Stones, silver and sustainability
I have set out to leverage ethical and sustainable sourcing and shop practices here at Active Fault Studios.
Stones
I’ve spent time reading about where my stones come from and working with reputable and traceable lapidaries and stone suppliers. You can read more about the stones I use below.
Silver
I repurpose what I can and participate in silver scrap programs.
Packaging
I use boxes and bags made from recycled materials, combine shipping where possible and do local delivery and pickup.
I am still learning as I go, but I continue to leverage resources such as the Eco Jewelry Handbook: A Practical Guide for a Healthy, Safe and Sustainable Studio by Christine Dhein and explore means to create and share responsibly.
I believe every stone has a story. Each one was born from a geological event, maybe slow and steady, maybe sudden and violent, but that change bore beauty. As a self proclaimed nerd I like to know about the stones: their geological story, where they come from and for what they may be known. I am also fascinated by their alignments and perceived use in wellness. As I use various stones in my pieces I will list details about them here in case you want to get in touch with your inner geology and wellness nerd too.
Listed alphabetically, with additions made as new stones come into the collections
Amazonite is also referred to as "Colorado jade" or "Pikes Peak jade" because of its resemblance to jade. Amazonite is usually pale green, but can sometimes be blue-green, turquoise or yellow-green and can also have white streaks. Amazonite stones are thought to have tremendous healing abilities. Similar to jade, amazonite is associated with money, luck and overall success. It's known as the "gambler's stone," encouraging good luck and fortune. It is also said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system, aid in soothing tense situations and to enhance love. Since this stone is associated with the throat and heart chakras it is said to bestow truth, honor and integrity to its wearer.
Amazonite varieties sourced from Colorado
Howlite is said to be a calming stone and to help its wearer to reduce their own levels of stress and anger, as well as anger that is directed towards them. Howlite is thought to absorb negative energy and its calming qualities are said to help reduce insomnia as it relieves and unburdens an overactive mind.
Howlite varieties sourced from across Canada
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral that conveys courage and mysticism. Linked to the glimmering gold and green lights of the Aurora Borealis, this stone is as mystical as its iridescent changing colors suggest. Labradorite is also considered a great stone for grounding in when it comes to physical healing, helpful for anxiety, digestive health and respiratory wellness.
Moonstone is known as a stone for “new beginnings”, a stone of inner growth and strength. It soothes emotional instability and stress, and stabilizes the emotions, providing calmness. Moonstone is said to enhance intuition and promote inspiration, success and good fortune in love and business matters. Moonstone is also thought to help channel one's feminine side. It has been used as a stone of protection for traveling at night, voyaging at sea, childbirth, and pregnancy. Linked with the crown, third eye, and heart chakras, Moonstone is believed to calm and relieve stress while releasing love of all kinds.
Spiny Oyster shells are found in along the Baja coast of California. Typically these shells are striped with fiery coral red, orange, or purple. From the shells, many imposing, curved quills grow, these quills provide camouflage and anchor points for plants and animals, such as algae and sponges. They tend to be found between 15-50m deep in the ocean. After 90ft of water the reds and oranges appear. Purple is found in water from 0-60 ft. The shell of this oyster has been found in archeological excavations of the Anasazi and other native peoples of the desert southwest, often alongside turquoise. In some cultures these spiny oysters were used as currency or offerings to the Gods.
Turquoise, the captivating sea-green stone of the ancients, represents wisdom, tranquility, protection, good fortune, and hope. Ancient peoples believed in its profound power to protect, as well as its tranquil energy and association with enduring love. Perhaps the oldest stone in man's history, the talisman of kings, shamans, and warriors, its healing energy is all about serenity and peace. For those who are feeling burnt out or like their spirit is being weighed down, this stone it thought to eases those traps by giving you courage, strength, and a calmness of mind. It is a stone of communication, both with others and with one’s self, aligning with the throat chakra.
Some of the turquoise I use in my pieces includes:
Bisbee from the copper mines near Bisbee, Arizona
Cumpas from Cumpas, Sonora, Mexico
Kingman from Kingman, Arizona
Morenci from the Morenci mine in Southern Arizona
Natural Fox from the Fox Mine in Lander County, Nevada
Pilot Mountain from Mineral County, Nevada
Sand Hill from Henan, China
Treasure Mountain from Qingu, Hubei, China
Yungai Cloud Mountain from Hubei, China- signature turquoise of Asia
White Water from Sonora, Mexico
Samples of turquoise and variscite from my stone collection
Variscite is sometimes confused with turquoise; however, variscite is usually greener in color. It is seen as a grounding stone and is associated with the gaining of wealth. Variscite is believed to help brain-related functions, improving intellect and logic. It is also said to calm the brain by relieving stress and anxiety. According to metaphysical beliefs, variscite is believed to enhance joy felt by the wearer. Variscite is connected to the heart chakra and therefore is said to open the heart and stimulate compassion or love.
Crescent Lake Variscite from the Silk Road region between Tibet and Mongolia
Utah Variscite from (you guessed it) Utah
White Buffalo often mislabeled White Turquoise, does not contain copper, lacks a blue coloration, and is technically not turquoise at all. It is a softer stone than turquoise and is typically white with black or brown vein patterns. This stone has been historically used as a protection stone for its purifying properties. It has often been crafted into amulets to aid in warding off negative energies and promoting communication. It is often associated with the Crown chakra but has the ability to realign all seven chakras and is said to help promote a general sense of well being. It is believed to be useful for channeling new energy into the body or to help with promoting a sense of emotional peace and easing the effects of depression and panic.
White Buffalo from Tonopah, Nevada mine owned by the Otteson family
Wild Horse, sometimes called Wild Horse Turquoise, is not actually turquoise. Wild Horse was found in the mid-90's near the Globe copper mine in the Gila wilderness area of southeastern Arizona. This stone is also known as Red Thunder and usually has a unique formation of white veins with a reddish hematite web.
Wild Horse from Southeastern Arizona