Happy November!

What is amphibole quartz and what are the uses?

Amphibole, a neat inclusion in quartz, is a collection of various minerals that crystallize in two systems – orthorhombic and microcline.  The result is that both manifest at the same time giving the illusion of twisting, turning fibers inside as well as an ethereal, opalescent appearance.  Common amphiboles are actinolite, riebeckite, tremolite, polygorskite and many others.  They express as dream quartz, Blue and Green Tara quartz, Green Lemurian quartz, Green Goddess quartz, dancing angel hair quartz nephrite jade, witch finger quartz, papaya quartz, evolution (caramel) quartz and a host of others.  With a loupe and a good backlight, you can see the little fibers well.  The individual properties vary, but in general, these are great crystals for transitions, particularly difficult ones.  They help to remove obstacles, clear away cobwebs, stimulate your psychic sense and soothingly help you attain a higher state of enlightenment.

Amphibole Quartz

What are the attributes of mica?

As a kid, I remember finding mica in the rock I picked up here and there and it fascinated me with its flakes of gold.  When ovens were first available with “windows” so you could see in without opening the door, they were made with plates of mica which is very heat resistant.  Mica is a silicate that crystallizes in the monoclinic system.  It has perfect cleavage and explains the classic hexagonal shape you often find.  It will form in botryoidal masses and long, thin plates as well.  Often it is included with other minerals that give it color and a new name. Fuschite is bright green from chromium and lepidolite is sometimes gold, sometimes white and sometimes magenta color from lithium.  Biotite mica is silvery black and phlogopite (now that’s a good one for Scrabble … not many points though) is an amber brown, both from magnesium, aluminum and iron.  The other minerals contribute different vibrations, but in general, all mica crystals offer the quality of introspection.  Whether dealing with heart, Core or Crown, it is important to know … and admit to … your Self just who you are and what your beliefs are.  If you don’t know that central kernel, then it’s hard to know how to grow and grow well.  Further, mica is often a solo crystal, but works well with kyanite, quartz, calcite, tourmaline and many others to blend energies.

Gemmy Lepidolite

What is a Master Crystal and how do you recognize one?

Years ago, Katrina Raphael and JaneAnn Dow presented the idea of Master Crystals and these are well documented in their books.  They include the channeler, the Isis, the Dow, the tantric twin, the generator, etc.  Like “prime numbers” (those numbers that are only divisible by that number and one – 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.), these are “core” crystals that give you the largest expanse of crystal work, whether for healing or for personal meditation.  When you read Raphael’s books, you can see how they enhance and complement each other and there are definite configurations for each – such as the Dow having alternating faces of three and seven sides.  There are other Master crystals as well and these are what I call “personal” ones … I have Mirahh, my Master (err … Mistress) Starbrary, Beliahh, my Master dream wand, and many others.  They form the basis for my most sacred work group and don’t fall into the traditional categories.  So, honestly, I would say that true Master Crystals are those of highest significance and importance to you.

Dow Celadonite Phantom Quartz

What kind of loupe is best and where do you get them?

A loupe is a little magnifying glass that allows you to get in deep and see the inner workings of the crystal.  I use a 10X routinely, although I do have both a 20X and a 30X.  The later two are disappointing, even though they are good loupes, as it’s a lot like looking through a marble with only a small zone in focus and a lot of edge distortion.  There is a link attached here to connect you to a good loupe.  You can also get them on eBay and many other places.  The best ones are “triplet” which is a special lens arrangement that allows greater clarity and less distortion – believe me, these are well worth the extra money. Loupes are also best when you purchase a brand name as they are produced to exacting standards and offer excellent clarity and focus.  There are a lot of cheap “knock-offs”, particularly on eBay, so buyer beware. And too, you need a good light with magnification, so a little Ott light is another of the well-worth-it purchases.  The light is intense and there is little color distortion.

Triplet loupe

How do you take care of enhydros and can they sit in the sun?

Enhydro crystals need the same kind of care as other crystals – lots of love, work and cleansing.  However, I don’t recommend sitting them in a sunny place to cleanse.  Basically when you see an enhydro in a crystal, you are looking at an air bubble in a liquid (water or oil) pocket which is in turn, contained in a solid.  Sitting in the sun, you get a lot of heat build-up, particularly if the crystal is smoky or darkly colored.  If the enhydro is large enough, you risk a catastrophic expansion resulting in loss of the liquid and/or damage to the crystal.  So moonlight baths are better … and safer.

Brandberg Enhydro Amethyst

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