise.

A very special friend was involved in an extremely toxic relationship.  He knew it was destructive, but he was unable to make the permanent break.  When he asked for our help we immediately cleansed and charged a tumbled unikite stone and a rutilated quartz crystal.  We  added these to a special powerful crystal point  and gave them to him. 

Unikite is a moss green and salmon pink composite rock.  It enhances personal power and the ability to completely take charge of your own life.  It helps ensure that you will be the guardian of your own fate and not be taken over by someone else.   Rutilated Quartz and Tourmalinated quartz  have the same energy.  It helps you become more discriminating about who or what one allows to be of impact.

It has been rough, but the bad relationship is finally over!  He has met a new lady ( also out of a bad relationship ) and slowly they are healing together.  Never underestimate the power of the crystal.

The origin of birthstones actually can be traced back about 6,000 years to Moses wandering in the desert. Every tribe of Israel, and there were twelve of them, had a different stone represented in the Hosen or breastplate of Aaron.

The stones were: (Stones will change according to what translation of the bible you use)

Carnelion /Ruby Reuben Symbol of love and marriage; aids conception, pregnancy and birth

Peridot Simeon Brings blessing of joy and abundance to your life

Emerald Levi Symbol of generosity, modesty and kindness

Turquoise Judah Leads to success in business affairs

Lapis Lazuli Issachar Symbol of honesty and clarity of thought

Quartz Zebulon Bestows strength; symbolizes purity and the love of truth

Jacinth/Topaz Dan Stimulates creativity; brings on to self-fulfillment

Agate Naphtali Has a special calming effect

Amethyst Gad Symbol of spiritual strength; guards against negative energies

Chrysolite Asher Purifies both body and soul; brings inner peace

Onyx Joseph Strengthens one’s courage and self-control

Jasper Benjamin Bestows physical strength; raises self-esteem

Years of study, argument, reasoning and all sorts of questioning has gone into the meaning of the stones. Then when you realize that according to scriptures this is just the tip of the use of semi-precious stones and other stones we have no idea what they were, well, it is fascinating.

In the meantime, the above list just might give you some kind of idea why that piece of Onyx on the mantle really seems to do something for you and or why that Emerald just seems “right” on your hand.

This article contributed by a dear friend.  Thank you Kelly

I have always been a great believer in the beauty and power of stones, particularly crystals. I guess the first time my grandfather took me up in the attic and showed me his old “cat’s hair crystal radio” I have been fascinated by them. I figured if I could listen to Amos and Andy by touching that stupid cat hair to a particular spot on that crystal, hopefully  you can see why I thought that crystal just had to have some kind of special something. Over the years I have I have seen crystals and stones used in healing, to release tension, restore health, etc. I met a veterinarian in Dallas, Oregon who was known all over the world for using crystals to heal and treat champion race horses. Last time I saw him was in Jordan where he has treating the horses in the king’s stables.

I have lost track of the number of chiropractors and osteopaths whom I have met, who use crystals and other stones in their treatment and practice.  I have to admit that many of the town folk in some of those towns have looked on them as something akin to witch doctors when they first started practicing. Of course, there was the young lady years ago, when I was working in a rock shop in a town that will remain anonymous. She walked in and wanted a piece of a blue stone, but couldn’t remember what it was called.  I just happened to have a piece of it. At that point she removed her blouse, and showed me the fragment  of Kyanite nestled between….well, you get the picture. When I asked her why she wanted the stone she explained that she had been told that if she wore Kyanite she would not get pregnant. I sold her the sample she wanted and laughed all the way home. I wonder who convinced her of that?

This article was contributed by a dear friend, may he have many more exciting adventures.  Thank you Kelly.

In the 19th century, America’s obsession with Westward expansion was combined with the promise of gold in the California hills. Needless to say, this led many young entrepreneurs to strike out on their own, traveling across the continent to pan for gold in hopes of securing vast wealth. Some of these miners were disappointed to discover that their treasures were actually fool’s gold.

Iron pyrite proves the adage that “all that glistens is not gold.” But that’s not to say that fool’s gold isn’t desirable in its own right. As a decorative piece, iron pyrite has a way of drawing admiring eyes. It makes for an interesting conversation piece as well, especially if the owner can trick his guests into believing it’s a lump of pure gold.

The popularity of last year’s action blockbuster “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” brought renewed interest to a niche of Mesoamerican art. Crystal skulls have been discovered as artifacts and stored in museums and private collections. These skulls are themselves replicas of actual human skulls with some level of artistic license. The shape and color of the crystal goes a long way in determining a piece’s overall aesthetic effect.

Modern day craftsmen and craftswomen continue the tradition of carving crystal skulls. There are numerous apocryphal tales that imbue these skulls with supernatural powers. They have been said to cure diseases or enable the owner to become clairvoyant. For most people, however, crystal skulls make a striking decorative piece for the home.