U~Z of our A-Z of Crystal Magic & Folklore

Crystal Magic & Folklore, Part V - Crystals 'U' through 'Z'

written by Laura Lees - Laura@snazzdragon.com

Stones are colour-coded, according to the element with which they are most commonly associated:
Red = Fire • Blue = Water • Green = Earth • Yellow = Air

Unakite The pretty patterning in Unakite is formed from its mixture of mossy green pistacite and pink feldspar. The green and red tones have made this stone sacred to Mars and Venus, representing their passion and also the creative energy and magical power that is generated when two opposites are brought together in a balanced way. The stone can be used in any spells linked to strong emotions such as lust, courage or daring and also to increase marital harmony, strengthen partnerships and increase understanding between people.

Variscite A beautiful green or turquoise coloured stone, usually covered with pale to dark brown lines. Variscite contains the energy of the Earth in a very pure and powerful form. The brown, branching tracks running across the smooth green surface look very like the channels of Earth energy that stream through every landscape and because of this the stone is often used for Earth magic. Carry a piece with you when searching for sacred places in the landscape or ley lines. Variscite beads can be used to make a pendulum that is excellent for dowsing Earth energy on maps. Meditation with the stone can help you to discover new insights about the landscape and sacred sites around you and also how you can play your part in cherishing and protecting these places.

Vivianite Also known as Odontolite, Vivianite is not a stone. It is actually fossilised dinosaur bone that has been naturally stained by minerals in the earth, taking on a turquoise hue that has often led it to be confused with the stone Turquoise. It holds memories of the long ages of the Earth and the weight of history and can be used in magic or meditation to find out where you belong in this vast, epic story. Use in spells to increase patience and endurance or to find the energy to see a difficult task through to the end.

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Zeolite Zeolites are a family of rare and beautiful volcanic minerals made up of silicon and aluminium, which have complex crystal structures and unique properties. They form in the cracks and cavities of volcanic rocks where heat and pressure compress and transform the minerals present into strange crystalline forms. Zeolites are mainly used in magic to transform energy and are very effective healing stones. They harness the combined power of elemental Earth and Fire, breaking down negativity, harmful emotions and illness and transforming the energy that is released so that it can be used for positive purposes. Zeolites are good crystals to work with if you face difficult decisions or doubt your ability to keep going in the face of adversity. Just keeping a Zeolite near you during these times can help -- whisper your troubles to the crystal before sleeping and it can transform despair into hope and show solutions to your problems in your dreams.

Zincite Zincite is the gem form of zinc, in the same way that Pyrite or Haematite are gem forms of iron. It is a relatively modern discovery. It occurs naturally as tiny crystals but the most beautiful specimens are the result of modern industry; excellent crystals were discovered growing in the chimneys of zinc smelting plants. Increases vitality, personal power and creativity. A good stone for magic to help lift you out of the doldrums or to help when life becomes stagnant and boring – but be careful because its energy is not subtle! Symbolises blood, especially the blood of the Earth Goddess. For magical work it would make a good sacrifice and is a perfectly moral and ethical alternative if blood is called for in an old spell. Stimulates creativity and the desire to create, especially to make things with your hands. Also helpful if you find yourself spending too much time thinking and not enough doing as the stone helps to focus your higher thoughts and imaginings so that you can use them to create something practical or beautiful in the real world.

Zircon Zircon is usually brown to green in colour but heating it is an oxygen free environment produces a beautiful, dazzling blue colour. The stone is known as a spiritual stimulant and can help the magic user in many ways. Use it to help you focus on your path, to live life the way you want, to strive for knowledge and to better yourself. A healing stone for emotional problems which also brings protection. This means that you can use the stone to cleanse yourself of old traumas, doubts and sadness without the fear that by releasing your emotions you will be overwhelmed. It is renowned as an amulet for travellers which will protect its bearer from injury and disease and ensure a warm welcome, comfortable bed and good food wherever you travel. It is recorded that a person carrying Zircon can never be hit by lightning, but I have not tested this personally and I would not advise anyone else to either!

Zirconium Zirconium is an artificial stone. Some believe that because it is not natural it cannot be used in magic but it seems that like all crystal structures the stone can hold energy and can be ‘charged’ with your intent, though this varies from person to person and the colour that is worked with. Lavender Zirconium, also called Lavender Ice, can be used to bring humour and a little healthy childishness to those who are too serious for their own good or to awaken an adventurous streak in even the most down to earth. Pink Zirconium is said to be best worn by the young and the young at heart. White Zirconium is by far the best fake diamond created so far and anyone can use this sparkling stone as a focus of power.

Zeolite	Zeolites are a family of rare and beautiful volcanic minerals made up of silicon and aluminium, which have complex crystal structures and unique properties. They form in the cracks and cavities of volcanic rocks where heat and pressure compress and transform the minerals present into strange crystalline forms. Zeolites are mainly used in magic to transform energy and are very effective healing stones. They harness the combined power of elemental Earth and Fire, breaking down negativity, harmful emotions and illness and transforming the energy that is released so that it can be used for positive purposes. Zeolites are good crystals to work with if you face difficult decisions or doubt your ability to keep going in the face of adversity. Just keeping a Zeolite near you during these times can help -- whisper your troubles to the crystal before sleeping and it can transform despair into hope and show solutions to your problems in your dreams.
Zincite	Zincite is the gem form of zinc, in the same way that Pyrite or Haematite are gem forms of iron. It is a relatively modern discovery. It occurs naturally as tiny crystals but the most beautiful specimens are the result of modern industry; excellent crystals were discovered growing in the chimneys of zinc smelting plants. Increases vitality, personal power and creativity. A good stone for magic to help lift you out of the doldrums or to help when life becomes stagnant and boring – but be careful because its energy is not subtle! Symbolises blood, especially the blood of the Earth Goddess. For magical work it would make a good sacrifice and is a perfectly moral and ethical alternative if blood is called for in an old spell. Stimulates creativity and the desire to create, especially to make things with your hands. Also helpful if you find yourself spending too much time thinking and not enough doing as the stone helps to focus your higher thoughts and imaginings so that you can use them to create something practical or beautiful in the real world.
Zircon	Zircon is usually brown to green in colour but heating it is an oxygen free environment produces a beautiful, dazzling blue colour. The stone is known as a spiritual stimulant and can help the magic user in many ways. Use it to help you focus on your path, to live life the way you want, to strive for knowledge and to better yourself. A healing stone for emotional problems which also brings protection. This means that you can use the stone to cleanse yourself of old traumas, doubts and sadness without the fear that by releasing your emotions you will be overwhelmed. It is renowned as an amulet for travellers which will protect its bearer from injury and disease and ensure a warm welcome, comfortable bed and good food wherever you travel. It is recorded that a person carrying Zircon can never be hit by lightning, but I have not tested this personally and I would not advise anyone else to either!
Zirconium	Zirconium is an artificial stone. Some believe that because it is not natural it cannot be used in magic but it seems that like all crystal structures the stone can hold energy and can be ‘charged’ with your intent, though this varies from person to person and the colour that is worked with. Lavender Zirconium, also called Lavender Ice, can be used to bring humour and a little healthy childishness to those who are too serious for their own good or to awaken an adventurous streak in even the most down to earth. Pink Zirconium is said to be best worn by the young and the young at heart. White Zirconium is by far the best fake diamond created so far and anyone can use this sparkling stone as a focus of power.