Author Archives: AnitaNH

About AnitaNH

AnitaNH is a self-taught collage artist and former librarian who embraced mid-life crisis, dropped out of the corporate world and moved to rural New Hampshire to become creatively self-employed. Owner of Anita's Beads and Toad Hollow Minerals in Wakefield, New Hampshire, Anita also designs jewelry, fabric, and digital art prints. Original collage art and acrylic paintings are displayed in the gallery. Jewelry-making and collage instruction are offered by appointment.

About Stones: Staurolite

staurolite

Astrological Sign: Pisces

Chakra: Root, Sacral, Solar plexus

Lore: Staurolite, also known as the “Fairy Stone” or “Fairy Cross” is used as a good-luck talisman. Legend tells that the tiny cross-shaped crystals were formed from the crystallized tears of fairies bearing news of the death of Christ. Staurolite is used to combat stress, depression and addictions, particularly to tobacco.

Geology: Staurolite forms reddish brown to black stubby prismatic crystals, frequently occurring in characteristic cruciform twins in either a Greek or St. Andrew’s cross.

Localities: New Hampshire, Virginia, Russia

About Stones: Serpentine

serpentine

Astrological Sign: Gemini

Chakra: Crown, Root

Lore: Serpentine enhances the meditative state and is useful in the rise of kundalini. Calming in cases of stress and nervousness, it aids in balancing mood swings. It helps to establish boundaries and find inner peace.

Geology: Serpentine forms during the metamorphosis of alkaline igneous rocks. The color may range from olive green, yellow-green, to light green. It is often called “New Jade.”

Localities: Arizona, China, Peru

About Stones: Selenite

selenite

Astrological Sign: Taurus

Chakra: Crown, Brow

Lore: Selenite, named for the ancient Moon Goddess Selene, provides for mental clarity. Like a sharp sword of awareness, it cuts through unconscious assumptions about ourselves and our surroundings. Lovers can trade selenite crystals to help reconcile differences. Selenite activates the aspect of our nature that is true spiritual feeling.

Geology: Selenite, a crystallized form of gypsum, is a hydrous calcium sulfate. It is one of the first minerals formed by evaporating salt water in land locked bodies isolated from the open ocean.

Localities: Chihuahua, Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

About Stones: Ruby

ruby

Astrological Sign: Cancer, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Leo

Chakra: Heart, Root

Lore: Ruby stimulates mental concentration and enthusiasm. Stone of the Sun in ancient European and East Indian cultures, it represents the life force, inner fire, love and passion.

Geology: Ruby is the name for red corundum. It is an aluminum oxide and can range from rose to a dark purplish red color from traces of chromium. It forms hexagonal, barrel-shaped crystals found in alluvial deposits. Ruby is heavy and is mined by panning.

Localities: Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, East Africa

About Stones: Rainforest Jasper

rainforj

Astrological Sign: Aquarius

Chakra: Heart, Solar Plexus

Lore: Rainforest jasper is the “Stone of Resolution,” helping clear issues of the past and bring the unresolved to completeness. It eliminates distractions and dispells procrastination. It enhances ability in the fields of architecture and construction. Rainforest jasper supports listening as well as all forms of communication. It is calming to animals.

Geology: Rainforest jasper is a spherulitic rhyolite exhibiting shades of green with tan, yellow or blueish “eyes.” Rhyolite is a microgranular form of granite that has cooled quickly.

Locality: Australia

About Stones: Rainbow Calsilica

rainbowcal

Astrological Sign: Cancer

Chakra: All

Lore: Rainbow Calsilica is a recently discovered multi-colored layered stone being used for Zuni fetish carvings as well as beads and cabochon cut stones.

Geology: Rainbow Calsilica is a microcrystalline calcite bonded with the amorphous clay mineral allophane. Silica is also present. It has been described as vein matter or fracture fill formed when a copper push cut into volcanic rhyolite host rock. A stabilization process similar to that used with turquoise has been applied to it.

Locality: Mexico

About Stones: Polychrome Jasper

polychrome

Astrological Sign: Leo

Chakra: Solar plexus

Lore: Worn by shamen for protection, jasper’s solar energy helps in the practice of magic. It brings awareness which allows celebration during periods of isolation.

Geology: Polychrome Jasper is a form of opaque, multi-colored chalcedony which occurs in massive formations. Polychrome Jasper sometimes goes by the name “Royal Savannah Jasper.”

Localities: Madagascar, Australia

About Stones: Pipestone

pipestone

Astrological Sign: Sagittarius

Chakra: Brow

Lore: Pipestone is used by Native American Indians for the carving of sacred pipes, fetishes and totems. Look to the spirit world to provide guidance in using pipestone in an intuitive manner. A stone for those drawn to the “old ways,” pipestone will empower ceremonies and enhance pursuits when handled with respect.

Geology: Pipestone, also known as Catlinite, is a fine, compact siliceous clay colored red by iron. The principal locality is in Minnesota, where a large quarry has been worked for hundreds of years. Even warring tribes came to the quarry, now a National Monument, in peace.

Locality: Minnesota

About Stones: Picasso Stone

picasso

Astrological Sign: Sagittarius

Chakra: Heart

Lore: Picasso stone can assist in the development of creative talents. It strengthens self-control, supporting serenity and pure thought. Use picasso stone to enhance common sense in matters of the heart and of the home.

Geology: Picasso stone is a type of marble which is a metamorphosed limestone of recrystalized dolomite or calcite. The color range includes a combination of black, brown, tan, yellow, and gray.

Locality: Mexico

About Stones: Peridot

peridot

Astrological Sign: Virgo, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius