The Comfy Cabin

Rock, paper, scissors? Of course, I always choose rocks! There is a beauty within every single rock that can be found during a long walk in the woods. And for all the rock hounds in the house… here are the 8 precious rocks that can be found in the woods of SC. Plus, many other gemstones are waiting to be discovered.

Clear Crystal Quartz

Clear Crystal Quartz is known for brining the body back to balance. It is a crystal that amplify energy and is very restorative. Crystal quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen. It is silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It is the most abundant crystal found at Earth’s surface, and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural substances.

Citrine

Citrine is associated with positivity and positive optimism. Citrine is a transparent variety of quartz, a member of the silicates family. Citrine comes in variety of colors from yellow, yellowish brown, and smoky gray-brown.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz are minerals that frequently contain inclusions of gas (carbon dioxide), liquid (often both water and carbon dioxide), or solids (rutile). In the 12th century in China, smoky quartz flat panes were used as sunglasses. Smoky quartz is used as an amplifier of positive energy, and a talisman for energy protection.

Milky Quartz

Milky quartz is any crystal quartz or cluster that is white in color, and translucent to opaque. This crystal is commonly known as the “phantom quartz” because inside the crystal has a ghostly appearance…it is a crystal within a crystal. Milky quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen… it is silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Many have considered this stone to be known as a symbol of purity, along with the age of innocence.

Mica

Mica has industrial uses such as electrical engineering, glass working, lamp shades, and cosmetics like highlighters. Mica is an aluminum mineral called phyllosilicate. Mica has been used as an amulet for protection and bringing positive energy back into your life.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a semiprecious quartz variant with a distinctive purple color. Both North Carolina and South Carolina are hotspots for amethyst due to the soil’s high content of crystal and iron. When amethysts is heated treated, it becomes yellow like its cousin citrine. In ancient Greece, amethysts was used as drinking vessels. Amethyst is known to be a healing crystal to help alleviate stress.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine aids in calming the mind and helps with self-expression. Aquamarine is the mineral Beryl, a Beryllium Aluminum Silicate with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂(Si₁₆O₁₈).
In ancient times, sailors carried aquamarine with them to the sea, believing it would prevent them from drowning. Aquamarine is a popular stone for engagement rings. Overall, aquamarine is associated with tranquility and universal harmony. It’s connected to life in all its vitality and hope.

Henderson Gneiss

I fondly call this rock, the ‘zebra rock’ because the striation looks like a zebra. 🦓 🙂
Genesis is a metamorphic rock that can easily be identified by its alternating layers of minerals known as gneissic banding. It is formed by high temperature and high-pressure metamorphic processes acting on formations composed of igneous or sedimentary rocks. Some genesis contains larger crystals such as, quartz, feldspar, mica, chlorite, and other clay minerals. Genesis has been used for beautiful floor tiles, facing stone, stair treads, window sills, countertops, and cemetery monuments.

“These gems have life in them: their color speak, say what words fail of.”
-George Eliot

What makes rocks so mystical?

Throughout history, many have used rocks and crystals for healing purposes.

It has helped restore comfort during stress and calmness during times of grief. I have found much comfort in my rock collection. 

Here is an article from Healthline on Healing Crystals 101 

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/guide-to-healing-crystals#science

And finally, this is my rock and gemstone collection. 🥰

🌟 May all the rocks be a stepping stone toward the right direction in your life. 🌟

With Gratitude,
Debra Roinestad 🍃

Resources 

➡️ Diamond Hill Gemstone Mine 

➡️ Diamond Hill Gemstone Mine Website

click here: https://diamondhillmine.com/

➡️ Books

Rockhounding for Beginners (Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Collecting Precious Minerals, Gems, Geodes, & More) by Lars W Johnson
(To purchase click on the image)

Rockhounding in South Carolina: Rock Gathering Log Book for Local Backyard Geology Enthusiasts | An Incredible Journal for Collecting & Cataloguing Rocks and Minerals
(To purchase click on the image)

National Geographic Pocket Guide to Rocks and Minerals of North America (Pocket Guides)
(To purchase click on the image)

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall
(To purchase click on the image)

Crystals for Beginners: The Guide to Get Started with the Healing Power of Crystals by Karen Frazier
(To purchase click on the image)

➡️ Tools
(To purchase click on the image)

Gear up for Spring Outdoors