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Hematite became extremely popular in jewelry design during the Victorian era, particularly in Europe. It's still a very popular bead used in jewelry and fashion designs today. Hematite is the oldest iron oxide mineral known to man. It is much harder than iron, but also more brittle.

The beautiful gemstone has a luster that can range from metallic to sub-metallic with the variable color, depending on the specific type. The most common type has a black to silver-gray color. You can also find red, reddish brown or brown Hematite. If you look carefully, all the variations of natural Hematite will have a rust-red streak. The stone is a deep red if it is powdered or thinly sliced.

Man-Made or Synthetic

Scientists have found a way to reproduce the material signature of the stone to create man-made Hematite beads. The synthetic stones have the identical chemical makeup of the natural ones and, therefore, are still classified as iron ore. You can tell the difference by looking closely at the color. There's always a reddish tint to natural Hematite which is absent from synthetic Hematite. Synthetic Hematite has a striking gunmetal glow with no red tint.

Using Hematite Energy on Your Travels

The Hematite stone is trusted for its many properties, which is why it has been used for centuries to assist with alternative healing and protection. This makes it perfect for on-the-go jewelry pieces.

Grounding

The stone's grounding qualities are probably its most widely trusted features. Hematite will relieve anxiety, bring balance, and restore a sense of calm and positivity. This is critical when you want to combat travel anxiety. Wearing Hematite jewelry will ensure you carry these calming properties with you throughout your trip. Hematite also absorbs negative energy generated when we are stressed and uses this to create positive vibrations. This is good for us, personally, but it's also good when we face confrontation on our travels.

The negative energy absorbed around us is released into the immediate environment as positive energy. Not only will Hematite jewelry help keep you calm during interactions, but it will send out a positive vibe that's sure to be returned to you. Who wouldn't want to benefit from this cooperative vibe? Just think of the benefits when you're traveling on business. Hematite is like armor in any confrontation.

Clearing the Senses

If you're looking for a gemstone to calm the senses and clear your thinking, then Hematite will do the trick. It helps to improve concentration, focus, mental organization, and clarity in thinking. These are all critical on any business trip. Your Hematite jewelry will look exquisite with any business attire. These properties are not only critical on business trips. They are also useful for all the negotiations that happen on any holiday, like negotiating the best prices in exotic foreign trading markets.

Keeping Cool

Traveling is physically taxing on your body, especially when you do a lot of sightseeing by foot or bicycle. Hematite helps improve oxygen circulation in the bloodstream, which cools down your body. This is also useful during pesky episodes of pain and fever that might otherwise spoil your trip.

New Experiences

Traveling should be about breaking away from what you do every day and trying new experiences. Hematite helps you with this. It opens up your mind to thinking more creatively and releases the limitations that you've placed on yourself. It also helps you to maintain healthy boundaries of self-control so you will be more adventurous without being reckless. Carry Hematite when you need help feeling daring. You'll find that you won't be standing in your own way anymore.

Protection

This versatile gemstone will protect you against electromagnetic smog and geopathic stress. It is claimed to have strong detoxifying properties, especially for the blood and liver. Place Hematite around your temporary holiday home to ward off any negative energies.

An Elixir for Grounding

A Hematite elixir is a good start to any trip. Drop a natural (not man-made) Hematite stone into a pitcher of clean water. Refrigerate this overnight and drink half a glass before you leave on your trip. This will help alleviate travel stress. Make another pitcher when you reach your destination. This time, it will help relieve jet lag and calm you during your trip.

The Best Way to Use Hematite When You Travel

Hematite produces the strongest results when it's placed in direct contact with your skin. This makes Hematite jewelry the most practical solution for keeping the powerful gemstone close to you when traveling. Wearing a Hematite bracelet and necklace will place the stone directly over your key pulse points. This maximizes the release of protective and healing properties.

The fact that it’s a beautiful stone means it will be aesthetically pleasing to the eye while being equally pleasing to the mind, body, and soul. From a practical point of view, Hematite beads are easy to come by at reasonable prices so you can easily create jewelry pieces like this gorgeous black Hematite and clear glass bead bracelet.

Crystals have been an obsession for people all around the world for centuries. Throughout history, they have been used as symbols of power and status, adopted as mystical healing gems, integrated into all types of architectural masterpieces, showcased in art, and worn as beautiful accent pieces. Their mysterious auras attract the spiritually minded, the creative, and the scientifically inspired alike.

The Dendritic Opal gemstone is considered to be a particularly attractive and magical gem in all circles of people and has been used for a variety of things worldwide. Although it is not exactly rare or precious, this earthy mineraloid draws the eye with its interesting milky coloring and plant-like metallic inclusions.

What Is a Dendritic Opal?

The general definition of an opal is a hydrated silicone dioxide mineraloid mined from a rock fissure. Opals, no matter what type, contain no crystalline structure and are often made up of a certain percentage of water and microscopic silica spheres. There have been over 60 types of opals identified in the world, and each falls into one of three categories: Common Opals, Precious Opals, and the rare Rainbow Opals.

The Dendritic Opal, or “Moss Opal” by its fond nickname, falls under the common opal category. Common opals, often called “Potch” opals, are opaque in appearance and have an earthy range of colors that include white, blue, pink, yellow, yellow/orange, brown or black, or a mixture of colors with patterned inclusions. Unlike the precious opal and rainbow opal, common opals rarely contain brilliant flashes or streaks of iridescent color when held in the light. They quite often have no play-of-color at all.  

A common opal is defined as “dendritic” when it contains fern, moss, or tree-like patterned inclusions of metallic oxides like manganese and iron. These opal aggregates often form in relatively low temperatures and have a resinous luster. The coloring of the Dendritic Opal is whitish or yellow/brown in color and the collection of dendrites it contains often look dark green or deep brown, just like a plant (hence the nickname “Moss Opal”).

The dendritic patterns found in these opals are never the same, like snowflake patterns or other such geometric or vein design formations found throughout nature, and the raw aggregates are usually kidney-shaped or grape-shaped.

How Does the Dendritic Opal Wear?

Due to the delicate nature of these soft gems, Dendritic Opals must be handled with care. How they wear often depends on what they are formed into. Artisans do not usually risk making any pieces from these gems that will have a lot of exposure to extreme temperatures or total immersion in water.

For example, you will rarely find rings made from Dendritic Opals, as pieces that are worn on any part of the hand often risk being knocked against things or endure consistent water contact from faucets and other parts of the normal day-to-day routine. If someone insists on having a ring, it needs to be carefully inserted in a protective setting like bezel to keep it from cracking, chipping, or losing its luster.

The reason these gems are referred to as soft gems has to do with their high-level water content. This characteristic leaves anything made from them susceptible to drying out and cracking or fading if worn or used too often or stored in an overly dry or hot place. If the opals are doublets and triplets, extended periods of water immersion can ruin them.

Doublets and triplets are opals that have been infused with glue for added layers and extra detailing. The structure of pieces like this will weaken, fall apart, or become discolored when exposed to water too often due to the glue dissolving and water seeping into the cracks and setting.

How to Care for Dendritic Opal Gemstone Beads & Jewelry

Even though Dendritic Opals are soft and easy to chip, discolor, dry out and more, caring for them is not as hard as one would imagine. All it takes is the appropriate knowledge about opals and the willingness to put in a little extra work.

First and foremost, it is important to know what kind of opal you own. If it is a doublet or triplet Dendritic Opal, you will have to keep in mind the different layers it is made up of and the fact that it is infused with glue. Altered opals like this need to be kept in tight plastic bags with a damp piece of cotton or cloth. They should not touch anything too wet, as the glue might be affected over time and the coloration of the gem may be altered. Prolonged immersion of any kind would be horribly destructive for these two designs.

If you have a solid Dendritic Opal that has only been cut and polished, you must then worry about storing it somewhere soft and safe and cleaning it properly. This design should also be kept in a sealed plastic bag with a damp piece of cotton or cloth or in a room with a dehumidifier to keep it from dehydrating. It is mostly only susceptible to cracking or fading if it stays dry for too long a period or is exposed to intense heat or sunlight.

Doublets, triplets, and solid Dendritic Opals all score around a 5.5 to 6 in hardness on the Mohs scale, so they scratch and score easily. Even dust can eventually wear these soft gems down. It is important to remember this when cleaning them. Since even dust can wear these gems down, simply wiping them off with any old dry cloth will not do. To polish them correctly, you must use a very soft, damp cloth to wipe them off gently.

The last and most important tip when it comes to cleaning these gems is to never use cleaning detergents or chemicals on them or wash them in an ultrasonic cleaner. Cleaning products like bleach and other similar detergents will eventually erode Dendritic Opals and destroy the coloration and unique metallic patterns. The hard vibrations from ultrasonic cleaners or other cleaners like this can knock around the gems far too much and cause them to break apart or chip.

If you want your opals to last, you must store them and clean them properly. Once you get into the routine, it's not hard, and the natural beauty you will enjoy from your Dendritic Opal piece is more than worth the effort.

Dendritic Opal Meaning and Uses

Like many crystals, Dendritic Opals are used for their beauty and for the mythical characteristics and powers they are thought to hold. You will often find them in new age circles and other religious groups where they hold great spiritual significance, a variety of artisan circles where their beauty is honed and molded into sought-after art pieces and jewelry, and even some naturalist medicinal circles where they are thought to bring healing and emotional balance.

New age circles and groups of religious people throughout history have long thought that the Dendritic Opal produces an energy that promotes one’s physical and spiritual growth. The water and plant-like patterns in the often milky-white gems symbolize life and harmony and are thought to be nature’s way of giving self-awareness and clarity to the owner. If one keeps this opal on them always, they will be more discerning, less judgmental and more accepting of others, and more in-tune with themselves and the true nature of life’s experiences.

Some Dendritic Opals are even thought to contain magical powers that put their owners in touch with their deeper, darker selves. During the Middle Ages, this was widely believed. Rulers would incorporate these gems into precious items they carried on them at all times to show their status and help them maintain their power.

Witches and wizards would also commonly carry these and other gems, thinking they held a mystical key to powerful witchcraft. Although most wealthy people and other people of prominence today are not showing off massive items with Dendritic Opals to boast of their status and power, there are still many modern witches and wizards who use them in their spells and more.

Dendritic Opal Benefits

In the medicinal world, Dendritic Opals are most commonly made into healing jewelry and are thought to treat certain ailments like dizziness, blood circulatory disorders, insulin deficiencies, inflammatory dysfunctions, and more.

Some naturalistic psychologists and psychiatrists even credit Dendritic Opals with the ability to cure depression or at least allow a person struggling with depression the clarity it takes to work through complicated emotions and mental issues. In this area, much like the new age and other religious circle areas, these crystal enthusiasts think the characteristics of these opals provide balance to one’s life. They just put far more focus on physical and emotional balance than spiritual balance.

What is Dendritic Opal Good For?

The crystal artisans and the average consumer who appreciates natural beauty love the Dendritic Opals for the unique art they can be used to create. Imagine milky-white brooches, pendants, and earrings with smatterings of tree-like tendrils made from smoky metals running throughout. These soft gems can be molded and cut into a variety of wearable accents, incorporated into home décor, and used to make eye-catching office pieces in the care of a skilled cutter.

The Dendritic Opal is especially popular with people born in the month of October since this type of mineraloid has been adopted as the birthstone for people born during this particular portion of the autumn season.

Find What You Need For Your Next Project Online

Shop our collection of dendritic opal gemstone beads today and enjoy the natural beauty and earthiness these stones bring to any project. Now that you have read about dendritic opal care, you can create and wear pieces that will stand the test of time. Share this post with your fellow artists so they too can learn how to care for an opal properly.

When asked about “tiger eyes” what is the first thing that comes to mind? For some, no doubt, it is the theme song to Rocky III. For others, a poem by William Blake. Or does it conjure up pictures of a magnificent creature, gloriously coated, with tawny, fierce, but strong eyes. Fortunately, tiger eye beads are not made of these magnificent eyes but are so-named because in color and appearance they greatly resemble the fire and power found within the eye of the tiger.

What is a tiger eye stone?

Tiger eye is actually a form of quartz, most often found in South Africa, Australia, Thailand, India, and parts of the United States and Canada. Thanks to an effect called “chatoyancy” the tiger eye stone appear to reflect back, in the same way, a cat’s eye seems to do. This can give it a shimmery appearance, similar to looking at quality silk. Generally, the stone is colored golden-brown, but in some instances may have a red hue. Chemically, it is a form of silicon dioxide which developed over time from crocidolite, a type of blue asbestos, to the finer chalcedony. 

Tiger eye beads in history

In Roman times, soldiers valued talismans and amulets made of this stone. Perhaps it was its beauty, but more likely, the tiger eye bead reflected its namesake – a strong, valiant, tenacious fighter which didn’t give up when stalking its prey and was seldom defeated. It was associated with Ra, the Egyptian god of the sun, and was believed to contain the sun’s power.

Why use tiger eye beads in jewelry?

• Beauty and style. The simple, elegant, but powerful beauty of this stone ensures that any tiger eye beads will automatically draw other eyes to it. Its depth of color and luster, as well as its unusual “cat’s eye” effect inevitably will make it the center of attention on any necklace, bracelet, brooch, or other jewelry items.
• Versatility and price. While beautiful, these gems are not rare, and so they are eminently affordable and accessible. They can be styled into any number of accessories, and for sheer price and variety, it’s hard to go past the many ways in which tiger eye beads can be fashioned into appealing designs and ornamental jewelry.
• Accessorize easily with just about anything. What color doesn’t go with deep gold? Any necklace, bracelet, ring, or earring made from tiger eye beads can blend nicely into, or stand out from, just about any hair color, style or shade of clothing, or other equally fine necklaces, earrings, rings, or bracelets worn alongside these gems.

Tiger eye beads – mythology and legends

As mentioned, tiger eye amulets were used in ancient Roman and Egyptian times. The power of these stones is credited with allowing soldiers to concentrate on the job at hand with force, courage, and determination. Tiger eye bead jewelry was said to fend off enemies – both human and spiritual. It served as an all-seeing “eye” which protected the wearer from wounds and illnesses.

Using tiger eye beads

Followers of the principles of Feng shui have used the protective qualities of tiger eye beads to:

• Focus the mind away from negative thoughts and patterns
• Cleanse a room of bad energy
• Balance the positive and negative flows of a room or office to encourage clear and courageous decision making
• Stimulate harmony by neutralizing complex or confrontational situations
• Improve concentration, allowing the wearer or user to focus on the important issues and not be side-tracked by inconsequentialities

Many popular Feng shui devices where the incorporation of tiger eye beads are recommended include pi balls and wind chimes. Tiger eye bracelets worn on injured arms are believed to help the healing process.

Other uses for tiger eye bead jewelry

• As a wedding anniversary gift. What better way to celebrate nine years of happy marriage than a gift made from this beautiful gem? A representative of strength and courage, as well as a talisman for good luck and fortune for the next nine years (and climbing!), choose from a range of heart-shaped beads, his-and-her matching bracelets, or as a decoration for the home.
• As a good luck charm. Whether it’s a tricky contract negotiation, a sale that must happen, or a tough exam, a talisman made from these lucky beads can provide strength, confidence, and surety in the wearer’s ability to conquer the toughest of hurdles.
• To fend off ill health. Suffering from high blood pressure because of stress? Is that cold or fever feeling worse than it should because of tiredness and lethargy? Are the nerves constantly jangling or is there an overabundance of conflict in the air, causing anxiety? Wearing tiger eye bead jewelry or using it as decorations in the home or office can help promote a healthy, calm, and relaxing state of mind which will soothe the nerves and lead to a faster, gentler recovery.

Enjoy a great range of tiger eye bead jewelry and accessories. Find out more about how to get in touch and start your collection today.

Gemstone beads are amazing additions to any piece you create. With their interesting textures, unique colors, and eye-catching patterns, it is no surprise that gemstone beads are in high demand for do-it-yourself jewelers. Add in the health benefits often associated with these gemstones, like aiding in pain relief or calming the mind, and you have a perfect combination of fabulous and beneficial designs.

Unfortunately, for many novice jewelry makers, working with gemstones can prove to be a challenge. With each stone having its own personality, failing to understand how they must be handled can easily turn a detailed design into a disaster. Knowing in advance certain pitfalls that may cause issues down the road will help guarantee your vision can become a reality. Here are some of the top mistakes bead workers make when handling and building jewelry with gemstone beads.

1. Not Cleaning Your Beads

One of the most common mistakes seen when using gemstone beads is failing to clean them. Without properly washing your beads prior to storage and use, you allow leftover dyes, oils, or debris to remain on their surfaces. Choosing to let this detritus remain guarantees a batch of scuffed and scratched stones when it comes time to create your piece. This debris can also compromise the integrity of the stone, causing a possible chip or break later as well.

2. Using the Wrong Cleanser

Working with semi-precious and precious beads requires time and research. Each type of stone has certain properties that dictate what cleansing process to use. Most stones can be safely washed in lukewarm or cool water with soap, but assuming soap is okay to use for any stone would be folly. Certain gemstone beads, like freshwater pearls, find soaps to be too abrasive, stripping them of their shine. Searching for a perfect, specialized cleanser is a necessity for these softer gems in order for them to keep their natural glow.

3. Steaming or Boiling Your Beads

For many, the idea of using soaps or cleaners on their newly purchased beads is reprehensible. In these instances, opting to steam or boil the beads to clean them properly may seem like a great option. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Steaming or boiling gemstones will often cause a large amount of breakdown due to the high temperatures.

While some of the harder stones can handle heat without an issue, softer stones are generally unable to handle the temperature spike and will fracture or break. Remembering to use cool or warm water when scrubbing your beads is always the safest option to ensure a shiny, clean surface without the possibility of damage.

4. Improper Storage

Inadequately storing your items is a surefire way to guarantee damage will occur. Haphazardly tossing them into a bin, bowl, or tray will not only intermingle your gems with your regular beads, making them harder to locate, but the variety of hardness levels can spell trouble for the beads’ integrity. Placing them in a box with beads that rate higher on a Mohs Hardness Scale means you can expect to find your precious stones fragmented or otherwise damaged when it comes time to build your jewelry.

Placing your gems in a container with assigned sections is the first step in proper storage. The individual compartments will keep the stones organized and safe. Placing some cotton along the top of the container will also help make sure your beautiful bounty is tucked away nice and safe until you are ready to convert those individual beads into a fabulous statement piece.

5. Selecting the Wrong Bead Reamer

Finding the perfect gemstone bead only to realize it has too small of a hole, an irregular edge, or some other section that needs a quick file to smooth it down is a common occurrence when working with beads of any kind. Picking up your handy bead reamer to remedy any issues will always be your first instinct. However, when working with gemstones, using any conveniently located bead reamer may destroy your beautiful stones. If the grit is too harsh, rather than creating a custom eye-catching piece, you’ll see your unique gems crumbling away into dust.

Checking that Mohs Hardness Scale and determining what each stone’s level of strength is and selecting a corresponding reamer is always the safest option. Stones like pearls, amber, or coral need a much softer texture than you would use on a harder stone like garnet.

Final Thoughts

Properly handling your gemstone beads will be a breeze once you know to avoid these common mistakes. By simply taking the time to research the Mohs Hardness Scale of each stone, you can easily research the proper way to clean, store, and prepare your gem. So, grab your favorite brand of bead reamer—in the appropriate grit, of course; set out that beautiful bounty of stones; and make something extraordinary.