The forests of ancient times still exist today, in the form of petrified forests. These remnants of ancient forests today contain scattered broken trunks of petrified wood lying in the open, or half buried. Petrified wood is a very interesting form of fossil, believed to be millions of years old, and is most often composed of the minerals of agate and quartz, although occasionally, you encounter calcified or opalized petrified wood, which is mainly composed of calcite or opal, respectively. The hardness of petrified wood correspondingly tallies with that of agate or quartz - 7 on the Mohs scale, or less for that of opal or calcite.

Petrified wood is remarkable for its resemblance to wood, at least on the surface. The bark and the texture are astonishingly similar to normal wood. How it became petrified is due to a long and gradual process of displacement and replacement by agate (or other minerals); the water seeping into the wood and depositing the minerals which slowly replaced the wood.

This process took many thousands, or hundreds of thousands of years, and all happened underground, as the ancient trees toppled and were buried under debris and soil. The lack of oxygen in these conditions created the right conditions for a slow “decay-and-replace” process to take place. Most petrified wood occurs in various shades of red, gray-blue, yellow, dull green, or white, corresponding with the many shades of agate.

Locations of petrified forests

The places where petrified wood can be found are scattered in select locations across the globe, in places where conditions have permitted preservation to occur. Some of the locations where they are found include Petrified National Forest in Arizona, Alberta, Canada, Australia, and the Greek Island of Lesvos. The largest petrified specimens however, are found in the Petrified Forest National Monument in Argentina. These “forests” are not real forests, but can be likened to scattered and broken up “stone forests.” Walking through them gives an unique experience of being transported back in time, back to the days of marauding dinosaurs.

Many of the trees that became petrified belong to the Aracauria family, or otherwise known as Kauri trees. The Kauri trees are large coniferous trees often standing 40-50 meters in height, and today, you can spot large specimens still living in the forests of New Zealand and New Guinea.

The energy of petrified wood

As most petrified wood consists of variants of quartz (silica), we will focus on this form of petrified wood here. Petrified wood is a fossil like dinosaur bone, and shares the many of the same characteristics of fossils. It is perfect as a grounding stone, and used during meditation, it can help with accessing past lives. The energy of petrified wood is absorptive and warm, and protective, just like the large trees, which they once were.

Petrified wood is a stone of change and transformation, just as the wood which it once was, transformed into stone in a process of evolution. It helps in soothing the mind, and absorbing negativity. But you shouldn’t cleanse it with salt water, as the salt water tends to corrode away the former wooden cellular structures within. It is better to cleanse petrified wood (and fossils in general), by placing them within a crystal cluster. Petrified wood pieces can be worn as jewelry (for example, as bracelets), but they do need cleansing from time to time.

Petrified wood is good for the health of the skeletal structure, and the bones. It also helps in the absorption of calcium in the body. It provides for strength and physical endurance, and elixirs made from petrified wood are said to be good for the skin, and hair.

A note: Just remember that you should only obtain this unique fossil from authorized dealers selling them, as many a petrified forest has suffered from much pilfering. Please leave these magnificent forests the way they are, for future generations to enjoy, and ponder on.

Topaz is a crystal whose attributes have long been appreciated for thousands of years. The topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, which exceeds that of quartz; in fact, it is the hardest of the silicate minerals, with a chemical formula of Al2SiO4(F,OH)2. When polished, the gold color of topaz is virtually indistinguishable from citrine, the golden variety of quartz. Topaz is quite fragile if dropped (cracks easily), and has a vitreous luster with a range of colors which can be altered depending on the treatment applied. It is highly amenable to color change.

Location

Topaz is mainly mined from Brazil and Siberia, which produces some of the largest specimens in the world, even up to 600 pounds a piece. The Minas Gerais mines are some of the most famous mines in the world, both for this and the large quantity of quartz crystals found there. The Alabaschka mines in Siberia on the other hand, are famous for the large specimens of “burnt” topaz. The Ural Mountains in Russia are a fine source of blue topaz too, while Sri Lanka and Myanmar produce deep golden colored topaz.

Origin and physical qualities

Topaz may have acquired its name from the island of Topazios in the Red Sea, which has large amounts of the peridot (olivine) crystal that resembles topaz. Although the Bible makes mention of Topaz multiple times, it now seems that the “topaz” it mentioned is actually peridot. Topaz only gradually came into its own after the Middle Ages, when it became identified as a distinctive gemstone, but prior to that, the word “topaz” was for long taken to mean a number of yellow colored gemstones, like citrine or peridot. Till today, some unique forms of citrine are referred to as some sort of “exotic” topaz.

When heated, topaz exhibits the properties of pyroelectricity, which means it can attract or repel small and light objects, due to accumulated electrical energy caused by the heating. Because of this sensitivity, topaz is regarded as a good conductor or modulator of thought energy, and therefore, somewhat similar to quartz crystal.

Color

The most common color of topaz is light yellow, but topaz is also naturally found in shades of blue, green, sherry red and pink. But what is curious about topaz, is how easy it is to modify its color. When yellow topaz is heated at temperatures between 300 to 450 degrees Celsius, it turns pinkish-brown. If irradiated, it turns blue. Pure topaz is originally colorless.

As jewelry, topaz is one of the most beautiful gems in the world. I’ve seen cut pieces of topaz exhibiting such fire and brilliance, as to rival even the best grade diamonds and sapphires out there. And the good part is, topaz is much less rare than any of the top gemstones, hence it’s not likely for fine grade topaz to cost a whopping amount.

Metaphysical qualities

The energy of topaz is conducive to manifestation in one’s life, and it is believed to encourage or bring about, more wealth and good luck to its owner. From a metaphysical viewpoint, topaz seems good as programming crystal, since its energy is believed to exhibit more pronounced qualities of attraction and manifestation, and its shape, form, and appearance even superficially resembles that of quartz. It also helps with relieving stress and often seems to share some of the qualities of amber. In Hindu culture, topaz is regarded highly; topaz is thought to bestow longevity, intelligence, and beauty. Topaz is also regarded as a protective gemstone, protecting against both physical danger, and psychic threats.

Topaz is beneficial for the lungs and the liver. It has also been used in skin disorders and wound healing. Topaz is good for the nervous system - the “burnt” varieties seem good in relieving stress. In fact, topaz has a reputation going around as a “cooling” crystal, able to cool down both hot temperaments and physical dispositions.

As an overall health energizer, topaz works ok, but not in any particularly conspicuous or flashy manner, in my experience. All the same, the beauty and hardness of topaz ensure that it remains as one of the most constantly sought after gemstones in the world, for a long time to come.

Crystal wands are famous throughout history as the magical tools of wizardry in countless tales of lore. Most of us have probably heard of crystal wands from fairy tales. You wouldn’t think that crystal wands existed naturally would you? But they do, in fact. Natural quartz crystal wands that exist in the shape and likeness of wands are rare, but they do exist - as prized, rare specimens of the crystal world.

I used to possess a crystal wand that was about 5 inches long, but unfortunately, it has disappeared from my collection inexplicably. The wand was exquisite and beautiful, but not in the conventional sense. It would reverberate to a tinkling sound if I flicked my finger at it, sounding like the sound of fine glass being tapped.

To be precise, it was a Singing Crystal which is also shaped like a wand. Singing Crystals have the habit of tinkling when they are gently tapped by a fellow crystal. I had this crystal wand some years back, but right now, it just cannot be found no matter how much I look. Sometimes, I wonder what actually was the *cause* of my crystal wand disappearing.

Just like a wand, the crystal wand has an inverse tapering form from the base to the termination. Rarer, are crystal wands with a reverse taper that starts from the termination and ending at the base.

Among crystal enthusiasts and practitioners, they are often referred to as Laser Wand Quartz Crystals. The surfaces of their sides often have etchings or markings and the angles of the sides are curved, never straight. Also, the sides are often frosted on the surface, at least on the main body, so it is quite hard to see through the crystal. From afar, they could be mistaken for being dirty. Crystal wands can be as large as over a foot or two long, or tiny enough to fit in your palm.

Some metaphysical believers hold to the theory that crystal wands were created by thought projection from aliens a long time ago. Others believe that the ancient civilizations of Lemuria used crystal wands extensively in everyday life. Many crystal wands are believed to be left behind by the Lemurian inhabitants when they left the earth, thousands of years ago. Certainly, their odd form is both peculiar and fascinating at the same time to anyone who sees them.

Here throughout, I’m referring to unpolished, naturally formed crystal wands, unlike the majority of “manufactured” crystal wands which are faceted and/or designed by man. Natural crystal wands are sourced mostly from a few select locations in Brazil, USA, and Europe. Due to their rarity, the majority of crystal wands in the market today are cut and fashioned by man.

Crystal wands are often fitted onto a rod, with copper wiring to better conduct electricity, and more elaborate designs include fitting them onto a gold or silver scepter with additional fittings from other crystalline material, like amethyst, agate, or jasper. The fact is, most of the time, the crystal fitted at the end of the rod is not even by definition a wand crystal, but are just longish crystals that bear a slight resemblance to a wand. However, the main idea is to “create” a wand by fitting a longish crystal (not necessarily a crystal wand) onto the end of a rod, and voila, you now have - a crystal wand! Remember, natural crystal wands have a long tapering form, ending in a small termination.

The energy that flows through both natural and man made crystal wands is often pinpoint, and can be used to “cut through” confused problems or mental and emotional entanglements, and help us break free from them. Natural laser wand crystals emit much focused energy, and can be used to clear negativity, and beam energy to oneself or others. If used in conjunction with meditative visualization, crystal wands can also be very powerful tools to assist in the reaching of goals.

Expert crystal healers may use crystal wands to conduct psychic surgery on the chakras, and sometimes you may even read of some crystal practitioner using crystal wands to make rain clouds during times of drought. Such are their myriad range of uses. If you have in your possession a crystal wand, do count yourself lucky!

Crystal skulls are in the limelight once again, because of the latest Indiana Jones movie. Currently, crystal skulls are again at the center of a lot of controversy because of all the claims made about, and against them. Are crystal skulls really what they are claimed to be, or just stories of fancy?

Logically speaking, it is a natural thing for man to carve quartz or any suitable mineral into the likeness of a human skull, and there is no reason to believe that early man could not, or would not do something like this. There are countless artifacts from the past which have been fashioned into flowers, buildings, imaginary objects, animals, and human forms. Therefore, it is equally plausible for some people who lived long ago to fashion a skull out of crystal. For example, early skulls made of jade have been unearthed in China; however crystal skulls often refer to the ones from South America, which have long been claimed to be fashioned by the ancient Mayans.

Recent tests by researchers suggest that the Mayans did not carve them. It may be true that the most famous crystal skulls are just relatively recent creations, and not what they are claimed to be. Two prominent crystal skulls are the Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull, and the British Museum Skull. Crystal skulls are controversial because experts have deduced them to be “modern fakes.” But fans of the crystal skulls contend that the skulls possess magical powers, and attest that they are excellent tools for scrying (looking for messages within the crystal skull).

I personally have not experienced the crystal skulls first hand, and therefore cannot comment if they are what they are claimed to be. It has been claimed that some crystal skulls hold great power to curse or bless, as has been claimed for the Mitchell-Hedges Skull, which has been called the “Skull of Doom” by some. There is a lot of literature published concerning the crystal skulls, and if you want to learn more about them, they are worth a read.

For the vast majority of crystal lovers, the issue of whether the crystal skulls are fakes or not, is not as important as their OWN experience with their crystals. A crystal has no more power than an empowered mind, it must be added; although famous crystals have their place in crystal folklore and such, just like the stories behind some famous diamonds or other gemstones, and these contribute partly to their charm and mystique.

I am opined that crystals are only just personal tools or adornments, and should always be regarded as such. Whether you wear crystals as jewelry, or use them in crystal healing, this is an important point to consider.

Some claims have been brought forward alleging that crystal skulls came from outer space, or Atlantis, but note that the veracity of such claims has yet be ascertained. A crystal which you personally find works better with your energies is likely a much better choice than any other type of crystal you might come across now, or in the future.

There is further info on crystal skulls located at this page.

Smoky quartz is the dark form of quartz with color ranging from light gray to yellowish brown, to opaque black. The color of smoky quartz is the result of the radiation of colorless quartz while the crystal is still forming in a semi aqueous solution, and the presence of sodium and aluminum in its composition. At higher temperatures, smoky quartz loses its color, and first turns yellow, then white. The dark coloring is not permanent; nonetheless, this variety of quartz has its own distinctions, which we will look at.

It is found in many parts of the world where quartz is found, but the main locations for smoky quartz are Brazil, Scotland (UK), parts of the Swiss Alpines, Australia, and Madagascar. Large specimens have been found, and jet black varieties are not uncommon.

Also called smokey quartz, cairngorm, or morion, smoky quartz is easily “created” these days in labs, by just running some radiation through it. Therefore, to verify natural smoky quartz is not really easy. From a metaphysical standpoint, although natural would obviously be best, but due to the difficulties in verifying genuine, natural smoky quartz, the artificially irradiated ones may be used instead. My own findings is that artificial ones have a much more muted energy compared to natural specimens.

The picture on the right shows a twinned smoky quartz crystal which I own. The color is practically jet black.

Smoky quartz has a very grounding effect. The energy emitted by smoky quartz is highly suitable for the root chakra, and the solar plexus area. If you have trouble calming down and entering a meditative state prior to meditation, smoky quartz can help to facilitate the process by grounding the mind, and eliminating “noise.”

Smoky quartz helps to promote survival instincts, the will to live, and succeed in this world. It works quietly in the background, with a prolonged, yet gentle action, so you may not notice what it does at first. It is also protective in nature, and for activities involving psychic work, smoky quartz can provide a protective barrier around the user.

Other varieties of smoky quartz

There exists other forms of smoky quartz, like smoky/clear quartz, and smoky/citrine. The varieties of smoky/citrine quartz are not uncommon, because the factors giving rise to citrine and smoky quartz are similar. That is why light colored smoky quartz may grade towards a dark yellow toned citrine appearance. This type of smoky quartz, combines the energy of smoky quartz with citrine.

What is smoky quartz used for?

Smoky quartz helps balance the body in all aspects. It is useful for diarrhea or constipation, as it assists with the elimination systems. The opaque types are good for absorbing negative energies, and thus, you would need to clean them every so often. It can clear blockages and congestion of the glands in the body, and ease blood circulation.

If you use smoky quartz often, you will find that as you improve within as a person, the smoky quartz will often clear or turn lighter in color, in response to the “shadows” clearing away from your outlook!