Geology / History
The term Gabbro refers to a large group dense, usually greenish or dark in colour, intrusive mafic igneous rocks. These rocks are the plutonic equivalent of basalt. It is generally coarse grained, with crystals in the size range of 1 mm or greater. The rocks are plutonic & form when molten magma is trapped beneath the Earth's surface, which cools into a crystalline mass.
Gabbro can form as a massive, uniform intrusion via in-situ crystallisation of pyroxene & plagioclase or in layered intrusions as a cumulate formed by the settling of pyroxene & plagioclase. Cumulate Gabbros are called pyroxene-plagioclase orthocumulate. A vast majority of the Earth's surface, it is an essential part of the oceanic crust & can be found in many ophiolite complexes. Long belts of gabbroic intrusions are typically formed at proto-rift zones & around ancient rift zone margins, intruding into the rift flanks.
Gabbro is a combination of many minerals, which include varying amounts of Feldspar, Chlorite, Serpentine, Muscovite, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Hercynite & Magnetite in a charcoal coloured matrix. It can also contain Olivine, Chrome Garnet, Actinolite, Biotite & Amphibole. It can often contain valuable amounts of cobalt, gold, chromium, nickel, platinum, silver & copper sulfides. It is found in various locations globally.
Ocellar varieties of gabbro can be used as ornamental stones. It is sometimes referred to as ''black granite''. The rare & highly prized Indigo variety found in Madagascar, is a new find & has a unique colour specific to the region, it is referred to as Mystic Merlinite.
The German geologist Christian Leopold von Buch named Gabbro in the 1760’s after a village in the Italian Tuscany region. Essexite is named after the type locality in Essex County, MA, USA.
Metaphysical Properties
A stone of prophecy, enlightenment & awakening. Settles internal or external conflict by bringing balance & understanding with self-realisation.
This stone penetrates the veil that lingers between all worlds & has a strong connection to elemental energies. Connecting to ancient lineage & lost knowledge it bring past powers into present life, while strengthening current abilities. It helps us to see all that has, could & will be.
Mystic Merlinite is excellent for times of transition, transformation & release. A master manifestor that gives a deep understanding into the connectedness of all elements & how each individual part links together to form the whole.
Gives strength through courage in all situations, stimulating great focus & effortless decision making. Boosts vitality, making it a powerful ally when ill or in a state of dis-ease either physically, emotionally or spiritually.
As a remover of veils Mystic Merlinite shows us the bigger picture, it can facilitate communication with deceased loved ones & shows us that death itself is an illusion as we are eternally connected. This revelation eases the pain of separation.
Crystal Healing
Excellent for any illness, menopause, infections, auto immune disorders, bruising & broken bones. Balances PH & aids mineral absorption.
Mineralogy
Group: Mafic Igneous Rock - Gabbro
Composition: 45–52% SiO2 & various other minerals.
Colour: Primarily dark in colour however specific varieties vary