Ulexite has the ability to reflect and transmit light through its fibrous crystal ” place an image underneath and you'll see it projected on its opposite side. Because of this unusual optical effect, ulexite is described by many as the television stone or the TV rock.
Tune into the history and properties of this mineral.
The Physical Properties of Ulexite
Ulexite is a sodium calcium borate mineral mostly found in the USA and in some parts of Argentina, Canada, China, Germany, and Turkey. With a clear to pearly white appearance, it occurs as crystal masses or fibrous parallel crystals.
It is sometimes mistaken for selenite due to their similarities in colour and shape. But ulexite has a grayish tinge to it while the gypsum selenite is slightly tan or beige. And while both minerals can be transparent to translucent, ulexite is clearer and transmits light better than selenite.
Ulexite is a fragile mineral with a Mohs hardness rating of 2 to 2.5. The acicular variety is made up of very thin delicate needle-shaped crystals, so it's important to handle them with extra care to protect them from damage. As a borate mineral, ulexite is soluble in hot water.
To display ulexite's optical effect, the mineral is cut and polished flat (about an inch thick) wherein both sides are perpendicular to the fibres. This way, the polished mineral can act like optical fibres that reflect and transmit light from one side to the other.
The History of Ulexite
Ulexist was first heard of in 1850 when it was reported by American mineralogist James Dwight Dana. It was named after George Ludwig Ulex, the German chemist who first described the chemical composition of the mineral.
It is found together with borax deposited in arid locations, particularly in playas where lake water evaporates quickly. A playa only forms in rainy seasons as a result of runoff from surrounding mountains. This water source contains potent amounts of the mineral boron.
The water is highly concentrated by evaporation in a hot and dry climate which sets the perfect conditions for ulexite, borax, and other boron minerals to form in thick masses of fibrous crystals.
The Lore of Ulexite
Ulexite is believed to enhance thought process and decision making. Crystal healers recommend using it for studying or for absorbing and retaining information. Ulexite will help its user to comprehend ideas easily. It's also said to help its owner look at situations more realistically.
According to health folklore, ulexite is a remedy for bacterial infection and eye problems. It may not be an ideal crystal for someone with addictive or escapism tendencies.
The Metaphysical Properties of Ulexite
The mineral is associated with the third eye chakra and it boosts creativity, imagination, and the ability to unleash visions. As a highly vibrational crystal, ulexite provides knowledge and wisdom to aid its user to understand and live out their true self.
Want to expand your telepathic abilities? Ulexite is one of the best crystals to work with to achieve that end. It operates from a high vibrational energy field to accelerate clairvoyance, clairsentience (the ability to pick up on extrasensory knowledge that the 5 senses can't perceive), and remote viewing or extrasensory perception (ESP) among others.
It also connects its user to their soul's consciousness, to collective consciousness, and cosmic consciousness. At the same time, ulexite helps in analyzing and interpreting visions received from external sources.
To maximize its full effect, place it over your third eye when meditating or while you're asleep. You can also use it together with moldavite to amplify its creative and intuitive abilities.
Note: There is no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of mineral stones and crystals in treating ailments. All information published here is purely for educational purposes.
Scientists attribute the healing impact to the placebo effect that takes place when using stones and crystals. Holding stones and meditating with them is said to trigger the release of feel-good hormones (endorphins and dopamine) in the brain.
Sources:
Matthews, T. (2021). Ulexite. Gemstones.com. Accessed at https://www.gemstones.com/gemopedia/ulexite
The Mineral ULEXITE. (n.d.). Galleries.com. Accessed at ??http://www.galleries.com/Ulexite
Ulexite. (n.d.). Crystal Council. Accessed at ??https://thecrystalcouncil.com/crystals/ulexite
Ulexite. (n.d.). Mindat.org. Accessed at https://www.mindat.org/min-4085.html
