Danburite Natural Shard Sterling Silver Pendant

Worry has a way of settling in the chest, and danburite is a stone for loosening it, a clear, quiet presence for any of us hoping to feel lighter and a little closer to something larger than the day's troubles. Picking up a piece is like opening a window on a still morning: the crystals are slender and water-clear, finely lined along their length, and in good light they hold an almost icy sparkle, sometimes warmed by a faint blush of pink. It takes its name from Danbury, Connecticut, in the United States, where it was first found, and most of what we see today comes from Mexico, with champagne, golden and grey crystals from Russia, Madagascar and Peru.

First described in the nineteenth century, danburite is too recent to carry ancient lore, and modern practice links it to the Heart Chakra and the Crown Chakra of the Hindu and Vedic chakra system, and to the energy centres some traditions place above the head.

In crystal practice today, danburite is a stone of gentle spiritual uplift, there for those of us who want to raise our awareness without strain. It is known for easing stress and worry, settling the heart with the quiet reassurance that all is well, and its pink pieces in particular carry a thread of self-love. It is a companion for angelic connection, too, and for the sweet, celebratory joy that a spiritual life can hold once we stop gripping so tightly.

Hold a danburite pendant up to a window and it seems to be made of light and nothing else, every fine line along its length catching the sun. The clear pieces have a crisp, icy brilliance, the paler pink ones a softer glow, and the striations make each crystal look as though it has been carefully combed. Worn as a pendant, it sits cool and smooth against the collarbone. It suits anyone who feels weighed down and wants something bright and quiet close by.

A raw danburite point or shard on a pendant tends to be kept close to the heart through the day, and its clarity sits easily with everything else a person wears. Many people put it on through stressful stretches, when worry has been sitting heavily, and some wear it for meditation or prayer when they want their thoughts to lift. It is a favourite with those of us drawn to angel work.

Danburite is hard (Mohs 7-7.5) but brittle, and its points can chip, so store it apart from other jewellery. Cleanse with running water, sound, moonlight, or smoke, and wipe it dry with a soft cloth to keep its sparkle.