Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral. It's name comes from the Greek work Malache (mallow) which is the name of a leaf that represents the same colors. It is found in Russia and Africa and has a hardness of 3.5 - 4. The first culture to use malachite for adornment was ancient Egypt around 4,000 BC. The Egyptians used malachite as an ornamental stone in jewelry and art.  The natural banding is incredible ranging from light green to incredibly dark green. 

Represents the Solar plexus and heart chakras and element is fire. Important stone for protection against negative energy. Helps increase vitality and tissue repair. Malachite helps build self confidence and emotional clarity. Enhances will power. 

I hope you enjoyed learning about Malachite and have a positive day!
Dawn Rosell

Information compiled from Firemountain gems, The pocket book of Stones. 

Beautiful warm golden brown and black Tiger eye stone. Tiger eye is a quartz that contain a shimer or flash known as chatoyancy or luminescence in bands like a cat's eye stone. The shimmery bands are created when blue asbestos is altered by iron oxide and replaced by silica. This also gives it the amber color and can seem a bit transparent in some places of the stone. It has a hardness of 7 on the MOHS scale making it a harder stone.  Tiger eye is found in South Africa, India, Australia and the US. Tiger eye also comes in other forms such as blue tiger eye or Hawk's eye and Tiger iron which is a red variations.
Represents Chakra 1 through 3.  Said to be a stone of luck in some cultures. Balances between extremes. Element is earth and fire. Creates emotional balance and harmony with others. Supports hormonal balance and vitality.  Instills spiritual balance, stamina, creativity and clarity. Claims to sharpen clarity keeping one grounded and calm. Tiger eye is said to take away the blues and create optimism.  
Tiger eye stone is a very calming stone to me because it reminds me of a warm fire in the fall. I love it for it's versatility to go perfectly with almost any outfit you wear as well. 

May we all have the luck and balance of Tiger eye. I wish you a balanced and beautiful week,
Dawn Rosell

Information sources include: Smithsonian rock and gem book, Book of Stones, and Love is the Earth.
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Ah the pearl. A true classic in jewelry for millennia, but what is a pearl exactly? A pearl is created by a mollusk and consists of the same mineral and material as the shell. It is a natural secretion that  coats perhaps a piece of sand or some other foreign object trapped within the home of the mollusks shell and is to protect the animal. The coating is present on the inside of the shell as well. It is principally made of the mineral argonite and small amount of conchiolin. Together these minerals make Mother of Pearl. The color of a pearl depends on the creature creating it and it's surrounding. Colors range from white and yellow to soft pink, lavender, champagne, blue, green and black. Pearls come from all over the world and there are pearl farms where cultured pearls are made. Cultured means that humans have placed a tiny mother of pearl bead into the shell and allowed the process to continue naturally. 

The pearl represents Cancer and Gemini astrological signs. The pearl is often seen in wedding jewelry as the symbol of purity and loyalty. Named "The shell of sincerity" bringing truth to situations. Signifies faith, charity, integrity and innocents. Helps to focus attention.  

The pearl has never lost it's place in the world of jewelry and is considered to be a classic.  It can be dressed up or down and there is most likely one pair of simple pearl earrings in every woman's jewelry box. I think that is what I love best about the pearl, it is not reserved for one type of woman or one age group. It is clean, classic and yet can be over the top elegant, or even rock and roll. The pearl is truly versatile and ageless.

I hope you enjoyed the pearl and I hope you have a peaceful week.
Dawn Rosell

Information sources: Smithsonian rock and gem book and Love is the earth by Melody

Lepidolite, I know, I know, I'm drooling too, This luscious purple stone is just gorgeous. Lepidolite comes in pinks and purple shades, as well as colorless, yellow, white and grey. Made of Potassium lithium aluminum silicate and coming in at a 2.5-3 on the hardness scale, it is a softer stone. This mica type stone is often found with quartz and tourmaline like in this gemstone pendant pictured above. It is Earth's most common lithium bearing mineral. Often found in Russia, Africa, Brazil, Greenland and the United States.

Element Lepidolite represents is water and it activates the throat, heart and third eye Chakra as well as the crown. Called the Grandmother stone because of it's opening of wisdom to inner peace. Lepidolite inspires serenity, helping to release stress and worry. Provides energy of enlightened awareness. Gently induces change to allow a smooth passage during the change. Calms frayed nerves and sets one on the path of willing acceptance. Claims to help insomnia and stress related issues.

Lepidolite does take special care because it is a softer stone. Care is similar to an opal for cleaning with a soft cloth and storing separately from other pieces to protect it from scratching. And just like opal it is unique and worth owning. Beautiful and healing.

I hope you enjoyed learning about Lepidolite.

Wishing you a peaceful week
Dawn Rosell

Information sources: Book of Stones, Love is the earth, Smithsonian Rock and Gem book, Wikipedia.