Posted by Erin on 7/15/2018 to Articles

Let's get one thing straight. "Cacoxenite" is a trade name for this stone. There's a gorgeous golden mineral by the same name, and some of that same mineral is included (along with several others) in these beads. The reason for the misleading misnomer? The stone was found, named, marketed, and became known as Cacoxenite before science entered the equation. By the time the stone was properly analyzed, "Cacoxenite" had become an accepted name.

The stone is also known as Cacoxenite Amethyst, Goethite (in) Amethyst, Melody Stone and Super Seven / Sacred Seven.

Why Super Seven, you ask? This stone gets its amazing coloring and variations from seven different materials: Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Goethite, Lepidocrocite, and... Cacoxenite. If crystal healing, energy work, or metaphysical properties are your thing, you don't need me to tell you that this is one super-duper power-packed stone. (Side note, the Mohs hardness is also a 7 for this stone - not the 3 - 3.5 of the pure mineral.)

The idea is that a bunch of really powerful crystals are packed together and amplify their respective strengths in a holistic healing crystal. It's reputed to help release negative energy and relationships while simultaneously encouraging nurturing relationships and self-acceptance. Because the stone has these benefits, it's also thought to strengthen community bonds. After all, who doesn't want to be around a bunch of people who've let go of negative energy and actively seek the highest good?

So we've established that what we know as Cacoxenite is an amazing part of the Amethyst family, does that mean you should leave classic Amethyst and Amethyst varieties out in the cold?

Short Answer: NO.

Strictly from a color and design perspective, all Amethyst has an important place. Think about it. You can't beat the pastel perfection of Lavender Amethyst, the bold patterns of Dog Teeth Amethyst, or the luxurious royal purple of the unadulterated stone itself.

Setting aesthetics and design aside, different stone varieties bring their own rich geological, sociological, and anthropological stories.


A few quick facts:

Christian churches loooved Amethyst back in the day. The rich color was said to symbolize Christ. Saint Valentine is said to have worn an Amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid, and the Bible mentions Amethyst in numerous places. In fact, before large quantities of Amethyst were found in South America, Amethyst was valued as highly as Diamond, Ruby or Sapphire. In certain civilizations, it was even more valuable. In addition to Christianity, Ancient Egyptians and Greeks, also have links to the stone, as do the ruling classes of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. And, of course, Amethyst is a powerful stone in its own right. It is metaphysically said to be a powerfully cleansing stone that promotes wisdom, stability, and harmony.

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