Stichtite: Meanings, Properties, and Uses

Have you ever stumbled upon a gemstone so enchanting it feels like it's whispering secrets to your soul? Meet stichtite—a captivating mineral with a vibrant lavender hue that's as mysterious as it is beautiful. Not only is this gem a feast for the eyes, but it also boasts a range of properties that can enhance your spiritual and emotional well-being. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of stichtite, exploring its meanings, properties, and the myriad ways you can incorporate it into your life

Stichtite Gemstone Properties

From a scientific perspective, stichtite isn’t classified as a gem. Instead, it’s a mineral, specifically a magnesium chromium carbonate. However, it’s commonly referred to as a semi-precious gemstone, so referring to it as a gem isn’t typically going to cause any issues or confusion.

Stichtite is an incredibly soft gemstone, usually ranging from 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is only slightly harder than talc. It’s also surprisingly flexible but won’t correct its shape if bent, instead staying in the new position. As a result, it’s usually not considered a facetable stone. Instead, most are used to create cabochons, beads, or similar polished gems.

When it comes to colouring, stichtite usually ranges between a light pink to a rosy pink and a relatively deep purple. The shades may vary from somewhat muted to vibrant, as well. The colour of the streak tends to be either white or pale lilac.

Stichtite can also have variations when it comes to lustre. Stichtite crystals are often pearly or waxy, though some may seem greasy. The majority of specimens are opaque, but some stichtite gems are translucent, though that’s incredibly rare. As a result, translucent versions are usually more valuable.

In its natural state, stichtite is more commonly found in masses, not well-defined crystals. Overall, that’s uncommon when compared to other carbonate minerals where forming as crystals is the norm.

What Is Stichtite?

Think of the stichtite gemstone as a unique blend of two key ingredients: magnesium and chromium. This gemstone comes to life when other minerals like chromite or serpentine undergo changes in their makeup. So, if you have a rock that contains either chromite or serpentine and it starts to change, there's a good chance it could turn into stichtite.

While stichtite is considered a semi-precious gemstone, it's worth noting that it used to go by another name—chrom-brugnatellite. However, that name has fallen out of favour. Scientists initially called it that back in 1912, but later research showed that the name didn't accurately reflect what the stone is made of and how it behaves.

Is Stichtite Rare?

Generally speaking, stichtite is a rare gemstone, though not to the point where availability is typically an issue for those who want to use it for jewelry-making or similar purposes. While it’s found in many places all around the world, its primary mined source is in a single area: Tasmania. As a result, the quantities are somewhat limited, though the source is large enough to support the market generally.

When it comes to stichtite jewelry, that’s also relatively rare on the market. However, that’s not due to low stone availability or a cumbersome price. Instead, stichtite isn’t as in demand, so there’s less incentive to produce stichtite jewelry. Additionally, variations in the appearance of stichtite make it ill-suited to mass production.

Stichtite History & Mythology

Overall, there isn’t a significant amount of mythology about Stichtite, mainly because it’s a relatively modern discovery. It was first recognized in 1910 when samples were unearthed on the west coast of Tasmania. A chemist who previously worked for a mining company in the region analyzed the stone and named it after the mine’s current manager, Robert Carl Sticht.

The only commercial mining operation focusing on stichtite is in that region, specifically, a spot referred to as Stichtite Hill.

Stichtite is often associated with the goddess Venus and is said to embody the feminine energy of love, beauty, and grace. Some believe that carrying or wearing Stichtite can help to enhance these qualities in oneself and attract love and positive energy into one's life.

Healing and Metaphysical Properties of Stichtite

Stichtite is more than just a visual delight; it's a holistic healer that resonates with your Heart, Third Eye, and Crown chakras. This unique combination makes it an exceptional tool for emotional, spiritual, and even physical well-being.

Emotional and Psychic Healing

Stichtite is like a warm embrace for your emotional and psychic health. It encourages you to face your feelings and become more empathetic towards yourself. This gemstone nurtures your aura, promoting self-love and emotional healing. It also enhances your intuitive and psychic abilities, helping you see beyond the superficial and understand the deeper causes of your own emotional distress or psychological distress. This heightened awareness can be transformative in your healing journey.

Physical Healing

While stichtite is renowned for its emotional and spiritual healing benefits, it's also believed to have physical healing properties. It's particularly helpful for issues related to the brain and spinal column. However, it's always advisable to consult healthcare professionals for medical issues.

Metaphysical Properties

The metaphysical properties and benefits of stichtite are closely tied to its healing energies. It's a stone that stimulates feelings of love, compassion, and forgiveness, making it an excellent stone for resolving lingering emotional issues. Its energies encourage you to listen to your inner spirit and open your heart to the world, reminding you of the importance of emotional and spiritual health.

Meditation and Mindfulness

When meditating with stichtite, place the stone on top of your head and focus on releasing pent-up emotions. You'll find your thoughts becoming clearer and your emotional responses more balanced. This practice can help you question the worth of holding onto negative experiences, enabling you to let go and move forward.

A Note on Names

You might come across something about stichtite stone still being referred to as "chrom-brugnatellite," but that name is now considered outdated. The stone was initially named this in 1912, but further research has shown that it doesn't accurately reflect the stone's unique composition and properties.

Using Stichtite in Feng Shui

Stichtite is not a traditional Feng Shui stone, but it can still be used in Feng Shui practices to promote positive energy and balance in the home or office. In Feng Shui, purple is associated with wealth and abundance, while green is associated with growth and vitality. Stichtite, with its swirling patterns of purple-pink and green, can be used to enhance these energies in a space.

One way to use Stichtite is to place it in the wealth corner of a room, which is the far left corner from the entrance. This can help to attract abundance and prosperity into the space. Stichtite can also be placed in the center of a room or on a desk to promote balance and harmony.

Stichtite can also be used by combining it with other stones and crystals that have complementary energies. For example, Citrine is often used in Feng Shui for wealth and abundance, while Clear Quartz is used for clarity and balance. Combining these stones with Stichtite can create a powerful energy that promotes abundance, balance, and harmony in the space.

Where Is Stichtite Found?

The primary source of stichtite is Australia. However, the gemstone is found in other countries. For example, deposits have been discovered in Brazil, Canada, India, Morocco, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, and Zimbabwe.

What Is Atlantisite Stone?

Atlantisite is a gemstone with a green serpentine base with stichtite formed along it. Essentially, it’s a gem that has portions of each stone, and the colour combination makes it incredibly striking.

Serpentine typically comes in shades of green, such as mint, lime, forest, or grass green. Stichtite is usually found in shades of purple, lilac, or rose pink, causing the two gemstones to have a remarkable amount of contrast when found together in atlantisite.

Atlantisite is a beautiful stone that has a unique appearance, with swirling patterns of green and purple-pink. It is believed to have a powerful energy that promotes spiritual healing, inner peace, emotional healing, and spiritual growth. Atlantisite is said to help one connect with their higher self, access their inner wisdom and intuition, and promote higher self--love and compassion.

In addition, Atlantisite is believed to have physical healing properties, particularly in the areas of the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It is said to help with detoxification, improve circulation, and boost the immune and nervous system.

Chromite and magnetite are also often found in atlantisite. That means the stones can have deep brown, dark gray, or black sections, depending on what’s present in the host rock.

Stichtite and Atlantisite Jewelry

Stichtite and atlantisite jewelry are both generally available, though you won’t usually find either in chain jewelry stores. Variations in the appearance of the gemstones make them ill-suited to mass production. Additionally, while the availability of stichtite or atlantisite isn’t typically an issue, finding a source reliable enough for mass production is potentially challenging.

Fortunately, many independent jewelers enjoy using stichtite and atlantisite. Both are visually striking stones. Plus, smaller jewelry design operations can take advantage of particularly beautiful stichtite and atlantisite gems, producing either small runs of a design or unique one-off pieces.

In most cases, atlantisite and stichtite jewelry feature cabochons, which work well for softer stones. Atlantisite and stichtite beads are also available.

It’s usually best to choose stichtite or atlantisite jewelry with less risk of incidental contact, such as necklaces, pendants, or earrings. Since both stones are often softer (or, at least, have soft segments), damaging them through accidental contact is possible. As a result, it’s best to exercise caution when wearing atlantisite or stichtite rings or bracelets.

Generally, atlantisite only comes from one location: Tasmania, an island state of Australia. Atlantisite is also a trade name, not a formal scientific one. The stone was named after the mythical island city of Atlantis, which is derived from an ancient Greek word that means “island of Atlas.”

Stichtite and Atlantisite Jewelry

Stichtite and atlantisite jewelry are both generally available, though you won’t usually find either in chain jewelry stores. Variations in the appearance of the gemstones make them ill-suited to mass production. Additionally, while the availability of stichtite or atlantisite isn’t typically an issue, finding a source reliable enough for mass production is potentially challenging.

Fortunately, many independent jewelers enjoy using stichtite and atlantisite. Both are visually striking stones. Plus, smaller jewelry design operations can take advantage of particularly beautiful stichtite and atlantisite gems, producing either small runs of a design or unique one-off pieces.

In most cases, atlantisite and stichtite jewelry feature cabochons, which work well for softer stones. Atlantisite and stichtite beads are also available.

It’s usually best to choose stichtite or atlantisite jewelry with less risk of incidental contact, such as necklaces, pendants, or earrings. Since both stones are often softer (or, at least, have soft segments), damaging them through accidental contact is possible. As a result, it’s best to exercise caution when wearing atlantisite or stichtite rings or bracelets.

Stichtite vs. Similar Gems

As with many gemstones, other gems can resemble stichtite. Usually, most of the likeness is due to other stones having similar coloring. Overall, purple gemstones are relatively rare, and gems with strong purple colors are often confused with one another when viewed by everyday people.

However, there are distinct differences between most of the purple gems, including those with the strongest resemblance to stichtite. Here’s a closer look at two other stones that are often mistaken for stichtite.

Is Purpurite the Same as Stichtite?

Purpurite and stichtite are different gemstones. Purpurite is a manganese phosphate mineral. While purpurite can come in similar shades of deep purple color, it may also be deep red or a brownish black. Stichtite purples also tend to be lighter than what you find in purpurite on average.

When it comes to hardness, purpurite usually scores between a 4 and 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. While that means it’s still a somewhat soft stone, it’s far harder than stichtite. However, it also has a generally dull luster and is usually opaque.

Stichtite vs Shugalite

Shugalite (also known as sugilite) and stichtite can exhibit similar coloring, but they are also two different stones. As with purpurite, shugalite comes in more hues. Along with purple gems, shugalite can be a hot pink, earthy yellow, reddish-violet, or even colorless.

When it comes to hardness, shugalite is usually closer to a 6 on the Mohs scale. Additionally, its luster is usually more silky or glassy, making it shinier than stichtite. Shugalite is also more commonly semi-transparent or translucent, whereas stichtite is rarely translucent.

Stichtite vs Charoite