What's New at Bestcrystals

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine invertebrate animals. The soft body of the creature occupied the largest chamber of the shell, called a phragmocone, which is at the end of the coil. The earlier smaller chambers were sealed off and filled with a gas so the animal could stay buoyant. These molluscs are more closely related to living coleoids (i.e. octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish) than they are to shelled nautiloids such as the living Nautilus species.

Ammonites are excellent index fossils, and it is often possible to link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. The name ammonite, from which the scientific term is derived, was inspired by the spiral shape of their fossilized shells, which somewhat resemble tightly coiled rams’ horns. Pliny the Elder called fossils of these animals ammonis cornua (“horns of Ammon”) because the Egyptian god Ammon (Amun) was typically depicted wearing ram’s horns. Often the name of an ammonite genus ends in -ceras, which is Greek (κέρας) for “horn”.

Petrified Wood is fossilized wood - the wood material has been replaced by minerals.

Metaphysical Properties: Strength, grounding, transformation. Aids in accessing past lives.
Corresponding Astrological Sign: Leo
Chakras: 1st Chakra - Root
3rd Chakra - Solar Plexus
In Reiki, it is excellent for use on the back, skeletal structure.

Composition: combination of lazurite, calcite, pyrite, and diopside.
Hardness: 5

Metaphysical Properties: stone for acquiring wisdom, esoteric knowledge. Connection betweeen the physical and celestial. Awareness, attunment, intuition and psychic ability. Stone of protection.
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Chakras: Throat and Third Eye

Carnelian (also spelled cornelian) is a brownish-red mineral semi-precious gemstone. Carnelian is a silica mineral chalcedony colored by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration.

Composition: Carnelian is a form of Agate, which is Silcon Dioxide.

Metaphysical Properties: Perception, precision. Increases physical energy. Protection against the emotions of fear and anger.
Corresponding Chakras: Use at 1st through 4th Chakras.
Corresponding Astrological Signs: Taurus, Cancer, Leo

Septarians formed between 50 to 70 million years ago. As a result of volcanic eruptions, dead sea life was chemically attracted to the sediment around them, forming mud balls. As the ocean receded, the balls dried and cracked. Due to their bentonite content they also shrank in size, creating the cracks inside. As decomposed shells seeped down into the cracks in the mud balls, calcite crystals formed. The outer thin walls of calcite then transformed into aragonite. The name Septarian comes from the Latin word “septem”, meaning seven, because the mud balls had a tendency to crack in 7 points in every direction, thereby creating the distinctive pattern these nodules exhibit.

Septarians are composed of Calcite (The Yellow Centers), Aragonite (The Brown Lines), and the outer grey rock is Limestone.

Calcite crystals occur in a variety of forms, including hexagonal , trigonal, often resulting as a rhombohedron. Our optical calcite specimens are natural shaped crystals (not cut), which exhibit double refraction (an object viewed through the crystal appears as a double image. Try this: by setting the calcite crystal on top of a page of text.) White calcite crystals often form attached to other crystals, such as amethyst, citrine, and fluorite. Various forms of calcite may be found throughout the U.S., Brazil, China, and Mexico.

Metaphysical Properties Powerful energy amplifier and healer. Aids memory, clears chakra centers, opens crown chakra.

Corresponding Astrological Signs: Cancer

For other forms of Jasper, see Bumblebee Jasper, Polychrome Jasper, and Dragon’s Blood Jasper.

(also known as pearl of fire) Tektite, Indonesia

Named from the Sankrit meaning “pearl of the divine fire.” From a meteoric impact that struck the Indonesian archipelago. These are found in the water off the coast of Java.

Metaphysical properties: helps one find the answers within. Activates the solar plexus chakra, the center of your “gut instinct.” Creativity, manifestation, and adventure. Increases confidence in one’s own abilities, and one’s free will to choose the direction in life that brings happiness, strength, and positivity.

Shiva Lingams are holy stones that honor the god Shiva, He who creates, protects and destroys the universe. Lingams are phallic symbols that celebrate sacred masculine energy. Shiva Lingams come from India where they are venerated by the Hindu population.

Composition: Natural local stone of the Narmada River, including Jasper (Silicon Dioxide) with impurities, basalt, iron deposits, etc.
Hardness: 7

Also known as Shiva Lingam. Also spelled Lingham. Known by the people of India as a stone of the Kundalini. Awakens the major energy centers of the chakras, from the base to crown. Balances male (yang) energy.

Astrological sign: Scorpio