The Healing Power of Amythyst

A quarter is shown at the base for scale.

Amethyst is widely cherished for its soothing energy and profound spiritual significance. Often referred to as the "stone of tranquility," it is believed to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and help release negative thoughts. In spiritual practice, amethyst is said to open the third eye a. nd crown chakras, enhancing intuition and deepening meditation. Many use it during mindfulness rituals to promote clarity and connect with higher realms of consciousness.

Amethyst’s healing energy is thought to assist with emotional balance, making it a popular choice for those navigating grief, heartache, or emotional turmoil. For example, keeping an amethyst crystal under your pillow is believed to encourage restful sleep and ward off nightmares, while carrying a small piece in your pocket may offer grounding support in stressful situations.

This violet gemstone has also been linked to sobriety and clarity—ancient Greeks believed it protected against intoxication. Today, it's often used as a symbol of inner strength and spiritual protection. Whether worn as jewelry, placed in a sacred space, or simply held during quiet reflection, amethyst invites a gentle sense of peace and deeper awareness of one’s spiritual path.

Elkhorn Mt. Volcanics in Montana

Collected near Winston, Mt.

Did you know a lot of Montana has undergone Volcanic eruptions in the past?

One prime example of this is the Elkhorn Mountains of Montana! The Elkhorn Mountain Volcanics in southwestern Montana are part of an ancient volcanic area that formed around 75 million years ago. These rocks are mostly made of andesite and dacite, which are types of lava that cooled and hardened. What makes them special is their "porphyry" texture—meaning they have big crystals like quartz or feldspar scattered through a much finer, smoother rock background. This creates a beautiful, speckled look that collectors and rockhounds love.

Volcanic porphyries like these are pretty rare, especially ones that are easy to see and collect on the surface. Because the Elkhorn Mountains are rugged and remote, these rocks aren’t commonly found in stores or shows, making them even more valuable to those who appreciate unique geological pieces. These volcanic rocks tell a fascinating story of Montana’s explosive past—and they look great on a shelf, too.

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How do Geodes Form?

Unfilled geodes begin as bubbles or hollow spaces inside volcanic or sedimentary rock.

These cavities can form from gas bubbles in cooling lava or from pockets left by organic material (like shells or plant matter) that later decayed. Over time, mineral-rich groundwater seeps into these empty spaces. In some cases, the mineral solution never fills the entire space. The result is an unfilled geode: a hollow nodule lined with sparkling crystals, often with striking color and symmetry. The growth process can take thousands to millions of years, depending on the surrounding environment and the minerals involved.

What makes unfilled geodes so intriguing is their contrast—plain and unassuming on the outside, yet dazzling and mysterious within. Each one is a sealed time capsule of slow, beautiful geological change. No two are ever exactly alike, making them prized not only by collectors but also by anyone who enjoys nature’s hidden wonders.

Cracking one open is like opening a surprise gift from the Earth—revealing a secret beauty formed in complete darkness, deep underground.