My Crystal Collection (Pt. I)

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- Visit the official Asian American and Pacific Islander philanthropy site here.
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Hello friends!
I'm back, I'm thriving (well, sort of), and I'm ready to talk about a new hobby of mine.

   For the past few months, or maybe even since quarantine started, I've been wanting to try new hobbies. In the beginning of lockdown, I was trying some new fitness things, like swimming and running (and, despite my plateau, I've recently gotten back into running!). I've also been trying to improve at things like bullet journaling, composing digital collages, and streaming various video games. But despite all that, there's been a hobby that I've been wanting to try--collecting crystals.

   I know, I know. There's a lot of skepticism. Do I really believe in all the healing powers of crystals? Not really, no. For me, it's like astrology--even if you don't believe in the traits that correspond with the signs and the stars, it's fun to study it and share your findings with friends. That's why I've been wanting to try to collect crystals and rocks.

   With crystals, I believe there's more so a change of mindset when you study how these different elements are made, their connection to the earth, and what their healing properties are supposed to be. That change of mindset could even be a self-fulfilling prophecy type of deal, or manifestation, where you're thinking, "Well this yellow crystal is alleged to bring positivity and prosperity," and then that concept resonates with you and your subconscious. In this example, the crystal itself might not radiate special powers, but that positive association with the story behind it and the stunning look of it might remind you of prosperity and optimism. And that association, I think, it what creates a very believable energy to the crystals--that they do in fact heal and can be activated to bring good fortune or what have you. But I believe it's about the aura.

   So today, I wanted to show you a portion of my crystal collection thus far. I already am preparing part two, because I've been collecting them at a rapid rate. Instead of investing a lot of money in big pieces, I've been keeping my choices small. It's more fun for me to learn about them before spending too much money...for now, at least. Anyhoo, let's dive in!
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​Labradorite

   Okay, first of all, look at these stunning reflections. This specific reflective quality is called labradorescense, which according to Merriam Webster, is " caused by internal structures that selectively reflect only certain colors." So with this stone, you can normally see flashes of gold, blue, green, and red when you tilt it in the light.

   Labradorite originates from an area nearing Labrador, Canada in 1700. According to Geology.com, "Labradorite is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It most often occurs as a primary mineral in mafic igneous rocks," which are rocks that are rich in magnesium, iron, and about 50% silica makeup. I think it's interesting that this rock can be found in various rock types. After being mined, Labradorite, or similar light-refracting minerals, are, "most often cut into cabochons. The labradorescence phenomenon is best exhibited when the base of the cabochon is parallel to the layers in the material that produce the labradorescent flash," Geology.com explains.

   As for its traits, Labradorite is a stone that represents growth and transformation. It's said that the various colors that change in the light are a good visual for this quality. And according to Charms of Light, "It balances and protects the aura, raises consciousness and grounds spiritual energies" as well. So to sum it up, this stone helps to grow and to protect who you are.
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​Smoky Quartz

   This geometric beauty is smoky quartz. I've seen that the most prominent sources of this crystal are Brazil and Madagascar, but it's loved and celebrated all over the map. Visually, smoky quartz tends to be translucent with tinges black and brown hues. Apparently it's also rather simple for sellers to alter their clear quartz to look like smoky quartz, so there are some fakes out there.

   According to Crystal Vaults, The essence of this crystal wards off negative energy and alleviates stress, tension, anxiety, and panic attacks. Crystal Vaults also says that smoky quartz is used "to eliminate worry and doubt when faced with chaos or confusion" and "to absorb misfortune, sorrow or seemingly impossible obstacles." Honestly, It's right up my alley.
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Shungite

   This next mineral is shungite. When I was purchasing this piece from the vendors, I wasn't originally visually drawn to this. I mean, it's tiny. However, it's actually super interesting! Healthine describes Shungite as "a rare black stone made of up to 99 percent carbon. It’s mainly found in Shunga, a village in Karelia, Russia."

   Shungite has an array of benefits--it can destroy harmful pathogens, purify water, reduces inflammation, eases aches and pains, and relieves stress.

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​Amethyst

   This next beauty is Amethyst. I bought a smaller chunk from a vendor, but my sister-in-law gifted me the bigger and simplified piece that I also have pictured. Anyways, Amethyst is a stunning purple and clear crystal that apparently is just a purple form of quartz. This crystal is heavily found in Brazil, where it's formed in large volcanic rocks and geodes.

   The name supposedly stems from a story that a Greek man was spared from drunkenness. The Greek term amethystos means "not" and "intoxicate". I sourced Wikipedia for that one.

   As traits go, Amethyst is a stone of contentment and spirituality based on it's ability "to still the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state. Its inherent high frequency purifies the aura of any negative energy or attachments, and creates a protective shield of Light around the body, allowing one to remain clear and centered while opening to spiritual direction," according to Crystal Vaults. But beyond that, it's notorious for creativity and passion.

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Tangerine Quartz

   The next stunner is Tangerine Quartz. This crystal is a shiny, orange piece that once again stems from Brazil. Formed by water and hematite, tangerine quartz has no choice but to turn to an orange color during its formation. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Kidding, I actually bought a ridiculous variety of quartz from the vendors. It's fine. I'm fine.

   Being a notorious symbolic joyful shade, tangerine quartz provokes happiness. Crystal Vaults reads, "It can be a simple delight or a deep, lasting feeling...Tangerine Quartz is zest, life, and the burst of new ideas. Put this in a room where you need inspiration. You will be inspired and motivated at the same time. The energy is quite potent." It's also associated with childlike wonder.

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​Pyrite ("Fool's Gold")

   Pyrite is a shiny silvery/goldy rock that Geology.com says "forms at high and low temperatures and occurs, usually in small quantities, in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks worldwide." Its ressemblence to gold is where the nickname Fool's Gold stems from.

   According to Charms of Light, "Pyrite is a powerful protection stone which shields and protects against all forms of negative vibrations and/or energy...it stimulates the intellect and enhances memory" and "assists one in seeing behind facades, promoting an understanding of that which lies beneath words and actions." Charms of Light also notes, "Pyrite inspires the universal energies to activate the nourishing energies of the body.  It encourages the ideal of health, intellect, and emotional well-being." If there's one thing I'm trying to prioritize in my life right now, it's health and well-being. I love that this is the message of this stone.

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​Orange Aragonite

   This little log of a gem is a piece of orange aragonite. Fire Mountain Gems says aragonite "is a carbonated metamorphous gemstone naturally found in stalactites or around natural hot springs." And honestly, that's probably how it has such a remarkable shape. Like I said, mine is more of a log, but if you look at photos of it more developed, you'll be blown away.

   This also wasn't a stone I was super drawn to initially, but the stories and meaning behind it gave me so much motive to add it to my collection. According to Charm of Light,  this stone is a stress-relief aid, providing "insight into the causes of problems and situations." It also "aids concentration and brings tolerance and flexibility to the mind.  It teaches acceptance and patience, especially helpful to those who feel they have too much responsibility." So basically, if you're an overthinker and an anxious person like myself, the alleged healing properties behind this crystal are often used to alleviate our struggles. All I want is clarity and peace of mind.

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Clear Quartz

   Once again, we're blessed with another silica-based crystal--clear quartz. It has that pointy look of other quartz varieties, but this time, is color-free (despite mine having some tinge of yellow on the end of it) and is more noticeably translucent. It's hard to find the true origin of clear quartz, probably because there are so many different types of quartz, but the resources I've looked into discuss a lot of countries in Europe having affiliations for the naming of the crystal.

  As for characteristics, I once again referenced Charms of Light. They do a remarkable job at organizing and discussing the perks of different crystals and minerals, if you couldn't tell. This time, they said, "Clear Quartz is known as the master healer and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals.  It absorbs, stores, releases and regulates energy." So basically, it's a hype-man of both you and your other crystals. Being the amazing friend that it is, clear quartz also, "draws off negative energy of all kinds" and "balances...the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes...and acts as a deep soul cleanser." Physical benefits are said to be improving memory and bettering immune health.

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​Moss Agate

   The final piece of the day is this stunning moss agate. It's a polished, tumbled rock that is smooth--almost flat on one side--and is translucent with layers of moss inside. This was another rock that my sister-in-law left for me, so I actually went into this one with no idea what the properties or origin of this piece were. According to Britannica.com, "most moss agates are found as fragments weathered from volcanic rocks. Long used for ornamental purposes, they are obtained chiefly from India, Brazil, Uruguay, central Europe, and the western United States."

   And after once-again referencing Charms of Light, we can see that it supposedly "attracts abundance in wealth and improves self esteem." Moss agate also "develops strength and the ability to get along with others...inspires new ideals after periods of stagnation...promotes self-expression and communication...balances the emotions, releasing fear and stress...encourages trust and hope." I mean, if that's not a terrific list of positive associations with this rock, I don't know what is. I feel like moss agate is the visual representation of wearing your heart on your sleeve--it's translucent but you can see layers and layers deep inside.

Thank you guys for stopping in today. Let me know if this is something you enjoyed reading! I had a great time researching.

Keep on grinning!

​Lydia