Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Classifying Gemstones: Precious and Semi Precious stones


The fascination with gemstones is prevalent since the medieval times. A large variety of gemstones were popular across numerous cultures in the antiquities. As trade began to spread across various geographical territories, gemstones were traded, and slowly reached every part of the world.

In laymen's term gemstone is a mineral which can be cut, polished and can be used as jewellery or collectible.

Precious or Semi-Precious???
Gemstones are widely described as precious or semi-precious stones. This also leads to confusion, as these terms may not be easily understood by laymen. If we take a leap into history, it is observed that various cultures have had their own classification of stones.

Generally all the gemstones, except diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, opal and pearl are known as semi precious stones. There are over 130 minerals and crystals that can be used as gemstones.
Precious and Semi Precious stones

The concept of semi-precious stone is not new; it can be traced back to the Palaeolithic age. The hunters embellished themselves with beads and collected exotic stones for their aesthetic quality and not for their utility. Archaeological studies suggest that the upper societies in the Palaeolithic age used ochre to make rock art. Stones play an important part in the history of mankind. Stones of all sizes and types have been reckoned as he bones of “Mother Earth”. Over the years they have been used as weapons, jewellery, amulets, and talismans. Stones are known to possess energies; each stone has its meaning and strengths. They are also known as metaphysical gemstones due to their healing properties.

Due to the increasing discoveries of new stone deposits, new technology and volatile prices, classifying of stones into precious and semi precious has become ambiguous. It is a common misconception that precious stones belong to the same group as semi precious stones. On the contrary, there is a miniscule distinction that divides these categories. Back in the medieval times, gemstones that were used for religious rites and rituals were considered precious. The idea of "semi-precious" varies from culture to culture. The method of determination and classification of semi-precious stones is different in every culture.

The classifications in the medieval times were subjective, as they were closely associated with the respective cultures’ perception of value. This kind of valuation was not valid, as some regions had a particular stone in abundance, whereas some regions did not have that stone species. Classifying the gemstones became difficult when common gemstones came to be revered as special stones due to religious significance, for e.g. Jade.

It is also seen that the findings of new deposits have a huge impact on the value of a gemstone that is considered to be precious. Amethyst was revered for ages as a precious stone; however with the discovery of large deposits in Brazil in the 19th century, its value depreciated considerably.

Precious and Semi Precious gemstones: Usage

Both precious and semi precious stones have been in use since recorded history. Owing to their metaphysical properties, these gemstones have been used for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.  Today, gemstones are a part of alternative healing, and are used by millions of healers across the world. Alakik.net is a recognized name in the wholesale metaphysical gemstones market, which provides a wide range of esoteric wholesale products. 

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Friday, 5 April 2013

Introduction to benefits of Chakra Healing Wands


Healing wands are energy generators. They not only generate energy but channelize the same to provide a holistic healing. Wands are believed to be an extension of our ability to create energy and drive negative forces away. The use of healing wands is evident since way back in the medieval times. They even act as a direct source of energy. The main use of healing wands are for spiritual consecrations, healing, channelizing energy, direction of power and other spiritual purposes.

Chakra healing is a healing method which cleanses and rejuvenates the seven energy centres in the human body. These energy centres are known as chakras, a Sanskrit term meaning wheels. Energy flows through these chakras. Blockage of energy in any of these chakras can lead to illness. Chakra healing wands can be used in several ways. They can be used to heal the entire body, or they can even be used to heal a specific area of the body. Chakra healing wands can be used to scan the areas of blockage amongst the seven energy centres. These wands can also be used in massage therapy, as it can help the body in releasing tension, at the same time transferring the energy to the body. The wands with smooth and round edge at one of the ends are ideal for massage therapy.

Most of the Chakra wands are round and smooth at one edge made of either quartz crystal or other gemstones, and are pointed at the other end. Usually a wand is held with the smooth round edge facing the body and the other end outwards. The pointed end is known to be the point that directs energy, either inward or outward.  Energy is absorbed into the wand from the rounded end, and this is later directed to other objects through the pointed end. As the left hand is believed to symbolize the reception of energy, placing these wands on it can be of help while meditating.

Characteristics of Chakra Healing Wands:-
Chakra healing wands help you to unblock and cleanse negative energies that surround your body. These wands assist one in accessing, meditating, and enhancing the natural energy zones in our body. They also act as the object of power and focus, which can also balance the issues that arise due to ego. Chakra wand is made up of 7 gemstones each representing an energy centre. These gemstones correspond to the energy centres known as Sacral Chakra, Root Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra, Throat Chakra, Heart Chakra and Crown Chakra. The various stones used in a chakra healing wand are believed to help open a particular energy centre in the body. They allow the free flow of energy, creating energy. Wands made of quartz crystal have the ability of helping an individual in achieving his/her dreams and aspirations. Aligning one’s purposeful intentions with the power of the crystal can enhance its healing abilities considerably. The gemstones that represent each chakra magnify effect of the healing process. Wands with rainbow colours are most commonly used.  While most chakra wands have rounded smooth crystal point at one end, some wands have crystal points at both the ends. Some wands even have removable spheres at the end of the wand. It is also observed that smaller wands are usually more powerful and effective when compared to large wands. The power and effectiveness of a wand is highly dependent on the materials, essentially types of stones, used in making it.

Alakik.net is the wholesaler of metaphysical stones; it is a Chakra healing wands wholesaler.  Presently there are many chakra healing wands wholesaler in the market, which although provides a lot of options and variety to the customers, however can also lead to sales of counterfeit stones. Alakik.net is a trusted brand and an expert Chakra healing wand Wholesaler.

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