Today's Gems: Tangerine Aura

I recently bought this awesome bullet crystal necklace from Hiya Moon Jewelry. The crystal is Tangerine "Sunshine" Aura, which is made from clear quartz infused with gold and iron oxide. The necklace came with the following description of metaphysical properties:

Tangerine Aura crystals can help in circulation, acceptance, new ideas, creativity and co-creation and is a harmonious stone that will help to inspire. It helps one feel more at home in one's environment, promote self-worth, release creativity and sexual blocks and aid in meditation. Also helps one's inner beauty come forth, allowing one to shine and attract success and wealth

(via Raven Crystals)

Here are some facts about this mineral from HealingCrystals.com:
Metaphysical:
Primary Chakra: Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus
Astrological sign(s): Leo, Libra
Vibration: Number 3 & 5

Geological:
Stone Type/Family: Member of the Quartz family
Crystal System: Trigonal
Chemical Composition: (SiO2) Silicon Dioxide lab enhanced using Gold & Iron Oxide
Hardness: 7

Physical:
Color: Pale to medium orange
Location: Worldwide
Rarity: Common
Fun Fact: Quartz is heated to 1600 Fahrenheit in a vacuum, and then gold and Iron Oxide vapors are added to the chamber.  These vaporous atoms fuse to the crystal's surface, which gives the crystal an iridescent pale to medium orange glow.

artist of interest: Carly Waito

Smokey Quartz, 2011

Carly Waito is a Toronto-based artist who is obviously in love with gemstones. Her oil on masonite paintings of crystals and minerals are gorgeous and so realistic. They are also quite small, some only 7 x 6".

Sphalerite, 2011

Check out her blog, where she writes about her work and her nature travels.

 (images via Narwhal Art Projects) 

artist of interest: Debra Baxter

You have to believe we are all magic, 2010

ceramic, mirror, lab grown bismuth (Germany)

Sculpture created from ceramic, stone, and crystals! What could be more wonderful? Debra Baxter's work is a harmonious marriage of organic forms, sparkling surfaces, and elegant materials. I first came across her work online as I was browsing my tumblr feed. The piece Crystal Brass Knuckles (I am going to realign your chakras motherf*****) (pictured below) seemed to be everywhere in my mineralogical internet world. A powerful and humorous image, it's no wonder it generated attention from the fashionably sarcastic.

Crystal Brass Knuckles (I am going to realign your chakras motherf*****), 2009

quartz crystals, sterling silver

But humor and fashion aside, there is something more that draws me to this object. It looks like a magical weapon from another world, glowing against a blue moon and shooting lightning rays into a starry sky. The science fantasy aspect of Baxter's work is what I find so compelling. Any time a piece lends itself to the viewer's imagination and opens up a window into an original, individual fiction, I consider it successful.

Join (it will stop screaming if you let go of it), 2010
cypress knee, epoxy, laminate, mirror

Baxter's work is so aesthetically pleasing. The juxtaposition of smooth, fleshy alabaster and wood, brilliant crystals, and shining mirrors is so rich and satisfying. The use of these elements in her compositions provides plenty to draw the eye around each piece over and over again.

Not only does the artist create beautiful sculptures, she produces a collection of very wearable jewelry, which you can purchase here. Also check out her tumblr page, which has some great images of her work and inspirational images of crystals in nature, fashion, and art.

Quartz Bomb II

 (all images via http://www.debrabaxter.com/)

Today's Gems: Amethyst & Quartz

The most common mineral associated with the word crystal is Clear Quartz. It is the most popular crystal for healing and is very easily obtained, often found in granite deposits or sedimentary rock. It comes in many formations, from large six-sided crystals to tiny clusters of needle-like points. Rose quartz, amethyst, and citrine are all quartz crystals that have been colored by impurities.

Clear quartz is typically used to cleanse and focus energy levels in the body, clearing impurities and psychic debris. In some ancient civilizations it was referred to as "holy ice," incorporated in jewelry, and used in religious rituals in the form of crystal skulls. Quartz increases concentration and refocuses the body, mind, and spirit toward clear goals. The powerful energies of quartz are essential for protecting oneself during astral travel, or out-of-body experiences. It can also be programed to cleanse or amplify specific energy levels, or cleanse other stones of impurities.

Amethyst, a crystal which varies from dark purple to pale lilac, is a form of quartz. The difference between amethyst and other quartz varieties is the oxidation state of impurities in the crystal. Amethysts can be found in geodes or in crystal form. The word amethyst comes from the Greek amethystus which means "not intoxicated." In Greek mythology, the amethyst represents wisdom. During the Middle Ages, it was associated with celibacy and prominent in decoration of churches.


The stone is also associated with the crown chakra, the highest level of enlightenment, and is said to open the third eye to enhance spiritual awareness. Amethyst calms the nervous system and creates a healing effect on ailments such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, headaches, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Placing an amethyst under the pillow is said to help cure insomnia. Wearing the crystal helps to calm mental stress and ward off negative influences. Amethyst is commonly used in crystal meditation and psychic practices to put oneself in touch with their own inner knowledge. Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.

(sources: Gems of Wisdom, Gems of Power by Teresa Kennedy; Crystals by Jennie Harding)

crystal clusters

images from my music video
l-r: cactus quartz, flame aura quartz, laser crystal, amethyst, topaz crystal spray, stibnite crystal cluster

quartz crystals

colorless quartz crystals
silicon dioxide, SiO₂

These crystals were collected and placed in settings by my grandfather. I like to wear all three on a chain to most powerfully summon his presence.