Rock Review: Simbercite

 Simbercite if easy to fall in love with. It is not just a rock, but rather rock in combination with fossil. Ancient shell creatures called ammonite would grow to become very large, when they died, about 80 million years ago, the shells were filled with sea life and sediment.and swallowed by the earth. Over the coming millennia, the shells accumulated pyrite crystals, fossilized and under heat and pressure from the earth, these delightful stones were created. which include shell fossil, fossilized sea life, linear patterns of shining golden pyrite, and vivid coloration half amber and half chocolate brown.

Simbercite is named after Simbirsk, Russia, the city in which it was originally found. Most of the world's simbercite is mined in Russia. So now that we know the geology about it, what to do with this stone? It is a warm stone, not just to look at, but it warms quickly when held. This stone is thought to give energy to the wearer and to alleviate fears. But more importantly, it astounds us with it's jaw-dropping natural beauty. 

Rock Review: Lapis Lazuli

This beautiful blue stone is a quite rare, semi-precious stone that has been prized since ancient days for its deep blue color. Originating mostly in Afghanistan, deposits are also found in Italy, Argentina and the USA. A lighter variety is found in Chile. Lazurite is the mineral responsible for the intense blue color of Lapis Lazuli, which often includes pyrite and calcite as well.

This precious rock has been used for millennia to decorate both the human form and sculpture. The first beads made of Lapis Lazuli are dated to around 3100 BC. Powdered lapis has also been credited as the world’s first eyeshadow! Found intricately included in the mask of King Tut, Lapis Lazuli also composes the background of the famous Sumerian artifact, “Royal Standard of UR.”

Many ancient writings referring to sapphire, even the Bible, may have actually been referring to Lapis. Early on, there were not a variety of words to differentiate between varieties of stone, a blue stone was called simply referred to as a, “blue stone.”

In addition to its historical value, Lapis Lazuli has significant healing properties to both the ancient and modern worlds:

ANCIENT CURES: Ancient cultures believed that Lapis would alleviate the symptoms of a venomous snake bite, cure eye disease, and depression.

MODERN CURES: Lapis is associated with healing in the area of the blue chakra, (the throat). Those who suffer from acid reflux may find alleviation from wearing lapis around their neck. Many who love the stone report an alleviation of anxiety when wearing it. World famous stone therapist, Edgar Cayce, claims that when a piece of lapis is held to the ear, one can hear a very faint high frequency pitch as the stone “sings.”