Chiastolite
CHIASTOLITE
Chiastolite comes from the Greek word chiastos which means "crossed". It is also known as Andalusite, because this stone was found in Andalusia, Spain in 1798.
However as early as the 16th century, chiastolite specimens had been distributed throughout Europe as an amulet or souvenir provided to the pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela (Saint James of Compostella) in Spain. This is the famous place where pilgrimage pay homage to Saint James, the brother of Jesus, and the place where Saint James was martyred.
In the old books of minerology, chiastolite was termed as lapis crucifer or lapis cruciatur, which is Latin for "cross stone". One legend tells that the cross was created by the tears of fairies who were unable to control their crying when they heard of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Chiastolite is noted for its distinctive cross-shaped black inclusions of graphite. During crystalization, graphite is dispersed across the stone which displays different forms of cross shaped markings. Chiastolite comes in many colors such as grey, yellow, pink, red, white and deep brown.
This stone has a very spiritual significance especially to Catholic Christianity.
Philip V, the king of Spain was said to have possessed a very powerful chiastolite amulet that he always carried with him. After his death, this same stone was hung at the neck of the statue of Saint James in the "Santiago de Compostela" Cathedral. According to legend, during the Peninsular War, Marshall Soult stole the stone and gave it to Napoleon Bonaparte who in turn gave this powerful amulet to Murat who was eventually made the king of Naples.
Another legend speaks of a talisman made from chiastolite that was carried by Columbus when he set course to America.
In medieval lore, chiastolite was considered a good luck charm to protect children from evil spirits. Today it is believed that chiastolite bestows strength, power and perseverance and is extremely calming. It is a strong protection stone against negative energy and was traditionally used to ward off curses.
Chiastolite presents faith, prudence, sincerity, and caution. It is said that wearing the stone not only protects you, but it will also protect everybody in your neighbourhood.
Chiastolite comes from the Greek word chiastos which means "crossed". It is also known as Andalusite, because this stone was found in Andalusia, Spain in 1798.
However as early as the 16th century, chiastolite specimens had been distributed throughout Europe as an amulet or souvenir provided to the pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela (Saint James of Compostella) in Spain. This is the famous place where pilgrimage pay homage to Saint James, the brother of Jesus, and the place where Saint James was martyred.
In the old books of minerology, chiastolite was termed as lapis crucifer or lapis cruciatur, which is Latin for "cross stone". One legend tells that the cross was created by the tears of fairies who were unable to control their crying when they heard of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Chiastolite is noted for its distinctive cross-shaped black inclusions of graphite. During crystalization, graphite is dispersed across the stone which displays different forms of cross shaped markings. Chiastolite comes in many colors such as grey, yellow, pink, red, white and deep brown.
This stone has a very spiritual significance especially to Catholic Christianity.
Philip V, the king of Spain was said to have possessed a very powerful chiastolite amulet that he always carried with him. After his death, this same stone was hung at the neck of the statue of Saint James in the "Santiago de Compostela" Cathedral. According to legend, during the Peninsular War, Marshall Soult stole the stone and gave it to Napoleon Bonaparte who in turn gave this powerful amulet to Murat who was eventually made the king of Naples.
Another legend speaks of a talisman made from chiastolite that was carried by Columbus when he set course to America.
In medieval lore, chiastolite was considered a good luck charm to protect children from evil spirits. Today it is believed that chiastolite bestows strength, power and perseverance and is extremely calming. It is a strong protection stone against negative energy and was traditionally used to ward off curses.
Chiastolite presents faith, prudence, sincerity, and caution. It is said that wearing the stone not only protects you, but it will also protect everybody in your neighbourhood.