Blizzard Stone

Blizzard Stone is a fairly new stone. It was discovered in Alaska in the 1990's while Steve Monroe (now Cutler) was looking for meteorites. He believed he had found one when his magnet was attracted to a large boulder. However, it was determined not to be a meteorite, but a form of igneous rock called “Gabbro”.

This stone resembles Snowflake Obsidian due to its inclusion of grayish-white crystals of Feldspar in a charcoal black matrix. This stone is found in various locations in the state of Alaska, USA.

Blizzard Stone protects the body's magnetic field (which uses DC energy) from the outside influences of AC currents and radiation. So, it is good for people who use computers.

Blizzard Stone brings discord into accord - it is a stone for the 21st century, to help us obtain our goals in ascension.

Blizzard Stone helps one to own one's life and let others own their own lives without the need to dominate. It also helps one to realize which areas of one's life need to be cultivated for one's continued personal growth.

Blizzard Stone allows emotions to surface to be dealt with more easily than usual, and improves aggressive, antisocial temperaments.

For more information on Blizzard Stone,

See pages 48-49 of Melody's book,

"Love is In the Earth - Kaleidoscopic Pictorial Supplement Z"

(Earth-Love Publishing House)

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz began much like other Quartz crystals. Molten magma from volcanic activity or through the shifting of continental plates formed massive pipes and lenses as enormous pressures forced this liquid into any empty space it could find. Over hundreds of years the pegmatite cooled, allowing the silicates to interact with other minerals and initiating the growth of crystals.

Unlike other Quartz crystals that can grow into beautifully terminated specimens, it is only under the rarest circumstances that Rose Quartz will terminate into crystal points. Most terminated Rose Quartz specimens grow into micro crystalline structures, with tiny almost imperceptible points. Brazil is the only place that terminated Quartz crystals have been found. In the famous Minas Garis and Poco D'Anta mines.

Rose Quartz is available all around the world. In the US the Custer Mines in South Dakota are reputed to have some of the finest material available in the states. Madagascar is also famous for their Rose Quartz; India, Germany, Africa, Sri Lanka (Romans imported their Rose Quartz from these mines); Scotland, Switzerland, Canada and Spain are just a few of the other localities where this crystal is found.

For several years the color of Rose Quartz was believed to be caused by Manganese and Titanium (Rutiles) inclusions. Before that, geologists theorized the color came from Iron or organic material. Recent studies using new techniques (x-rays and micro analytical methods) have shown that in massive Rose Quartz formations the color is the result of tiny microscopic mineral fibers (similar to those found in Dumortierite). These fibers show some similarities to other minerals, yet it is different enough that it is now being considered a new mineral.

These same examinations done on terminated and the highest quality Rose Quartz
(sometimes referred to as gemmy Rose Quartz) show that the rosy pinks come from Aluminum and Phosphorous inclusions. The Phosphorous explains why some (very few) specimens will glow in the dark. Crystals of this quality are very sensitive to light and have been known to fade with prolonged exposure to Sun or other harsh lights.

It would appear from these newer studies that there are actually two varieties of Rose Quartz.

Titanium inclusions in the crystal create a couple of different effects. Massive inclusions are responsible for the milky streaks seen in many Rose Quartz specimens. Well formed Rutile needles grown in the right orientation within the stone will produce asterisms (stars). However, to see these stars light must shine through the crystal, instead of on its surface (Ruby and Sapphire stars become visible when light plays on the surface of the gem).

Universally, Rose Quartz is seen as a stone of love, peace and calm. The Chinese Goddess of Peace was traditionally carved from this stone because it was believed to embody her gentle wisdom. Almost every tradition gives it the power to bring love into your life.

But, more than bringing love from others, to you, it is a great teacher of self-love. Providing the strength and courage to love your self is one of the most important attributes of the crystal. Carrying a Rose Quartz will improve your self-assurance, allow you to forgive yourself and others, give you emotional balance and open your heart to acceptance. Without assurance, forgiveness, balance and acceptance, it is almost impossible to love yourself.

If your heart has been broken by love or life, Rose Quartz can help you heal those wounds. Plus, as you learn to love yourself, you will be less likely to allow yourself into situations where your heart can be broken.

When you are confronted with injustice, or the inappropriate actions of others, this crystal will help you work through your anger in a productive manner. Helping you to react and act in ways that will help resolve the problem and prevent you from internalizing your emotions. It provides a release for destructive or angry feelings without causing chaos. Sometimes it is necessary to get mad, but it is never healthy not to act on that necessity.

Rose Quartz can help you build immunity to dangerous emotions like jealousy and greed, which can eat away at confidence and your love for self, as well as others.

Romans were strong believers in the healing properties of Rose Quartz. They believed it helped to release impurities from the body's cells and fluids. They also recommended it for treating breathing problems, headaches, aching bones and to relieve menstrual symptoms.

The Egyptians and Romans both carved face masks from the crystal. These masks were used to prevent or remove wrinkles and skin blemishes. They also believed the stone would heal scars and bruises.

The loving and calming energies of Rose Quartz are very beneficial for heart health. It is believed the energies from this stone can lower the blood pressure, helping the heart to work more efficiently. The crystal may be helpful in improving fertility, restoring sexual desire and promoting weight loss.

Topaz

When the Greek scholar Pliny wrote that Topaz gave man strength and protected him from poison, he might have actually been writing about Citrine. The huge (weighs 1,680 carats) Portuguese crown jewel, the Braganza, is a beautiful clear Topaz was thought for a few centuries, to be a diamond. Even the origins of the name, “Topaz” stirs confusion. Some references point to Sanskrit word “tapas”, that means Fire. Or was it named for Zebirget, an island in the Red Sea that the Greeks once called “Tapazius”? Except that Peridot is the gem currently mined on the island.

Today's scholars write with a higher degree certainty on the properties and origins of the Topaz crystal. Aluminum, silicate (Quartz), fluoride and hydroxide molecules were bonded together during volcanic eruptions. Left to cool in pegmatites and granitites for thousands of years, the aluminum bonding with the oxygen (hydroxide) formed a chain of connected octahedrons, held together by silicate tetrahedrons that sometimes grew into gigantic crystals.

One of the largest Topazes ever found was a 600 pound specimen in Brazil. You can see it today at the Museum of Natural History in New York. A rare, perfect blue gemstone was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1965. It weighed 100 kilograms. In Norway, a 137 pound crystal was found in 1901 that was two feet long.

Its unique crystal structure makes Topaz a hard and dense gemstone. In fact, pure clear Topaz has often been mistaken for Diamond because of their similar density, clarity and hardness. Topaz crystals can terminate in a variety of ways, some are dome-shaped pyramids, prismatic, tabular and often with striations.

Its crystalline formation also allows the gem to hold an electric charge for up to 30 hours. You can charge a Topaz by rubbing it with your fingers. Some Brazilian stones acquire a charge just by holding the ends of the crystal between your fingertips. Heating the gem then allowing it to cool slowly builds an electrified charge greater than any achieved with other stones. Plus the stone will retain that energy for more than a day after cooling down.

Most Topaz is found in its purest form, clear; also sometimes referred to as silver or white Topaz. Blue and green are the rarest colors. Most commercial blue Topaz are clear crystals that have been irradiated then heat treated to create the color. Imperial or golden Topaz is the second most common variety. These stones often contain chromium and are heat-treated to bring out a rosy-red to pink hue in the gem. Pink Topaz does occur naturally more often than the rare blues. Still it's always best to ask your jeweler if the stones you are considering have been treated to enhance their color.

Topaz is found around the globe; Australia, North and South America, Russia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Tasmania, Africa, Pakistan, Norway and China. Tourmaline, Fluorite, Quartz and Mica are just some of the gemstones that can occur with it.

Many ancient traditions and beliefs have created a brilliant history for Topaz. Clear, terminated Topaz was referred to as an iris stone because of is double refractive qualities and the way its facets would project Light's rainbow spectrum. If worn in a ring on the left hand, the gem was believed to restrain lustful desires.

Egyptians thought the Imperial Topaz was the captured light of the Sun God Ra. It was worn in amulets for protection from accident or attacks. Greeks and Romans also associated the golden crystals with their Sun God, Jupiter. They believed the stone increased their strength and could neutralize enchantments.

Bushmen in Africa used Topaz in healing ceremonies and rituals to connect with ancestral spirits.

In medieval courts, Kings, Judges and other noble persons were often presented with an engraved Topaz to win favor and cultivate positive relationships. Falcons were a favorite carving subject. A powder ground into wine was believed to relieve asthma. Leaving a crystal in wine for three days produced an elixir that was used on the eyes to improve vision. Some beliefs held the stone could make you invisible during moments of danger.

Today Topaz is honored as the state gemstone in Texas and Utah. Blue Topaz is recognized as a fourth anniversary gift - Imperial Topaz for the 23rd anniversary. It is also one of the birthstones listed for November.

If you are on a journey of spiritual change, Topaz makes an excellent companion. It teaches you to trust in the Universe to guide and provide while aiding you in fully recognizing the magical laws of attraction and manifestation and your ability to manipulate them. Meditations with a stone will help awaken your sleeping gifts and illuminate your co-creative energies.

The crystal helps you become more aware of your personal world, and the power you have to bring about positive changes. It strengthens your confidence to make decisions that are correct for you, giving you the fire and motivation you need to follow through on your choices. Work with Topaz to make your dreams your reality.

Artists may be attracted to the gemstone because it promotes your individual creativity. Stimulating you creative energies like a Muse, lifting your art to new levels. The crystal can be used as an energy battery when your demanding schedule threatens to overwhelm your day. Carrying a stone during those crazy days will help you stay mentally alert, while protecting you from unseen dangers that could thwart more than just your next appointment.

The color of your crystal has some impact on the energies it can bring. Here is a brief list of additional qualities you'll find in different Topaz. Always be open to what you feel or hear from your own stones as well. You may find Topaz assists you in ways not mentioned in this or any other article. Honor and accept that.

Clear Topaz: This is a stone of confidence. Giving extra strength to be yourself, unafraid to creatively express the beautiful voice the Universe gave you. Helps stimulate natural gifts.

Blue Topaz: Works with your Throat Chakra allowing you to voice the perfect words for bringing your desires and dreams into reality. It unites body, mind and spirit with the Universal All.

Imperial Topaz: A stone of Fire, burning with the energies of Grandfather Sun. This is the stone that will see your goals through, never allowing your confidence to waiver, your motivation to fail. Use the crystal for a quick charge when your battery is low. Stimulates the first three Chakras and opens the Crown.

Rose Topaz: Opening the base Chakra and stimulating the Kundalini - this crystal is great for balancing the exhausting energies of passion and power. If you are quick to anger, carrying a rosy gemstone may help you temper and channel your anger into productive resolutions instead of fights.

Healing traditions for Topaz still recommend the crystal for relief from asthma and digestive problems. Patients undergoing long convalescence may use the stone to improve stamina, helping the body recover from its inactivity. It should help with insomnia by warding off nightmares, unproductive thoughts and allowing you to relax. It may promote the healing of wounds, strengthen your back and spinal cord and possibly aid in weight loss by raising your metabolism.


By Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2007