Amethyst, February Birthstone

Amethyst, the February birthstone and one of the most beloved of all the gemstones. It's a good thing it's plentiful; otherwise it would be super expensive!

If you're looking for some other stones to represent Aquarius in the Zodiac, try Agate, Jasper, Turquoise or Opal as these stones are associated with Talismanic, Planetary and Sun/Star signs.

Some more-than-trivial facts about Amethyst:

• From the Greek word "amethystos", which means not drunken. It is thought to protect from overindulgence.
• It's the official state gemstone of the US state of Georgia.
• Major deposits are found in the US, Brazil and some countries in Africa.
  
• Some amethyst will lose its color in direct sunlight. It can be restored using X-rays.

An amethyst cathedral makes great decor in a living or waiting area and perhaps will contribute to the metaphysical properties of the room? 

You can find them larger or smaller than this. It's like a large geode with masses of amethyst crystals inside. I've seen them recently at shows with a really ugly green paint/sealant on the outside. I prefer them natural on the outside.

Metaphysical properties include:

• Protection from overindulgence
• Balance, quieting the mind
• Emotional healing
• Spiritual growth and transformation

When I am picking out gemstones to wear or display, I select based on the ones I am most drawn to. Though the metaphysical properties are always interesting and may have basis, people are definitely drawn to certain stones more than others and it varies by person. 

I recently got some new amethyst stones and will have new designs shortly! 

Garnet: January Birthstone + Alternates

January's birthstone is the garnet, a beautiful red wine-colored stone that can be opaque to translucent and is found all over the world. Garnet is often dyed to create consistent color. I purchased my current garnets as "natural", meaning they have not been dyed. 

From the Latin word, granatus, meaning 'seedlike', possibly because of a resemblance to the delectable & juicy pomegranate.

I can see the resemblance!

Ruby, onyx, agate and lapis can also be powerful stones for the Capricorn, as these are sun/star, planetary and talisman stones for this sign. I know little about astrology, so this information is for those of you who might. I've also seen rose quartz as an alternate birthstone, which looks fabulous with garnet.

Garnets form under high temperature, pressure or both. They are used as 'indicator minerals' to locate diamonds. Used historically for thousands of years, it is considered to be the beacon stone that Noah used to guide the ark through dark nights. Soldiers have used them for protection, embedded into shields and carried as amulets. 

Representing courage, truth, fidelity and compassion; thought to heal depression and increase productivity, garnets should be worn close to the body to maximize their peaceful energy.

I have some new garnets arriving shortly and will post new designs as soon as they are ready! 

Prehnite, Gemstone Profile

Prehnite is a stone I had never heard of up until about 4 months ago. I did a little research on it, liked what I saw and bought a few pendants to try out. 

Prehnite are the fan and heart shaped pendants in "B" and "C", pictured below.

AKA "Cape Emerald", thanks to original discovery and substantial deposits in the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.Discovered in the mid-18th century in Jurassic-aged rock, it has been considered rare until recent deposits were discovered in Australia and China.

Prehnite is about peace and calm, especially during chaotic, difficult or transitional times. It can inspire inner knowing and increased intuition. Great for those who want to relax or improve meditation.

Item "B" in the above picture is for sale on Etsy.