Blog
The purpose of this blog is to present fun facts about the crystals that I feature in my jewelry. I will keep these posts brief and not too technical. I will describe the crystals, talk a bit about it's geology and chemistry, history and lore, uses by ancient people (and more modern ones too), locations where mined, and any other fun fact I can find. Metaphysical uses are listed with the pendant descriptions.
Variscite November 2024
Variscite is one of my favorite stones. It's color can range from a yellowish green to a blue green, often with black, white or gray matrix, forming interesting patterns. The color pattern varies and includes veins, webbing, splotches, and orbs.
Variscite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral. It usually occurs in crystalline masses, nodules, veins, or cavity fillings. Variscite is a secondary mineral formed by deposits from phosphate bearing water reacting with aluminum rich rocks in a near surface environment. The green color comes from chromium and vanadium. It is often found in the same geographic areas as turquoise. One distinguishing characteristic is that turquoise contains copper and variscite does not.
Variscite was first discovered in 1837, in Variscia, now known as the Vogtland district of Germany. This is the origin of its name.
Since neolithic times, 6000 years ago, people have created jewelry from variscite. Beads carved from variscite discovered in Brittany, France, were called callais or callaina. Some of these beads came from Sardinia, Italy, the Sarrabus region. These artifacts may point towards a possible prehistoric gem trade network in Europe. It's use for beads and carvings continued during the bronze age and in Roman times.
Today, variscite is mined in Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming in the USA. It is also mined in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, and the Yazd district in central Iran.
Variscite slab from Iran
Variscite cabochons
Yellow- green variscite beads
Variscite pendants
Labradorite October 2024
Labradorite is a gray stone often with black lines or streaks. Labradorite can display an iridescent optical effect, (labradorescense) when viewed from an angle. It is mostly described as "flash". Labradorite can flash in all colors, yellow, green, blue, purple, red, orange, gold and often in combination.
Labradorite is a complex interaction of geological processes involving magma, temperature, pressure, and chemical composition that contributes to its beauty and unique characteristics. Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar mineral composed primarily of sodium and calcium aluminum silicate. It typically forms in igneous rocks as a result of the cooling and solidification of magma.
Labradorite was originally found at Ford Harbour, Paul Island, near the town of Nain, off the east coast of Labrador, Newfoundland. It was first documented in the late 1770's. Today it is mined in Australia, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, Russia, and the USA. Spectrolite, a variety only found in Finland, is very high quality, and very expensive. It flashes more purples, reds, and pinks.
Labradorite is often referred to as Northern Lights stone. Inuit and Innu (Montagnais-Naskapis) peoples believed labradorite was a fire stone produced by the Aurora Borealis. They believed it was frozen at the highest point in the air and then fell back to Earth. They also believed that labradorite is the guardian spirit of their ancestors, containing their wisdom and strength. They regarded it as a source of power and healing, making amulets and talismans for protection. This crystal became a symbol of guidance and served as a means to connect with their ancestors.
Another legend states that the flashing northern lights were all trapped in rocks along the Labrador coast. A mighty warrior freed the lights by hitting the rocks with his spear. Most of the lights were freed to flash across the wintry skies. But in a few places the lights remain trapped in the rocks, and can be seen in labradorite's shimmering colors.
In other cultures labradorite is considered a magical stone, believed to possess protective and mystical properties. It's been used by shamans and healers as a tool for connecting with the higher realms, enhancing spiritual growth, and seeking guidance.
