Malachite

A beautiful bright to dark green crystal, usually with stripes or swirling patterns, Malachite has a silky appearance and is found in the Congo, the Middle East, Peru, Romania, Russia, Zaire and Zambia. The green colouring of Malachite comes from copper with the water content affecting the depth of the green and the dark/light patterns.

Chemically, Malachite is closest to Azurite and can actually be formed from Azurite as it crystallises. As a result, the two are often found together.

Malachite is toxic therefore should be used cautiously when carved or used in crystal water. It should not be taken internally. Malachite is also sensitive to acid, heat, hot water and ammonia. As such, polished Malachite should not be washed in water, acids or any product containing ammonia.

The word Malachite may be a derivative of the Greek words "malache" meaning "mallow" (a green herb) or possibly "malakos" meaning “soft”. Both aptly relate to this green, soft stone.

Physically, Malachite is often associated with the following:
* Stomach
* Liver
* Kidney stones
* Lungs
* Immune system
* Multiple sclerosis
* Circulation and other issues related to the blood (e.g. reducing bleeding, blood purifying, blood pressure)
* Radiation and chemotherapy
* Sleeping problems
* Asthma
* Bones and bone marrow
* Cancer
* Growths and tumours
* Joints
* Muscles
* Inflammation
* Bacterial infection
* Brain disorders
* Purging of toxins
* Vertigo
* Child birth
* Morning Sickness
* Pain relief and trauma
* Epilepsy
* Gall Bladder
* Infections

Magically, Malachite is generally used for the following purposes:
* Protection
* Transition and transformation
* Clearing negativity
* Promotes faithfulness and loyalty in relationships
* Accepting responsibility
* Releasing inner truth
* Clarifying emotions
* Assisting in physical and psychic healing
* Meditation
* Psychic visions
* Self-expression and creativity
* Money matters

Malachite may assist with the following:
* Depression
* Anger
* Nightmares
* Addiction
* Anorexia
* Confidence
* Emotional healing
* Trust

Malachite has a feminine feel to it and is associated with the astrological signs of Capricorn, Scorpio, Taurus and less commonly Libra, Aquarius and Sagittarius.

Malachite can be used on the heart chakra due to its green colour for matters of the heart but also the throat for self expression and creativity. In history, the ancient Egyptians used ground Malachite for their eye make-up and over children’s beds as a protection symbol.

Fluorite

From the Latin word fluo or fluere meaning “to flow” or “to flux” and also known as fluorspar or fluor, fluorite is a stunning crystal found in many areas of the world including China, Germany, England, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Brazil, Canada, parts of America, Mexico and Russia. Fluorite has a hardness rating of 4.0 therefore is more suited to use in jewellery and ornaments however it also has industrial uses including being used as a flux (i.e. to remove oxidation from the metals to facilitate soldering, brazing, and welding), as part of the manufacturing process of opalescent glass, enamels and cooking utensils and to make hydrofluoric acid.

In its pure form, fluorite is clear, however, it is common for fluorite to appear in various shades thereby earning its reputation as the most colourful mineral in the world. The colours of fluorite include purple, blue, green, red, pink, yellow and black often with more than one colour present in a single specimen.

Another interesting quality of fluorite is hinted at in the relation to the word fluorescent. Due to natural impurities that occur in fluorite, such as the presence of europium ions or yttrium, some specimens of fluorite fluoresce under ultra violet light. Depending on the impurities and the region in which the fluorite formed, the colours and intensity of the fluorescent glow (and sometimes phosphorescent glow, which is the continuation of the glow once the UV light is removed, and thermoluminescent glow, which is the ability to glow when heated) can vary.

Fluorite is popular for carvings due to its interesting and varied appearance as well as its versatility in healing and magic. Fluorite can be used to absorb and neutralise negative vibrations and can also enhance the characteristics of other stones, particularly when harmonised with the colours of the particular piece of fluorite being used.

Sometimes referred to as the Genius Stone or the Third Eye Stone, fluorite is used in meditation, placement or spell work relating to the mental plane. It is an excellent aid to increase concentration, decision making and also works with your higher self and can help to bring the knowledge gained in such interactions into the mundane world.

Fluorite corresponds with the astrological signs of Capricorn and Pisces and with the elements of air and water. Magical uses include:

• Assists in meditation
• Brings order to chaos
• Cleanses other stones and crystals
• Clears blockages
• Clears communications
• Clears the aura
• Clears the mind
• Enhances mental processing
• Healing
• Heightens intuition
• Protects from physic manipulation
• Releases negative energy

Fluorite can assist with the following physical conditions in conjunction with appropriate medical treatment:

• Bone problems
• Dental problems
• Disorganised thought or Attention Deficit Disorder
• DNA
• Eye, ear, nose and throat problems
• Infections
• Intestinal problems
• RNA and cell damage

Amethyst

Amethyst is a variety of quartz with a purple to lavender appearance, which is derived from its iron content. It is commonly known for its healing abilities and works most effectively with the brow (third eye) and crown chakras. It is the birthstone of those born in February.

Amethyst is frequently used in its raw form in densely packed geodes of short crystals that point towards the centre of the hollow. While always typically purple in colour, this can range from an almost black intensity through to a subtle, light violet. Amethyst may sometimes be found with a darkened yellowish tinge, known as pineapple amethyst.

Due to its very high vibrations, amethyst is an excellent crystal for working with the third eye and spiritual development. Its ability to enhance intuition by placing it on the forehead or above the crown makes it a popular meditative aid. Chevron amethyst is thought to be the most powerful third eye stimulator.

As a healing and protection stone, amethyst helps to cleanse the aura and brings harmony to the immune system. Its grounding properties make it particularly effective for both spiritual and physical work.

In magic, an amethyst crystal is often used in pendulums or fixed at the end of a wand. Amethyst is associated with the planets Jupiter and Neptune, the element water and the deities Bacchus, Dionysus and Diana. It has the power to enhance dreams, healing, peace, love, courage, happiness, protection and can assist in overcoming alcoholism. Amethyst is also symbolic of commitment in relationships and is the equivalent of rose quartz in its attraction of women when worn by a man.