Each quarter we focus on 4 of our favourite crystals and delve a little deeper into where you can find them and what properties they possess.
CHRYSANTHEMUM
Chrysanthemum stone is a unique and striking rock composed primarily of calcite, gypsum, dolomite, and occasionally andalusite or celestite. Its name comes from the flower-like patterns resembling chrysanthemum blooms, formed by mineral inclusions, such as celestite or andalusite, within the stone.
This stone is predominantly black or grey with white or cream-coloured patterns that resemble flowers. Chrysanthemum stone is often used in jewellery and is valued for its aesthetic appeal and believed metaphysical properties, such as promoting harmony, balance, and joy. It’s mainly found in China and Japan, but deposits have also been discovered in other parts of the world.
GREEN OPAL
Green Opal is a variety of opal that displays vibrant green hues. It’s known for its soothing energy and is believed to have various healing properties, including promoting emotional healing, enhancing feelings of tranquility, and encouraging personal growth. It’s also associated with helping to alleviate stress, providing a sense of renewal, and fostering a connection with nature.
Green Opal can be found in various parts of the world, including Australia, Peru, Mexico, Tanzania, and the United States. Each location may produce slightly different variations in colour, quality, and characteristics.
LAPIS LAZULI
Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock prized for its intense colour and historical significance. Composed mainly of the minerals lazurite, calcite, and pyrite, it often displays gold-colored flecks of pyrite and white calcite veins against its rich blue background. This stone has been treasured for thousands of years for various purposes, including art, jewellery, and spiritual practices.
Historically, Lapis Lazuli was ground into powder to create the pigment ultramarine, used in paintings by Renaissance artists. Metaphysically, it’s believed to have properties that aid in enhancing self-awareness, intuition, and spiritual enlightenment. Lapis Lazuli is found primarily in Afghanistan but can also be sourced from locations like Chile and Russia.
BUMBLEBEE JASPER
Bumblebee Jasper is a vibrantly coloured, eye-catching stone with a combination of yellow, orange, and black banding or patterns. It’s not actually a true jasper but rather a mix of volcanic matter, sulphur, arsenic, and other minerals. This unique combination of minerals gives Bumblebee Jasper its distinctive colours and patterns.
It’s mainly sourced from Indonesia, particularly from the island of Java. Due to its striking appearance, it’s often used in jewellery and ornamental pieces. Bumblebee Jasper is believed by some in the metaphysical and crystal healing community to possess energetic properties that promote positivity, courage, and creativity. It’s thought to stimulate the sacral and solar plexus chakras, aiding in enhancing one’s self-esteem, confidence, and personal power.