Apo & PS Hi all... The journey's begun in earnest for a stone/mineral series.. and I've got to tell you, this is more fun that poking snakes with a stick! (and noooo, I don't really) It seemed appropriate that this particular one start what may well prove to be one long and winding path...so grab your hiking boots, guys. I would like to introduce Chrysocolla...(and, I sigh ...loud and long.. as I make this particular introduction). You see, Chrysocolla and I are engaged in a very lengthy one-on-one attempt to come to some sort of mutual understanding and be able to coexist...lol. But, after literally almost 3 full years now, since I first encountered it...we've had this sort of ongoing thing between us...(okay, maybe this isn't making much sense...well, what do you expect from a girl who plays with rocks?!) Anyway, this is literally THE one and only stone I have EVER encountered which has brought with it such an impact. I remember being in a lapidary shop, exploring...when first finding it. I was so drawn to it, for its colors and inclusions, that I couldn't resist immediately reaching for a single specimen. In all seriousness, the very INSTANT this one made contact with my palm, I was intensely overcome with intense nausea and a very strong sense of feeling ..well...just generally somehow disturbed. I thought ..oh well..that particular little bugger's been somewhere I don't want to roam...so let's try another. Bam! The very same powerful sense of queasiness. I was awed. Needless to say, it came home with me. Since this time, I've come to understand infinitely more about it. And, after learning of its qualities, I realize that my sense and reaction to it is because it is probably THE stone for me...we seem to have an awful lot in common. But, as with all things, too much of even a very good thing tends to tip the scales in one direction and throw all else out of balance. And, strangely enough, this little gem is thought to bear an association to the heart and thyroid. I didn't know at the time that I had a bit of both things going on. Certainly the next time touching a rock makes me want to hurl on my own shoes, I'll definitely take it as a heads-up.. :) A little about the stone: Chrysocolla is unmistakable in appearance as it somewhat resembles turquoise, only with more inclusions. It is a copper-bearing silicate mineral whose name was first used by Theophrastus in 315 B.C. and comes from the Greek chrysos, meaning "gold," and kolla, meaning "glue," in allusion to the name of the material used to solder gold. It is the stone of an artist, thought to enhance any creative pursuits. Chrysocolla is considered a stone associated with absolute and ultimate honesty..and an ability to speak the truth, without feelings of guilt. It's nature is unmistakably gentle, but also, quite strong. It is felt to awaken compassion, to balance the emotions, and bring peace to both the mind and heart. Felt to be an emotional balancer & comforter, it also thought to alleviate fear and tension, and is thought to be helpful where disorders of the lungs, the heart, feminine disorders, arthritis, and those pesky little thyroid problems are concerned. It is thought to possess the ability to soothe and calm, to help ease fear, and gently release emotions...and bears a very strong feminine association...to a woman's acceptance of herself, just as she is. A thought-amplifier, and communication facilitator, it is also associated with wisdom :) I hope you like this one and enjoy it even half as much as I enjoyed creating it. It was a challenge to find, but great, great fun. Always, big thanks for your wonderful comments...From my heart to yours, wishes for a lovely week ahead. Thoughts and hugs, Nancy~*