Vivianite was named in 1817 after the English mineralogist, John Henry Vivian who discovered the mineral at St Agnes, Cornwall, England. It is also found in many other places around the world. Even though it comes in different forms, it is best known for its appearance as elongated prisms that present as stunningly beautiful  sword-like blades. These prisms are often grouped in rosettes that can split off into all directions.

When vivianite first forms, it is actually pale white or transparent, however, when it is exposed to light it changes colour and turns a rich green.  It can continue to oxidise, turning blue or even deepen to black if left exposed to light for long periods of time. Vivianite develops in sedimentary deposits that are organically rich and contain iron. They can thus be found growing on organic materials such as fossil shells, animal waste deposits, and even on the teeth and bones of decomposing bodies. There have been instances where deposits have been found on human remains when the body has been buried with iron, such as the case in 1998, when the body of a US Serviceman  was found who had been buried in wet soil alongside pieces of the plane, which allowed the vivianite to grow.

Vivianite is an excellent stone for opening up and plunging deep into the energy of the heart. Trauma in this life, or in past lives, can taint our ability to honor and care for ourselves, but it is only with self-love that we can find happiness within relationships. Vivianite’s incredibly powerful love energy can remove negative thoughts, especially about yourself, and clear any energies in your aura that are preventing you from seeing your own self worth or the worth of others. It is truly a stone of compassion, enabling you to treat yourself and others gently, rather than with harsh criticism. It is particularly useful if you work in a caring profession, or for those whose role in the family is to care for others. Sometimes, when we continually give of ourselves, we become drained and experience burnout. This can not only lead to exhaustion but also resentment. Hold a piece of Vivianite in your hand, or use a sword shaped piece to gently ‘draw’ around your aura. This acts as a shield and will protect you from being drained by others in your care. It will nourish you and bring back the joy that you can experience from caring for and giving to others. Vivianite is a wonderful reminder that there is an ocean of love waiting for you when you are ready to take the plunge. Follow its sword like blades deep into your heart and love will freely flow. Vivianite makes a wonderful addition to a crystal collection and must be displayed and  stored carefully. It is not a crystal that is commonly styled within the modern home, but rather used as a sacred tool. Vivianite’s power and shape lends itself to rituals and the healing arts.  A stunning piece of Vivianite will catch the eye and the heart.