Fun Facts about Gemstone Chains

With the new gemstone chains that arrived, it got me thinking about the meanings behind some of the gemstones and crystals in the chain and how by wearing assorted chains at the same time, I could tap in to different metaphysical healing theories.

Here are some fun facts and beliefs about some of the gemstones in the chains.

Aqua Chalcedony
Chalcedony is derived from the name of an ancient Greek town in Asia Minor known as Chalkedon.
With the exception of sticks, bones, rocks, and animal skins, Chalcedony is believed to one of the very first raw materials used by mankind, with the earliest recorded uses of Chalcedony being for weapons, tools, knives, bowls and cups.
Chalcedony rings that were worn by ancient Romans are still found in remarkably good shape today.
Chalcedony was used as a sacred stone by Native Americans, who believed that it would promote stability within the ceremonial rituals of the tribe.
Chalcedony is believed to increase endurance, stamina, vitality, and to promote emotional balance, kindness, charity, and friendliness. Physically, Chalcedony is said to relieve melancholy, fever, irritability, gall stones, and eye problems.



Tourmaline
The name Tourmaline is widely accepted as being derived from the Singhalese expression tura mali, which when translated means “stone of many or mixed colors”.
Tourmaline is often referred to as the rainbow gemstone, due to the huge amout of colors that it is available in. This was certainly believed by the ancient Egyptians who believed that when Tourmaline traveled from its home in the earth's core to the surface, it did so along a rainbow, which subsequently gifted the gemstone with all of the colors of the rainbow.
Tourmalines exhibit piezoelectricity and when these stones become warm they become electrically charged – positively at one end and negatively at the other, acting like a magnet and strong enough to attract small particles of dust or ash. It is for this reason that the Dutch of old used Tourmalines to clean their pipes!
As with most gemstones, ancient civilizations credited Tourmaline gems with magical and mystical powers, including having the power to guard against danger and misfortune. Tourmalines are said to have an especially strong influence over friendship and love, lending permanance and stability to both. Tourmaline gems help to amplify psychic ability / energy and are an excellent aid to increasing self-confidence and understanding. Tourmaline is believed to help assist with tranquil sleep, calm nerves, improve concentration and creative processes and to be an aid to curing cancer. 


Labradorite
A stone of transformation, Labradorite is a useful companion through change, imparting strength and perseverance.  It balances and protects the aura, raises consciousness and grounds spiritual energies.  Excellent for strengthening intuition-promoting psychic abilities.  Powerful in revealing the truth behind illusions, Labradorite banishes fears and insecurities, and strengthens faith in the self and trust in the universe.  It stimulates the imagination and calms an overactive mind, developing enthusiasm and new ideas.
Labradorite treats disorders of the eyes and brain, stimulates mental acuity, and relieves anxiety and stress.  It regulates metabolism, balances hormones and relieves menstrual tension.  Labradorite treats colds, gout, and rheumatism, lowers blood pressure, and aids in digestion.
According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador. It is told that a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and was able to free most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone, and thus we have today the beautiful mineral known as labradorite.