Blog

Norfolk Geology Flint & Chalk - What is it and How did it form..

Sat, 2 May 2020 16:28:00 +0200

Norfolk Geology
Flint & Chalk - What is it and How did it form..
Danny Hickling - Little Gems Rock Shop.
Proud ambassador of the Deep History Coast

Flint was formed in a warm era of the Earth life - The cretaceous period around 60 - 100 million years ago - at this time due to the higher temperatures the sea level was much higher from its present level and a shadow tropical sea covered most of the earths surface. The exoskeletons of microscopic sea life mostly Coccolithophores plankton mounted up over millions of years to form a bed of chalk around 1300 feet thick (405m) over much of the UK. This chalk was laid down over a time period of over 30-35 million years. This brings up the mind boggling calculation that around 11.5cm of depth in the chalk deposit represents 10,000 years of time!

Plankton life may have well made up the largest amount of the deposits on the ocean floor but there was an abundance of other sea life life in particular Corals and Sponges-as these decomposed on the sea floor it created a kind of...

New Shipment Arrives

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 11:48:00 +0200

Our New Shipment has arrived at last from Brazil - The delivery day was a stark contrast to the days I was picking the same goods in the 40degrees heat of Brazil whilst the 'Beast from the East' brought unseasonably cold temperatures to Norfolk and the UK - The day of delivery happily coincided with Summer Solstice, a long time since those snowy days in Norfolk, yet the wind blew from the North on Mid Summers Day in Cromer so despite Clear Skies and sunshine the temperatures were pegged down by the strong winds...
It some work to fit the lorry load of palleted crystals into the warehouse and will take many months of work to unpack them - but the first pieces have made their way both to the shop on the warehouse shelves and to the pages of the website...

Libyan Desert Glass Tecktite

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 10:15:00 +0200

Libyan Desert Glass Tektite is found in the Sahara desert in Libya and Egypt. It is of a similar constitution as of other tektites such as Moldavite and found in areas where meteorites exist. Libyan Glass has been highly revered over time as sacred by the ancient Egyptians who used it in ceremonial pieces to connect to the stars and stellar origins. Energetically speaking it therefore still carries this innate metaphysical characteristic...and not only enables one to connect to the Egyptian knowledge of the stars but also to Galactic and Stellar wisdom! Libyan Glass is identified by its light glassy, smooth and pitted appearance but whereas Moldavite exhibits a green colour Libyan Glass is a gold/yellow hue. It carries with it powerful solar energy which when used at the solar plexus or carried on ones person can aid one in strengthening ones core at a level of willpower and manifestation. It boosts ones confidence when there are feelings of insecurity and inadequacy present and it helps one to move beyond personal fears which can hold one back in life! In meditation it opens and connects one to the Akashic record which if one is at a cross roads in life can be supportive in finding a positive direction to ones purpose! Like all tektites...Libyan glass offers a protective energy to those who use or wear it. In particular because of its connection with solar activity it is wonderful at protecting one from emotional parasitic energy and power abuse...it is perfect when one needs to establish and maintain good boundaries! It is a true ally and a gift from out of the cosmos to harness ones personal power and self reliance through birthing ones positive personal aspects into the world through...

Manifest your Dreams

Sat, 1 Jul 2017 00:06:00 +0200

Recently we have several questions asking for crystals that might help one manifest your dreams into your waking life. I asked Kathy, a Crystal Healer working for Little gems, if she could enlighten us a little more, she says. "Moldavite enhances the properties of whatever crystal it is combined with...Chrysocolla is all about the mother goddess energies, balanced harmonious relationships, good communication. For dreams coming true I would be inclined to place it with a herkimer diamond , sunstone or topaz...programming it and placing it in a sacred space at full moon...then sleep with it under a pillow, carry it on ones person or place it in an area that is dedicated to sacred prayer. Hope that is helpful...Chrysocolla would be good if a balanced harmonious future within relationships is what is required!"

Both these Crystals are available from the Crystal Pages of our website at www.littlegemsrockshop.co.uk

Imperfections and natural blemishes in Crystals

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:18:00 +0200

As each Crystal is unique and like us some have natural imperfections - we hand pick our crystals from around the world and try to pick the crystals with most appeal and character - sometimes being natural and having formed over many millions of years may have traces of their past showing in their formation - for instance some of the Carnelian we add have a small hollows in their centres - carnelian forms in small fissures cracks and cavities as very hot rock cools or in areas above hot rock where super heated water percolates through older rock above - it forms in layers from the outside inwards as hydrothermal water lays down layers of quartz and chalcedony - occasionally this process completely fills the void that the carnelian formed in on many other occasions changes in hydrothermal activity mean the carnelian stops forming leaving a cavity at the core of the carnelian - this can commonly also be seen at the heart of agates which form in the same way -

Each piece is we sell is unique and often Agates Quartz and Amethyst in particular can have internal fractures due to earth movements which show up when held in certain light these have then be re cemented naturally over the millennia as more recent quartz has naturally repaired these natural imperfections can add to their character almost like a finger print link to its history but we offer a 28day money back no quibble guarantee on any item (excluding stone polishers, books and earrings) if you fever reciece a piece that you feel doesn't feel right..

Norfolk Geology - Global Warming in the ICE AGE!!!

Fri, 9 Jun 2017 01:00:00 +0200

Norfolk Geology - Global Warming in the ICE AGE!!!

We Think of Global Warming as just a modern phenomenon however the earths climate is ever changing the Ice Ages were a major negative turn however this cold period was not a single event but a whole series of Freezing and Warming episodes. Long periods of thousands of years of icy conditions were suddenly punctuated by warmer periods than current conditions. In such inter glacial periods animals such as such as Hyena, Hippos,Brown Bears and Elephants and Beaver were abundant. In these periods Cromer area was the natural habitat for such creatures the area had a large fresh water river flowing through it which deposited a peaty layer (known as the "Cromer Forest Beds") over time these deposits built up and is still visible in several areas along the coast at the base of the cliff under the glacial sands and clays. The...

Golden Coals on North Norfolk Railway

Thu, 8 Jun 2017 00:40:00 +0200

Golden Coals

A eagle eyed worker from North Norfolk railway picked up a lump of 'bad Coal' tossed aside by the Trains 'Fireman' and decided it warranted a second look.

He brought the Coal into Little Gems Rock Shop for identification says Danny Hickling from Little Gems Crystal Shop in Cromer explained " he asked if a dark golden layer sandwiched in between the coal was amber. At face value this seemed highly unluckily -coal in the Uk is usually around 250 million years in age where as most amber is of 40 million years.

This made the band of amber coloured material very unlikely to be true amber, however the gentleman explained that the amber was imported from Russia.

Many deposits of commercial coal in Russia and the eastern block are much younger making it more of a possibility. I tested the piece further ruling out other amber coloured minerals such as selenite and calcite and concluded that the find was a very unusual one Amber in Coal!!!!

Citrine - information

Sun, 4 Jun 2017 00:50:00 +0200

Citrine

I was asked today about treated gemstones in particular Citrine and weather all Citrine sold in natural and thought I might pass on a little detail.

Most commercially available Citrine is indeed man heated Amethyst.

Amethyst naturally forms in purple to lilic tones in volcanic rock as it cools, however if it is subjected to heat by nearby volcanic activity anytime after it initially forms it changes colour and is known as Citrine. This sort of natural occurrence is however rare and this natural citrine tends to be more straw coloured than the deep golden colour of citrine produced from man induced heating. The prices tend to be way higher

Ametrine is an amethyst that has been semi heated, although there have been reports of man induced Ametrine all are material in Ametrine is natural, this is predominantly purple with straw and golden...

NORFOLK AMBER - beach combing and history

Fri, 2 Jun 2017 00:53:00 +0200

NORFOLK AMBER

These deposits both in the cliffs and sea bed have led to Amber occurring on the Coast of Norfolk and Suffolk however in much smaller quantities in recent decades quite possibly due to better Coastal defenses which stop amber bearing

sands and clays.

CATHEDRAL QUARTZ

Quartz embodies connects and extends infinitely far beyond our star systems and galaxies back to source. It is therefore a phenomenal ally to meditate with or have present in healing groups united together for the common cause to manifest the highest good for All that is. Cathedral Quartz is a master teacher full of cosmic light expressing the ultimate wisdom through its multidimensional energy collected over eons. Its crystal structure resembles that of a Cathedral with its multi-terminated apex like a beautiful fairy castle of turrets. It is a crystal that resonates with and generates pure universal light and collective consciousness much needed now when many whom have lost connection to source through fear and separation and need re-connection through LOVE and ONENESS. The Cathedral Quartz upholds and supports this Love and oneness energetically, encouraging humanity to transcend the mass conscious realities that we live in;

Rose Fuschite

Fri, 12 May 2017 11:00:00 +0200

ROSE FUCHSITE

On a recent buying trip to Brazil I was shown a quantity of a metallic looking stone called Fuchsite.

However this batch was very different to any I had ever seen in my previous buying trips due to its delicate rose hue, as Fuchsite is usually green in colour. It forms in plate-like layers and is very fragile like all other varieties of Mica.

I checked with Kathy on its healing properties , she says

"Like green Fuchsite its energy is light and effervescent connecting very much with the elemental kingdom of fairies and nature devas. Rose Fuchsite is deeply heart centred in its vibration, clearing miasms and emotional blocks locked within this energy centre, Its energy is rather like soft sweet...

Lemurian 'Seed' Quartz from Minas Gerias

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 08:56:00 +0200

Lemurian 'Seed' Quartz from Minas Gerias
These Lemurian seed quartz are from the Diamantina / Minas Gerais area of Brazil and are unique to this single location. Characteristically they generally have a unique milky tinge yet are very clear at the core of the points, they also have unique bar-coded striations running along one or more sides of the point.

These Crystals were said to have been planted in there remote location by the advanced ancient civilization known as the "Lemarians" . The striations on these Crystals when stroked with the index finger of the left hand are said to release knowledge held by the Lemarians that they wished to be passed onto us.

In Conclusion Lemarian seed Quartz connects profoundly to the temple of the heart energy....awakening and activating the Christ consciousness streams of energy available to us now in these important times of existence!!, only one word can be used to describe their metaphysical energies.. 'PURE'..... and so so special.....a real resonance with a deeply loving energy that touches not just the heart but the soul too.
Massage Wands

MASSAGE WANDS

What is Massage?

Massage is beneficial to us in a variety of ways. It can improve blood circulation, calm the nervous system, improve muscle tone, stimulate skin function, ease muscular and joint aches and pains and most of all it 'feels' wonderful!

Massage is a gentle art form of healing which is suitable for anyone of any age. However, there are times and conditions when it would be best avoided (e.g. on a full stomach). Using your commonsense is the best insight, quite often all it will entail is leaving out a specific body area or if unsure leave completely alone.

Most importantly do not massage any bruised or broken skin, an area of infection, or a person with a high temperature/fever, an area of varicose veins or any swollen or inflamed area.
Basically massage is a way of stroking the body with variations in length and depth of strokes. You should however, always-direct firm strokes towards the heart. The long flowing massage strokes with the minimal pressure on the body are the most soothing and relaxing (this technique is known as effleurage). The whole hand is used, by giving gentle even pressure, which is often performed at the start and finish of a massage.

Putting it into practice!

Here are some simple guidelines in the use of a massage wand or a large tumbled stone:

The secret is to work very gently using small circular movements over any painful area of the body, anti-clockwise (unwinding) first to remove pain, then clockwise to put the crystal healing energy in - use your intuition to guide you with respect to how long...

Self Healed Quartz, Crystal healing information and metaphysical properties. By Danny Hickling BSc

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:52:00 +0200

Self Healed Quartz, Crystal healing information and metaphysical properties.
By Danny Hickling BSc Hons Counselling. Psychotheraputic Counsellor

These amazing Quartz Crystals are so called because of the healing journey they have become part of. These crystals are so called, because they have become damaged and become incomplete at one stage in their life. Often earth movements and disturbances quite probably of many millennia ago broke these crystals, whilst still growing, from their original attachment to the earth. Falling into a new position, these wounds of detachment have healed over as the crystal continued to grow, in many cases with hundreds of minute crystal faces in others with a sugary like silky coating of many thousands of near invisible faces. Many believe that these crystals are here to remind us that perfection can still be sought after damage has occurred. That fulfilment can be found from a place where we feel detached and no longer whole, especially if this place feels a lonely place. The growth can come only after we are severed from which we were attached, just as the crystal was. This type of crystal has become associated with self healing and I believe it inspires us towards self actualisation and attaining the best from ourselves.

Crystals in Psychotheraputic Therapy by Danny Hickling BSc Hons Couns, MBACP

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:48:00 +0200

Crystals in Psychotheraputic Therapy by Danny Hickling BSc Hons Couns, MBACP

Whatever your beliefs are on the science of if crystals work in healing without psychoanalytic intervention. It seems a place can be found for crystals within the therapy room as a bridge, firstly they help link us to nature (there is a growing weight of opinion that nature deprivation is cause for increased stress anxiety and depression in modern society)
Crystals can be used as a anchor, a mediator and a transitional object in psychotherapy. When held they can sooth and calm a client, further to this they can be used to take the pressure of the client, giving them the opportunity to momentarily dissociate and look at emotions and situations more clearly through this degree of detachment . Crystals can also ground a client, be linked to positive thought processes and memories and create a contact between therapist and client within therapy sessions, thus encouraging dialogue and deepening the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client through both in depth understanding and empathy.
I am a registered and qualified Counsellor in Integrative Counselling. I usually use Crystals occasionally in therapy intuitively...

Crystals in Psychotheraputic Therapy by Danny Hickling BSc Hons Couns, MBACP

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:48:00 +0200

Healing Properties - Rose Quartz

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:22:00 +0200

Healing Properties - Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is the stone most associated with boosting romance, it is believed that this stone has the ability to help us both attract and nurture close relationships. Rose Quartz positively oozes unconditional love.

Try placing it in the relationship corner extreme furthest right hand side corner of the house from the front door.

At Little Gems we Hand pick all of our Rose Quartz in Brazil - Below is a picture of me resting after hand picking Rose and Lavender Quartz from a vast pile in Rio Grande do Sul.

Green Fuschite (Fuchsite)

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 00:01:00 +0200

Fuchsite is a green variety of Muscovite mica and is coloured

naturally in beautiful hues of metallic green by its Chromium content. It helps

link the intellect with heart, thus can enhance intuition and help in the

understanding of what is happening within the heart and on a feeling level whilst

applying some rationality with the potential of breaking free from past patterns,

It can help develop personal resilience and cultivate self worth. Fuchsite can be used alongside other crystals to help speed up the healing process.

It can also be used to bring yourself back to a good state of mind after emotional

confrontation. Fuschite can also be used alongside other crystals to help speed up the healing process.

A stone of...

SHUNGITE

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 23:57:00 +0200

SHUNGITE:

Shungite is an incredibly ancient magical stone for our times. Approximately 2 billion years old this Russian sourced stone has been revered as have amazing metaphysical gifts as well as potent healing and health giving properties! Connected strongly to the Base, Earth and Earth star chakras its energy is strongly grounding, protective and cleansing at a core level. On a higher level it powerfully connects one to source, enabling one to utilise and manifest ones spiritual gifts and psychic awareness into the world for the highest good! Its resonance is highly tuned to magic and ancient mysticism and draws in the Masters such as Merlin by your side as a wise and powerful teacher and ally!

On a more physical note Shungite has amazing cleansing and purifying qualities which are so beneficial in our modern day times when mass consumerism, greed and power have created negativity that lowers our divine consciousness in the world. So it would appear that Shungites gifts have come to aid humanity in the hour of Mother Earths need; to fully awaken and realign our consciousness back into a fully loving and pure state as was intended by the Divine in the beginning!

On a more practical level: Shungite has also been scientifically monitored and...

Ethics

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 23:25:00 +0200

We often get asked about the ethics of the Jewellery and Crystals we buy and sell.. We realise it is important to many of you as it is to us also..

The ethics of the crystals and Jewellery we sell is very important to us so I thought you might find the following information that i have written as our ethical guidelines useful.

Although Crystals are not registered as a Fair Trade Product we try to ensure that the Crystals are mined and worked under ethical conditions and that the workers work in a safe environment and receive a fair wage and that the Natural Environment is not heavily impacted by the mining.

Three issues arise when looking at the ethics of Crystals & Gemstones.

1 Labour and working Conditions

2 Environmental impact of mining.
3 Carbon Footprint