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.
 We'd
love to see (and share) your designs and the stories behind them. If
you'd like to be considered for feature on social media, please email erin@dakotastones.com.
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