Kornerupine is a very rare stone usually found as clear, brown or yellow crystals. The extremely rare green colour is the most valuable. ‘Cat’s Eye’ and ‘Star’ Kornerupine are sometimes found but are also very rare indeed. Magically this stone can be used to break barriers and free yourself from oppression. If you feel that you are stuck in a rut this stone can help you determine where the problem lies and how to transform your life. In meditation it helps to give you a broader understanding of a situation that is troubling you and this can allow you to see solutions that were hidden from view. Kornerupine often seems to reveal messages and answers through visions and sudden flashes of inspiration so keep a careful note of your dreams after working with this stone.
Kunzite is a very popular stone at the moment for healing and ‘new-age’ work. As a healing stone it is very powerful and just looking at the pretty, lilac coloured crystals seems to soothe and heal the mind. Kunzite is reputed to cure mental problems, neuroses, addiction, memory loss, schizophrenia, phobias and depression. It is used magically to help heal the mind and regain emotional balance after traumatic experiences.
Kyanite forms in sapphire blue crystal ‘blades’ and ‘wands’. Linked with elemental Water the crystals can be used for emotional healing or to strengthen your resolve and self confidence. Helps you to recognise your own strengths and talents and make the most of them. Can be used to develop charisma and the ability to hold people’s attention and speak without fear. A useful stone for anyone suffering from shyness or for people who feel ‘invisible’ in life and wants to make more of an impact on society. When used in meditation it grants visions into past lives. Magically the blade can be used like a knife to symbolically cut away the emotional ties that link you to people and places you have outgrown.
Labradorite a grey stone with iridescent flashes on its surface, sometimes described as ‘Storm Cloud with Rainbows’. The perfect stone for any practising magic user. Frees the power of imagination, releases inhibitions and false modesty and increases belief in your self and your unique, magical abilities. Helpful to anyone seeking a spiritual ally or a familiar as it can be used to open channels of communication with spiritual beings and invite them to be present in your life. Encourages and assists those who are searching for wisdom and can help you find magical knowledge in the most unlikely of places. There is also a very rare form of golden Labradorite which has a clear ‘Topaz’colour. Known as ‘Sun after Storm’ it brings deliverance from oppression and helps relieve the effects of stress, especially after a long and arduous time of troubles.
Lapis Lazuli is a very magical stone that has been renowned since ancient times for its power and beauty. Its rich blue colour, covered with tiny golden sparkles of Iron Pyrite, resembles the star studded night sky and magically it is used to symbolise this and call upon the powers of Night. Used to increase magical energy levels and strengthen your psychic protection against negative energy. Most commonly used in magic for love and sexuality. The stone is sacred to the love Goddess Laz and also to Ishtar and can be used to call upon them when you are in need of their aid. Touching Laps Lazuli every day is reputed to ensure contentment and a comfortable life – jewellery would be ideal for this purpose, though if you can afford lots of beautiful Lapis jewellery you probably already have a comfortable life! Lapis is also supposed to bring its bearer peace of mind, calmness and clear thoughts so it is a very useful stone to keep near you when practising meditation.
Larimar also known as Blue Pectolite or Dolphin Stone, Larimar is closely connected with the powers of elemental Water. Cooling, cleansing and calming this stone is particularly useful for people with a hot temper or fiery nature. A piece of Larimar in a bowl of consecrated water can be used to bring cleansing and healing power to the liquid which can then be used to wash objects or people during ritual. However, the simplest way to benefit from the energy of Larimar is to lie back and relax in the bath with a piece of the stone. A powerful healing stone, Larimar is very useful for fighting infections and other ‘hot’ conditions, or for cleansing the body of memories and old traumas that are preventing full health. Believed to correct chemical imbalances and help heal mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia. Eases anger and turbulent emotions and brings peace and mental calm.
Lazurite is the main mineral in the rock which forms the gemstone Lapis Lazuli. The stone has long been believed to restore harmony between the hemispheres of the brain and is therefore commonly used for healing problems such as dyslexia. It is also helpful for high blood pressure and problems with the liver or immune system.
Jasper Leopardskin is a form of Jasper which is covered with spots and swirls of black or brown on a pink, grey or sandy base. The patterns often resemble animal skin and because of this it is used in shamanic magic concerning animals. This form of Jasper is helpful to anyone studying the magical arts. Increases shape-shifting ability and attunement with spirit animals. Used in spells for magical secrecy and invisibility, camouflage and the ability to walk unseen. Meditation with this stone can guide you to the right path and help you find whatever knowledge you are searching for. Heals wounds caused by conflict or battle, especially old emotional scars.
Lepidolite is a pretty, lilac or purple coloured form of Mica which sparkles and twinkles in the light. Brings peace and harmony and is very useful for cleansing a room after an argument or confrontation. Helps you to relieve stress and learn to let go of hurtful words or memories so that you can find inner peace. Aids restful sleep and protects against nightmares. This stone is closely connected with Earth magic and it is said that of you treat it gently it will teach you how to tread lightly on the Earth. Meditation with Lepidolite can increase your awareness of the role you play as part of the web of life. A healing stone for mental illness and emotional problems.
Lodestone also known as Magnetite, Lodestones are a naturally magnetic form of iron ore. This magical stone was used to make the first compasses because a sliver of Lodestone floated in a bowl of water will align itself with the Earth’s magnetic field. It has been used in spells for hundreds of years to increase the power of attraction. Add to charm bags to draw love, wealth, luck and happiness or just to increase the power of the other ingredients. Many believe that Lodestones should be carried in pairs, one to attract good things and the other to repel evil. Roman prostitutes wore the stone as a talisman to attract wealthy clients. Lodestones and iron kept together in a charm bag will encourage fidelity and boost sexual desire between a couple. A Lodestone worn at the belt is reputed to increase a man’s sexual vigour and encourage interest from the opposite sex. Carved Lodestone belt buckles are worn not just to increase sexual prowess but also to increase success in business, gambling and money matters. Used magically to increase general health and to boost all levels of energy, physical, mental and spiritual. Whenever Lodestones are used in magic, even in charm bags, they should be removed regularly and cleansed because their magnetic power can lead them to become saturated with the energy they have drawn.
Malachite is believed to bring good luck and fortune to anyone travelling by sea, especially explorers or adventurers. A stone cut into a triangle protects against the evil eye and bring the bearer under the protection of Hera/Juno, Queen of Heaven. Also sacred to Venus/Aphrodite and can be used in spells to attract lovers. Can help you become more creative by helping you realise the worth of your talents while being flexible enough to make the best use of them. It is said that a piece of Malachite in your till will ensure continuing business success. The stone is well known for its ability to turn aside mental and magical attacks. Malachite is linked with the magical Will and can be used in spells or meditation to strengthen that skill and increase your personal power and confidence. Used in healing to treat headache and migraine. A Malachite pendant given to a child as a gift will protect them from illness and accidents.
Marcasite is a mineral iron ore. The name ‘marcasite’ is often applied to Iron Pyrite when it is used in jewellery but this is incorrect. Marcasite and Pyrite are chemically identical but have different crystal structures. When worn or carried the stone is believed to increase your ability to deal with problems. Helps boost confidence, especially if your self esteem has been worn away over time. In meditation the stone can help you to look at your past experiences without emotion so that you can learn any lessons, release the pain and move on.
Meteorite even the smallest piece of meteor is believed to contain the power of the Gods in the heavens and it has been considered a sacred stone for thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of years. In Babylon this gift from the Gods was believed to be a very powerful charm: “Take thou the potent meteorite of heaven, which by the roar of its awful might removeth all evils.” Meteorite is a very powerful stone and is alive with magical energy. Its fiery power is best used for magical transformation. It can help increase your willpower if you are starting on a course of study or giving up bad habits and is a very useful stone for any person who is trying to change their life for the better. Some believe that every piece of meteorite has within it its own intelligence and spirit, which you can communicate with through meditation and dreams.
Mimitite helps communications between people. It is a very useful stone for those who need help expressing their feelings or who do not have the confidence to speak in public about their beliefs or knowledge. Meditation with this stone can help you find ways to explain the magical knowledge that lies deep within you through writing or speech so that you can share this magic with others. The stone is helpful to teachers, lecturers and can give confidence to anyone who has to make a speech or public appearance.
Moldavite the only gemstone known (so far) that is not entirely of this Earth. Moldavite appears to be the residue of a glassy meteorite although there is some dispute as to whether it is purely extraterrestrial or a form of glass created by the impact of the meteorite on the surface of the Earth. The translucent, mossy green stone was created more than 14 million years ago and is extremely rare. The energy of this stone is very powerful and much has been written about it in recent years, perhaps because of its strange, vibrant power. It seems to pulse in your hand when you hold it. Accelerates spiritual development and helps you make conscious contact between the higher and lower self. In meditation it pierces the veil between the worlds, opens communication with spirit guides and deities and encourages visions of higher planes. In folklore Satan’s crown was made of Moldavite which melted as he fell to Earth. In other legends the Holy Grail was carved from this stone. Moldavite is known as the Stone of Transformation but its power should be used with great care. If you ask this stone to help you change your life then be prepared for some major upheavals!
Moonstone a delicate, white stone that seems filled with the glow of moonlight, Moonstone was called Aphroselene by the Greeks in honour of Aphrodite, Goddess of love and beauty and Selene, Goddess of the Moon. Some people believe that the power of Moonstone changes with the Moon’s phases and that broadly speaking it should be used for physical matters during a waxing Moon and psychic matters under a waning Moon. Greatly helps attunement with elemental Water and gaining a better understanding of your emotions and the emotional needs of others. Enhances intuition, telepathy, clairvoyance and all the psychic skills and is wonderful for any form of Moon magic. According to folklore keeping a piece of Moonstone under your tongue will keep you focussed on your goals, but you could also make an elixir for this purpose. Helps to clear away confusion and bring sense to complicated situations, allowing you to focus on what is really important. In India Moonstone was the stone of lovers and two charmed Moonstones, one for each partner, will keep them ever in each others thoughts. In healing Moonstone is used to clear the mind and discard any confusion or turmoil that is preventing you from being fully healthy. It soothes and balances the emotions and is especially useful to anyone who cannot express their feelings or has a fear of love and intimacy.
Morganite is a pink, peach or lilac coloured form of Beryl. Magically the stone can be used to help open channels of communication to guides, deities, angels or spirits and it is very effective when used in combination with meditation and dream magic. Used in healing for any problems with the larynx, lungs, thyroid, nervous system or major muscle tissues.
Moss Agate is a clear or very pale form of Agate that is filled with green or black inclusions of manganese that look like spreading moss or tree branches. A helpful stone for anyone seeking new friends as it is reputed to bring company to the lonely and give its bearer the confidence to reach out to others. The Romans believed that this was a very lucky stone and the Gods smiled on anyone who carried it. Meditation with the stone can help you gain knowledge about the care and treatment of plants and what you can do to help care for the Earth. Used magically to break enchantments, see through illusions and reveal lies and deceit. Whisper your troubles to a piece of Moss Agate then leave it out under a waning Moon to see your problems diminish ~ just remember to cleanse it well afterwards.
Mother of Pearl is not a stone but is widely used in jewellery and carvings. It is the hard iridescent inner surface of the shells of certain molluscs. It can be white, cream or brown and is sometimes called nacre. Sacred to the sea and the power of elemental Water this is a wonderful gem for any Sea Priest or Priestess. Meditation with Mother of Pearl can help encourage memories of your past lives. Used magically for concealment and secrecy. When used in love spells it helps to improve the quality of existing relationships.
Nephrite is a form of Jade and there has been much confusion between these two related stones. Basically they are almost identical but Jade is formed from the mineral jadeite whereas Nephrite is formed from either tremolite or actinolite. Nephrite is an amazingly tough and durable stone and because of this it represents perfection and immortality. Most Chinese Jade is Nephrite and since the beginning of their history this stone has been esteemed above all others. The stone increases health and endurance both physically and spiritually. A mixture of Nephrite, rice and dew water is believed to strengthen the muscles, harden the bones, calm the mind, enrich the flesh and purify the blood. The stone is used by modern healers for kidney problems, which it is reputed to be very effective at healing. Handle a piece of Nephrite every day and your wealth and prosperity will increase.
Obsidian there are several forms of Obsidian but all are forms of natural volcanic glass. They seem to be opaque but if you hold a piece of Obsidian to the light you will see that it is transparent. Apache Tear Obsidian is pure black, Mahogany Obsidian is dark brown and Snowflake Obsidian is black with white, snow-like speckles that are caused by ash settling on the glass as it cools. The stone is sharp, easy to work with and fairly strong and so has been used for tools and weapons for thousands of years. Obsidian was a very important stone to the Aztecs, who knew it as Iztli or sometimes Teotetl, meaning ‘Divine Stone’. It was polished and crafted into scrying mirrors that were sacred to the God Tezcatlipoca, whose name means ‘Shining Mirror’ and who had one of his feet replaced with a round Obsidian mirror. This is a very shamanic stone that holds within it the power of elemental Earth and Fire. It is used to help gain understanding of the Web of Wyrd and the workings of destiny in your life. The stone is said to lend great strength to those who are weak and protect the gentle from abuse. All forms of Obsidian are excellent stones for drawing Earth energy or helping to ground yourself and are especially helpful to people who live in a city or have to endure an unpleasant atmosphere as the stone can help shield ou from unhealthy energetic noise. They are very protective and help to reflect negative energy and curses back to the sender or provide psychic protection during times of stress or magical attack.
Onyx is a form of Chalcedony made from sub-microscopic grains of Quartz. Because of the way these grains stack up in layers Onyx often has a banded appearance. This layering has made the stone popular for centuries for carving intaglios and cameos. Onyx has long been associated with magic and for occult purposes it is most commonly the black variety that is used. Some say that Onyx is a stone of ‘black magic’. It is certainly in tune with the darker and more mysterious side of magic, sorcery and necromancy but to label it as ‘evil’ is a serious misunderstanding of the stone’s energy. Onyx protects its bearer from misfortune and illness and prevents illusions and nightmares caused by evil spirits. It is a stone of powerful protection and strength. It is reputed to bring unexpected good luck to its bearer and to protect them from the plots and ill wishes of their enemies. A piece of Onyx, especially a sphere, can be kept on your altar to protect you from unruly energies or warn of any impending danger. The stone is helpful when trying to contact the spirits of ancestors or the Mighty Dead and helps recall memories of past lives. Onyx softens the barriers between worlds and shamanic work with this stone can help summon friendly spirits who will guide a dying soul on their journey. An excellent stone for increasing knowledge and helping you to focus on your studies which also helps you to gain deeper insights when casting bones or stones for divination.
Opal is a beautiful, iridescent stone which can be milky white with flashes of blue and green or the rarer blue green colour with flashes of red. The stone was prized by the Romans who named it ‘pederast’ meaning that it had the fresh beauty of a child. Opals can dry out and crack quite easily so they are often protected by being made onto doubles or triplets, topped by or sandwiched between thin layers of clear Quartz. Many people consider Opal to be an unlucky stone. There is a legend that a merchant trying to buy a large quantity of Opals very cheaply spread a rumour about them being unlucky to reduce demand and therefore reduce the buying price. Unfortunately his ruse worked too well because his own clients were now afraid of the bad luck associated with them! Opal may be reputed to be unlucky because it is known as the Stone of Truth, which to some people is a deadly enemy. In magic the stone can be used ~ with care ~ to remove falsehood and trickery, find that which is hidden, show the secret plots of your enemies or reveal the truth of any situation. Used in spells to bring hope, protect the innocent, and bring success to people striving towards their personal or spiritual goals. Brings strength to visions and ideas and helps you create them in the physical world. Encourages the development of the 3rd Eye and is sometimes known as the Stone of the Mystic because of this ability. Opal should always be used with care as it can cause great harm to anyone who uses it deceitfully or for selfish and harmful magic.