Hematite is an iron oxide compound crystal that is harder that pure iron and more brittle.  It is a heavy stone that naturally occurs in black, silver-gray, brown, red, or reddish browns colors.  Naturally, the minerals is brain-like in appearance but the collectors often polish the stone giving it a metallic, semi-transparent shine.  Also spelled Haematite, this mineral is electrically conductive.  Usually found in areas with standing waters like mineral springs, Hematite can also be found in areas of volcanic activity.  The smaller clay-sized hematite crystals can be formed by the weathering process in soil, producing red or brown minerals.  Derived from the Greek word, haima, which translates to blood, Hematite is commonly produced in Australia, Britain, China, New Zealand, Italy, Brazil, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Venezuela and India                                  

History

Hematite’s history stretches across many ancient civilizations and was used in many different ways.  It’s versatility in appearance with the natural shiny look or as bright red powdered hematite translated to all kinds of uses for each culture.  Countless lapidaries would call it “Bloodstone” or the “stone which bleed”.

Hematite has been found as far back as 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic period.  In Europe, mummified remains were uncovered with the powdered, red hematite spread on the skin.  In China, hematite stones were found surrounding skeletal remains.  During this time, hematite was used as a pigment to create red paints.  

The ancient Egyptian civilization, hematite was thought a great treatment for eye injuries and small growths and would help reduce inflammation.  Used as a mixture in an elixir, it was used to cure illnesses for people who would spit or cough up blood.  It was also used as a topical aid to heal cuts when mixed as a potion.  The hematite stones would adorn the tombs of the Pharaohs.  Around the same time in Mesopotamia, it was used a protective stone during battle and for citizens in the legal system.  It would protect against attack and bring the wearer victory.  

Hematite is riddled in Greek mythology.  This stone was believed to be the petrified blood of the original sky god, Uranus, who at the beginning of time fathered the Titans, Cyclops, and the Hekatonkheires.  The story is that Gaia, who bore the children, hid her Titan son Cronus because Uranus was eating his children in fear that they would betray him.  Cronus castrated his father and the blood dripped to earth petrifying into the stone now known as hematite.  Eventually, Cronus fathered his own children with his mother Gaie but followed in his father’s footsteps by devouring his own children.  Once again, Gaia hid her son Zeus who eventually killed Cronus and freed his other brother gods and sister goddesses.  Hematite became the sacred stone of Zues’s son, Ares, the God of War.  It was common for Greek soldiers to honor Ares by rubbing the powdered hematite on their skin before heading into battle.  This was also a practice used by Native Americans many years later.  

The ancient Romans also used hematite in multiple curing practices.  According to the Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder, the mineral was classified into five different varieties of stone, all with different healing powers.  The stone was used to treat burns and eye wounds, cure sickness associated with nausea, alleviate nerve pain caused by burns or used as a tonic to heal blood-related illnesses.  Many modern day metaphysical healers still used hematite to treat blood conditions.  

Metaphysical Properties

• Stimulates Concentration and Focus

• Enhances Memory

• Balances the Meridians

• Focuses Energies of the Body, Mind and Spirit

• Boost Self Esteem and Belief in Oneself

• Strengthens Will Power

• Deflects Negative Energies

• Creates Decisiveness for Things we Feel are Right for our Soul

• Balances Spiritual and Physical Worlds

• Generates a Clear Mind to Understand What is Best for Us

• Removes Self-Imposed Limitations

• Repels Toxic Emotions

• Heals Emotional Pains

Physical Healing

• Helps Overcome Additions

• Regulates the Blood Supply

• Encourages Absorption of Iron to Help Treat Blood Conditions like Anemia

• Regenerates Tissues

• Treats Leg Cramps

• Heals Fractures 

• Helps with Spinal Alignment

• Regulates Heavy Periods

• Detoxifies the Body

• Enhances absorption of Nutrients into Bloodstream

• Promotes Healthy Habits and Our Ability to Stick with Them 

Chakras

• Root

 Lava Stone is created from deep within the earth when extremely hot molten rock spews from the earth in a thick liquid flow that eventually cools and solidifies.  This rock is the prevalent stone on the earth covering approximately 70% of the planet.  Derived from the Latin work, lavare which means to wash, this stone is usually dark brown to black in color.  This dense stone can also be found in red, orange or yellow varieties and is often porous in nature with a honeycomb like structure.  These stones are found in any region where volcanic activity has occurred so it is quite common and can be found anywhere on the earth.  

History

Known as the oldest stone on the earth, lava has been used throughout all of history in both jewelry making and as a healing stone.  Some of the oldest artifacts uncovered have been dated approximately 10,000 years old.  This stone was used as a building stone during the age of the Roman Empire.  The Pantheon and the many aqueducts were built using Lava Stone.  Also, the Romans would form talisman that would be used to protect against evil spirits promoting strength and courage.  It was not known to be used in jewelry making unit it became popular to do so during the Victorian period of the 19th century.  Touring English females would buy pieces of lava stone jewelry like brooches, bracelets, and rings from the local jewelry  makers. 

Lava Stone is a large part of Hawaiian culture and legend.  Being that lava is the main reason for the Big Island’s size, anyone who dares to remove lava stone from the island will be cursed.  According to the legend of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, the lava stones are her children that are to remain with her in Hawaii.  Removing her children from her will bring extreme misfortune to the thief who has removed the lava stones.

Metaphysical Properties

·         Grounding Stone that Connects the Wearer to Mother Earth, Gaia

·         Gives Strength and Courage in Difficult Time and Situations

·         Clears Negative Thoughts and Emotions

·         Helps with Decision Making Allowing for Clarity of the Mind

·         Alleviates Anxiety and Tension

·         Encourages Calm and Tranquility

·         Relaxes Emotions and the Mind

·         Wearing Lava Stone Close to the Skin Promotes Energy Absorption

·         Aids with Communication and Enhances Creativity

Physical Healing

·         Reduces Muscle Tension

·         General Detoxifier

·         Increase Stamina and Energy Levels

·         Reduces Effects of Allergies

·         Promotes Respiratory Wellness

·         Enhances Fertility

·         Eases Hormonal Imbalance

·         Improves Circulation

Chakras

·         Root

Rose Quartz: A Gemstone of Love and Healing

Rose Quartz, often referred to as the "Stone of Love," is associated with unconditional love, compassion, and emotional healing. It embodies the gentle energy of love, forgiveness, and peace, promoting emotional balance and inner healing. Rose Quartz is a powerful stone that helps to open the heart, foster self-love, and enhance relationships. It attracts love and positive energy, providing a sense of calm and reassurance. Rose Quartz restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Its energy is most strongly associated with the Heart Chakra, facilitating emotional healing and self-acceptance. Rose Quartz brings a sense of comfort and tenderness, helping one to heal from emotional wounds and traumas. It can alleviate feelings of anger, jealousy, and resentment, promoting a more loving and compassionate outlook on life. Rose Quartz provides the strength to forgive and let go, assisting in the release of negative emotions and patterns. It is excellent for meditation and enhancing emotional well-being. Rose Quartz fosters deep emotional healing and supports spiritual growth. It helps to overcome fears and insecurities, drawing out one's inner strength and resilience. Rose Quartz illuminates a path of love and emotional healing for those seeking peace and harmony. It is a crystal of love that nurtures the heart and helps find true emotional fulfillment. Rose Quartz is highly recommended for those seeking love, emotional healing, and inner peace.

History

Rose Quartz has been used since ancient times and is composed primarily of silicon dioxide. The name "Rose Quartz" is derived from its delicate pink color, reminiscent of the beauty of a rose. Rose Quartz has been found in various locations around the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, India, and the United States.

Various cultures throughout history have valued Rose Quartz for its mystical and healing properties. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to prevent aging, while in Greek mythology, it was associated with the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In modern metaphysical practices, Rose Quartz is believed to bring love and emotional healing to its owner. Rose Quartz is used in amulets and jewelry to promote self-love and enhance relationships. It is also believed to protect against negative energies and support emotional healing.

Metaphysical Properties

• Enhances Love and Compassion

• Promotes Emotional Healing and Balance

• Facilitates Self-Love and Acceptance

• Alleviates Anger and Resentment

• Provides Emotional Calm and Reassurance

• Encourages Forgiveness and Letting Go

• Clears Negative Emotions and Patterns

• Supports Meditation and Emotional Well-Being

• Provides Deep Emotional and Spiritual Support

• Promotes Inner Peace and Harmony

Physical Healing

• Supports Heart Health

• Alleviates Stress and Anxiety

• Promotes Relaxation and Calm

• Helps with Sleep Disorders

• Relieves Physical Tension

• Supports the Immune System

• Aids in Recovery from Emotional Trauma

Chakras

• Heart

Proper Care

To cleanse, use lukewarm running water and mild soap with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Place next to or on selenite to spiritually cleanse. Sage/smudging and palo santo will also cleanse your crystal and release negative energies. To charge, place in/on a selenite plate or bowl, in the light of the sun, or the full moon for 6-8 hours. To amplify Rose Quartz’s energy, place near Clear Quartz, wear with Clear Quartz, or place on a Clear Quartz plate.

Pairings

Rose Quartz is excellent when paired with other crystals to add or amplify its energetic gifts. Recommended pairings include:

• Rose Quartz and Amethyst (Spiritual Growth, Intuition, Calm)

• Rose Quartz and Clear Quartz (Clarity, Amplification, Spiritual Connection)

• Rose Quartz and Sodalite (Insight, Communication, Mental Clarity)

• Rose Quartz and Fluorite (Focus, Mental Clarity, Spiritual Growth)

• Rose Quartz and Celestite (Angelic Communication, Peace, Spiritual Growth)

• Rose Quartz and Lapis Lazuli (Wisdom, Spiritual Growth, Inner Vision)

• Rose Quartz and Selenite (Spiritual Cleansing, Emotional Healing, Peace)