magazines
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 6
Published Winter 1998
Faceting Designs
Gem Industry of Sri Lanka
Whitby Jet, How to cut jade, emeralds from Afghanistan
Listings, Directories
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 3
Published Spring 1998
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 3 The Art of Dopping
Rockhound challenge
So what do you do?
Book Review
The Magic of Gemstones
(by Lui Krieg)
Healing Stones and their Properties
Gemstones are called Healing Stones if they have a noticeable effect on our physical, mental or spiritual wellbeing. The electromagnetic field of the stone interacts with the human body to transmit its ul11que information. This information is made up by the structure, mineral
content, vibration and colour of that particular stone. Th is triggers a certain reaction in our body when the healing is taking place. Stones that are used like this on a medical or therapeutic level are called Healing Stones.
Quality is most important! For best results these healing stones have to be genuine, of good quality and completely natural.
There is a direct link between the quality of the crystal and the quality of its properties. It is also important how the stone has been worked with.
If it has been cut, put into a certain shape or set into a piece of jewellery this can increase or decrease its powers.
Some gem stones on the market today are synthetically manufactured, radiated, heat treated, coloured or enhanced in different ways.
The usually loose some or all of their natural healing properties. So if you are looking for a good healing stone you are advised to shop around and seek professional advice if in doubt.
Always remember, if you buy a gem stone, what you pay for is the milling, cutting, shipping or handling, but all the magical powers, the healing properties and all the beauty are free for you to enjoy!
The Healing Properties of Gemstones
AGATE - A form of Chalcedony. Powerful physical healer, good for grounding and energizing. Stabilizes the energy field (aura); helps you to observe, change or accept personal circumstances. Balances male/female energy.
Also has protective qualities and eliminates negative energy.
AMBER - a fossilized resin from prehistoric trees. Has a very bright and positive energy, helps to transform negativity, helps to heal wounds physically and emotionally, works best in the naval and solar plexus area, stimulates and spiritualises the intellect, brings out artistic talents, has been given to warriors for good luck"
AMETHYST - from the quartz family The queen of the healing stones, activates the third eye and crown chakra and aids spiritual well being and contentment. Transmutes lower nature onto a higher and purer level, aids transformation on all levels. It helps to stabilise and strengthen one's energy level. It is "the stone of meditation" and aids psychic and channelling abilities, helps to find inner peace.
AQUAMARINE - a form of Beryl. It clears the mind and helps to express creativity and spiritual insight, calming, soothing and refreshing for mind/body/spirit. Accelerates spiritual and intellectual progress, "the stone of courage", gives you the strength to get through difficult situations. Works best on throat and third eye, and heart depending if blue or green.
AVENTURlNE - From the quartz family. Very calming and relaxing, purifies the mind and the emotions, promotes a positive attitude towards yourself and life, it activates the heart chakra and brings out love and affection.
AZURITE - Has a high copper content. Activates the third eye and throat, helps to give spiritual guidance and insight and helps you to express yourself in the best way. Helps to develop intuitive, psychic and channelling abilities, gives the courage to speak up for yourself at the right time or to remain silent when necessary. Very helpful for meditation to reach higher levels. Azurite and Malachite love to grow together and help the qualities of the mind (Azurite) to interact smoothly with the qualities of the heart. Help to express yourself from the heart.
BLOODSTONE - a form of Chalcedony. Refreshes, strengthens and oxygenates the blood stream, vitalizes the heart and brain functions, also used in the treatment of the spleen, kidneys, bladder and liver, reduces stress and tensions. Helps in the renewal of love, relationship and friendship. Connects the root chakra with the heart.
BOll STONE - A unique healing stone recently found in the USA made up mainly from Pyrite and Palladium. They come in paired as male and female. Very good grounding stone. Balances male/female energy. Cleans, recharges and stabilises the aura and removes any blockages. Helps to align the chakras. Relieves pain and discomfort.
In the next issue Lui will continue Iisting the most popular gemstones and their healing properties. Lui and his partner Tessa are owners if the Stone Age Shop and Crystal Healing Centre in the courtyard at Glastonbury. RG
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 8
Published Summer 1999
Through the looking glass
Magic of Gemstones
Expand your knowledge
Listings, directories
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 5
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 5
Published Autumn 1998
Synthetic Moissanite
Seaside Geology
Gem Testing
Quiz, Listings, Directories
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 2
Published Autumn / Winter 1997
The trials of a faceter, an amateur lapidarist tells his story
Becoming a Gemologist
Rock Watch
Book Review
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 7
Published Spring 1999
Minerals and Gems of Scotland
Rockwatch 1998
Ornamental Oddities
Letters, Shops, Directories
..Coloured Gemstone Market Report ..
The coloured gemstone business is much affected by geo-political considerations. Sources of rough stones in a given country may be thought to be sound, and then a revolution occurs - or the economy collapses - or
there is bad weather - or some other factor causes that place of origin to evaporate, and a fresh search ensues for suitable stones elsewhere in the world, It is an ever-changing scene.
EMERALDS. Colombian sourced stones are reaching the market in commercial grades, and are plentiful. The expectation that Russian mined emeralds would feature as a major supplier in order to help alleviate their precarious economic position has not materialised.
SAPPHIRES. Demand for good grades of Sri Lankan (Ceylon) sapphires remains firm, as does the price. The lower grades are easing in price due to the widespread recession in Asia.
AQUAMARINES. The better qualities selling in the trade at £220 per carat and upwards are harder to find. Existing stocks in the cutting centres for commercial grades, mostly from Africa, are adequate.
TANZANITE. It is about a year since the flash floods in Tanzania killed many miners, and production is not yet meeting demand. Prices for good stones have risen considerably in recent months. There is an abundance of poor quality rough saturating the market and there are few buyers for it.
CORAL. There is a shortage of coral with the ox-blood colours more expensive than the pink.
TSAVORITE. This green garnet is gaining in popularity with pleasing looking stones up to 2.50 carats available with prices steady.
AMETHYSTS. There was quite a vogue for the paler amethysts at one time but this preference has given way to increased demand for the stronger colours. Prices are stable, as stocks are adequate to meet demand.
TOURMALINES. Superb rubellites, the red tourmaline, are available with larger ovals above 10 carats from £220 per carat. Beautiful specimens in smaller sizes and most shapes for under £200 per carat. These stones are well worth looking at as an alternative to ruby for those wanting a red stone. Pink tourmalines, mostly from Nigeria, are particularly pleasing in both faceted and cabochon forms.
GARNETS. Always plentiful except the better rhodolite garnets sourced in Tanzania which were much affected last year along with the tanzanites by flooding of the mines. Prices are expected to remain stable from now on.
PEARLS. White pairs of South Sea pear-shaped cultured pearls 12-13m111 long of good quality can be £1200 per pair. Single stones are less than half the price of the pairs. Cultured black and grey Tahiti pearls have fallen in price due to the economic woes of Asia and the subsequent lower demand. Good Chinese saltwater pearls find their way on to the market via Japan, which helps moderate the price of 7-8mm items.
WHAT IS MOVING AND SHAKING THE DIAMOND MARKET.
Apart from the USA, slow pre-Christmas sales were reported, as demand from the Far East remains weak. The good news from Japan is that cutters supplying the hearts and arrows ideal make as it is called, said that demand was strong. The 'hearts and arrows' ideal make, a modified round brilliant, when viewed through a specific arrangement of lenses displays a reflective effect of hearts and arrows within the stone. These stones are sold to Japanese couples for engagement rings showing that even in the worst recession that the emotional sales remain strong is a lesson for us all if there is some belt-tightening
in the months ahead. The US dollar remains supreme as the international currency in which diamonds are traded. Our view is that the Euro is unlikely to take over from the dollar, as some would have us believe.
Information supplied by R.M. VJ.0are& Co Ltd of York.
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 4
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 4
Published Summer 1998
What a load of old fossils!
Introduction to faceting
Fossil news
Letters, Shops, Directories
Rock n Gem Magazine Issue 1
Published February 1997
Magic of gemstones
Lapidary - A view on how to cut tourmaline
Gemmology guide
Clubs, field trips, show guide
To see a list of mineral, crystal, gemstone, fossil shows/events both UK and worldwide visit our show page, if you organise or know of a show please get in touch to list it here.