JUNE – TETRAGONAL CRYSTALS
Welcome to a new month of Gem Wise! I am so excited to take this journey deeper into the world of gems and crystals with you. No matter if you’re brand new to gems or more experienced and knowledgeable, this class is a place for all to take their learning deeper. If you’re new to Gem Wise, welcome! And if you were with me in May, I hope you enjoyed our classroom on octahedral crystal structure.
To start with, you must remember that crystals grow naturally in the shape of polyhedra, which are solid shapes whose faces are polygons. Crystals are the closest physical representations of the Platonic Solids that we have. Though they are not perfectly formed as Plato’s ideals were, they offer us a pretty darn good tangible example.
This month, we will be focusing on tetragonal crystal structure. You received gorgeous examples of this structure in your Gem Wise kits – tumbled rutilated quartz, apophyllite, and a beautiful rose quartz palm stone engraved with “ascension,” the theme of this month’s overall course curriculum, along with success and spiritual development. As divine beings, we must each be confident in our unique calling, empowered to take action toward its fulfillment. If it is success and spiritual development we seek in order to confidently pursue our Highest Good, we can employ the magic and energy of crystals to provide clearer vision. Specific crystals vibrate at such a frequency that they aid the ascension process in various ways. How is this possible? Let’s dive into crystal structure.
Tetragonal Crystals
Chakra: Heart
Tetragonal crystal lattices are formed as a result of the stretching of a cubic lattice along one of its lattice vectors. When this happens, the cube then becomes a rectangular prism with a square base and height. Tetragonal crystals are characterized by three mutually perpendicular axes, two of which will be equal in length. In other words, two of the three axes are equal in length and all three axes are perpendicular to one another.
The resulting lattice will resemble a very orderly stacking of blocks that look like squares and rectangles. Tetragonal crystal systems generally include all crystals with a rectangular inner structure. These minerals will usually form crystals with rectangular pillars, which should not be surprising, as tetragonal gemstones are ideal tools to use to not only increase our overall success, but to also support us as we journey closer to the wisdom and truth of the Higher Realms.
While remarkably similar, tetragonal crystal systems will differ from isometric systems, as one of the three axes in a tetragonal axial system will inevitably stand out. As such, this “stand out” axis can be interpreted as the main, or primary axis. This main axis is generally placed in a vertical fashion. Meanwhile, the other two axes will be perpendicular to the main axis, which will also be equal in length as well as perpendicular to one another. The main axis will be either shorter or longer than the secondary axes, but not equivalent to either secondary axes. A tetragonal unit cell is distinguished by this fourfold, symmetrical axis. This is an axis around which an identical face can be seen four times during a rotation. Tetragonal crystals may have prismatic faces, or they may be terminated by pyramidal faces.
Well known tetragonal minerals include rutile, zircon, and apophyllite, as well as four-sided prisms and pyramids, trapezohedrons, eight-sided and double pyramids, icosi-tetrahedron (pyrite, sphalerite), and hexacisochedron (pyrite).
Tetragonal crystal structures have fascinating insights to offer us when viewed through a metaphysical lens. Consider the way tetragonal gemstones physically manifest and the properties which they bring. We can easily observe outward manifestations that range from pyramidal to octagonal, yet the underlying characteristics that define all tetragonal gemstones is a sense of unshakable consistency and reliability—all key ingredients for manifesting success, spiritual development, and cultivating a lifestyle that is secure, grounded, and open to receiving all the abundance which the Universe so generously wishes to bestow upon you.
| Rutilated Quartz | Apophyllite | Rose Quartz |
| Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal) and Tetragonal Chakra: All Composition: Calcium fluoride Hardness: 7 Mineral Class: Silicate-tectosilicates Astrological Sign: Gemini, Taurus Element: Storm Mined in: Russia, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, USA Colors: Yellow, brown |
Structure: Tetragonal Chakra: Crown, Third Eye Composition: Hydrated potassium calcium silicate Hardness: 5 Mineral Class: Phyllosilicates Astrological Sign: Gemini, Libra Element: Earth, Wind Mined in: India, Italy, Germany, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Brazil Colors: Colorless, white, gray, green |
Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal) Chakra: Heart Composition: Silicon dioxide Hardness: 7 Mineral Class: Tectosilicates Astrological Sign: Libra, Taurus Element: Water Mined in: Brazil, Madagascar, USA Colors: Pale pink to deep reddish pink |
Rutilated Quartz
“I embrace the challenges of change with grace and humility. Transformation is a constant of the Universe and I am not outside its sphere of influence. I will not fear the desires of my heart. May the radiant, boundless dreams of my Higher Self come to fruition.”
Clear quartz, in any form, is a powerful amplification tool that facilitates transformation. This stone can help you reach the Higher Realms more easily, and helps magnify the vibration of any intention. While clear quartz is often known to work its harmonizing magic on the Third Eye and Crown Chakras, it truly resonates with all chakras. This exquisite gemstone protects the aura, and expands the human energy field. It also promotes clear thinking so you can set any manifestation wish you may have with greater confidence and conviction. And the rutile inclusions will only further amplify these naturally occurring transformational properties.
Rutilated quartz can draw change to your environment, change to yourself, and change to your relationships. It attracts and reflects change and can help you handle life’s transformations with grace and a sense of calm. In essence, rutilated quartz will help you face and embrace the changes that we all must adjust to and deal with, whether they are expected or sudden. As you work with your rutilated quartz, bask in its energy of evolution and progress, and let it renew your drive towards manifesting all your dreams.
Apophyllite
“It is in this moment of stillness that all is known. I seek to differentiate dark from light, truth from falsehood. It is now, in this moment, that past, present, and future co-exist. I too am timeless. May I always be blessed with the gift of discernment and perspective.”
Apophyllite is the stone of coming into present time. It lifts the veil of darkness to bring light where it is needed, to whom it is needed, for the Highest Good of all. It activates the Crown Chakra and allows access to other realms, including the world of the fae. This stone stimulates collective consciousness and helps you see your role in the much larger cycle of life.
Most importantly, apophyllite is an excellent tool to use for discernment. It helps you truly focus on the people who matter, on the things that matter, and let go of everything else. Use apophyllite to develop a healthy perspective on what needs your attention and what doesn’t. The result of this precious clarity will be intense inner peace. I recommend holding your apophyllite in meditation, especially when setting intentions for the future or healing wounds of the past. This stone connects you with Higher Realm wisdom and guidance.
Rose Quartz
“Love is the only Universal truth. Love knows neither bounds nor limitations. It is the guiding light which never goes out. May I always be open and receptive to the warmth and love that is my true, unchanging nature”
Simply put, rose quartz is the stone of true love and deep affection; it represents the bond that transcends time and space. If you want to attract love, this is the perfect stone to use. Rose quartz is a stone of universal love energy – love for self and others. It draws love to you, brings peace during transition, and eases heartache. It probably won’t surprise you, but rose quartz is one of the most sought-after varieties of quartz in the entire world.
Rose quartz has so many uses. Meditate with it as you feel called and incorporate it into all your ritual work. Use it as you feel called, where you feel called, and however you feel called. Allow your intuition to manifest itself. Listen to your inner voice. This is a remarkable tool for spiritual evolution, to bring harmonizing energies and to summon Higher Realm magic. Allow the white light and healing medicine of rose quartz to flow through you. Accept the wisdom, love, and guidance it may have to offer you. It’s a challenge, but moving through the world with an open heart is always the way to go.
