{powers} holding a piece of abalone shell may make you feel: love, beauty, gentleness, caring, comfort, peacefulness, delight, and solace. abalone is especially useful for handling and calming emotional situations as it can be a very soothing shell. having it nearby when working through an emotional situation with someone is said to be beneficial and promotes cooperation.
{medicinal} abalone is very healing to the body (specifically the first three chakras). it is calming to high strung people. abalone is used by athletes to help build and protect muscle tissue. it benefits the heart and helps aid in digestion.
{history} abalone is a favorite food for some marine species including sea otters. otters are one of the few tool-using mammals and they are known to carry a rock that they use to crack the shell of the abalone underwater so they can remove it from its substrate. the shell's flattened oval shape with iridescent interior was used by the native northwest american indians as a natural vessel for cleansing, offerings, and prayers
{agate}
{powers} agate provides perceptiveness to situations and awakens ones inherent talents. it stimulates analytical capabilities and precision. agate can also transform and eliminate negativity as well as balance yin-yang energies. ancient civilizations believed that wearing agate would make them invisible, thus protecting them from danger. agate is the stone for self-expression, creativity, health, and good fortune. it is believed to be of special benefit to athletes and to those tanking any kind of examination or test - mental or physical.
{medicinal} agate has been reported to strengthen sight, diminish thirst, and to promote marital fidelity.
{history} agate is named for the achates river in sicily where it was discovered. it has been found with the remains of a stone age man in france (20,000-16,000 b.c.) and it was used by the egyptians before 3,000 b.c. farmers used agates to ensure good crops. one of the most famous places that agate is mined is in germany where it has been collected since 1548.
butterscotch and honey amber (left to right) from the baltic sea, silverwork handmade in poland....
amber....
geography: baltic sea, mexico, dominican republic
origin: amber is fossilized resin (sap) of coniferous trees of the oligocene epoch. this fossilized tree sap is found in honey, butterscotch, cherry, and lime green colors.
powers: positive energy that allows the body to heal and promotes a sunny disposition is found in amber. it has been known to increase vitality, motivation, and creativity.
history: it is perhaps the oldest substance used for human adornment. amber was considered a sacred stone to the eastern indians and native americans.
medicinal uses: succesful in the treatment of goiter and other diseases of the throat. it has also been useful in the treatment of disorders of the kidney and bladder.
amethyst and pearl bracelet.... click on image for details
amethyst...
hardness: 7.0
geography: found worldwide
origin: amethyst is a variation of quartz caused by the presence of manganese and its colors range from deep purple to pale lavender depending on the amount of iron in the crystal.
powers: known as the "stone of peace" amethyst enhances happiness, peace, love, and protection. amethyst is often used for meditation, especially when problem solving as it can absorb negative energy and provide a state of harmony.
history:amethyst was used by egyptians to make amulets, beads, and seals before 3100 b.c. this stone was also highly valued in ancient greek and roman societies, it was set in the breast plate of the high priestess, and used in many bishop rings.
medicinal uses: excellent stone for one who is attempting to find freedom from an addictive personality. since historical times it has been used to encourage and support sobriety.
