Full of inclusions this optical calcite point.
Iceland Spar, also known as Clear Calcite or Optical Calcite, is a variety of Calcite that was originally found in Iceland. This mineral is double refractive, meaning objects appearing through it will look as though they’re in two places at once. This Calcite variety is usually completely transparent and has endless amounts of rainbow inclusions within. Iceland Spar was first reported in 1837 by J.D. Dana, but its history dates far before then. It is believed that the Vikings used this mineral as a navigator because of its light-polarizing ability, allowing them to always be able to find the sun no matter the weather. Historians believe the “sunstone” that has been commonly referred to in Medieval Icelandic texts is actually Iceland Spar. Further evidence of this is the 1592 shipwreck “Alderney”, which has been found with an Iceland Spar in it’s buried contents.
Another historic study that Iceland Spar was involved in was understanding the nature as light as a wave. This was studied at great lengths by Christiaan Huygens, Isaac Newton, and Sir George Stokes. A man named Augustin-Jean Fresnel published the complete explanation of Iceland Spar’s light polarisation effect in the 1820’s.
William Nicol also used Iceland spar when he invented the very first polarizing prism in 1828, called the Nicol Prism. It involved a piece of Iceland Spar cut at a 68 degree angle. Nicol Prisms were once widely used in microscopy and polarimetry.
Although Iceland Spar was first found in Iceland, it can also be found in other regions throughout the world. This stone is normally found within other Calcite and Aragonite mines in Mexico, Southwest USA.
Iceland Spar is very similar to Quartz in not only its physical appearance, but also it’s properties. They both offer clarity, insight, manifestation, enhancement, power, and intention programming. It’s a stone for finding solutions as it will aid in seeking the root of the problem and removing it. Iceland Spar is also a perfect meditation stone due to its ability to realign our chakras and cleanse ones aura. During meditation, the higher frequencies that Iceland spar pulsate go directly to our higher chakras and enhance one’s mental capabilities and awareness. Psychic abilities become unlocked when working with this stone, and it pushes you to be the highest version of yourself. Inner vision about solutions to your personal problems are very common, as well as enhanced clarity of the mind. For anyone looking to fully activate and strengthen the third eye during meditation, one should place a piece of Iceland Spar on their third eye, and a piece of Phenacite on their crown (top of the head). The Phenacite opens and unlocks our crown chakra like that of a portal, allowing higher vibrations and knowledge to siphon down into the users mind. The Iceland Spar on your third eye will help in understanding this higher knowledge and how to go about implementing these new ideas into your life. Both these stones together offer a “transformative” effect and will push you into a blissful state of happiness and inner peace.
Optical Calcite (also known as Iceland Spar) is used to promote clarity, whether it is clearing away negative vibes, or the gift of clear sight when it comes to your visions, manifestations, and purpose.
Most of these minerals are packed with stunning rainbows that are accentuated with their diagonal formation. Choose Optical Calcite if you’re interested in working with stones with higher vibrational frequencies that have more subtle and much softer healing energy.