Red Crystals and Gemstones - Healing Properties of Carnelian and Red Garnet

Carnelian Ancient Egyptian Source of Renewal

garnet bracelet

Known as the Artist's Stone it activates creativity, possibly unearthing hidden talent or latent gifts. It is an excellent stone for relieving depression, grounding, overall well-being; aids in focusing thoughts, intensify concentration, increase physical energy.

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Being a part of the Red Crystal and Gemstone family, it resonates with both the Root or Basic Chakra and the Sacral Chakra. Use this wonderful stone to cleanse and balance your Base Chakra, aligning yourself with feeling more secure and grounded.

Ancient Egyptians believed Carnelian to be a source of vitality, sustaining the cycle of re-birth and renewal. There are references to the use of Carnelian in the Egyptian Book of the Dead. High Priests used this beautiful stone material for their Chalice as it is has the unique quality of retaining the vibration of that which was placed within. Many Chalices contained or had Silver linings molded to it, representing the Moon's cycles of renewal and purity of its shimmering light in the night sky.

Working with Carnelian will encourage a sense of self-trust, enabling the wearer to better discern the many choices before them. Drinking Carnelian charged water will create a sense of empowered motivation in someone who may be a bit under-motivated. It will also aid relieving depression, increasing one's sense of self-esteem and self-empowerment.

It can be used as a focal point during meditation or placed on the Third Eye to cleanse, balance and align your inner sight with that of the physical realm.

*Angelic Realm Association: Archangel Raziel whose name means "Secret of God" will assist you, when asked, to remember who you truly are.

*Healing Properties: relieves depression, stone for overall well-being, heighten concentration, increase physical energy, absorb and repel negativity.

*Vibrational Frequency: high energy, vitality, stabilizes excess nervous energy.

*Spiritual Properties: assists the Soul on along its journey through the physical plane, assists with being in the present moment.

Being a personal favorite, it is one of the many crystal and gemstone bracelets I wear daily!

Red Garnet Good Luck Stone

The Pomegranate Seed is the inspiration for the naming of this precious stone. Its unique fiery red energy is unlike any other. In days gone by, the Garnet was used to ward off demons, protecting its wearers from phantoms in the darkness of night.

Resonating with the second or Sacral Chakra, the Garnet aligns the wearer with abundance and prosperity, protection, enhancing relationships in a variety of ways, on many levels.

The vibrational energy frequency of this magnificent gemstone is that of the Third Eye, clear, bright, intense, all seeing, all-knowing, piercing through cloudy shadows of dis-belief.

The color range is deep translucent red to a very deep almost red-black color. It is often given as a token of love and fidelity.

When placed on the Third Eye during meditation, it will cleanse negative energy, and with time enable you to see more clearly whether or not you are consciously aware of your Third Eye opening. It is more than possible for an Intuitive to access their inner sight regardless of their Third Eye being open. It is highly suggested, the Garnet be cleansed and charged in the sunlight before placing it on your Third Eye Chakra. You may choose to pass your stone through incense or over the flame of a red or white candle instead of placing it in the Sun's rays. Whichever method you choose, always take proper precautions when working with candles or incense.

*Angelic Realm Association: Archangel Jophiel whose name means "Beauty of God" seeing through eyes of love, enhancing all relationships especially those of the heart. Angel Israfil whose name means "The Burning One" is also associated with this gemstone, burning away imperfections, purifying the love between two people.

*Healing Properties: personal relationships, feelings of security, passion, creativity, regulate the metabolism, feelings of lack, healing fear of the unknown.

*Vibrational Frequency: intense, piercing, fiery purification.

*Spiritual Properties: Third Eye activation, compassion, dream recall

If you wish to recall a past life or incident in this life, Garnet may assist you in healing that which has come before, bringing you to where you are in this moment with compassion and love. Take heed before delving into the past; be sure you wish to re-visit an experience or situation. It may be best to allow a professional lead you through a regression.

Red Crystals and Gemstones - Healing Properties of Carnelian and Red Garnet

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How Gemstones Get Their Colors And What Makes Them More Valuable

The colors of the gemstones are what make them look so dazzling and alluring. The most dazzling gemstones are the precious stones. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires are known primarily for their bright green, red and blue colors. While sapphire is also available in colors like pink, green and yellow. Nevertheless, all gemstones have beautiful colors, which increase their exquisiteness. For instance, pearls are white, pink, red, aquamarine is bluish green, amethyst is purple, garnets are green, red, purple, and topaz is yellow and orange in color. Gems also come in different shades of colors, like blue, green or red.

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You can choose your gemstone according to the color you like. The deepest or richest colors are the most valuable and expensive stones. Emeralds have different shades of green, but the most popular shade is the bluish green, which is the richest color. Sapphires too are found in pink, green, yellow and different shades of blue. However, the rich blue color is the most valuable and popular stone. Rubies are also found in different shades of red, while the color known, as "pigeon's blood" is the darkest and richest red available, which is very powerful. This deep red ruby is mined only in Myanmar.

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When precious stones are found in mines, they do not look as attractive as they should be. Stones are usually polished, carved and cut into different shapes and sizes for it to acquire its beauty. According to the polish of the stone, the value increases.

It is a common notion that the deeper and richer the color of the stone, the more precious and valuable it is. For instance, bright white pearls, green garnets, royal purple amethysts, yellow topaz, deep red corals are the most precious and valuable gem stones existing. A lighter colored gemstone, like a light green garnet isn't as precious as a parrot green garnet.

It is very difficult to obtain the richest color of a stone, as they are very rare. Thus most of the people settle with lighter colors, as they are easily available and very affordable. These days, people prefer a lighter garnet, or a lighter purple amethyst, as it is next to impossible to afford or find the "perfect" green or purple. As long as the gemstone is powerful and attractive people are content.

However, it is strange that diamond, which is the most expensive and exquisite gemstone, is valued by how colorless it is. Diamonds are rated according to their shine, and neutral color. If the diamond is white or pale pink, it is regarded as a low grade diamond. But if the diamond is known as a pink diamond, or a canary diamond then it is considered worthy. The most high priced diamonds are oddly, colorless.

How Gemstones Get Their Colors And What Makes Them More Valuable

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Mali Garnet Gemstones

In the large and varied garnet family of gemstones, there are six common varieties that are recognized based on their chemical composition. pyrope, almandine, spessartite, grossularite, uvarovite and andradite. There are also some mixed members, such as rhodolite garnet, which is a mixture of pyrope and almandite by composition.

garnet ring

New hybrid garnets continue to be discovered. In 1994 a mixture of grossular and andradite garnet was discovered in the West African country of Mali, and was named Mali Garnet. This discovery drew considerable interest because the grossular and andradite varieties are among the rarest and most valuable garnets. Members of the grossular group include tsavorite and hessonite. The most famous member of the andradite group is the rare demantoid garnet.

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The chemical composition of this new garnet is a mix of grossular (calcium aluminum silicate) and andradite (calcium iron silicate). Though Mali Garnets are predominantly grossularite, the presence of andradite lends mali an impressive dispersion or fire that is reminiscent of the diamond-like demantoid.

Most Mali Garnet is mined from alluvial deposits. When the first discovery was first made there a good supply of material on the market and prices were moderate. In recent years the supply has diminished and prices have risen, though Mali is still less expensive than the rare demantoid garnet. Large sizes are quite rare, so the price per carat tends to increase significantly for larger stones.

Colors range from yellow, to greenish yellow, to yellowish green, yellowish brown, to brown. Cut stones are valued for their brilliance and especially their dispersion when the body color is light enough to display good fire. No enhancements of this gemstone are currently known in the market.

The most valuable mali garnet color is the very rare chrome green. In general, yellow, greenish yellow and yellowish green stones sell for higher prices than the brownish stones. As with any gem, size, clarity and cut can affect the value significantly, with dispersion being a special value factor for Mali garnets.

Mali Garnet Gemstones

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Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The gem is grown from a natural gemstone "seed". By controlling the environment in which the gem is grown, impurities and inclusions can be avoided which occur in natural gemstones. The created stones have perfect color and clarity which is so highly desired. Most natural gemstones have imperfections due to uncontrolled growing conditions in nature. Synthetic stones will have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of their natural counterparts without the imperfections.

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A good analogy for synthetic gemstone creation is growing roses. Roses grown in a hot house where their growing environment is controlled will be closer to perfection than roses that are grown in your backyard. They're both roses, but the backyard rose will most likely be flawed or imperfect due to disease, insects, and other environmental impacts. Not so with the hot house rose because of the controlled conditions.

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Don't confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic gemstones. Simulants can be made up of any substance, like glass. They are made to simulate a particular gemstone, but they do not have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of the natural gemstone like the synthetic gemstone. Some examples of simulants are cubic zirconia, moissanite, and yttrium aluminum garnet which are diamond simulants.

The most popular gemstones that synthetics have been created for are emeralds, sapphires, rubies and alexandrites. I'm sure you have seen jewelry with synthetic stones, also known as "created" gemstones in your local retail jewelry store. They are easier to obtain and less costly than natural gemstones. Synthetics have made it more affordable for people to own nice jewelry and many prefer the flawless created stones compared to the natural stones. You can usually spot a "created" stone because it's just too perfect in color and clarity. A natural stone, especially in rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which is perfect in color and clarity, is scarce and the cost is beyond most people's means.

Should you buy a synthetic gemstone or jewelry with created stones over the natural gemstone choices? I would recommend going with your own personal preference. If you want a piece of jewelry with a flawless, perfect gem, then go with the synthetic gemstone. Also, if cost is a deciding factor. As a collector/investor my preference would be for the natural gemstone. It's value and appreciation factor will be much greater, flawed or not.

It's interesting that there are some gemstones man has not been able to synthesize in a laboratory. One example is the garnet family of gems. They have not been able to unlock garnet's secrets to create it in a lab.

How do I know if the gemstone is natural, synthetic (created), or a stimulant? If you can't tell by your own examination...ask! A reputable dealer or jeweler will be honest about the origins of the stone. If they don't know or won't say, then don't buy!

Another interesting fact about gemstones that is not common knowledge to the public is that the majority of gems on the market have been treated to create or enhance their color and clarity. There are many different treatments used today. Heat treatment is the most common and widely used. I have written another article specifically regarding gemstone treatments. You can go to Gemstone Treatments to read more on the subject.

As a gemstone collector/investor, as stated before, my preference is for natural gemstones, but as an adornment in jewelry a synthetic gemstone makes for a gorgeous ring, earrings or pendant at an affordable price.

Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

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Zodiac Gemstones: An Alternative to Traditional Birthstones

I remember my first "real" jewelry. It was my thirteenth birthday, and my parents beamed with pride as they handed me the tiny gift box. "It's your birthstone," they said.

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I almost cried when I opened the box. "It's, it's--green." Why, oh why, couldn't I have been born in January or February, so I could have pretty garnet or amethyst earrings? I was doomed. I was certain that people would give me icky green jewelry for the rest of my life, and there was nothing I could do about it.

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Over the years I learned to be more gracious, and have also come to accept peridot as non-icky. In fact, many people adore peridot, and I've even been known to wear it a time or two. But I've also discovered an alternative: zodiac stones.

If you're shopping for a gift and want something a little different than traditional birthstone jewelry, you might want to choose a gemstone based on zodiac signs.

Capricorn, December 22-January 20--Ruby. Ruby symbolizes nurturing, spiritual wisdom, economic stability, and protection from distress. Rubies promote joy. When worn, rubies reduce sadness and negative thoughts, while strengthening willpower and confidence. When you wear rubies to bed, it is believed you will have a nightmare-free, restful sleep.

Aquarius, January 21-February 21--Garnet. Garnet symbolizes health, awareness, commitment, regeneration, order, and insight. It also symbolizes marital love and fidelity, making it the perfect jewel for an engagement or newlywed gift. Some believe that garnet enhances bodily strength, endurance, and vigor, so this stone is worn when you need extra energy. It is also said to relieve skin conditions, regulate the heart and blood, and offer protection against thieves.

Pisces, February 22-March 21--Amethyst. Amethyst symbolizes healing, peace, happiness, love, and intuition. Wearing amethyst is an invitation to happiness and love. In ancient times, people believed that amethyst gave you courage and protection against thieves. Some believe that sleeping with an amethyst under your pillow will ease insomnia.

Aries, March 22-April 20--Bloodstone. Bloodstone symbolizes courage, intense healing, renewal, strength, victory, and intuitive decision-making. Some believe that it instills wisdom and sensitivity in its wearer.

Taurus, April 21-May 21--Sapphire. Sapphire symbolizes joy, peace, beauty, intuition, prosperity, and fulfillment of dreams. Sapphire is love's guardian, and is used to promote fidelity. Sapphire is thought to banish fraud, and is used in litigation and legal matters.

Gemini, May 22-June 21--Agate. Agate symbolizes balancing physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, and awakening talents. Some believe that agate would cure insomnia, invite pleasant dreams, and relieve depression.

Cancer, June 22-July 22--Emerald. Emerald symbolizes love, domestic bliss, sensitivity, loyalty, memory, mental capacity, harmony, and focus. Its green color symbolizes fertility, and years ago midwives believed it would speed childbirth. Some believe that if you wish to bring a love into your life, you should buy an emerald, visualize your love, and wear the stone near your heart.

Leo, July 23-August 22--Onyx. Onyx symbolizes self-control, decision-making, and intuition. It's thought of as a protective stone, used for defense and protection. Onyx has been worn during battles and other conflicts, and for more practical occasions such as walking down a dark street at midnight. In ancient times people believed that dreaming of onyx meant you would have a happy marriage.

Virgo, August 23-September 22--Carnelian. Carnelian symbolizes precision, analytical capabilities, physical energy, verbal skill, peace, and spirituality. It is believed that wearing carnelian will clear your head and promote sharp thinking.

Libra, September 23-October 23--Peridot. Peridot symbolizes warmth, friendliness, understanding, openness in love and relationships, and regulation of cycles. Many wear peridot to bed to promote sleep by calming the nervous system. Some believe it is also helpful in calming anger and all negative emotions, as well as alleviating depression.

Scorpio, October 24-November 21--Aquamarine. Aquamarine symbolizes courage, purification, peace, intuition, self-expression, balance, and preparedness. In ancient times, aquamarine was the gem of sea goddesses. As a stone of protection, it has long been popular with fishermen and sailors. Because aquamarine is also associated with married love, and makes a perfect anniversary gift.

Sagittarius, November 23-December 21--Topaz. Topaz symbolizes intelligence, beauty, fidelity, and true friendship. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave the wearer strength. According to legend, topaz is a protective stone, protecting against disease, injury, sudden death, negative magic, intrigue, envy, and lunacy. Many people believe topaz can end sleepwalking and nightmares when worn to sleep. Some wear topaz to help with weight loss, arthritis, and the digestive system.

Zodiac Gemstones: An Alternative to Traditional Birthstones

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Exotic Gemstones

If you are tired of wearing the same old gold or silver jewelry items and want to set yourself apart from other people who also wear the same types of jewelry pieces, then perhaps you may want to explore the world of exotic gemstones. These semi precious stones are not as expensive as genuine gold, diamond or silver, but when it comes to the quality of being exotic and out of the ordinary, they are definitely considered to be a cut above the rest. Wearing them in an important affair will surely attract people because they are special and somewhat exclusive, in such a way that it is not a usual feature that you'll come across people wearing the same gemstones. In jewelry form, you can choose what you want to try out for an affair: Kashmir sapphire rings, Spessartite garnet pendants, pink tourmaline earrings, and tanzanite or aquamarine accented bracelets.

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The exclusivity being offered by this exotic gemstones stems from the fact that they cannot be widely mined as compared to mainstream expensive ones. The following below are only five of the best exotic gemstones you may want to check out.

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1. Kashmir sapphire. It is said that the world's mot famous sapphires are mined and taken from the remote regions in Kashmir. The Kashmir sapphire is so famous for its dazzling blue color with a velvety touch in it. It is for this reason that Kashmir sapphires often referred to as "blue velvet" sapphires. These sapphires are widely after sought. Jewelry designers and artisans usually put these precious sapphire crystals in pendants or in stud earrings.

2. Spessartite garnet. Spessartite garnets are also called as "Mandarin orange" maybe because of their vibrant ripe orange color. Orange is a power color as it stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. The energies being channeled wearing orange tinged gemstones enhance the vitality in a person. This is indeed a "breathe of fresh air" from the usual common dark red garnet. Perfect for earrings and rings.

3. Tourmalines. One cannot designate tourmaline in 2 to 3 colors only. Truth to be told, tourmalines are widely recognized as the "gemstone of the rainbow" which is why there are lots of color variants for this gemstone. You can have Mozambique tourmaline rings, pink tourmaline earrings, or Paraiba tourmaline pendants to assert distinct fashion style in something rare and unique stunning jewel stones.

4. Tanzanite. Tanzanite is extremely known for its spectacular strong and vibrant blue color. The name is so called because it is first found in Tanzania, near the famous Kilimanjaro. The rich color blue shade in various tanzanite stones are such marvel to look at.

5. Aquamarine. As the name implies, this exotic is just another shade of blue, only lighter than Kashmir sapphire and tanzanite. But there are also different hues for aquamarine available in the market. Part of the beryl family, they are fair well in the Moh's sale of hardness making tourmaline one of the most enduring and durable gemstones.

Exotic Gemstones

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Crystals and Gemstones Cleaning and Care

The importance of Caring for your Gemstones and Crystals

garnet ring

Gemstones are truly gifts from nature, and each stone is unique without its parallel. To maintain the luster, sparkle or other natural beauty qualities of your gemstone, it is necessary to care for your one of a kind gemstone.

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The vibrations associated with natural gemstones and crystals that benefits us physically, emotionally and spiritually, will also collect vibrations from its surrounding environment, including both positive and negative energies. It is important to clean any "build-up" in the gemstone to allow for a clear path in healing.

Physically Cleaning the Gemstone

To maintain the natural beauty of your gemstone jewelry, it is recommended that you use these safe ways to preserve your gemstones:

- Use a soft toothbrush to clean away any debris on the gemstone.

- Be careful to store your gemstones in a place where they won't clash together and chip.

- Avoid soaking soft gemstones, stone clusters or geodes to prevent from breaking or crumbling.
These gemstones include garnet, amber, apatite, sunstone, aventurine, coral, emerald, jade, pearls, pyrite.

- Avoid drastic temperature changes as this does harm to many gemstones

- Keep jewelry and gemstones in stable container or soft pouch when not wearing or using.

As a general rule, gemstones are natural objects and chemical cleaners may do harm to many gemstones.

Purifying and Clearing Crystal and Gemstone Energies

SALT & WATER TECHNIQUES FOR PURIFYING GEMSTONES

Sea Salt crystals have the capability of absorbing all negative energies and clearing the energies around them.

- Fill container with enough natural dry sea salt to submerge your gemstone inside.

- Submerge gemstone completely inside sea salt.

- After a few minutes, check the gemstone and intuitively feel its effect--the gemstone's energy should feel cleaner

For stronger negative energy yields, it may be a good idea to place your gemstones in salt water for a few minutes time up to twenty four hours. Keep in mind, however, that many gemstones are susceptible to soaking in water and may crumble or break if they are porous.

SMUDGING

This is a traditional method used by Native American shamans. Smokes of specific herbs have a cleansing effect on energies. Dry sage, cedar and sweet grass will have an efficient effect on this. For an easier way, smudge sticks can be found in some New Age stores.

- Light smudge stick or dry herbs over fire-resistant dish.

- Take gemstone and pass it through the smoke, making sure the smoke envelops it completely.

- Intuitively judge the effect of the smoke to determine when to end.

Crystals and Gemstones Cleaning and Care

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