geography: found in madagascar, sri lanka, mexico, brazil, india, and the u.s.
properties: the iridescence of moonstone (a feldspar) is caused by a scattering of light from thin layers on the stone that develop by internal chemical separation during geologic cooling of an initially single feldspar.
powers: moonstone is a stone for hoping and wishing, the energy of the stone is balancing, introspective, reflective, and tender. it helps one to maintain confidence and composure.
history: this stone appeared in roman jewelry in about 100 a.d. and even earlier in oriental adornment. in ancient india moonstone was of sacred significance to lovers in a special ceremony to help foresee their future. it was also a favorite of art nouveau jewelers such as tiffany and cartier.
medicinal uses: can be used to help in assimilation of nutrients, elimination of toxins and ease in pregnancy.
onyx....
hardness: 6.5-7.0
geography: onyx is found worldwide.
properties: onyx is a form of chalcedony and its color range includes black, black and white, honey-orange red and white.
powers: onyx enhances self-control and stimulates the power of wise decision making. it encourages happiness and good fortune. this stone also spromotes the recognition of personal strengths and helps one become the master of ones own future.
history: onyx comes from the greek word 'onux' meaning fingernail. it originated from the story of a frisky cupid who cut the divine fingernails of venus with an arrowhead while she slept. onyx has often been used to make cameos because of its textured layers.
medicinal: onyx treats disorders related to bone marrow, the soft tissue structures, and the feet.
opal....
hardness: 5.5-6.5
geography: though most opal comes from australia, it is also found in mexico, nevada, japan, ireland, and south america.
properties: opal is made up of submicroscopic silica spheres bonded together with more silica and water. it is formed in cavities and cracks in near surface volcanic rocks or replacements making fossils of shells, bones, and wood in or near sedimentary volcanic ash.
powers: this is the stone of "happy dreams and changes". it helps one to feel the creativity which is within the self, providing inspiration and imagination to all situations. it furthers true and spontaneous action allowing the release of inhibitions.
history: opal from the sanskrit 'upala' and the latin 'opalus' meaning "precious stone" was revered by shakespeare as the queen of gems. however its popularity declined during the 19th century when the stone became associated with bad luck, due to a series of popular fiction novels by sir walter scott-anne of geierstein- under the specific orders of the queen of england, so that she might eventually own them all.
medicinal: used to purify blood, kidneys, and regulate insulin.
