'Pyroelectric and Piezoelectric' Gemstones and Crystals
'Pyroelectric and Piezoelectric' Gemstones and Crystals
For thousands of years, crystals have been used as amulets for protection and also for healing and cleansing. Some of these stones give off heat and an electrical charge when rubbed. Today, as was in the ancient past, these crystals hold a special place in crystal healing and holistic healing jewelry.
These semi-precious stones are known as 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstones. [Note: "PIEZEIN" in Greek means to squeeze or press and "PIEZO" means “push”].
Ancient people believed that the fire or heat (PYR in Greek) that is produced from the electric charge contain powerful metaphysical properties. Very few gemstones possess this trait.
Pyroelectric and piezoelectric gemstones include Axinite, Tourmaline, Quartz, Prehnite, Topaz and Jeremejevite.
AXINITE. Axinite comes from the Greek AXINE which means "axe" on account of its unusual crystal structure which is sharp and axe-like.
Axinite has a fascinating pyro- and piezoelectric properties. This means that it has the ability to create an electrical current when heated or cooled rapidly, or when pressure or stress is applied to the crystal.
Axinite has a highly vitreous luster and a good cleavage. Its hardness is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to translucent. Gem-quality Axinite is rare.
Axinite has strong pleochroism. It exhibits a variety of colors depending on the light and angles from which it is viewed.
Axinite assists in avoiding and resolving power struggles at home and at the work place. It induces calmness and increases clarity thereby making a peaceful dialogue possible and reducing resentment.
Axinite gives vitality to the wearer. It releases lethargy and headaches from the ill effects of negative energies from electronic devices like handphones, microwave ovens, WIFI and routers.
Another 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstone and crystal comes from the ancient Sinhalese (from Sri Lanka) "Thoramalli" which means a mixed coloured stone.
TOURMALINE has a hardness ranging from 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to opaque with a glass-like luster.
Tourmaline was first introduced in Europe by the Dutch East India Company because there was a demand for curiosities and gems. Tourmaline was unique in its distinguishing feature of being able to attract and repel hot ashes when heated or rubbed due to its pyroelectric properties (which is a legitimate magical property). Tourmaline was called the Ceylonese Sri Lankan magnet.
Dutch traders called Tourmaline "aschentrekkers" or the "ash pullers". This is because its pyroelectric properties attract dust particles such as ashes. Thus, the Dutch traders used Tourmaline crystals to clean the ash from their Meerschaum pipes.
The 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Von Linne called Tourmaline "the electric stone."
Due to its electrical properties, Tourmaline can be magnetized to attract dust, ash, shavings and general environmental pollutants.
Black tourmaline or Schorl is the most common tourmaline found in nature. 90% of all Tourmaline are Schorl (sometimes they come with a brown or blue tint). This color is due to the presence of large quantities of iron in Tourmaline.
Though Tourmaline comes in all colors of the rainbow, it is the black Tourmaline that is most piezoelectric and pyroelectric. It has the ability to generate electric charge under the effect of mechanical pressure and when subjected to heat.
Black Tourmaline is especially effective in negating electromagnetic field (EMF) emanating from electronic devices and appliances like microwaves, laptops, routers, game consoles and handphones. Scientific evidence proves that Tourmaline can absorb and dissipate some of these EMFs.
Tourmaline can inspire creativity. Ancient Egyptians wore Tourmaline for its mystical powers and to fight off evil.
Tourmaline and Quartz are the most popular gemstones today, not only for their stunning beauty but also for their powerful healing properties.
QUARTZ is best known for their piezo-electric charge. In 1916, the Canadian physicist Robert William Boyle used quartz piezoelectric crystals to produce the world's first practical underwater active sound detection apparatus known today as the modern sonar device.
Today quartz crystals can be found in watches, clocks, microphones, speakers, and most electronic devices. Quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth. It is composed of silicon and oxygen. It comes in many colors including purple/violet (Amethyst); yellow and purple (Ametrine); yellow/orange (Citrine); pink (Rose Quartz); brown (Smoky Quartz); green (Prasiolite) and colorless (rock crystal which is what we know of as Quartz).
Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to nearly opaque with a vitreous or glass-like, waxy to dull luster when massive. As stated above, quartz is piezoelectric and pyroelectric and may also be triboluminescent (or luminescence produced by friction).
Rock Crystal is the purest variety of quartz. It is composed of silicon dioxide and is transparent and colorless. It is clear as it doesn't contain any trace minerals.
Rock Crystal has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It has a glass-like luster with a strong piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. These are used to control the oscillation of electrical circuits. It is also used to make precision sensitive scientific instruments including medical incision devices, cutting weapons and sharpening cutting tools.
It is said that Rock Crystal encloses within itself all the knowledge and secrets of the past, present and future.
Wearing rock crystal will banish nightmares, and rid of curses. It will guard you against all sorts of black and evil witchcraft, envious friends, and the evil thoughts and intentions of people in general set against you.
It has been said that in the presence of poison, Rock Crystal would break or become cloudy. For this reason, the ancients made beautiful goblets from Rock Crystal.
Rock Crystals help prevent infectious diseases, tumors, blood impurities, heart problems, feet troubles, bowel troubles, and kidney failure.
Not only Rock Crystal was employed since ancient times as crystal ball for scrying, but also as lenses for those having problems with vision. Rock Crystals, too, have been used as prisms. They were also used as a tool to burn tumors in the skin.
Furthermore, another 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstone and crystal is: PREHNITE which was named after Colonel Hendrik von Prehn, a Dutch mineralogist in 1788.
Prehnite is composed of hydrated calcium aluminum silicate. It comes in a soft yellow-green to apple-green color. Prehnite has a hardness ranging from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It has a brittle tenacity with good cleavage which means that it is a fragile stone. When cut and polished, it has a vitreous to pearly luster. Many specimens have a captivating glowing quality. Most prehnite are translucent and rarely transparent, though specimens that are transparent have been found.
Chinese call Prehnite the "grape jade" due to its pale to dark green color. Furthermore, it is often found in a grape-like aggregate forms.
When heated, prehnite crystals can sometimes give off water. It also has the piezoelectric properties.
Prehnite is a powerful stone of protection and is known as the Stone of Prophecy. Through meditation, prehnite is a great bridge for communication with the spirit world. It is also a great vehicle used for astral projection. It is considered a powerful dream stone and it promotes lucid dreaming.
Prehnite is a booster of energy and invigorating power. It is also a booster of intuition. As a stone of unconditional love, it is the glue that connects the Will and the Heart. The precious stone is said to inspire forgiveness and acceptance and is believed to help those who suffer from claustrophobia.
TOPAZ. Topaz comes from the Greek word TOPAZIOS which means "to divine, guess and conjecture". Topaz is also thought to have been derived from the Sanskrit word तपस् "Tapas" which means "heat" or "fire".
It is a silicate mineral with aluminum and fluorine. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It has a glass-like luster and is translucent to transparent. Topaz feels very smooth, almost slippery to the touch. Real topaz feels cool.
Topaz is also a pleochroic gemstone and can have varied color intensity when viewed at different angles.
It occurs in a wide range of colors. The most valuable colors for use in jewelry are natural pink, orange, red, purple and blue. However, Topaz is usually white or colorless. Some come with chromium impurities which create a number of tints in Topaz.
Topaz has been used as a gemstone since ancient times by the great civilisations of Hindus, Greeks and Egyptians.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans associated the yellow and orange topaz with the energy of the sun god. This solar energy touches everything, heals everything and revives everything. Topaz, too, promotes the feelings of joy and happiness.
Topaz was believed to cure insanity. It is still used today as a powerful amulet of protection against any type of danger. It is said to protect the wearer from epidemics, wild passions, witchcraft and the envious look of the Evil Eye. It gives extra-sensory perceptions like a glimpse of the afterlife.
Topaz was called the Stone of Power because it was thought to give sexual potency and strength. It was believed that in each full and new moon, this power manifests itself into its highest potential.
Like most sacred stones, Topaz enhances intuition and psychic abilities and attracts wealth and prosperity to one's life.
Topaz, too, has piezoelectric properties. As a matter of fact, the two most powerful gemstones with piezoelectric abilities are Topaz and Tourmaline, followed by the Quartz group.
The final 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstone is Jeremejevite. Jeremejevite is a rare aluminium borate mineral with variable fluoride and hydroxide ions. It was first discovered in Siberia and named in 1883 after Russian mineralogist Pavel Vladimirovich Eremeev (Jeremejev, German). It occurs in a hexagonal structure with crystals elongated and tapering. It also occurs in small grains, acicular, ball-shaped aggregates crystal structure. It is extremely rare and very much unknown to gemstone lovers.
It comes in a wide ranging of colors including white or colorless, greenish, pale blue-green, blue, pale yellow-brown, light yellow, golden yellow, and violet (very rare). It may also show color banding.
Jeremejevite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, with a glass-like luster and is transparent. Jeremejevite also comes with heavy inclusions such as feathers, fingerprints (sometimes with water inside), multi-phase inclusions, crystals and growth lines.
Though Jeremejevite can be created in the laboratory, it can only be created in micro-crystalline form and as an OH-end member with no fluorine (F) present and for research purposes only.
Also, Jeremejevite is not known to be treated or enhanced in anyway.
Jeremejevite gemstone is also piezoelectric. This means that these gem generate electricity when placed under pressure. Of all the piezoelectric gemstones, Jeremejevite is the rarest. And because it is extremely rare, it is usually worn in its raw form instead of faceted. Pendants are ideal for its crystal metaphysical properties, more so with a chain made of silver since silver is the most powerful electricity conductor. Thus, when Jeremejevite comes in contact with the skin, the silver will pass the Jeremejevite’s crystal energy to the wearer. Crystal healers believe that Jeremejevite in all its shapes, colors and forms, carry healing vibrations.
Final note, in our modern world, it is electricity that powers and gives motion to things such as cars, cellphones, computers, robots, and so forth. It is a known fact that the human also produces electricity, especially in the brain. It is also a known fact that the electrical storms of Jupiter have an effect here on Earth. Perhaps there is some truth regarding what the ancients believed about these semi-precious stones? That they have the ability to influence us in a good way.
For thousands of years, crystals have been used as amulets for protection and also for healing and cleansing. Some of these stones give off heat and an electrical charge when rubbed. Today, as was in the ancient past, these crystals hold a special place in crystal healing and holistic healing jewelry.
These semi-precious stones are known as 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstones. [Note: "PIEZEIN" in Greek means to squeeze or press and "PIEZO" means “push”].
Ancient people believed that the fire or heat (PYR in Greek) that is produced from the electric charge contain powerful metaphysical properties. Very few gemstones possess this trait.
Pyroelectric and piezoelectric gemstones include Axinite, Tourmaline, Quartz, Prehnite, Topaz and Jeremejevite.
AXINITE. Axinite comes from the Greek AXINE which means "axe" on account of its unusual crystal structure which is sharp and axe-like.
Axinite has a fascinating pyro- and piezoelectric properties. This means that it has the ability to create an electrical current when heated or cooled rapidly, or when pressure or stress is applied to the crystal.
Axinite has a highly vitreous luster and a good cleavage. Its hardness is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to translucent. Gem-quality Axinite is rare.
Axinite has strong pleochroism. It exhibits a variety of colors depending on the light and angles from which it is viewed.
Axinite assists in avoiding and resolving power struggles at home and at the work place. It induces calmness and increases clarity thereby making a peaceful dialogue possible and reducing resentment.
Axinite gives vitality to the wearer. It releases lethargy and headaches from the ill effects of negative energies from electronic devices like handphones, microwave ovens, WIFI and routers.
Another 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstone and crystal comes from the ancient Sinhalese (from Sri Lanka) "Thoramalli" which means a mixed coloured stone.
TOURMALINE has a hardness ranging from 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to opaque with a glass-like luster.
Tourmaline was first introduced in Europe by the Dutch East India Company because there was a demand for curiosities and gems. Tourmaline was unique in its distinguishing feature of being able to attract and repel hot ashes when heated or rubbed due to its pyroelectric properties (which is a legitimate magical property). Tourmaline was called the Ceylonese Sri Lankan magnet.
Dutch traders called Tourmaline "aschentrekkers" or the "ash pullers". This is because its pyroelectric properties attract dust particles such as ashes. Thus, the Dutch traders used Tourmaline crystals to clean the ash from their Meerschaum pipes.
The 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Von Linne called Tourmaline "the electric stone."
Due to its electrical properties, Tourmaline can be magnetized to attract dust, ash, shavings and general environmental pollutants.
Black tourmaline or Schorl is the most common tourmaline found in nature. 90% of all Tourmaline are Schorl (sometimes they come with a brown or blue tint). This color is due to the presence of large quantities of iron in Tourmaline.
Though Tourmaline comes in all colors of the rainbow, it is the black Tourmaline that is most piezoelectric and pyroelectric. It has the ability to generate electric charge under the effect of mechanical pressure and when subjected to heat.
Black Tourmaline is especially effective in negating electromagnetic field (EMF) emanating from electronic devices and appliances like microwaves, laptops, routers, game consoles and handphones. Scientific evidence proves that Tourmaline can absorb and dissipate some of these EMFs.
Tourmaline can inspire creativity. Ancient Egyptians wore Tourmaline for its mystical powers and to fight off evil.
Tourmaline and Quartz are the most popular gemstones today, not only for their stunning beauty but also for their powerful healing properties.
QUARTZ is best known for their piezo-electric charge. In 1916, the Canadian physicist Robert William Boyle used quartz piezoelectric crystals to produce the world's first practical underwater active sound detection apparatus known today as the modern sonar device.
Today quartz crystals can be found in watches, clocks, microphones, speakers, and most electronic devices. Quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth. It is composed of silicon and oxygen. It comes in many colors including purple/violet (Amethyst); yellow and purple (Ametrine); yellow/orange (Citrine); pink (Rose Quartz); brown (Smoky Quartz); green (Prasiolite) and colorless (rock crystal which is what we know of as Quartz).
Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to nearly opaque with a vitreous or glass-like, waxy to dull luster when massive. As stated above, quartz is piezoelectric and pyroelectric and may also be triboluminescent (or luminescence produced by friction).
Rock Crystal is the purest variety of quartz. It is composed of silicon dioxide and is transparent and colorless. It is clear as it doesn't contain any trace minerals.
Rock Crystal has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It has a glass-like luster with a strong piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. These are used to control the oscillation of electrical circuits. It is also used to make precision sensitive scientific instruments including medical incision devices, cutting weapons and sharpening cutting tools.
It is said that Rock Crystal encloses within itself all the knowledge and secrets of the past, present and future.
Wearing rock crystal will banish nightmares, and rid of curses. It will guard you against all sorts of black and evil witchcraft, envious friends, and the evil thoughts and intentions of people in general set against you.
It has been said that in the presence of poison, Rock Crystal would break or become cloudy. For this reason, the ancients made beautiful goblets from Rock Crystal.
Rock Crystals help prevent infectious diseases, tumors, blood impurities, heart problems, feet troubles, bowel troubles, and kidney failure.
Not only Rock Crystal was employed since ancient times as crystal ball for scrying, but also as lenses for those having problems with vision. Rock Crystals, too, have been used as prisms. They were also used as a tool to burn tumors in the skin.
Furthermore, another 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstone and crystal is: PREHNITE which was named after Colonel Hendrik von Prehn, a Dutch mineralogist in 1788.
Prehnite is composed of hydrated calcium aluminum silicate. It comes in a soft yellow-green to apple-green color. Prehnite has a hardness ranging from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It has a brittle tenacity with good cleavage which means that it is a fragile stone. When cut and polished, it has a vitreous to pearly luster. Many specimens have a captivating glowing quality. Most prehnite are translucent and rarely transparent, though specimens that are transparent have been found.
Chinese call Prehnite the "grape jade" due to its pale to dark green color. Furthermore, it is often found in a grape-like aggregate forms.
When heated, prehnite crystals can sometimes give off water. It also has the piezoelectric properties.
Prehnite is a powerful stone of protection and is known as the Stone of Prophecy. Through meditation, prehnite is a great bridge for communication with the spirit world. It is also a great vehicle used for astral projection. It is considered a powerful dream stone and it promotes lucid dreaming.
Prehnite is a booster of energy and invigorating power. It is also a booster of intuition. As a stone of unconditional love, it is the glue that connects the Will and the Heart. The precious stone is said to inspire forgiveness and acceptance and is believed to help those who suffer from claustrophobia.
TOPAZ. Topaz comes from the Greek word TOPAZIOS which means "to divine, guess and conjecture". Topaz is also thought to have been derived from the Sanskrit word तपस् "Tapas" which means "heat" or "fire".
It is a silicate mineral with aluminum and fluorine. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It has a glass-like luster and is translucent to transparent. Topaz feels very smooth, almost slippery to the touch. Real topaz feels cool.
Topaz is also a pleochroic gemstone and can have varied color intensity when viewed at different angles.
It occurs in a wide range of colors. The most valuable colors for use in jewelry are natural pink, orange, red, purple and blue. However, Topaz is usually white or colorless. Some come with chromium impurities which create a number of tints in Topaz.
Topaz has been used as a gemstone since ancient times by the great civilisations of Hindus, Greeks and Egyptians.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans associated the yellow and orange topaz with the energy of the sun god. This solar energy touches everything, heals everything and revives everything. Topaz, too, promotes the feelings of joy and happiness.
Topaz was believed to cure insanity. It is still used today as a powerful amulet of protection against any type of danger. It is said to protect the wearer from epidemics, wild passions, witchcraft and the envious look of the Evil Eye. It gives extra-sensory perceptions like a glimpse of the afterlife.
Topaz was called the Stone of Power because it was thought to give sexual potency and strength. It was believed that in each full and new moon, this power manifests itself into its highest potential.
Like most sacred stones, Topaz enhances intuition and psychic abilities and attracts wealth and prosperity to one's life.
Topaz, too, has piezoelectric properties. As a matter of fact, the two most powerful gemstones with piezoelectric abilities are Topaz and Tourmaline, followed by the Quartz group.
The final 'pyroelectric and piezoelectric' gemstone is Jeremejevite. Jeremejevite is a rare aluminium borate mineral with variable fluoride and hydroxide ions. It was first discovered in Siberia and named in 1883 after Russian mineralogist Pavel Vladimirovich Eremeev (Jeremejev, German). It occurs in a hexagonal structure with crystals elongated and tapering. It also occurs in small grains, acicular, ball-shaped aggregates crystal structure. It is extremely rare and very much unknown to gemstone lovers.
It comes in a wide ranging of colors including white or colorless, greenish, pale blue-green, blue, pale yellow-brown, light yellow, golden yellow, and violet (very rare). It may also show color banding.
Jeremejevite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, with a glass-like luster and is transparent. Jeremejevite also comes with heavy inclusions such as feathers, fingerprints (sometimes with water inside), multi-phase inclusions, crystals and growth lines.
Though Jeremejevite can be created in the laboratory, it can only be created in micro-crystalline form and as an OH-end member with no fluorine (F) present and for research purposes only.
Also, Jeremejevite is not known to be treated or enhanced in anyway.
Jeremejevite gemstone is also piezoelectric. This means that these gem generate electricity when placed under pressure. Of all the piezoelectric gemstones, Jeremejevite is the rarest. And because it is extremely rare, it is usually worn in its raw form instead of faceted. Pendants are ideal for its crystal metaphysical properties, more so with a chain made of silver since silver is the most powerful electricity conductor. Thus, when Jeremejevite comes in contact with the skin, the silver will pass the Jeremejevite’s crystal energy to the wearer. Crystal healers believe that Jeremejevite in all its shapes, colors and forms, carry healing vibrations.
Final note, in our modern world, it is electricity that powers and gives motion to things such as cars, cellphones, computers, robots, and so forth. It is a known fact that the human also produces electricity, especially in the brain. It is also a known fact that the electrical storms of Jupiter have an effect here on Earth. Perhaps there is some truth regarding what the ancients believed about these semi-precious stones? That they have the ability to influence us in a good way.