Beryl: A Lesser Known Gemstone

Albite-Beryl-weillaqua2
Albite-Beryl-weillaqua2
The beryl family of mineral has bestowed us with many gemstones. Some of them, such as emeralds and aquamarine, are widely known and sought-after. However, some lesser-known beryl stones are also mined throughout the world. Among them, the most striking is goshenite. This stone is usually found as a white and colorless specimen in nature. According to some mineralogists, goshenite is the most abundant beryl in nature. Chemically, it is the purest beryl stone.

However, the abundance of this mineral doesn’t mean that the each and every excavated specimen of the stone is worthy of being faceted into a gem. Jewelers usually prefer to facet only those goshenites into ornamental stones that are transparent and free of every impurity. It is important to mention that the goshenite is also considered the mother of crystals because of its pure existence in nature. The naturally occurring specimens of this crstal contains nearly no chemical impurities.

Goshenite is a Modern Gemstone

Unlike many gemstones that have been in human use for centuries, goshenite is comparatively a modern gemstone. People only came to know about this variant when it was discovered from a small mine in Massachusetts as slightly white and opaque during the 19th century. Soon after that, miners started to look for this gem in other geographical locations. Now, it is found in nearly every part of the world. However, the most notable goshenite mines are in South America and the gem-grade goshenite is mostly mined from Brazil.

The Name of the Stone

Since this mineral is a modern gemstone, no Greek or Latin etymologies are attributed to its name. The gemstone is named after the locality where it was first found. Goshen, a small town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts had a small area from where the first goshenite specimen was mined.

Goshenite and Similar Gemstones

Beryl-ed11dBecause of its transparent and whitish appearance, goshenite resembles many other minerals. For instance, it will be difficult to distinguish for a non-expert if a specimen is placed among white zircon, white sapphire, or white quartz.

Goshenite and Diamond

Some really fine and transparent pieces of this gemstone can also give the impression of a diamond. However, such specimens are really hard to find. Moreover,  this rare mineral can be distinguished from diamonds by analyzing one definitive gem characteristic called fire

Fire is a geological term for dispersion. It entails the ability of a gemstone to break down the light into a spectrum when exposed to a light source. The dispersion or firing capability of a diamond is second to none. One can easily tell diamond and goshenite specimens apart by observing them from different angles in an illuminated space. The diamond specimen would produce quick flashes on the exposure of light. On the other hand, goshenite stones can’t produce the same flickers in a similar setting.

One can also tell goshenite from diamonds specimens by conducting a hardness test. Goshenites are way softer than diamonds. Therefore, they can easily get scratched. Nevertheless, it can be used as an inexpensive alternative to diamonds in jewelry items. Many jewelers offer goshenite-laden necklaces, rings, and pendants. Amid all its use as an ornamental article, the greater demand for this gemstone is attributed to stone collectors.

Goshenite and Metaphysics

Two Hands Together
Hand Healing Energy 

The metaphysical uses of minerals have been discussed several times in this section. There are many people who strongly believe in this branch of philosophy and subsequently use several everyday items in accordance with the principles of metaphysics. Like any other naturally occurring stone, there are many metaphysical uses of goshenite. It will be fitting to discuss some of them in this article.

Healing Energies of Goshenite

People who believe in healing energies of gemstones call goshenite as a crystal of the moon. All those stones associated with moons are believed to improve the balance of hormones and bodily fluids. Therefore, the stone is used by some to treat mood disorders stemming from postnatal depression, PMS and bipolar disorder.

Goshenite and Chakra Therapy

Chakra therapies are based on the ancient Sanskrit dogma that our physical and spiritual being is governed by seven wheels (chakras) of energy located at different positions on the body. Different gemstones are believed to activate these chakras to benefit the treated individual.

Goshenite is known to activate the Crown Chakra that is located at the top of the head. This chakra is believed to expand our understanding of the world beyond the existing reality. It is also known to provide a gateway to our beliefs, universal energy and truth. In short, the use of goshenite in Chakra therapies entails a peace of mind while providing more clarity regarding the surrounding universe. During Chakra therapies, goshenites are used with other stones to enhance their healing properties. In addition, it can also be used on any of the seven Chakras to clear and revitalize the given body area.

Goshenite as a Zodiac Stone

Like any other beryl stone, goshenite is considered a Zodiac stone for Taurus. However, it is deemed suitable for Cancerians as well. Due to its association with the moon, it is known for clamping down the predisposition of impulsively charging ahead.

Goshenite and Feng Shui

Feng shui (Chinese characters)
Chinese Lettering for Feng_Shui
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice of controlling the energies of the surroundings to create an optimal living environment. Mineral stones play an important role in controlling and managing the energies of a Feng Shui environment.

For instance, goshenite is associated with metal energy. This Feng Shui energy can be optimally harnessed in the west and northwestern portion of a residence or room. Metal elements, as described by Feng Shui, school of thought, fetch the attributes of determination and concentration in our lives and residential settings.

Feng Shui experts recommend the use of goshenite in the residential spaces used for any work of concentration or group tasks. It is believed that the presence of this stone in its surrounding helps in solidifying the determination and the efforts being made in a particular space.

Eight Crystals that Can Help to Calm Your Mind and Improve Your Mood

Healing Crystal
Photo by tipota – yayimages.com

Crystals have been used as a mode of healing for centuries. Focusing on energies, crystals can help to dispel negativity, improve your mood, calm your mind and even bring prosperity into your life. In fact, many minerals are naturally found in the form of crystals so using them as is can give you more benefits.

Keep in mind that crystals are not a substitute for medical advice. However, they are used by people who believe that these minerals provide some sort of pain relief and improve their mind and mood. Many people also believe that some minerals also have different energies attached to them.

Following are some of the more popular ones that people use for mind and mood:

Amethyst

Amethyst. Magaliesburg, South Africa
Amethyst. Magaliesburg Crystal
Also called the “All Purpose Stone,” the Amethyst is a beautiful, purple crystal that soothes the mind, relieves anxiety and reduces stress. It is available in various shades of purple, ranging from light lavender to a deep plum purple. The stone is said to connect with the Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) and the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) in the body.

It is said that wearing amethyst can help to improve your immune system, help with insomnia and alleviate stress. It is also a great stone that brings more clarity to your mind when your thoughts are confused or foggy. For meditative use, the amethyst crystal is the best as it can help to bring contentment, peace and help one recover from grief and loss. 

Amethyst is popular when worn as jewelry. It comes in many sizes and shapes and this beautiful stone may inspire you to go to the jewelry store and purchase a nice Amethyst necklace. Even if you don’t believe in its powers, it’s a lot cheaper than diamonds!

Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline Crystal
Black Tourmaline Crystal
One of the strongest healing stones, black tourmaline is thought to absorb negative energies and offer spiritual protection. Negative energy refers to the vibes you promote when you appear to be down because you are looking at a situation with a negative (pessimistic) attitude.

Black tourmaline is said to eliminate these negative vibrations, but it may also minimize the effect of electromagnetic fields or frequencies that are emitted from the gadgets and electronic objects in your home. If you are one of those concerned about the negative effects of cell phone waves in the air, perhaps acquiring this stone may make you feel better, even if it is just from a placebo perspective.

This mineral also helps aid in proper sleep. It is said to reduce stress and promote a calmer mind. Black tourmaline can be worn to keep your anxiety at bay and to help you feel more grounded. The crystal is also said to offer an aura of protection that keeps you feeling spiritually healthy and positive.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz Healing Gemstone
Rose Quartz Healing Gemstone

A pink colored stone, rose quartz is connected with love, harmony, and emotional stability. The crystal holds a reputation for being the best for soothing your heart and helping relationships blossom in a healthy manner. People claim that it is great for calming, dealing with emotional trouble or trauma and even past issues.

Wearing or holding it can bring emotional relief and keeping it in your home will fill it with harmony and love. Rose quartz is also said to help with emotional blockage, healing from emotional abuse as well as develop better relationships and friendships. There are reports that it can release anger, jealousy, and resentment of others, so if you are in a bad relationship right now, how about obtaining a rose quartz mineral and see what happens? It will also look great on your mantelpiece. 

Citrine

Citrine Crystal
Citrine Crystal

A yellow colored stone, Citrine is the crystal of prosperity and plenty in all areas of life. Also known as the “Merchant Stone,” using or wearing citrine regularly can also improve your financial areas in life by removing blockages. It is also said to attract new and better opportunities in the professional life of a person.

Citrine is a crystal that makes one feel more creative, mentally invigorated and feel happier about life again. It is also said to improve focus and concentration, boosts energy and reduces stress associated with your personal and professional life. Wearing it or keeping it at your workplace can also improve the atmosphere around you.

Jade

With a deep green hue, jade can be great for calming your emotional energy and releases negativity. The stone symbolizes tranquility, purity and brings about more harmony to the person. Jade is said to be linked with the heart chakra and those who believe say it also enhances relationships and attracts more love into a person’s lives.

Jade is popular in jewelry and tends to be available in a range of different green hues, including emerald green or apple green with hints of yellow, red, brown and lavender or blue in it too. In rare instances, you can also find a white jade stone but the color does not always impact the healing powers of the stones.

Turquoise

Turquoise-216415A gorgeous vibrant blue stone and rare in most parts of the world, turquoise has been highly prized by different cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, North and South Americans, and others. Apart from its distinctive blue colors, turquoise is said to make one happier and more outgoing.

Social anxiety can be reduced with the stone as it not only makes you more confident, it also influences other people around you. The shades of turquoise can range from an eye-catching aqua blue hue to a demure cerulean green tone.

This is probably a great stone to take with you when you go on a job interview, but don’t tell the interviewer you have on. He/She might not understand, unless they have read this article (smile) and with it said that it can manage social anxiety, those who routinely post on social networks should have one next to their computer or mobile device. Who knows? Maybe the social media world would become a little more friendlier! 

Moonstone

Considered to be a personal stone with a feminine energy, the moonstone is a crystal which brings happiness, abundance, and improved relationships into one’s life. The stone is said to protect from negativity and can calm the mind with ease. It also relieves stress and anxiety.

Moonstone is also great for meditation as they say it makes the mind calmer, brings a better understanding of self and boosts your mental health. It is also a great stone for someone who is very sensitive to energies and can feel drained and depleted in social interactions with other people.

Blue Topaz

Natural blue topaz gemstone
Blue topaz in a gemstone setting
Known as the “Writer’s stone,” blue topaz is used as a crystal for clarity in thought and speech. The crystal is said to bring good fortune, joy, and abundance. As a stone that is used to improve communication, blue topaz is said to help with writer’s block and can even help one overcome anxiety related to public speaking.

The blue topaz is also said to have a soothing effect on the mind, reducing stress, eliminating anxiety and bringing more clarity to your thoughts. With better communication methods, you will ultimately be able to enjoy better relationships in all areas of your life.

The crystals mentioned here are all available in raw form or can be shaped to be worn as jewelry pieces, They no doubt will look pretty to wear, but even though many people may swear by their healing powers, there is not much scientific evidence to support these claims. If you have a desire to use them, always remember that these crystals are not a substitute for therapy or prescribed medication