Crystal Encyclopedia

Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Tiffany Stone

The Violet Swirl of Sweet Vision

Also known as: Opalized Fluorite, Ice Cream Stone

About the stone

Tiffany Stone crystal
Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A rock composed of Fluorite, opal, calcite, dolomite, chalcedony & bertrandite. It is only found in the Brush Wellman Beryllium Mine, at Spor Mountain, western Utah. It occurs as nodules that contain 1% to 2% beryllium by weight. Beryllium is one of the most toxic elements we know of. Most Tiffany Stone is crushed and used to produce beryllium for use in gears and cogs in the aviation industry. It is very difficult to get any Tiffany Stone out of the mine, and most mineral specimens on the market were carried out by mine employees, as the mine owners only care about producing beryllium. Some specimens fluoresce under UV light. Purple to blue fluorescence is caused by fluorite and green fluorescence is caused by Uranyl, which causes those specimens to be slightly radioactive. It is sometimes called Ice Cream Stone in reference to its white and lavender swirls and grey black veins with occasional gold flecks. A beautiful and rare stone, but can be mildly to medium level toxic. Wash hands after handling, do not carry as a pocket stone, keep away from children, and do not add to crystal water by any method!

Mineral data

  • Chemical composition: Tiffany Stone is a rock, not a single mineral, composed mainly of fluorite and opal with calcite, dolomite, chalcedony and bertrandite; it contains beryllium and, in some specimens, trace uranyl, so it has no single formula.
  • Hardness: Varies with the mix of minerals, since it combines soft fluorite and calcite with harder opal and chalcedony, on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: White and lavender swirls with grey-black veins and occasional gold flecks; some pieces fluoresce purple, blue or green under UV light.

Metaphysical data

Tiffany Stone, the sweet-swirled 'ice cream stone' of Utah, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to inspire cheerful intuition, simplifying and focus; because it is toxic, it is best admired and handled with care.

Lightening and Clearing Energy

  • Tiffany Stone is thought to vibrate a sweet, happy, fun energy that lifts the mood and brightens the surrounding space.
  • It is believed to encourage cleaning, decluttering and simplifying one's life, making room for fresh and uncluttered thinking.

Emotional Healing

  • Tiffany Stone is said to help bring awareness to emotional baggage that needs to be worked on, gently pointing to what is ready to be released.
  • Its playful, lavender-swirled energy is thought to ease heaviness, making hard emotional work feel less daunting.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

  • Tiffany Stone is associated with the third eye and crown chakras, supporting intuition, insight and spiritual connection.
  • It is believed to open up psychic and clairvoyant abilities, adding a light and gentle touch to visionary practice.

Zodiac Associations

  • Tiffany Stone is linked to the zodiac sign Pisces, the dreamy and intuitive fish, whose imaginative nature the stone is said to echo.
  • It is said to vibrate to the numbers 1 and 55 in numerology, numbers of new beginnings and of bold personal change.

Spiritual Growth

  • Tiffany Stone is thought to promote focus, concentration and studying, helping the practitioner keep attention steady during learning and meditation.
  • As a rare stone found in a single mine, it is often admired as a symbol of unique beauty born from an unlikely source.

Physical Healing

  • Tiffany Stone is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and the stone itself is toxic, so it should be admired rather than used on or near the body.
  • Traditionally it is said to energize the endocrine system and regulate hormones, but this is a symbolic belief only and should never replace qualified medical care.

Care and handling

Tiffany Stone is TOXIC: it contains beryllium and some pieces contain uranyl and are slightly radioactive. Wash your hands after handling it, do not carry it as a pocket stone, and keep it away from children and pets. Never grind, cut, sand or polish it, and avoid creating dust. Do not use it in crystal water or elixirs by any method, and never place it in the mouth. Display it in a closed, dry case and keep it away from heat and strong light.

Individual experiences with Tiffany Stone vary, and its effects are personal. Because it is toxic, enjoy its beauty with respect and caution, and handle it only with the care described above.