Our Stories | Mexicali Blues Blog — Gemstone Guides

Lapis lazuli is considered to be the stone of universal truth and friendship. It is reputed to bring harmony to relationships and help the wearer express the self in an authentic manner. Lapis is also considered a strengthening stone, bringing mental clarity and emotional healing.

In ancient Egypt, Lapis was the exclusive power stone of Queen Cleopatra. Believing it had magical properties, she had entire walls of her palace inlaid with it, and even had it ground into powder for her eyeliner. Still often referred to as the “Queen’s stone”, lapis brings luck, fortune, and a regal air to the bearer.

Lapis opens the door to self acceptance, which leads to serenity. It reveals inner truth, promoting self-awareness and the acceptance of that knowledge. It provides for the relief of things that may have been suppressed and allows for them to surface, helping to diminish dis-ease or repressed anger, and allows for self-expression without holding back or compromising.

Lapis promotes and protects interpersonal harmony in relationships, and helps to keep the head and heart in balance. Known as a protector of interpersonal relationships, this stone can help to heal broken or injured bonds. It can support being more comfortable and honest with your feelings, and enhance loving communication. It facilitates self-knowledge and self-expression, as well as inner piece. Ancient folklore says that if you give lapis lazuli as a gift, you are forging an eternal bond of friendship, loyalty, and trust between the two of you.

The beautiful blues in paintings from the Renaissance are thanks to the blue of lapis lazuli. The opaque blue gem material was the secret ingredient in ultramarine, the valuable pigment that all the old masters used to capture the rich blues of the sea and sky and the robes of the Virgin Mary. The color wasn’t duplicated by any other substance until 1834 but even now, some argue there is no substitute: unlike other pigments, centuries-old ultramarine still glows with rich color today.

Visit our website for a plethora of pretty gemstone jewelry, or visit any of our stores in Maine to see the potent and powerful beauty of this stunning gem, available on our website or in stores in unique (often one-of-a-kind) shapes and settings. The gorgeous lapis pieces in this picture can be found today in our Newcastle store.

>>>>SHOP LAPIS JEWELRY HERE<<<<

• Traditional birthstone of March
• Zodiac sign for Pisces and Aries

Aquamarine has long been known to have a deep connection to the ocean.  In fact, the name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin word for seawater (aqua marina, “water of the sea”).

This stone ranges from a sea-green to a soft powder blue, and is believed to enhance clarity of perception and eyesight, flow of creativity, inspiration and intuition. It is calming, soothing, and cleansing, and inspires truth, trust, and letting go.  Connected with the throat chakra, aquamarine can help the bearer overcome fear of speaking, as it opens the channels of clear and heartfelt communication.

Folklore says that aquamarine was first found in the treasure chest of mermaids. Since then, aquamarine has been considered to be a sailor’s lucky stone, believing it would be protection for them on water.  As well as protecting those who journey by sea (and alleviating seasickness or the fear of water), it guards those involved in any long-haul travel such as flying or driving long distances.

Aquamarine becomes a particularly potent talisman when it is immersed in water, and if one works with it in this way in moonlight, it offers powerful assistance in opening the third eye.  This way of working with aquamarine leads it to sometimes be known as the stone of the sea witch, as more than any other gemstone it is purported to open the doors to strong oceanic magic for those who are inclined towards sea-centered mysticism.

Even for the non-witch, aquamarine is believed to open consciousness, releasing wisdom and creativity. It has a calming effect, and thus is noted for increasing courage and fortitude.  It inspires the judgmental to be more tolerant, and helps cut through confusion and overwhelm to find kind compromise.  As a love stone, Aquamarine can help two people with different lifestyles to live together in harmony, and reduces the effects of sensitive issues that cause quarrels. Aquamarine is often given as a love token or eternity ring, and increases commitment and fidelity “as long as the waters of the earth flow.”

Visit our website for a plethora of pretty gemstone jewelry, or visit any of our stores in Maine to see the potent and powerful beauty of this stunning gem, available at Mexicali in unique (often one-of-a-kind) shapes and settings!

>>>>>SHOP AQUAMARINE JEWELRY HERE<<<<<

• Traditional birthstone of February
• Zodiac sign for Pisces

Amethyst is one of the best stones for those who are new to crystal healing.  Its violet color is well known as the highest spiritual color and vibration, representing the “flame of transmutation” that burns up negativity, transforming what was there into a fertile fount of inner power from which to build something new and intentional.  It has a calming and peaceful effect on the mind and body that encourages the opening of intuition, allowing the seedlings of positive change to take root.  Its powerful yet soothing energy helps to break up old emotional thought processes, and helps one to more easily see their situation from the perspective of their higher mind, connected with their soul’s purpose rather than being (as we so often are) swept up in the emotion and drama of the expectations and experiences that surround us in the day-to-day.

Amethyst helps the bearer to overcome fears and cravings. It historically symbolizes piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom. The Greek word “amethystos” can be translated as “not drunken”. In Greek mythology, Dionysus (the god of intoxication and wine) was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos’ desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.

Amethyst helps to bring calmness and clarity to the mind, while fostering healing and selflessness. It is an excellent stone for meditation and is known as the “stone of transformation”.  It is said to bring wisdom by keeping the wearer connected to and aware of their more spiritual nature. It is a wonderful stone for dream work, past life work, and can help you clearly see your path. Using this stone in meditation may also help you to develop your psychic abilities and open your crown chakra enhancing connection with the spiritual realm while protecting against psychic attack. Because of its innately soothing energy, amethyst is particularly powerful for assisting in overcoming sleep disorders and bad dreams. Putting amethyst under your pillow at night can help to transform these negative experiences into positive, and encourage lucid dreaming as well as astral projection adventures!

While we always have TONS more gemstone jewelry available in stores than online, many pretty pieces of our Rudraksha jewelry feature amethyst, and we have some lovely amethyst rings and pendants available online as well.  Check these out at Mexicali Blues online, or visit any of our stores in Maine to see the potent and powerful beauty of this stunning gem in a wide variety of unique (often one-of-a-kind) shapes and settings.

CHECK OUT OUR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GEMSTONE MEANINGS

• Courage
• Confidence
• Balance
• Zodiac birthstone for Taurus and Gemini

Tiger Eye (sometimes called Tiger's Eye) is said to promote balance, calm, and inner strength. It is a perfect stone for people who are flighty or easily distracted, as it is known to provide a sense of grounding and focus. It is said that Roman soldiers wore an engraved Tiger Eye to protect them in battle, and it is still used as a protective stone. It is also believed to embody courage, integrity, and right use of power.  In Ancient Egypt, Tiger Eye was used for the eyes in deity statues to express Divine Vision. These were believed to be all-seeing and all-knowing eyes, as this stone combines earth energy with the energies of the sun.

For modern bearers, Tiger Eye is believed to increase confidence, clarity of intention, and creativity. It helps to bring scattered thoughts into alignment and supports recognizing and utilizing one's talents and abilities. Helpful for anchoring change in the physical body, Tiger Eye is a great support when one is addressing addiction, releasing bad habits, or otherwise working to make positive change.

>>>>SHOP TIGER EYE JEWELRY HERE<<<<

A gemstone pendant makes a thoughtful gift that is sure to wow on any occasion!

Some gemstones are thought to be particularly “romantic”, like garnet, moonstone, and tourmaline. Smokey quartz is said to promote communication, and lapis lazuli is often considered the special stone of friendship. To learn more, read on!

GARNET

Garnet is known as the stone of love and devotion, curing melancholy and warming the heart. It is said to stimulate passion and creativity while negating stubbornness. Noted also for its powerful protective energy, ancient soldiers would carry shields set with garnet when they went into battle.

TIGER EYE

Tiger eye is said to promote balance, calm, and inner strength. It is a perfect stone for people who are flighty or easily distracted, as it is known to provide a sense of grounding and focus.

CHINESE FIRE AGATE

Fire agate helps the wearer achieve better self realization and attunement to higher realms, providing clarity and stimulating awareness. Agate has long been revered as an absorber of negativity, opening the chakras, clearing out bad energy, and helping to develop natural powers and creativity.

TOURMALINE

According to Egyptian legend, tourmaline assumed all its colors by passing over a rainbow on its long journey up from the center of the earth. It is said to break up energy blockages (experienced as anxiety, stress, or confusion) and help the wearer consider past, future, and present experiences in new ways. Tourmaline symbolizes love and friendship, and is said to make both long lasting.

SMOKEY QUARTZ

Smokey quartz is known as the stone of cooperation. A gentle grounding stone, it has the ability to transform negative energy, particularly anger and resentments. It clears up communication difficulties and stimulates the cooperation of multiple energies towards a common goal.

 

AMBER

Amber is not a gemstone, but fossilized sap from prehistoric trees that has aged over the course of millions of years. In ancient times, amber was carried by travelers for protection. Today, it is still known for its protective qualities, and also for promoting good luck and a sunny disposition.

MALACHITE

Malachite, unlike stones of the quartz family, absorbs energy instead of projecting it. Because of this, it’s very useful for releasing negative thoughts or emotions. It also helps to foster creativity and encourage self-expression.

TURQUOISE

Turquoise is the stone of wisdom and spiritual journeying. It is grounding and at the same time allows the flow of energy to continue. Some Native cultures believed that by wearing turquoise, the human mind becomes one with the universe. Also helpful with communication, turquoise helps the wearer be honest with the self and others.

AMAZONITE

Amazonite is a calming stone that improves confidence and restores stamina, faith, and compassion. It dispels negative energy and gives strength in making difficult decisions. It is also said to improve self-expression and enhance communication concerning love.

AQUAMARINE

According to legend, aquamarine originated in the treasure chest of the mermaids. Roman sailors carried it with them, believing that it would protect them from drowning and ensure a good catch of fish. Aquamarine is believed to open consciousness, releasing wisdom and creativity. It has a calming effect, and thus is noted for increasing courage and fortitude.

LARIMAR

Larimar represents peace and clarity, healing and love. It is often known as the “Atlantis Stone”. A psychic named Edgar Cayce (1877 – 1945) said that part of Atlantis was in the Carribbean, and also that a blue stone with extraordinary healing powers would be found there. About 30 years after he passed away, Larimar was discovered in the Dominican Republic, which is to this day the only place it can be found. 

MOONSTONE

Moonstone is the stone of romance and emotional balance. It is said to have power to arouse passion and allow lovers to peek into their future fortunes. It is also considered a very strong healing stone, particularly for women. A stone of wishes, intuition, and balance, many believe that moonstone is made from actual moonbeams.

OPAL

Throughout history, opal has been revered for its beauty and regarded as a stone of good fortune. The early Greeks thought that opals gave their owners the powers of foresight and prophecy, and the Romans often carried opals as talismans or good luck charms. It was said that these beautiful stones possessed the same sort of energy as a rainbow in the sky, and some believed that opal had magical powers. Legend has it that the Roman Senator Nonius chose to be exiled rather than sell his valuable opal to Marc Antony, who wanted to give it to his famous lover Cleopatra.

LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis lazuli is considered to be the stone of universal truth and friendship. It is reputed to bring harmony to relationships and help the wearer express the self in an authentic manner. Lapis is also considered a strengthening stone, bringing mental clarity and emotional healing.

AMETHYST

Amethyst helps to bring calmness and clarity, while fostering healing and selflessness. It is an excellent stone for meditation and is known as the “stone of transformation”. Amethyst is said to bring wisdom by keeping the wearer connected to and aware of their more spiritual nature.

Whichever stone speaks to you, Mexicali Blues has got you covered! We have so many more pieces of gemstone jewelry in our stores, plus a knowledgable staff who can tell you even more about each stone, so stop by and see us sometime!

What’s your favorite gemstone or stone story?