*** All information about the metaphysical properties of the listings on this site is for reference only and is to be understood in this context. It is based on research of opinions and beliefs from different cultures today and throughout history and my own personal beliefs.The information is not to be taken as a replacement for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. ***

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This specimen weighs 44g and measures 8cm x 3cm x 1.5cm.

This material is Garnet on Quartz/Feldspar from Fujian province, China. Quite often this product is listed as being sourced from the “Wushan Spessartine Mine”, Tongbei, Yunxiao Co, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China. The minerals actually originate from numerous small, independent tunnels, crevices, and commercial stone quarries scattered around Tongbei Village and Wushan Hill (Wu Mountain) in Yunxiao County. This also helps explain the massive variety in specimens labeled Tongbei Garnets.

I will be listing a variety of specimens showcasing each of these elements in the near future.

Some specimens have Smokey Quartz, Some have Both Spessartine Garnets and Almandine Garnets, some are on a blocky Feldspar matrix whilst some are on a fine Microcline Feldspar or a Quartz based matrix. All of these materials are from the same general area and are simply different transitional stages of growth. For example if an orange Spessartine Garnet is forming in a particular pocket that then has in influx of Iron rich liquid the Garnet will develop into the much darker Almandine Garnet. This is also why some specimens have both members of the Almandine-Spessartine Garnet series.

There is an 800 km long Cretaceous granitic belt exposed in the southeastern coastal of China, it occurs from Guangdong through Fujian and extends to Zhejiang provinces. At this stage there are many locations that produces miarolitic cavities with different mineral specimens. There are over 20 different locations, and one third of them have spessartine. Perhaps this is why there is such a variety in the specimens advertised for sale from the “Wushan Spessartine Mine”.

Garnet:-

Spessartine is member of the Garnet group, and is known for its aesthetic orange and reddish-orange colors. This form of Garnet was once much rarer, but new abundant finds in Tanzania, China, and Pakistan have really put Spessartine on the map, making it very well regarded. Spessartine forms a solid solution series with Almandine, and can be virtually indistinguishable from it in localities where both these Garnets occur together. Spessartine is named after the Spessart Mountains, in Bavaria, Germany, which is the type locality for this mineral.

Garnet is a powerful energizing and regenerative stone. It balances, strengthens and protects. While it is one of the most plentiful stones, it has several forms according to its mineral base.

Garnet is also known for its utilization of creative energy. It grounds spirit forces within the body and helps in the ability to work lovingly on the physical plane.  Yet Garnet is a sensual stone. It represents primordial fire, the creation of the world out of chaos, purification and love. It is a stone of strong, intense feelings.

The distinctive title Garnet is derived from the Latin name Granatum, a pomegranate, because of the resemblance the granular varieties of Garnet bears to the seeds of that fruit. Garnets vary in size from a grain of sand to the size of an apple. According to the Roman historian Pliny, the large dull-colored "Carbunculus of India" (a variety of Garnet) used to be hollowed out into vessels which would hold as much as a pint.

Garnets were used in the former Czechoslovakia as far back as the Bronze Age, and in Egypt more than five thousand years ago. They were used in Sumeria around 2100 B.C. and in Sweden between 1000 and 2000 B.C. They were also popular in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. According to the Talmud, the only light on Noah's ark was provided by a large Garnet. In Europe during the Middle Ages, Garnet was used to enhance truth, faith and constancy, and to dispel melancholy. As a Warrior's Stone, Garnet served as a talisman in the Crusades for both the Christians and their Muslim enemies.

Emotionally it provides a protective and calming influence during use and is thought to heal melancholy and depression, strengthening the survival instinct, and bringing courage and hope into critical situations.

Garnet balances energy, bringing serenity or passion as appropriate, and can inspire love and balance the sex drive. Garnet is considered a lucky stone, for love, success, and for business relationships. It helps you let go of old behavior patterns and boosts self-confidence.

All Garnets honor Sekhmet, the Egyptian Goddess of War, and is the traditional birthstone of those born in January. It is the stone of those born under the zodiac sign of Aquarius, and as an Enhancer Strengthener crystal, it has been worn for centuries as a protective and powerful talisman.

Feldspar:-

Very briefly, the term Feldspar is used to identify a very large group of minerals. In fact, it is used to describe any mineral which consists of framework Aluminium , Oxygen and Silicon atoms plus an additive. All minerals in this grouping have the same crystalline structure. The Feldspar group has nearly 20 recognized members, but only nine of those are common.  These may be divided into two types of Feldspar: Plagioclase and Alkali. Many people would be familiar with more common names of some types of Feldspar. For example Amazonite, Albite and Labradorite are all types of Feldspar.