Beautiful Inside and Out

  Happy Friday to all of my Gem Steady gem-thusiasts(new gem puns)! This post is inspired by Brittany C’s recent haul of gorgeous dendrite quartz, so lets discover the history and healing power of these little beauties. Dendrites are very special crystals because there is a happy little surprise inside and that surprise happens to be a mini garden of sorts. That’s right, plant motifs decorate these delicate little stones. However, these mini branches, leaves and trees are not what they seem. What appears to be fossilized plants beneath dendrite’s clear surface is actually the work of inorganic manganese oxide.

  When iron and moisture find themselves trapped inside of the quartz, a staining process begins, creating patterns that appear to be fossilized plants. While they may not be legit fossils, dendrites are magnificently beautiful with a hefty variety of healing powers.

   Dendrites are the stone to turn to when you feel engulfed by modern-day burdens. Sometimes we need a break from all of the iPhones, Facebook, tablets and other technology(except this blog… you need this blog!). Dendrite quartz will bring you back to nature and help you reconnect with earth and the outdoors.

 Dendrite quartz has a drive for eliminating the artificial elements in one’s life and it has the ability to make a person see what really matters. When someone erases a trivial element of their life, such as a daily frappe, it can seem nearly unbearable. However, erasing something more valuable such as a family member will make you forget all about that frappe(even though they are delicious). Dendrite quartz wants to bring its keeper to this realization that trivial things are not of great value and more appreciation should be directed toward truly important things and people.

 Our pal dendrite really values the importance of spending time with family and some believe that it can strengthen bonds with loved ones and even revive estranged relationships. Dendrite is one of the most positive crystals you could ever hope to meet and it has the power to ease tension between two people who are not on the best terms. It is great for those hoping to revive a friendship that was once strong.

  Dendrite quartz allows the ability to erase a troubled past and turn over a new, positive leaf. This stone has been very popular for those with a troubled childhood or teenage years. Everyone deserves a second chance at happiness, according to dendrite.  Dendrite quartz is also known to bring prosperity and achievement to one’s career. This is a fantastic stone to keep in your office desk or wear to meetings.

  Dendrite is certainly a positive stone that promotes healthy relationships, with people and the planet and it is fantastic for those hoping to get more out of their career. Contact Gem Steady for available dendrite pieces and let these little beauties work some magic in your life!

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Thank you all so much for reading! What gem do you want to see next week?

 Love Intern BB

It's Raining Stars

  Hello my gem(and space) enthusiasts! As you may remember from my last post, this is a very special week, because the sky is being splattered with balls of fire from the constellation known as Orion. The Orionids Meteor Shower has been enchanting the sky for over 200 years and it is known to last a full week, including a peak day when the most meteors can be seen. Even though the peak date of October 21 has past, lets review some interesting trivia about the Orionids.

  When Halley’s Comet passes by the sun on its 75-76 year orbit, bits off ice melt away from the comet, allowing rock particles to separate. This process is the origin of the Orionids Meteor Shower. It’s almost like seeing little baby versions of Halley’s Comet dart across the sky!

  The Orionids are speedy little fire-balls that topple down to earth’s atmosphere at nearly 150,000 mph. Due to their lightning-fast speed, these meteors can leave trails of light behind as they shoot across the sky. At the meteor shower’s peak time, one can expect to see up to 20 meteors per hour. On October 20 there were 15 meteors reported by SpaceWeather.com. Despite threats of a too-bright moon and pesky clouds, the Orionids stood up to its competitors and put on quite the show.

  If you did not catch the Orionids Meteor Shower and you just cannot wait a year to see a few shooting stars of your own, do not fear! Debris from Halley’s Comet produces another annual meteor shower in May called the Eta Aquarids. 

  Stay tuned for information about the upcoming hybrid solar eclipse, which will happen on November 3 and the following day will bring the Taurids Meteor Shower. The Taurids is not quite the meteor-making machine that Orionids is, but it is still an excellent excuse to star gaze. Are you looking forward to any space related events in the upcoming months? Be sure to post any pictures or experiences of the Orionids Meteor Shower and come back on Friday for our weekly gem!

*Star gazing tip* If you are in a light polluted city, try to escape to a dimmer setting so you can score the best star gazing seat in the house!

Have a fantastic week everyone!

Love Intern BB

Howlin' at the Moon

Happy Friday my gem-tastic readers! This post is going to be a little different because the rock we are talking about is slightly larger than your average gem. This rock is nocturnal and it was once thought to be made of cheese. The moon is our honorary gem of the week, to celebrate the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse that will happen tonight!

  Gaze out your windows tonight and you might see the full moon with a slight, spooky shadow on its lower half. This shadow comes courtesy of Earth, because the moon will be passing through Earth’s penumbral shadow. Tonight, Earth, the sun and the moon will be ever so slightly more out of alignment than they would be in a partial eclipse. This causes a light darkening of the moon. Some lucky folks may even get to see the moon take on a spooky reddish tint as a result of the eclipse. When the sun is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, it drains any blue light and replaces it with red.

  For most of North America, the maximum effect of the eclipse will be most visible for us around 8 p.m. and close to sunset and moon-rise. Unfortunately for West-Coasters, the eclipse will be over before the moon rises and the East Coast will have the best seat in the house… Well, at least in North America. The best viewing place for the Penumbral Eclipse will be in Brazil, Europe and Africa. Will you be looking for the Penumbral Eclipse tonight?

  If your luck has run dry and you miss the Penumbral Eclipse tonight, you still have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Orionids Meteor Shower, which will begin Monday night. While the nearly full moon will be blocking the dimmer meteors, the brightest and biggest will still be visible. The meteors will be darting through the sky all night and the best viewing time will be after midnight and before dawn. Shall we use this as an excuse to skip any Tuesday morning obligations? I think so!

  I will be posting a reminder plus fun facts about the Orionids Meteor Shower on Monday so stay tuned and whip out your sky-gazing gear! Hey all of you photographers out there, be sure to send us your best moon pictures. We would love to see them! Also, my favorite holiday is coming up… Halloween! So show me some spooky spirit and share your favorite creepy costume and party ideas!

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All of you space-gazers have fun tonight!

Love intern BB

Falling for Fluorite

  Happy Friday my fantastic gem fanatics! I have been in Destin FL this week and I have to say, there is nothing like star/moon gazing on an empty beach at night. I will be sure to post a few moon photos in the next week. Whether I am on the road or back in Cincinnati, I certainly cannot forget about our weekly gem, which happens to be Fluorite this week.

This vibrant little mineral is composed of calcium fluoride and is quite a versatile gem. Fluorite is used in the production of certain telescopes, microscopes and is popular in the jewelry and healing world as well. Fluorite is quite unique because it is often found with multiple colors in one stone and just about every color of the rainbow can be represented in Fluorite.

  Fluorite is known as a “genius stone” because it is one smart cookie of a gem. Fluorite can sense unwanted energy and does not think twice before vacuuming it up and getting rid of it. Our colorful crystal is perfect for anyone who is feeling closed-minded. Fluorite will open you up to new experiences and opportunities because it enhances one’s ability to see the big picture rather than viewing the world inside of the box. Fluorite can also help you become wiser in situations involving intense emotions. Fluorite knows that it can be difficult to think straight when your feelings are running rampant, and it helps you step back and view the situation objectively.

  Fluorite is known as a balancing crystal, meaning it balances the negative and positive energy within the body, mind and soul creating a peaceful sensation for its keeper. Fluorite is kind of like having a guard dog, only in gem form. It wants to protect you from using bad judgment while under pressure and it fights manipulation from others trying to cause harm. Fluorite is an excellent stone for students or anyone trying to learn a new skill because it helps you grasp abstract concepts and it helps you think on your feet. 

  Fluorite is a very friendly gem because it actually helps other gems become extra powerful. In other words, if your meditative stones are acting a tad sluggish, they may need a boost from Fluorite. So, now it is easy to see why Fluorite is known as a genius stone. It can solve just about any problem!

  Do you have a favorite Fluorite piece? Need one made? Gem Steady has you covered!

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Have a fantastic week everyone!

Love intern BB

Rich With Rubies

 Happy Friday my gem-loving pals! Before we discuss this week’s glorious gem, I wanted to let you all know that we have some exciting celestial events coming up in October. October 18 is the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, which will cause the full moon to darken. Let’s hope for a clear night so we can enjoy it! A few days later on October 21 we will experience the Orionids Meteor Shower, caused by leftover dust from Halley’s comet. There will be special posts about these events in the coming weeks so check back often!

  This week Gem Steady is seeing red, because our gem of the week is the Ruby! Rubies are related to Sapphires because they both are gem-quality corundum and they are both richly pigmented precious stones. A Ruby’s color can range from panther pink, to a deep blood red. Most Rubies come with imperfections and when a flawless Ruby is found, it demands a price higher than a Diamond. Even though the little red charmer has a few flaws, our dear friend Ruby is truly beautiful. Just ask the Chinese Emperor, Kublai Khan from the 10^th century. The guy traded an entire city for a fiery red Ruby.

  Throughout history, the precious Ruby has been said to bring nobility, love and success to its keeper. Rubies are just as powerful today as they were in ancient times. The vibrant red rock is known for promoting stamina and vitality. This stone packs a lot of energy and power so keep a Ruby close by when you engage in physical activity.

  Ruby is a fantastic stone for the lethargic or tired folk. The next time your to do list extends to the ground and you feel like being a couch potato, place a Ruby around your neck and accomplish your tasks with ease.

  So, Ruby definitely wants you to be an active, healthy, and productive individual, but it has a special power that is especially useful during the month of October. Rubies have been said to neutralize the sensation of fear when encountering something paranormal, evil, or unusual. Are you too jumpy for a night of haunted houses and ghost tours with your buddies? Keep a Ruby in your pocket and the ghosts and goblins will seem harmless as a fuzzy kitten.  

  Are you in need of a new Ruby to increase your stamina, fight off your inner scaredy cat and most importantly to look stunning on your finger? Look no further than Gem Steady’s Etsy!

  Thank you all for reading! Do you have a favorite Ruby piece? Tell us about it!

   Be sure to check out our other social media pages and all of you Cincinnatians go visit us at Sloane in OTR!

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-Love intern BB

Ring of Fire

  Happy Friday my Gem Steady loves! Brittany C. and the Whittle Master made a few gem-tastic purchases lately that have me oh so inspired. Opal, in my opinion is one of the most fascinating gemstones around. Their sparkling multi-colored flecks glisten like the star speckled sky and is oddly enough formed out of hydrated silica. Opal comes from a land down under and is the official gemstone of Australia, which happens to produce 97% of the world’s supply of this dazzling rock.  The base-color of Opal can be clear, white, gray, magenta, green and blue to name a few and the most coveted colors are red against black. There are two types of Opal. Precious Opal has an array of color specks while common Opal is often opaque.

  Opal is sought after for its beauty, and during the Middle Ages it was coveted for its ability to bring good luck. Back then you wouldn’t find a rabbit’s foot nestled in the pocket of one’s britches. You would find their lucky Opal! The Opal was considered lucky because of the multi-colored flecks that supposedly represented other gemstones. The more colors within the Opal, the luckier it was.  A slightly stranger use for the stone during this time was invisibility. Some souls believed that an Opal wrapped in a fresh bay leaf, could be used as a cloak of invisibility while nestled in one’s palm. Sadly, there is no historic evidence to back this claim(otherwise I’d be stocking up on Opal and bay leaves!).

  Jump forward to present day and the Opal still has a vast amount of uses and healing properties. Opal is closely connected with the human mind. It has the ability to enhance memory, and bump up creative juices.

  Some may refer to Opal as a classier mood ring, because it reflects the mood of whoever is wearing it. Sensitive souls may experience greater sensations from Opal because it is a stone ripe with emotions. However, Opal’s emotional tendencies do not make it a weak or timid stone. In fact, Opal encourages its owner to be independent and original. Not to mention it encourages confidence in one’s own skin. Let a few Opals dangle from your ear lobes and discover your full potential and feel a sense of self-worth like never before.

  So, Opal can make you feel pretty darn good about yourself, but did you know it can help you make others feel real good too? Opal is a stone used for heat and passion. Opal is sensual and enticing and it makes an excellent piece for the hopeless romantic. Wear Opal on your next date to test out its full romantic abilities.

  I know you are all dying to get your paws on some Opal now; I am too! Head over to Gem Steady’s Etsy for available pieces and custom pieces.

 Do you have a flashy Opal piece you would like to flaunt? Send us a pic!

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Thank you all so much for reading! 

Love intern BB




That Darn Garnet

  Happy Friday my lovely Gem Steadies! Lets use this glorious morning as an excuse to gab about some pretty rocks. We are dedicating this post the January birthstone, Garnet. This special mineral has been swooned over for its natural beauty since the Bronze Age. While many know Garnet as a deep red rock, other varieties can be found in green, pink, orange, brown and the rarest of them all, blue. Garnet can be a real trickster when it comes to a true color because certain varieties, such as blue Garnet can change color in incandescent light. What a color chameleon!

  So, Garnet is a beautiful gem and with its ability to change color it could land a day job as a magician, but this little mineral contains deeper powers too. Garnet is a multi-tasker with a wide array benefits and solutions for both physical and mental health. In Medieval times, Garnet played a big role in medicine and it was known for healing hemorrhages and inflammation. Some may consider Garnet as the ancient version of a protein powder. It was very popular to wear a bit of Garnet before engaging in physical activity because the stone has been said to boost endurance and strength. I’ll be sure to toss a few garnets in my gym bag prior to my next sweat session.

  Garnet is not only a fantastic workout buddy, it is also a great business partner, especially if your business is people-oriented. Garnet is said to increase one’s confidence and people skills, causing others to be attracted to the Garnet-clad soul. If you want to be Miss(or Mister) popular around your office, be sure to wear some Garnet to your next meeting.

  Garnet is a very positive stone, as we already know and perhaps its greatest strength is helping those suffering from depression. Our sweet little stone likes to find the root of one’s unhappiness and kick it to the curb. It digs through your mind, picking up any negative thoughts along the way, throws them in trash bag and sends them packing. Wearing Garnet is a good way to become a balanced, level-headed individual. Garnet knows that too much of anything is not healthy and it encourages an easy-going, relaxed manner. Garnet is not exactly a hippy, but it certainly is one mellow dude.

 Our marvelous Garnet certainly is an admirable gem and would make one fabulous best friend(if it became human). Do you need a rock that is a popular, non-dramatic workout buddy that wants you to strive in the workplace? Gem Steady has you covered! Check out this ring and don’t be shy to ask about custom pieces!  

   Now tell us all about your positive experiences with Garnet!

 Thank you all for reading the Gem Steady Blog! Be sure to check out all of our social media sites and be sure to tell us what gem you want to see on here next week!

  

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Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

Love intern BB