Crystals

The Mineral Hardness Scale – The Mohs Scale

Posted on by miamimining
Mineral hardness - Mohs Scale
11
May

Every crystal have various degree of hardness which has been measured by The Mohs Scale. Devised by Friedrich Mohs, an Austrian professor of mineralogy, it has been used to measure hardness for over two centuries. The Mohs scale classifies crystals from the softest (1) to the hardest (10). Below are some examples:

Hardness 1

  • Very soft, can be scratched or fall apart with fingernail. – Talc

Hardness 2

  • Easily scratched with fingernail. – Gypsum

Hardness 3

  • Can be scratched with a coin (copper penny). – Calcite

Hardness 4

  • Can be carved/scratched with a knife. – Fluorite

Hardness 5

  • Can be carved with a knife with difficulty; can be scratched by glass.- Apatite

Hardness 6

  • Can be carved/scratched with glass. Cannot be scratched by a knife. – Orthoclase

Hardness 7

  • Can scratch glass easily. – Quartz

Hardness 8

  • Can scratch glass very easily. – Topaz

Hardness 9

  • Can scratch/cut Topaz and glass, and can be scratched by a diamond. – Corundum (Sapphire and Ruby)

Hardness 10

  • No other minerals will scratch it, but can scratch all other minerals. – Diamond

 

Image Credit: Hazel Gibson – https://blogs.egu.eu/geolog/2020/09/25/freidrich-mohs-and-the-mineral-scale-of-hardness/
Crystals

How Crystals are Formed

Posted on by miamimining
09
May

As the Earth formed, crystals were created, and they continue to form as the planet changes.

Crystals are known as the Earth’s DNA, the blueprint of evolution. These minerals are the record keepers of the Earth, and are spread all over the planet. By studying crystals, it allows us to learn the development of our planet over millions of years. These minerals grew by being subjected to massive pressure, others grew in caves underground, some grew in layers, while others are from out of this world (e.g. Meteorites).  

A crystal’s properties are affected by the way it was formed. Whatever form they take, their crystal structure can absorb, conserve, focus and produce energy, especially on the electromagnetic waveband. Each type of crystals has its personal internal structure formed by an array of minerals and is what defines a crystal.  The orderly and repeating atomic lattice is unique to its species. No matter the size of the crystal, it will have the exact same internal structure which can be easily seen under a microscope. While the crystal lattice is how crystals are identified, crystals such as quartz have several different colors making people believe they are all different. in other words, no matter the color, while the internal structures are identical, they are classified as the same crystal. It is crucial to see the internal structure to classify a crystal rather than the minerals from which they are formed. In many cases, mineral content slightly differs creating different color crystals. While many crystals can be formed out of the same mineral, each species will crystallize differently. At the core of a crystal is the atom and its component parts. Consisting of particles rotating around the center, the atom is dynamic. A crystal may look motionless; but it is actually vibrating and emitting a certain frequency at the molecular level. This is what gives the crystal its energy.

Watermelon Tourmaline Specimen from PakistanWatermelon Tourmaline Specimen from Pakistan
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Exquisite Watermelon Tourmaline Rods from Pakistan

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Herkimer Diamond Specimen from New York
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Herkimer Diamond on Matrix from Ace of Diamond Mine, New York

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Vanadanite Specimen from Morocco
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Vanadinite Cluster from ACF Mine, Mibladen, Morocco

$60.00
Chrysocolla on Quartz Specimen from Peru
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Rare Chrysocolla on Quartz from Tentadora Mine, Peru

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Cubic Pyrite Specimen from Navajun
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Cubic Pyrite on Matrix from Navajun, La Rioja, Spain

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Natural Native Copper Specimen from Michigan
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Pure Michigan Copper: Natural Samples from Keweenaw Peninsula

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Aegirine Fluorescent Feldspar Specimen from Malawi
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Aegirine Fluorescent Feldspar from Lulwe, Malawi

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Vivianite Specimen from Brazil
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Vivianite from Cabeça Do Cachorro, Amazonias, Brazil

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In the early days, Earth began as a cloud of gas which created a dense dust bowl. This contracted into a hot molten ball, known as the Earth’s core. Over millions of years, a thin layer of molten material called magma, cooled into a crust which is the Earth’s mantle. This crust is approximately 3 miles thick. Under the crust, the hot and mineral rich molten magma continues to boil and new crystals continue to form.

**Disclaimer: All metaphysical or healing properties listed here are information from multiple sources. This information is offered as a service and is not meant to treat medical conditions. Miami Mining Co. does not guarantee the truth of any of these statements.

Crystals

Diaries of a Crystal Collector: Sardonyx

Posted on by Gigi Gomez
sardonyx
10
Jan

Diaries of a Crystal Collector

Entry #1: Sardonyx

First and foremost, I would like to welcome you to a new series that we will be doing on our site on a weekly basis. It will consist of 3 different articles, but on random days…because that’s how I keep my life interesting.  The series will be about the history, scientific components, and metaphysical properties of the stone of the week.  How will I choose it you may ask? Also, random (2 bonus points of unpredictability added!) And.. If I want to get crazy, I may even add a word of the day.

Disclaimer: Research on this information is all done online, I will do my absolute best to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible.  If anything is wrong, feel free to shoot us a message letting us know. 

Now that the boring stuff is out of the way…Let the learning begin!

The first stone of this weekly series is Sardonyx, because it’s the August birthstone and guess who was born in August………THIS GIRL!

Sardonyx dates back more than 4,000 years ago. This stone goes back to the Second Dynasty of Egypt (2890 – c. 2686 BC). Historically, this stone was worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans as talismans with carvings of Mars or Hercules during battle. They believed that this stone would give them an energy boost and courage. 

During the Middle Ages, this stone was believed to counteract the negative effects that Onyx caused.

Sardonyx is also found referenced in the Book of Revelations as one of stones in New Jerusalem’s walls. Last fun historic fact on this amazing stone, is that it was a popular stone used for seals way back in the day because wax would not stick to it. 

 



Crystals

How to use Fertility Crystals

Posted on by miamimining
04
Aug

For centuries, fertility crystals have been used to cleanse energetic blocks that may be interfering  with fertility.  With fertility issues on a rise, people are seeking alternative therapy practices by the use of healing crystals.  It is believed that health issues can stem from problems in your energy centers, also known as “chakras”.  Crystal healing practitioners believe that each crystal has metaphysical properties, which, when kept close to the body, can correct any energy related imbalances or blockages. 

 

Fertility crystals in particular tend to revolve around the heart chakra, root chakra, and sacral chakra.  The most suggested crystal for fertility is the moonstone, which is known as the Stone of New Beginnings. The moon stone is often referred to as the Woman’s Healing Stone, because it aligns with the moon’s feminine energy and represents emotional stability. Crystal Healers recommend using Moonstone for fertility by setting your goal of fertility on a full moon while holding the moonstone. Then, you can wear it as jewelry or place it on your nightstand or under your pillow.  

The following is a list of the most suggested Fertility Stones. These stones are said to help increase fertility, heal reproductive organs, boost sexual energy, and regulate your menstrual cycle. 

  • Moonstone – Balance & Stability
  • Rose Quartz – Loving Energy 
  • Green Aventurine – Abundance 
  • Jade – Luck & Balance
  • Rhodonite – Birth Confidence
  • Carnelian – Encouragement 
  • Unakite – Health & Harmony 
  • Clear Quartz – Amplify Intentions
  • Citrine – Uplifting
  • Amethyst – Serenity
  • Selenite – Protection 

 

A few suggestions on ways to use your stones:

  • Wear your “fertility stones” as jewelry.  This is the most traditional way of keeping your stones close.  There are many artists creating hand-made pieces according to your needs. Search for a trusted lapidary artist and create a one of a kind piece you can wear everyday. 
  • If stone jewelry is not your style, you can also opt to set the stones on a selenite bowl, grid plate, or wood bowl.  
  • Place the “fertility stones” on your womb.  

We all need a little extra love and support from the universe.  Looking after your emotional wellbeing and cleansing your chakras is a great place to start. While I personally did not struggle with fertility issues, I know a lot of friends that have, and it’s becoming a common issue nowadays. Whether you practice crystal healing or not, it won’t hurt to give it a try.  



Crystals

Gift Guide: Choosing the Right Crystal

Posted on by miamimining
15
Jul

On the Eve of my birthday, I began to wonder “what will I receive tomorrow”? While I don’t like surprises, I do look forward to receiving gifts that my loved one’s considered would be perfect for me.  It is customary to give gifts on special occasions, as a representation of how much you appreciate and love a person.  For me, I think the best gifts are the ones’ that can be used indefinitely.

You might be wondering, why do we receive gifts on our birthday’s? The tradition of giving a gift on a person’s birthday, began many centuries ago.  It was once believed that evil spirits were attracted to people on their birthdays, so, to ward off spirits, it became customary to gather and give gifts to the birthday person. The gifts given were tools for prosperity and safety over the coming year. Nowadays, gift giving on a person’s birthday is still customary, even though the spiritual element is no longer a factor. 

Now, let us talk about what I think would be a perfect gift…crystals and gemstones! Available in many shapes, sizes and colors, crystals and gemstones make great gifts because they can be useful to the receiver all year round. A few great choices would be the clear quartz, rose quartz, and labradorite. The clear quartz is a useful all-purpose stone.  It is a terrific stone for a person who feels stuck in their life, because it is said to energize your mind body and soul. The next great stone for gifting is the rose quartz.  Known as the unconditional love stone, the rose quartz is known to increase self-love, friendships, healing, and inner peace.  The last stone I would suggest is the Labradorite.  Known as a protective stone, the labradorite is said to create a shield against negativity of the world. 

To sum it all up if you haven’t realized it already…I LOVE crystal and gemstones! I hope my friends and family get me unique pieces to add to my collection. What better way to ward off negative energies on my birthday than to receive a special piece, a million years in the making, just for me!

Crystals

What are Birth Stone’s, and why do we wear them?

Posted on by miamimining
07
Jul
birthstone image

Birth stones are gems that are associated with a birth month. These 12 stones are so popular, that if you ask someone: “What’s your birth stone”? They will almost always know the answer.

The origins of birth stones date back to the1st and 5th centuries.  It is believed that in these times, people began linking gems to the 12 months of the year and to the 12 signs of the zodiac. These stones were presumed to have special powers if worn during each corresponding astrological month. The belief was so strong that people began to collect all 12 stones to wear each month.

It is thought that associating of one gem to each month began in Poland in the 18th century, and these stones are known as the traditional birthstones. In the U.S., there was much disagreement between which stone is assigned to each month so, in an effort to standardize birthstones, The National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) got together and officially adopted a list in 1912. These are known as modern birthstones.

As you can see, the custom of wearing your birth stone is only a few centuries old.  Jewelers are still making changes to the birth stone charts, and as a result, some people choose stones from both the modern and the traditional list.

In honor of July, lets talk about the Ruby

The traditional and modern birth stone of July is the ruby.  This red gem is associated with love, passion, wealth, and peace.  The ruby is one of the most popular traditional jewelry stones.  It is custom for a person to wear their birth stone all year long weather it be in a ring, necklace, or earrings. 

While it is believed wearing your birth stone is a symbol of good fortune and wellness, it is my belief that each person selects a gemstone that calls to them.  If you want a protective stone that can bring happiness and spiritual vitality into your life, just wear a ruby, even if it isn’t your birth stone.