Now It’s Crystal Clear: Malachite

Welcome to ‘Now it’s Crystal Clear’ series! Today’s topic is all about Malachite.

Revered in ancient times, the Malachite stone has been used to make jewelry, bowls, vases, sculptures, pigments and other artifacts. Coming from the Greek word meaning “mallow”, this stone was named after the dark green leaves of the mallow tree.

Mines are found in Israel, Russia, Germany, England, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Mexico, Sweden, parts of the United States and other areas around the world. [**]

Design: I’ve always been drawn to this stone — especially when it’s paired with gold or bronze. Also, being a Scorpio, it’s said to be a great stone to surround yourself with. Recently, I saw these malachite pieces that I had to get my hands on!

These studs by Tiffany, owner of TheWestWindStudio, are a great option for everyday wear. I’m always drawn to little gold accents on jewelry & these were no exception! I then saw this ring by Charlotta, owner of JewelrybyClo, and thought they’d be a great match! Rings aren’t usually my jewel of choice (as you can see all the necklaces I own) but I liked how this ring was adjustable (since I never know my correct size) haha. I also saw these beaded bracelets by LuxeRebel and wanted to add them to my growing malachite collection! – photo taken by me

Decor: The Malachite stone and print are a great accent to add to your home! Pairing well with neutral colors and bright, bold prints — it’s a fun addition that will spice up any room. Bringing a calm, healing and transformative energy, the Malachite stone will open a meditative space for you to contemplate and enjoy. It’s also a must-have for those who live in a city to bring in the luscious green feel of nature. [***]

[**] = https://www.jewelsforme.com/gem_and_jewelry_library/malachite

[***] = https://www.energymuse.com/malachite-meaning

[All photos and information are linked/credited to the original authors and sources unless otherwise stated].

Now it’s Crystal Clear: Druzy

Welcome to ‘Now it’s Crystal Clear’ series! Today’s topic is all about Druzy stones.

Druzy (drusy) stones are made up of tiny micro-crystals that cover a rocks surface. It can form on top of many stones including quartz, calcite, malachite, dolomite, agate, amethyst and garnet. It can be found in Thailand, China, India and Brazil. [**, ***, ****]

Design: With its sparkle and shine, inexpensive price and many variations, druzy’s make a very popular stone for jewelry production. Used by high-end designers and Etsy creators alike, these stones are sure to find their way into your collection! Coming in all fun shapes and colors — some of the brighter colors are dyed, as it’s very rare to find vibrant specimens in nature. If you’d like to purchase all-natural druzy’s, stick to neutral tones and verify their authenticity with the seller.

I purchased this piece from Amy Kae Atelier and still can’t believe the grey ombré is all-natural! Can be used as both a bracelet and a choker — giving an edgy look with a bit of sparkle! – top photo taken by Amy, bottom photo taken by me

Decor: Bringing a relaxing and calming energy, Druzy’s are a great accessory to add to any space! Whether displayed or for everyday use — they’re said to help reduce stress, anxiety and provide creative inspiration. [***]

[**] = https://whatisdruzy.com/what-is-druzy/

[***] = https://www.sunnyray.org/Druzy-crystal.htm

[****] = https://www.gemrockauctions.com/learn/a-z-of-gemstones/druzy-information

[All photos and information are linked/credited to the original authors and sources unless otherwise stated].

Now It’s Crystal Clear: Rutilated Quartz

Welcome to ‘Now it’s Crystal Clear’ series! Today’s topic is all about Rutilated Quartz.

Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, and Citrine crystal points with my new Rutilated Quartz pendant shining in the afternoon light – photo taken by me

Found in Madagascar, Brazil, and many other locations around the world — this variety of quartz has rutile inclusions within it. Rutile is made of long, hairlike crystal strands with a golden shine. Strands can also form in red-brown, copper, silver, and black. In ancient times, this stone was known as the ‘Venus’s hair stone’, said to have been graced by the ‘golden locks of the angels’. It inspires clarity, spiritual awakening, manifesting your desires, and healing your emotional wounds. [**, ***, ****]

Fun fact — Rutile is made of Titanium Dioxide! It’s used for the production of titanium metal, ceramics and is also crushed to make a bright, white powder pigment that’s used in foods (ever wonder what the white M&M writing was made out of?), plastics, papers, cosmetics and more! [***]

On my birthday, I saw this necklace and it immediately stopped my Instagram scrolling in its tracks. The artist Mary, creator of Barka Jewelry, makes her beautiful pieces in Budapest, Hungary. It took a little over a week to arrive but it was well worth the wait! I wear it constantly! – photo taken by me

[**] = https://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/golden-rutilated-quartz.html

[***] = https://geology.com/minerals/rutile.shtml

[****] = https://www.energymuse.com/rutilated-quartz-meaning

[All photos and information are linked/credited to the original authors and sources unless otherwise stated].

Now It’s Crystal Clear: Fluorite

Welcome to ‘Now it’s Crystal Clear’ series! Today’s topic is all about Fluorite.

Immediately recognized for its fluorescence and vibrant colors, the Fluorite gemstone looks like no other!

Colors typically range from purple, blue, green, yellow, and pink — Fluorite is found as vein fillings in rocks that have been subjected to hydrothermal activity. [**] It can also occur with other minerals in the form of a host-rock or holding rock. Usually, it forms a host-rock with minerals like quartz, calcite, and barite. Found in South Africa, China, Mexico, Mongolia, Russia, South Africa, Spain and the U.S. [***]

One of the most collectible and highly sought after crystals in the world — it carries a calm, stable frequency that brings order to chaos. Known as the “Genius Stone,” Fluorite represents the highest state of mental achievement, boosting aptitude and discernment, the absorption of new information, and helping one work through complex issues. [****]

Ever since I first saw Sarah’s work on Instagram, creator of Alloyd Studio,  I was immediately drawn to her work. I’d been waiting to find and snag a piece of hers that I could call my own and this was it! I purchased this fluorite pendant a few months ago and wear it constantly. I love the stone’s colors — especially the hint of lavender in the middle. – photo taken by me

[**] = https://geology.com/minerals/fluorite.shtml

[***] = https://earthinspiredgifts.com.au/blogs/latest/fluorite-crystals-meaning

[****] = https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/purple-fluorite

[All photos and information are linked/credited to the original authors and sources unless otherwise stated].

Now it’s Crystal Clear: Aquamarine

Welcome to ‘Now it’s Crystal Clear’ series! Today’s topic is all about Aquamarine.

Coming from the Latin name aqua marinus meaning “water of the sea”, the Aquamarine gemstone brings a calming and soothing sensation that inspires truth, trust and letting go. In ancient lore, it was believed to be the treasure of mermaids, and was used by sailors as a talisman of good luck, fearlessness and protection. [**]

The pale blue, transparent crystal is a member of the Beryl family. Its color is caused by iron oxides within the chemical makeup of the stone [**]

Deposits of Aquamarine can be found in Brazil, China, Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Nigeria, Madagascar, Namibia, and locations in the U.S. (Colorado, California, Connecticut, Portland and Massachusetts).  [***]

Exploring the Upper West Side the other day led me to this beautiful Aquamarine + diamond pendant by Lisa of @kabyco . I was immediately drawn to this piece & knew I wasn’t going to let it go! – photo taken by me

[**] = https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/aquamarine

[***] = https://www.minerals.net/mineral/aquamarine.aspx

[All photos and information are linked/credited to the original authors and sources unless otherwise stated].