Would you want a gemstones containing inclusions? As a rule, the more inclusions in a gem has, the lower its value. This is especially true if inclusions discolor the mineral, degrade its transparency, or make it more likely to fracture. Interestingly enough, there are a surprising amount of gemstones whose value is enhanced by the presence of inclusions - which either identifies its species or origin, or gives it certain optical or color characteristics. A good example is the included Demantoid Garnet whose "horsetail" inclusions verify valuable Russian origin. Another example is the Sunstone whose reflective platelets give the mineral its sparkle. Other great examples of included minerals becoming more valuable due to the inclusions are the Baltic Amber with trapped insects or plant parts, and Star Sapphires, which depend on rutile needles for creation of the star phenomenon. Development Phenomena: Development phenomena, such as the different inclusions, start and stops during crystal formation. A good example of the development phenomena is the "Phantom Crystals," which show the outline of a host crystal face with the deposited material of a different color or transparency within. The included Sun markings in diamonds, are another example. Too, what are known as "negative crystals," which are voids bounded by the growing host crystal walls, such as Enhydro stones, are another example. Enhydros are where a bubble of gas is trapped within a pocket of liquid inside the crystal. If you tilt an enhydro stone the bubble freely moves within its chamber. Rutile Quartz: The most common inclusion in quartz is rutile. The needle- and hair-like crystals can be thick or thin, pale gold to rich orangey brown in color and arranged in thick or sparse patterns. The most magnificent included mineral for collectors is the rutile & hematite starburst. In the stone shown here, the shiny black hematite crystal serves as an alignment point for the rutiles which line up in parallel bundles along each face forming a six rayed star with a hematite center. Pieces such as these are sought after and highly valued.

Have you ever had items appear mysteriously out of nowhere? I sure have. Enjoy these stories and please share your own.

Scientific Morganite: Morganite, which is pastel pink variety of beryl, forms in hexagonal crystals and in rare terminated crystals. Pure beryl is colorless, but Morganite is colored by manganese impurities which lends the colors of pink, rose, peach and violet to this mineral. Orange/yellow varieties of Morganite can also be found, and color banding is common. Morganite was discovered in California in 1910 outside San Diego, California. This new specimen drew the attention of the world's most important gem buyer George Kunz of Tiffany & Co. George decided to name it in honor of his biggest customer: millionaire bank tycoon J.P. Morgan, who was an avid gem collector. Morganite, also known as "pink beryl," "rose beryl," "pink emerald," and "cesian beryl." Morganite Sources: California USA, Madagascar, Brazil, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, and Russia, but it remains relatively rare. Metaphysical Uses Of Morganite: Helps to attract and maintain love. Helps those seeking receive messages and wisdom from spirit guides, angels and guardians. Cleanses the Heart Chakra. Rids fear Releases grief and resentment. Brings forth connections with the Divine. Helps heal traumatized emotions. Said to remove resistance to healing, either the conscious or unconscious. Brings a sense of deep peace and joy within ourselves. Allows for easy, gentle release of emotions. Encourages patience. Brings forth reverence for life and all living things. Reduces stress. Morganite helps you fulfill your emotional needs. Physical Uses Of Morganite Reduces heart ailments. Used to treat stress. Relieves vertigo. Eases emphysema. Reduces heart ailments. Relieves vertigo. Used in the treatment of impotence. This is a good crystal to keep by your side before, during (if you can) and after surgery or during chemotherapy.

Scientific Helictites: A helictite is a speleothem (cave-formed mineral) found in a limestone cave that changes its axis from the vertical at one or more stages during its growth. Helictites have a curving or angular form that looks as if they were grown in zero gravity. They are most likely the result of capillary forces acting on tiny water droplets, a force often strong enough at this scale to defy gravity. Helictites are, perhaps, the most delicate of cave formations. They are usually made of needle-form calcite and aragonite. Helictite forms have been described in several types: ribbon helictites, saws, rods, butterflies, "hands", curly-fries, and "clumps of worms". They typically have radial symmetry. They can be easily crushed or broken by the slightest touch. Because of this, helictites are rarely seen within arm's reach in tourist caves. The growth of helictites is still quite enigmatic. To this day, there has been no satisfactory explanation for how they are formed. Currently, formation by capillary forces is the most likely theory, but another theory based on wind formation is also viable. Capillary forces: The most likely theory explains helictites as a result of capillary forces. If the helictite has a very thin central tube where the water flows like it does in straws, capillary forces would be able to transport water against gravity. Wind: Another theory names the wind in the cave as main reason for the strange look. Drops hanging on a stalactite are blown to one side, so the dripstone grows in that direction. If the wind changes, the direction of growth changes too. Helictites Sources: Timpanogos Cave National Monument in Utah has one of the largest collections of these formations in the world. Large numbers are also in the Jenolan Caves in Australia and in the Pozalagua Cave in Karrantza, Spain. A remarkable suite of helictites also occurs in Asperge Cave, France. And they can be found in Texas and California, USA. Metaphysical Uses of Helictites: