6 Unexpected Gemstones You’ll Want in Your Jewelry Collection

Have more crystals than friends? Me too. Take a deep breath, you’re in the right place, no judgment here. I’m always on the hunt for new meaningful gems and crystals to add to my jewelry collection and today I’ve six powerful and lesser-known stones to share with you. Maybe all of these crystals will be new for you, or chances are you’ve spotted one somewhere but weren’t entirely sure of how to use it. So make some room on your crystal shelf (and your fingers), I'm here to introduce you to six new stones that will steal your heart and steady your soul!

Rhodonite

This rosey stone ranges from pink hues to black. It was originally discovered in Russia, is now mined in many places around the world, and is the state gemstone of Massachusetts. Think of rhodonite as a peace offering for your heart chakra. She mends a broken heart and wards off ill intent. She revives a somber spirit, promotes acceptance and emotional balance. Bonus, Rhodonite is also especially helpful for healing physical wounds too!

Rhodonite Benefits & Uses

Rhodonite contains levels of manganese that make it a choice pick for healing wounds, bruises, bug bites, and other physical ailments. Rhodonite is even used to make crystal elixirs which are ingested to help treat stomach ulcers! Skip the frozen T-bone. Keep a few rhodonite crystals in your freezer and use them the next time you have a bruise!

Hackmanite

This crystal was originally discovered in Greenland, I can't tell you the exact color of this stone because it changes! Hackmanite mined from Greenland and Quebec begin in deeper hues of pink and purple. As the stones become exposed to the light they turn white! However, if your hackmanite comes from Afghanistan or Myanmar it will begin as a white stone and darken when exposed to sunlight. This color shifting is known as tenebrescence or reversible photochromism. It is one of only four tenebrescent stones, so this quality is pretty rare!

Hackmanite Benefits & Uses

Have you been a bad judge of a situation recently? If you’re like me you have a knack for casually insulting strangers who just don't get your sarcasm. Hackmanite is the “time and place” stone. Use it to elevate your intuitions by way of your third eye and crown chakra. When you’re on your A-game in any situation, your self-esteem will benefit too! Try meditating in savasana with a piece of hackmanite on your brow.

Orange or Peach Aventurine

Time for green aventurine to move over so peach aventurine can have some attention! Most aventurine is mined from India and is a relatively inexpensive stone. It’s sometimes referred to as the “whisper stone” because it has much more gentle and soothing energy than some of its orange counterparts.

Orange or Peach Aventurine Benefits & Uses

Quiet your inner critic with the “whisper stone”! It’s cheery like sunshine and warms the body and the mind. This gentle stone will slowly activate the sacral chakra to bring more creativity into your life. It can also aid in conceiving a child and promotes a happy pregnancy. Let the sunshine spill over into your being with this soothing joyful stone!

Tektite

Snag yourself a space rock! Tektites were created when meteorites impacted Earth thousands of years ago. Meteorite flung molten debris high into the atmosphere, when this debris fell back down to earth, the black tektite stones were created. You’ll find that this rock comes in pretty unique shapes.

Tektite Benefits & Uses

Break the bonds of earthly limitations with this piece of the stars. Tektite enhances psychic abilities and elevates your dream state. Sleep with a piece of this stone beneath your pillow for a galactic trip. Dark stones are also beneficial for your plants. Place a tektite in the soil with your plants to transfer the vibrations of the universe to your green friends!

Grape Agate

Made up of grape-like spheres, this bubbly little gem wears its name well. It can appear in both purples and greens and was first discovered along in coastal Indonesia. Grape agate can be found in clusters and is a great alternative to amethyst for charging your smaller crystals!

Grape Agate Benefits & Uses

Here’s a short quote from Robert Simmons (leader in gemstone and mineral know-how) about grape agate:

Grape Agate is a powerful stone of spiritual purification. It emanates the Violet Ray, which unites the etheric, astral, emotional, mental and physical bodies in their intended true harmony...These stones increase one’s sensitivity to inner guidance, and they enhance one’s ability to follow it as well. The quiet power of Grape Agate can simultaneously increase one’s spiritual awareness and clear away inner obstacles to action toward the highest good.

Dumortierite or Blue Quartz

This rare, blue version of quartz is sometimes confused with sodalite and has even be disguised as faux lapis. However, dumortierite is quite different if you know what to look for. Because dumortierite is a quartz, it is semi-translucent, whereas sodalite and lapis are not. The blue hues are usually a bit softer in dumortierite than lapis and sodalite.

Dumortierite Benefits & Uses

Dumortierite is the stone of order. Working on a big project, need to organize the house, or prepare for a big change? This is your stone! This blue quartz can help you bring a sense of order in chaos, and self-discipline if you’re struggling with completing a project. Because this crystal is blue it will also work with your throat chakra and help give voice to any creative projects you may be working on.

I hope you found something new and different to add to your crystal collection! Know a fellow goddess who’d love to hear about these rare beauties too? Share away and let her know.

Attracting Love With Crystal Grids

Are you in the throes of heartache? Is finding your soul mate on your daily to-do list? Or do you struggle with negative self-talk? There are crystals for each of these predicaments and crystal grids are the perfect way to amplify the healing energy of crystals. By linking all of the crystal’s energies you will send out an ultra-charged message to the cosmos that transcends earthly lingo.

While you may not be a fan of ushering in Hallmark holidays, you will want to know about these extraordinary crystal grids spreads for aligning your heart’s desires!

This ritualistic pattern making will soothe your nerves and sort out the many faces of love. You get to be specific with crystal grids, and the universe loves it when you’re specific.

Because love is complex, I'm sharing three different grids with you to address a variety of love related needs: attracting love, healing love, and self-love.

Getting Started

For each love desire, I’ve included a suggested prayer that can be used while setting up your grid, a centerpiece, and accompanying crystals. The images of my grids are suggestions, yours can be arranged in any way you like with as many or as few of the suggested crystals. Have a favorite crystal that’s calling your name? Feel free to include it too!

Attracting love

You don't want just any kind of love. You want to invite a healthy, long-lasting passion into your life! Go get 'em, girl!

The Prayer: I attract love effortlessly and am open to a loving relationship. I do not have to work hard to find love. I trust that the universe will bring me the love I deserve.

The Centerpiece: The conch shell is a choice centerpiece for this grid. It has long been used in ceremonial summoning spells. Summon love-filled hearts with the conch! Plus, some conch shells have been known to sound over a 2-mile radius. So if we’re taking this in a literal sense...your lover may be closer than you think!

The Crystals:

• Howlite: Encourages desirable personality traits. Use this calming stone to quiet an overcritical mind.

• Rose Quartz & Peridot: This pair will help you in being open to new experiences.

• Kunzite: This stone will create a loving relationship through communication and feelings of joy.

• Carnelian: The action stone. Carnelian stimulates the sacral chakra and inspires confidence.

As you activate your grid let divine love pour over you. Visualize the light of the divine flowing through you, and into your crystal creation!

Healing Love

This is a tough one. You may want to bury a broken heart. But if you're ever going to remove the pain, healing old wounds is part of the course. I know that these soothing vibes will radiate peace in you!

The Prayer: Instead of loss, I turn to love. I will surround myself with people who love me and adore me. I trust the universe and believe that all things happen for a reason and in divine timing.

The Centerpiece: Lilac Lepidolite tower. Gain a star-based perspective on your life from the height of this tower! If you have any destructive patterns in your life it will shed light on them like a lighthouse! Enjoy feelings of relief and serenity with this lithium laced lepidolite.

The Crystals:

• Amazonite: Lies in a relationship are the absolute worst! Summon truth with this stone

• Malachite: Heals traumatic memories

• Snowflake Obsidian: Helps to bring emotions to the surface so you can work through them

• Mangano Calcite: Forgiveness

• Amethyst: Helps bring peace and comfort to an overly busy or agitated mind

As you activate your grid, touch the tower with one hand and your heart with the other. Allow the serene energy to pulse through you.

Self Love

Self-love is your foundation for all other kinds of love. Cultivate self-love and the possibilities will be endless. With all of my self-care tips, I know you already have a head start on this one!

The Prayer: I am worthy of love. The universe wants me to pursue things that bring me love and happiness. I love and accept my imperfections. My spirit is unique and perfect just as it is.

The Centerpiece: The bloodstone heart reminds us in the toughest times, that we are capable! This centerpiece will pulse confidence through your veins! It also brings clarity to decision making skills. Here’s to not making the same mistake twice!

The Crystals:

• Tree Agate: Encourages abundance and fullness.

• Hematite: Hematite is your sledgehammer for roadblocks. Knock 'em down and be wonderfully, unapologetically you!

• Rhodonite: Has anyone ever told you that you aren't good enough? Maybe this has stuck with you as negative self chatter. Allow rhodonite to clear away these unkind words for a fresh start.

• Dumortierite (blue quartz): Self-reliance and ability to stand up for yourself.

As you activate your grid, remind yourself “I deserve respect, happiness, and love.”

Keep your grid up for as long as you feel you need it. Learn more about activating your grid in this previous blog post. Whatever kind of love you are seeking I know you’ll find it and setting the right intention is the perfect place to start!

4 Selenite Uses You’ve Never Heard Of

You want your crystals to look nice, but also serve a purpose, right? Selenite has long been adored for its energetic cleansing benefits and this week I’ve got four uses for selenite that may be new to you.

Selenite is a soft, cloudy, white stone that is part of the Gypsum family and it can be found in many countries around the world. Just in case you don’t already love selenite here’s another reason to: it’s named after the Greek Goddess of the moon, Selene.

This stone is best known for its cleansing powers. Think energetic cleansing, not laundry and dusting. I’m talking personal aura cleansing, house cleansing, and icky-energy-be-gone cleansing. Selenite is also great for connecting with your third eye and crown chakra to boost your psychic connection.

Selenite Candle Bath

When was the last time you had one of those days where everyone you came into contact with was grumpy or in a bad mood? Even if you don’t let it bring you down, those bad vibes can wear on you after a while.

I’m sure you’ve seen Himalayan salt candle holders and lamps, but did you know you can also purchase these powerful little crystal amplifiers in selenite too?

Let selenite do the purification work with a selenite candle bath. The glow from these candles is soothing and will set the perfect mood for a bath. More importantly, the cleansing energy from the selenite will take away all the dirt you can’t see from any icky energy accumulated throughout your day. Be sure not to get too wild in the tub! Selenite is water soluble so you don’t want to get it wet.

You can grab selenite candle holders from several places. I was drawn to the round shape of this one and purchased it from Etsy.

Selenite Aura and Home Cleansing Spray

Selenite has the ability to purify your body, mind, and even your home! Your home is a sacred space and selenite wants to help you keep it that way.

Here’s a recipe for my new favorite thing, DIY selenite aura and home cleansing spray:

• 6-8 oz glass spray bottle

• Enough filtered water to fill your bottle ¾ of the way full

• 6-10 drops essential oil

• 2 TBSP witch hazel (I love Thayer’s rose witch hazel)

• 1 tsp selenite powder (I got mine on Etsy)

Add the ingredients into your glass bottle, shake for each use, spray, and enjoy! A funnel can come in handy to get the powder in your bottle, I crafted one out of paper for a quick fix.

Selenite for Feng Shui

This tip is short and sweet, but I know you’ll appreciate it, so I couldn't leave it out! Selenite has a high spiritual vibration that can act as a pathway for angelic energy. You can use selenite powder around the outside of your home to bring peace and tranquility. Also, you can create a yin yang balance by topping a piece of selenite with black tourmaline in the rooms in your home or office!

Selenite Wands

As I mentioned before, selenite is the crystal for connecting with the spirit world and enhancing your third eye. Take advantage of this meditation while using a selenite wand to enhance your consciousness and connect with your true spiritual self!

A quick little selenite clearing like this is the perfect way to begin a tarot or oracle card reading for yourself.

• Lay or sit comfortably while you scan your chakras with the selenite wand.

• As you breathe deeply and calmly, imagine the light as it moves freely up through your chakras.

• Allow the light energy from the selenite to clear each of your chakras of any bad vibrations.

• Spend extra time focusing on any chakra that you feel needs extra attention or clearing.

The awesomeness that our Earth Mama creates never ceases to amaze me! I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips and found something you can put into practice in your sacred space. Pick any of them to start your forever friendship with selenite!

8 Simple Gratitude Rituals

What does gratitude do for you? It brings a sense of peace within you where there might otherwise be turmoil. Gratitude calms your nerves and makes you right-sized. All of that doesn't happen on its own. Gratitude is a state of being that can be accomplished more readily if you are vigilant about revisiting the gratitude rituals that work for you...and maybe even throwing in some new ones!

Practicing gratitude allows you to realign your roots with the universe. It can aid in manifesting your desires and help to pull you out of catastrophic thinking.  Keep scrolling for eight simple gratitude rituals to add to your practice.

1. Make a Gratitude Box

When we aren't getting what we think we should have, it's easy to lose sight of what we are grateful for. To help with this amnesia, create a Gratitude Box. Every day, put a piece of paper in it and scribble something on it that you are grateful for. In times of need, open your gratitude box and read the slips of paper. When you think you are having a tough day you might pull out a slip from a time when you were grateful for the roof over your head. For me, I know that most of my problems today are “luxury problems.” If I find myself upset that I didn't get a day off from work, I might pull out a slip of paper reminding me that I should be lucky I have such an awesome career in the first place!

2. Play the Appreciation Game

This gratitude ritual comes from Gabby Bernstein who is a goddess of gratitude and manifesting. She recommends playing the appreciation game, based on the idea that it’s good to feel good.

To play this game, “follow the fun” by focusing on what’s thriving in your life. Start to speak out loud a list of all the things you appreciate. This can range from simple physical things like your favorite ring or yoga pants to your amazing career or best friend. Start small and allow the vibration of gratitude to take you deeper and deeper into what’s thriving in your life.

If you get stuck for a moment, return to something you already said! Try to do this for at least 3 to 5 minutes, and afterward notice how you feel.

It can also be really fun to do this with another person or even a whole circle of people. Hold space for another to speak their blessings out loud, and then allow them to hold space for you.

3. Meditate with Mantras to Inspire Gratitude

Incorporate a version of this mantra that resonates with you into your meditation practice: I know the abundance of the Universe flows to and through me, and I receive freely without hesitation. I am so grateful for the abundance in my life, and I know it all comes from you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gratitude is a muscle, and these rituals will help you flex that muscle so that gratitude becomes part of each day.

4. Ask Your Tarot or Oracle Cards

Try asking one of these questions, and then pulling a tarot card or an oracle card:

• What blessings are available to me now?

• What new blessings are coming my way?

• What am I grateful for in my career, relationships, or personal development?

• How can I express my gratitude towards myself?

• How can I express my gratitude towards others?

• What are the silver linings of challenges I have faced this year?

• How can I continue to create abundance in my life?

Tarot and oracle cards are incredible tools available to you as a mirror for your own inner wisdom. The cards you pull might give you a new perspective on certain situations or people in your life. To learn more about how to get started using tarot, click here. To learn more about using oracle cards, and get a free printable oracle card deck click here.

5. Create a Gratitude Crystal Grid

Invoke gratitude by opening your heart chakra! Gain a heart-based perspective by creating a gratitude crystal grid. Green and pink stones will speak to your heart chakra. They will vibrate love, truth, and compassion. You might choose rose quartz and green kyanite, and harmonize all of the stones with some clear quartz. If you are looking for something special choose a moss agate Merkaba for the center of your grid! You can find out more about crystal grids here.

6. Journal with Crystals for Gratitude

I encourage you to commit to doing this practice for at least ten days, and maybe even every single day. Before you go to bed each night, make a list of 10 things that you were grateful for today. You can use rose quartz to open the heart chakra, petrified wood to ease fear and connect to your deep roots, and tiger eye for balance and harmony as you journal.

What amazing things happened? What is the opportunity that something not-so-amazing may be creating for you? Create a journal specifically for this gratitude practice and flip through it when you feel discouraged to remember how blessed you are.

7. Work with Essential Oils for Gratitude

Part of being grateful is staying grounded. It's planting your roots in what matters, and letting go of everything else. For scents that inspire gratitude, choose earthy oils such as patchouli and cedar. To keep yourself firmly planted in the present try this rollerball blend with your favorite carrier oil (mine is sweet almond oil!!)

• 5 drops patchouli

• 5 drops sandalwood

• 5 drops frankincense

• 5 drops ylang ylang

8. Get Outside

It may be chilly and gray where you live, or maybe it’s beautiful and sunny. Either way, take a walk outside sans cell phone and challenge yourself to be really present. Notice the beautiful things you see. They could be really simple— the shapes of the clouds in the sky, the color of the grass, a crisp leaf on the ground.

Beyond feeling amazing after practicing these rituals, carrying a heart full of gratitude is a great way to usher in a new year! Above all, be kind. Ultimately, gratitude is an action. It's a display of thankfulness.

3 Unexpected & Healing Uses for Himalayan Salt

Did you know that the Himalayan salt “crystal” is an up and coming contender not only in the kitchen but also in the medicine cabinet?

What you put in fuels your temple. I know that you need your ingredients to pack a punch. Actually, you need salt to survive. It keeps hormones and nutrients in balance and maintains fluids. Since your body doesn't produce salt, it's counting on you to give it the purest option out there. Table salt isn't going to cut it.

Let me start though, by answering your first question…

Is it really that different from table salt?

What you might not know about Himalayan salt is that it is mined from ancient sea beds in Pakistan. Ancient. Meaning, before pollution. This pure pink salt is free from toxins that appear in other sea salts. Because it has housed itself in such a clean environment it doesn't need to be cleaned, and therefore stripped of any of its 83 trace minerals. The same can't be said of table salt. After it's been cleaned, you’re left with sodium chloride and maybe even some additives to keep it from clumping.

So, how can you incorporate this magical salt crystal into your day? Here are 3 easy and healing uses for Himalayan salt.

Salt Inhaler

When I first stumbled upon the uses of Himalayan salt, I saw that it helps with respiratory and sinus function. There's actually such a thing as a salt inhaler! For us allergy sufferers, I'm not sure a more steadfast way exists to test out this crystal’s effectiveness.

Can't wait to find out if this crystal will work its magic on your wicked allergies? I couldn't either. I got a portable inhaler to take on the go here, but you can also purchase larger ones here.

While I was surprised by this awesome gadget, using salt to treat breathing ailments dates back to the ancient Greeks who coined the term, “Halotherapy.” Other forms of Halotherapy include salt caves and even Neti pots! Benefits of Himalayan salt for breathing conditions include:

• cleanses the nasal passages of irritants and pollutants

• reduces swelling

• relaxes airways

• natural expectorant to reduce mucus

Salt Sole

An obvious way to enjoy the healing effects of Himalayan salt is to ingest it, so...I'm going to give you ZO’s recipe for Himalayan salt rock candy. It'll be a hit at your next family party...no, no, just kidding!! The best way to get a full dose of Himalayan salt is by making sole (so-lay).

Sole is a super-concentrated saltwater solution that can be made with a glass jar and a non-metal lid.

To Make Sole

Fill your jar ¼ of the way with Himalayan salt. Then add filtered water, seal with a lid, shake, and allow the mixture to sit overnight so that the salt can dissolve. If you notice that all of the salt has dissolved, add more salt until the water cannot hold anymore and is therefore fully saturated.

To Use Sole

Add a tsp to a glass of water every morning and take on an empty stomach. This is also a great concoction to add to your homemade electrolyte drinks! The benefits include:

• antibacterial components detox the body

• stimulates the digestive system and aids in healthy weight loss

• increased hydration

• caffeine-free energy

• trace minerals contribute to bone health, healthy veins, skin, hair, and nails

• lowers blood pressure

Salt Lamp

Himalayan salt has your allergies in the bag! But more important than clearing your nasal passages, it can also improve the air quality and give your mood an overhaul!

You are made up of negatively charged cells. So, like a magnet, you attract things with a positive charge...such as pet dander...dust...oh, and ions from electronics like microwaves, cell phones, and TVs. Himalayan salt lamps can combat these positive ions by emitting negative ions. Use a salt lamp by your bedside to emit negative ions for these benefits:

• increased oxygen flow to the brain for better sleep and more energy

• neutralizes electric smog

• lowers blood pressure

• decreases feelings of anxiety

I've done the research on the salt inhaler, and I have a salt lamp on my bedside table. Now, I'm looking forward to adding a Sole salt flush to my morning routine! Let me know about some of your other favorite ways to use this pretty pink crystal!

DIY Crystal Infused Elixirs

I love discovering all the ways I can add a little more sparkle to my life! And let me just say, you are going to love my newest find! When it comes to beauty and wellness I'll take all the help I can get. Crystal elixirs are becoming the newest part of my regimen. I'm so happy to be letting you in on this little bit of magic that you can use to spark up your routine!

The Back Story

Crystal elixirs are no modern craze. In fact, they were all the rage in ancient cultures! Some crystals have long been esteemed as heavenly stones. They were put to use in Neolithic times for fashioning tools and weapons, by the Pharaohs and Indian culture for curing disease, and get this...Chinese emperors used to drink a powder form of crystals and herbs to achieve immortality!! Ummm, not sure if immortality is my aim, but wouldn't you love to add a little youth to your day!?

How it Works

Today, companies are selling crystal elixirs in the form of waters and beauty products. Here's a fun little tidbit. When evaluating the difference between tap water and water treated with crystals, Institute Hagalis (an international research company), determined that in the crystal treated water there was "a distinct improvement in water quality, neutralization of harmful substances, improvement of the pH-value and oxygen content, increase in bioavailability of minerals, and an increase in energy balance." Wow!

Also interesting is that the energy of the crystal can be transferred to the product it's being used in. KORA Organics beauty line uses crystal-infused water in their products. The process incorporates rose quartz "to give the vibration of self-love." Sounds amazing!

The Cost of Luxury

While I wish I could just add all of these products to my shopping cart with the click of a mouse, they'll cost you a pretty penny.

You can find Vitajuwel's Gem Water on Amazon for $87, which is a steal compared to some of their other products. Over $340 for their Golden Moments Crystal edition water, or a whopping $624 for the GranFontana Sunny Morning Set! Vitajuwel's products are utterly delectable though, so maybe jot down one of their Gem Wands onto your holiday wish list this year!

DIY Solutions

Budget worthy DIYs are definitely the way to go with crystal elixirs. You can tailor them to your exact needs, and incorporate your current stash.

Crystal Infused Water

1. Select a crystal that speaks to your needs. We’ll be using amethyst for this DIY.

2. Cleanse the amethyst with warm filtered water and incorporate any other cleansing routine that works for you, such as smoke cleansing.

3. Put the amethyst in a glass bowl and cover them with filtered water.

4. Charge your water in the sunlight or moonlight.

5. Enjoy your amethyst infused water!

Amethyst relieves headaches, as well as promotes good dreams and healthy skin. Add some lavender to your water and use it as a nighttime foot soak as you wind down from a long day!

Crystal Infused Face Mist

Instead of adding lavender to your crystal infused water, take advantage of amethyst’s properties for healthy skin by making this moisturizing facial mist!

1. Add your amethyst infused water to a 4 oz. glass spray bottle.

2. Add ¼ tsp of argan oil.

3. Add 12 drops of rose oil.

4. Add some rinsed amethysts directly into your bottle (optional).

5. Shake well.

6. Mist cleanse your face while repeating affirmations of self-love!

My skin has been loving me for this new elixir plus it smells like fresh roses. Rose and Argan oil offer a host of healing benefits for your skin including helping with acne, dry skin, and skin permeability.

Have a favorite crystal blend that you use? I’d love to hear about it!