Summer Travels & New Crystal Finds

Happy Mid-Summer! Two years ago we wrote our first blog post, and it’s been a journey and a delight, yet there’s still so much to learn about the wonderful world of blogging! The first year had us posting regularly, and the second year has been full of growth and changes with the business (all good!), which kept us from posting as much as we had hoped. The past few months we’ve been traveling cross-country, re-connecting with family and friends and gathering all sorts of magical crystals along the way! As August roars in, we find ourselves in the Northeast, spellbound by the lush summer greenery (so different from our abode in the dry high desert of Taos). We’re not far from Herkimer, NY, giving us the chance to stock up on Herkimer Diamond crystals for our talented jewelers, collectors, and rockhounds! For those unfamiliar with herks, these beauties are small double terminated quartz crystals that form with natural facets on every side. The high grade quartz crystals have excellent clarity and 3-D forms that make them sparkle like diamonds.

Herkimer Diamond Quartz Crystal

“Herkimer diamonds” come from all over the world, but they’re named after the crystals found in Herkimer, NY. While some people believe that the crystals from NY have special attributes compared to those in other places, it is our experience that they all share similar metaphysical properties. Herkimer diamonds are powerful amplifiers of physical and spiritual energy, making them great for energy healing, meditation, and other spiritual practices. They are often used to clear the chakras, and open the channels for spiritual energy to flow.

Gemstone Bowls with herkimer diamonds

Herkimer diamonds are also thought to intensify the energy of other crystals. In our Etsy shop, we’re now offering a variety of gemstone bowls and herkimer diamond energy healing sets. The individual gemstones can be used in crystal grids, placed on the body to relieve pain, and held during meditation sessions. The stone bowls with herkimers can be used to charge other crystals, and you can also place them around the house for positive feng shui energy. The sparkly gem bowls also make unique display and conversation pieces in your home or office, and they’re pretty to look at to boot!

Amethyst bowl with herkimer diamond quartz crystals

Green Aventurine bowl with herkimer diamonds and Arkansas quartz crystal

While exploring Mount Ida, Arkansas, we found a number of beautiful double terminated quartz crystals in the “herkimer diamond” style. These naturally formed stones have incredible positive energy and make awesome meditation crystals. Since Hot Springs, AR is nearby, we also took the opportunity to see one of Christopher’s favorite architectural masterpieces, the Anthony Chapel in Garvan Woodland Gardens. Nature and God unite in this interfaith chapel that is open to all. This amazing structure features a 57 foot high ceiling of wood latticework, flagstone floors and base, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow the inside of the chapel to seamlessly blend into the serene nature surrounding it. Absolutely stunning and highly recommended for everyone to see if in the area!

Anthony Chapel, Garvan Woodland Gardens

The exceptional crystals that come from Mount Ida, AR take on many intriguing forms. We came across some exceptional Lemurian wands, penetrating crystal clusters, double terminated pendant points, and Faden Quartz. Faden is a Germanic word meaning “thread”, and refers to the silky line that forms from fissures in the host rock opening slowly and leaving liquid and gas inclusions in the crystal where it ruptured and rehealed.

Lemurian wand

Penetration Quartz Crystal

DT pendant point

Faden Quartz crystal cluster

Arkansas is also famous for its Wavellite crystals. These unique lime green crystals grow in bubbles with concentric rings and radiating fibers with a shimmering chatoyant effect! Arkansas wavellites are considered to be among the best in the world, and they are difficult to find these days.

Wavellite raw mineral specimen

Wavellite cabochon

Visit our Etsy shop for some of our latest crystal finds, and check back often as we will keep listing these treasures throughout the summer and fall. If you see a stone that calls to you, don’t delay, as many of the rare one of a kind crystals get scooped up fast! Enjoy the rest of your summer sun and fun, and thanks for reading! As always, please feel free to share and leave comments 🙂 xo♥ ~ Amy & Christopher