Hornblende

Family: Inosilicate Amphibole Mineral

Hardness: 5 - 6

Properties: Grounding, Divination, Protection

Chakras: Root, Heart, Solar Plexus, Third Eye

Hornblende is not often found in shops, nor in many books, but I have to say that it is one of my favourites! This beautiful black crystal is used for both grounding and divination work. Much like how obsidian has been used for scrying, the darkness of this stone aids in looking deep within one's own consciousness, and beyond the normally visible spectrum to retrieve answers. Hornblende is used by healers to protect themselves whilst they are doing their work, especially during cord cutting ceremonies, house clearings and other intensely focused activities. It is different from any other protective stone I have come across in the way that it feels, and it has a depth that is powerful to behold. I am told that it also aids insomnia, nightmares when placed under your pillow.