Earth Gallery https://www.earthgallery.com Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:17:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.13 The Best Stones for Reducing Stress and Anxiety https://www.earthgallery.com/the-best-stones-for-reducing-stress-and-anxiety Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:16:07 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2145 By Charli Lundholm Did you know crystals and other stones can help decrease stress? They can! So I would like to introduce you to some powerful crystals that can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm in your daily life. Crystals have been used for centuries as tools for healing and balancing energies, […]

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By Charli Lundholm

Did you know crystals and other stones can help decrease stress? They can! So I would like to introduce you to some powerful crystals that can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm in your daily life. Crystals have been used for centuries as tools for healing and balancing energies, and they can be a wonderful addition to your stress management routine.

tumbled stones

1. Amethyst: Known as a calming stone, amethyst can help relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It promotes relaxation and tranquility, allowing you to find inner peace amidst the chaos.

2. Rose Quartz: This gentle pink crystal is often associated with love and compassion. It can help dissolve emotional wounds, reduce stress, and restore harmony in relationships. Rose quartz encourages self-love and self-care, which is crucial in managing stress.

3. Lepidolite: This lithium based mineral, with its soothing energy, is a great stone for stress relief. It helps calm an overactive mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes restful sleep. Some feel Lepidolite (or Labradorite) absorbs electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices, which can contribute to stress.

4. Blue Lace Agate: This pale blue crystal has a calming and nurturing energy. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote effective communication. Blue Lace Agate is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with speaking their truth and finding inner peace.

5. Clear Quartz: As a master healer, clear quartz is a versatile crystal that can be used for various purposes, including stress relief. It amplifies positive energy, purifies the mind, and helps in finding clarity and balance. Clear quartz is also known to enhance the effects of other crystals.

Crystals work best when used in conjunction with other stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and self-care practices. You can carry these crystals with you, place them in your living space, or incorporate them into your daily rituals for maximum benefits.

If you’re interested in learning more about crystals or have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to assist you.

Wishing you a stress-free and harmonious day!

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Why We Love Lightning Ridge Opal https://www.earthgallery.com/lightning-ridge-opal Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:32:58 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2122 By Neville Ryan – EarthGallery.com Lightning Ridge is a small opal mining town in north-western New South Wales near the border of Queensland in Australia. It is home to the world famous black opal. This opal is the rarest and most expensive opal found in the world today. How rare? Some miners persevere for years […]

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By Neville Ryan – EarthGallery.com

Lightning Ridge is a small opal mining town in north-western New South Wales near the border of Queensland in Australia. It is home to the world famous black opal. This opal is the rarest and most expensive opal found in the world today. How rare? Some miners persevere for years and may never strike any high quality black opal. The dark base makes a magnificent contrast to the red, yellow, green, gold and purple broad flash colors found in the best opal.

Lightning Ridge Opal
Rough Lightning Ridge Opal

The opal is mined by drilling a shaft then tunneling and may proceed to open pit mining depending on the amount and quality of the opal found. The material is extracted and transported to a washing plant which is typically an agitator made from a converted concrete mixer and is used to wash the opal bearing clay. Water is pumped in to revolving barrel and breaks down the clay without damaging the opal. Generally this washing process takes about a week then the sludge is emptied onto a sorting table where the opal is separated. Lack of water during periods of drought can severely affect opal production. 

Lightning Ridge Opal
Lightning Ridge Opal before cutting.

The finest quality rough opal is usually cut into cabochons in town and then sold individually or in jewelry. Medium to lower grades of opal are sold as rubs. This is where the miner will polish or face one side of the stone to show the color and then sells it to a cutter to complete the finished product. Medium and lower grades of the opal are used in carving and although some carving is done in town most is shipped to Asia for processing. Beautiful opalized fossil specimens have also been found in Lightning Ridge. 

Lightning Ridge Black Opal ring
Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring

Melody, in her book Love is in the Earth states that “black opal can be used for gazing, providing insights into matters of the past, present, and future”. The fire colors are “a catalyst for the inner knowing, inner seeing, and inner reconciliation of the information”.

Between its beauty, its rarity and magical qualities, we love this type of opal. It is one of Mother Nature’s finest works of art!

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What’s the Scoop About Lapis Lazuli https://www.earthgallery.com/whats-the-scoop-about-lapis-lazuli Sat, 28 Jan 2023 01:14:01 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2115 By Neville Ryan Until recent years it was almost impossible to obtain large pieces of top quality Royal Blue Lapis because of the difficulty of mining and export from Afghanistan. The easing of restrictions means that large polished pieces are now possible. How long will it last? No one knows! For most of its history […]

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By Neville Ryan

Until recent years it was almost impossible to obtain large pieces of top quality Royal Blue Lapis because of the difficulty of mining and export from Afghanistan. The easing of restrictions means that large polished pieces are now possible. How long will it last? No one knows!

For most of its history Lapis was only available in small rough pieces that were priced by the gram and were very expensive and so was mainly purchased by stone cutters for jewelry or by mineral collectors. A fist size stone was considered to be a large piece. Nothing was available for those people looking for a beautiful large mineral art piece for their home, office or for a display piece in a public setting.

Lapis Sculpture
Beautiful Lapis Lazuli Sculpture

Lapis is one of the very few blue minerals where it is possible to create large sculptures. Although Lapis can be as small as a tumbled stone weighing a few grams it can also extend to sculptured pieces that weigh over 100 pounds. Not only can size and weight differences be dramatic but color variation is also a feature.

Colors can vary from the full color of the highly desirable Royal Blue Lapis, which is reminiscent of the deep blue waters of the Pacific ocean, to what is known as Denim Lapis which has a lighter blue tone with a high concentration of white calcite. Small inclusions of minerals in the Lapis such as pyrite and calcite also add to the mystique of the stone.

There are a large variety of Lapis sculptures available, with each piece being unique. These sculptures are created by carving the stone into a variety of designs and shapes. Many times the Lapis sculptures have been made by simply polishing and smoothing the stone, following the natural shape that nature created.

Besides being beautiful, the stone has a metaphysical side as well. Many people use it to help create feelings of peace and harmony and to help in stressful situations in the home, office or an individual. Therapists use it in their offices as it supports speaking ones truth.  It is also used to open ones intuition, balancing and supporting the 6th (or third eye) chakra. It is used in stone healing sessions as well.

Lapis has a rich history dating back to 3000 BC. It is mentioned in the Bible: “Moses and many other leaders of the people ascended Mt. Sinai. There, “they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself” (24:10). Favored by Egyptian royalty, it was crushed and used as makeup by Cleopatra and was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

Whether you are attracted to Lapis for its beauty or for the peaceful energy and intuitive support it brings, it is a wonderful addition to any home or office. 

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earthgallery9 https://www.earthgallery.com/earthgallery9 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 23:59:31 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2080 earthgallery8 https://www.earthgallery.com/earthgallery8 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 23:57:03 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2078 earthgallery7 https://www.earthgallery.com/earthgallery7 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 23:54:35 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2076 Marra Mamba Tiger Eye https://www.earthgallery.com/marra-mamba-tiger-eye Mon, 13 Jul 2020 22:56:03 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2010 Marra Mamba Tiger Eye Marra Mamba tiger eye is regarded as the finest quality tiger eye available. It is highly sought after by cutters, jewelers,  and collectors around the world. Marra Mamba tiger eye is famous for its intense tiger eye colors of red, orange, blue, copper and yellow. Tiger eye isn’t the only contributor […]

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Marra Mamba Tiger Eye

Marra Mamba tiger eye is regarded as the finest quality tiger eye available. It is highly sought after by cutters, jewelers,  and collectors around the world. Marra Mamba tiger eye is famous for its intense tiger eye colors of red, orange, blue, copper and yellow. Tiger eye isn’t the only contributor of color. The interplay of red, blue, orange and yellow jaspers with hematite is typically interspersed throughout the stone. 

Not only do you have the fabulous color but many stones have scenes, or pictures, created by the sheen of the tiger eye with the jasper influence and streaks of hematite. Many look like nature scenes, waterfalls or river scenes. Because of this, Marra Mamba tiger eye makes stunning custom jewelry pieces. 

Marra Mamba is known for its pictures and scenes.

The original material was found in the Mt. Brockman area in the North West of Western Australia, but was mined out in the early 1970’s. The material is mined in rugged desert country in winter due to extreme summer temperatures. All fuel, machinery, food, and water was trucked in from Perth approximately 1,000 miles to the south. 

Many metaphysical properties are connected with this stone. It helps mentally clarify the mind as well as helping replace the darker aspects of mental “darkness” with light and positivity and allows one to revel in life and to flourish.

It promotes calmness, stability and peacefulness and has been used not only to stimulate wealth but help maintain a vibration to keep the acquired wealth.

Beautiful colors and pictures.

It can be used to enhance the psychic abilities and can assist in the gentle attunement of the third-eye activity – this stone being best adapted to “earthy” people. “Melody – Love Is In The Earth.”

It increases awareness and perception by balancing both hemispheres of the brain. The awareness includes not only ones personal needs but the needs of other people and the peaceful vibrations help calm turmoil.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Rare Louisiana Sand Opal https://www.earthgallery.com/rare-louisiana-sand-opal Sat, 04 Jul 2020 00:21:03 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=2004 Louisiana Sand Opal showing a range of colors. Louisiana Opal was found in the Catahoula Formation in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. The only commercial producer was the Hidden Fire Opal Mine which operated on leased land and was closed down in the early 1990’s. Only small quantities were mined and rough material, in quantity, is very […]

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Louisiana Sand Opal showing a range of colors.

Louisiana Opal was found in the Catahoula Formation in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. The only commercial producer was the Hidden Fire Opal Mine which operated on leased land and was closed down in the early 1990’s. Only small quantities were mined and rough material, in quantity, is very difficult to find. This rarity combined with the mix of colors in the stone means it is regarded as a precious opal. Louisiana Opal, on the Mohs Scale of hardness, is rated as 5.5 to 6 but can be rated higher almost to a 7 on individual pieces.

Louisiana Opal is formed in sandstone where the sand grains are cemented together by opal. This means that the opal is very stable and can be cut into cabochons without the need for any protective backing or treating. When the polished stone is seen under light, either natural or artificial, it will show the the full play of colors previously hidden within the stone.  

Blue, green and purple light up this rare opal.

Most of the rough Louisiana Opal has a light gray or brown base color but it also occurs in a dark gray to black color which highlights the opal colors to a greater degree. These colors can include purple, green, red, blue, teal, gold and aqua. Louisiana Opal is now used mainly in cabochons.  Spheres and some carvings were made when the supply of opal was more plentiful but are now few and far between.

Louisiana Opal’s metaphysical properties are similar to Andamooka Rainbow Opal Matrix in that it releases inhibitions, helps to release anger, brings comfort during fear or grief, strengthens memory and encourages freedom and independence. It also increases creativity and original thoughts and aids in stimulating intuition and insight. It helps you work towards fulfilling  your deepest desires, dreams and ambitions and to work with your spiritual and animal guides.

 Louisiana Opal is now a very rare stone which will grow even more scarce as time moves on.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal https://www.earthgallery.com/andamooka-rainbow-matrix-opal Thu, 11 Jun 2020 19:35:31 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1999 Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal Andamooka is a small mining town in the desert of South Australia and is the only area that produces Rainbow Opal Matrix. This type of opal is found in minuscule pores interspersed throughout its limestone host rather than in seams such as found in Coober Pedy. The limestone is white and […]

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Andamooka Rainbow Matrix Opal

Andamooka is a small mining town in the desert of South Australia and is the only area that produces Rainbow Opal Matrix. This type of opal is found in minuscule pores interspersed throughout its limestone host rather than in seams such as found in Coober Pedy. The limestone is white and chalky and because it does not refract light the color of the opal appears to be faint and barely discernible.

To bring out the play of colors the opal has to be treated. Treatment consists of cooking the stone in sugar and then carbonizing the sugar which turns the sugar black. This turns the base rock black and highlights the opal found in the stone. It does not increase the color, just enhances the ability to readily see whatever color is there. A great advantage of this material is that it is very stable, will not craze and the colors of each piece will amaze you.

This opal is well named “rainbow.”

Rainbow Opal Matrix is coarse grained and it is difficult to obtain a high end polish obtainable on other opal types so it is typically finished by the application of a clear coat product. This coating does not increase the color of the opal and is only the equivalent of a final polish to highlight the magnificent combination of colors in this opal.

Rainbow Opal Matrix releases inhibitions, helps to release anger, brings comfort during fear or grief, strengthens memory and encourages freedom and independence. It also increases creativity and original thoughts and aids in stimulating intuition and insight. Rainbow Matrix Opal helps you work towards fulfilling  your deepest desires, dreams and ambitions and to work with your spiritual and animal guides.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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Rare Ellensburg Blue Agate https://www.earthgallery.com/rare-ellensburg-blue-agate Wed, 10 Jun 2020 23:32:08 +0000 https://www.earthgallery.com/?p=1993 A Large Specimen of Ellensburg Blue Agate The Ellensburg Blue agate is regarded as the third rarest gemstone in the world. It is the only blue agate regarded as a “precious gemstone.” Ellensburg Blue agate is only found in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains northwest of Ellensburg, Washington, USA. Volcanic action, millions of years […]

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A Large Specimen of Ellensburg Blue Agate

The Ellensburg Blue agate is regarded as the third rarest gemstone in the world. It is the only blue agate regarded as a “precious gemstone.” Ellensburg Blue agate is only found in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains northwest of Ellensburg, Washington, USA. Volcanic action, millions of years ago, has created a unique chemical reaction combining titanium and forty-two other trace elements which in turn gives it the color and hardness found in Ellensburg Blue agate.

Unfortunately only a very small percentage of the agates found are blue and an even smaller proportion are suitable for use in jewelry. What is unique about this gem is their beautiful blue sky color. These gems range in color from a light sky blue, cornflower blue, and royal blue and are sought after by collectors, jewelers, stone cutters and jewelry lovers alike. Researchers believe that the blue color comes from refracted light from tiny particles in the stone, which is similar to why the sky is blue itself.

Ellensburg Blue Agate

One aspect that makes Ellensburg Blue agates different than other agates is their hardness. Ellensburg Blue agate has a Mohs hardness scale of 7.5 to 8.3 compared to most agates having a Mohs scale 7 hardness. 

Melody, in her world renowned book “Love is in the Earth” writes, “Ellensburg Blue agates can enhance one’s stature and bring happiness through self understanding. It provides the energy to allow one to fully appreciate one’s abilities, characteristics and situations. It is useful for opening and activating the throat chakra. It provides assistance in communication and speech. Ellensburg Blue agate has been used in the treatment of disorders of the throat and to improve eyes”.

Even though blue agates can be found around the world the Ellensburg Blue agates hold a special place because of their rarity and beauty. Top quality Ellensburg Blue agates are sold by the carat for hundreds of dollars.

By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

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