Amazing New Crystals At Madagascan Direct!
We are very excited to announce that we have received a fabulous influx of three new stones to our stores, two of which we have never stocked before!
- We are absolutely loving our new collection of high-grade Lapis Lazuli. Bright blue and with a fantastic shiny polish, Lapis has never looked so good!
- We are particularly excited about getting our hands on some lovely Caribbean Calcite for the first time: the colours of this rare gem are truly stunning. Snap it up now before it sells out!
- Mangano Calcite is another gem we have never stocked before, and we're sure its lovely pink colours and banded patterns will entice you as much as it has enticed us.
Please feel free to also peruse our entire catalogue of crystals and fossils for sale: we have thousands of high quality stones available for your purchase, and more are added daily.
Let's learn more about these amazing gems!
Caribbean Calcite
This gorgeous rare stone displays a stunning sky blue base adorned with mesmerising swirls and bands of white and caramel-brown.
Recently discovered in Pakistan, this unique stone is highly coveted for its rarity and gorgeous aesthetic value.
At Madagascan Direct, we have Caribbean Calcite available in a range of forms including sleek heart shapes, pebbles, and spheres.
What Is Caribbean Calcite Made From?
Caribbean Calcite is a rare combination of minerals, including sky blue Calcite and elements of brown and white Aragonite.
Other Types Of Calcite
Calcite is a very diverse mineral that comes in many forms and colours.
- Blue Calcite makes a great companion stone to Caribbean Calcite, with its baby blue hues contrasting nicely against the aqua tones of Caribbean Calcite.
- Optical Calcite, otherwise known as Iceland Spar, is a clear transparent gem which displays magnificent rainbows when exposed to light, much like Clear Quartz.
- Mangano Calcite, otherwise known as Pink Calcite, is distinguished from other forms of this mineral by its baby pink colouring and white banded patterns.
- Honey Calcite, also known as Golden Calcite, showcases a rich golden honey hue with brilliant transparency.
- Orange Calcite displays a marvellous mix of light orange tones and speckles of white.
What Does Caribbean Calcite Look Like?
Each piece of Caribbean Calcite is truly unique.
Caribbean Calcite Colours
Colouring can range from subtle shades of sky blue to bright, vibrant aqua hues.
Hints of mint green can be present, and the inclusions of white and brown Aragonite can occur in varied patterns of swirls, stripes, and bands.
Caribbean Calcite has a very tropical feel to it, with the blue elements looking similar to the sea, and the white and brown inclusions conjuring images of sand on the beach.
Many high grade Caribbean Calcite pieces have a similar colour to Larimar.
Natural Caribbean Calcite
Although our pieces have been carefully hand polished, most Caribbean Calcite specimens display rough natural elements such as tiny crevices and holes, which sometimes have a druzy lining.
Each nodule and crack lends further individuality to a sample of this unique stone.
Where Does Caribbean Calcite Come From?
Pakistan is the only place in the world where Caribbean Calcite is mined.
This new stone was only discovered in the last few years, and took the crystal world by storm in 2019.
Although named after the Caribbean, this type of Calcite is not sourced from this region of the world: instead, the name refers to the stone's similar appearance to the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean sea.
Caribbean Calcite Crystal Healing Powers
As this stone is very new to the crystal world, little is definitively known about its crystal healing powers, however some powerful metaphysical properties have been reported.
The stone is said to have a deeply soothing, calming energy which gifts peace to its user.
For this reason, Caribbean Calcite may be able to help with sleep disturbances and nightmares.
All Calcites are said to amplify and cleanse energies, while Brown Aragonite (which is included in Caribbean Calcite) is great for grounding and stress relief.
Caribbean Calcite Chakras
This blue stone is most associated with the Third eye Chakra and the Crown Chakra.
With regards to spirituality, it is said to enhance one's psychic abilities and enable lucid dreaming and astral travel.
How Hard Is Caribbean Calcite?
Measuring 3 on the Mohs scale, this mineral is very soft and fragile.
Great care should still be taken not to damage the crystal surface by handling the stone gently and keeping it away from other stones.
To clean the delicate crystal, simply use water and dry it afterwards with a soft cloth.
Caribbean Calcite Collections
It would be wise to snap up a piece of Caribbean Calcite now, given its rarity.
As the stone is so popular, there is concern that it will be completely mined out soon: please act quickly to secure a stunning piece of Caribbean Calcite for your collection.
Buy Caribbean Calcite online now at Madagascan Direct.
Mangano Calcite
This brilliant gemstone displays a stunning baby pink base laced with subtle striped bands of white.
Showcasing a smooth glistening polish, this stone (otherwise known as Pink Calcite or Manganoan Calcite) is incredibly tactile and shiny.
Soft and delicate, this gem is somewhat translucent and fluoresces under UV light, transforming it into a neon pink delight.
What Is Mangano Calcite Made From?
Mangano Calcite is a member of the Calcite family of minerals, which means it is primarily made of Calcium Carbonate.
What Makes Mangano Calcite Pink?
The distinctive pink colour present in Mangano Calcite is caused by Manganese inclusions within the stone.
The white banding often found in this type of stone is simply stripes of white Calcite.
What Makes Mangano Calcite Special?
Mangano Calcite has a very exciting special property: it showcases bright fluorescent pink colours when exposed to UV light.
Why not experiment with this amazing effect yourself? Invest in a UV light torch, go somewhere dark, and shine a light on the stone.
You'll be amazed by this brilliant pink fluorescent stone!
Where Do I Find Mangano Calcite?
Mangano Calcite is found in many locations worldwide, including Peru and the USA.
This pink mineral is most commonly found in areas and mines which are rich in Manganese.
Our Mangano Calcite is sourced from Pakistan, where it is extra translucent and gemmy compared to Mangano Calcite sourced from Peru, which is typically denser and more opaque.
Mangano Calcite Crystal Healing Powers
Mangano Calcite is a Stone of Love, and is said to exude a nurturing energy that encourages compassion, forgiveness, and empathy in its user.
This pink gemstone is believed to help people gain confidence and improve their self-esteem.
As a soothing stone, Mangano Calcite is thought to bring peace and calm to whoever uses it, and to soothe strong negative emotions such as grief.
Mangano Calcite Chakras
This pink crystal is most commonly used with the Heart Chakra due to its loving energy.
However, Mangano Calcite is also used by crystal healers and energy workers to amplify energy when working with all chakras.
How To Use Mangano Calcite
- Place a piece under your pillow at night to help you sleep and ease nightmares.
- Display it in your workplace to help relieve stress and anxiety associated with work.
- Hold the stone in your hand and meditate with it for peace of mind.
- Place the stone over your Heart Chakra and meditate with it to bring yourself compassion and love.
How To Take Care Of Mangano Calcite
Measuring 3 on the Mohs scale, this mineral is very soft and fragile.
Great care should still be taken not to damage the crystal surface by handling the stone gently and keeping it away from other stones.
To clean the delicate crystal, simply use water and dry it afterwards with a soft cloth.
Mangano Calcite Collectors
Mangano Calcite is a truly beautiful stone that deserves a place in any crystal collection.
It should take pride of place alongside all other gorgeous pink gems such as Rose Quartz and Rhodonite.
Buy Mangano Calcite online now at Madagascan Direct.
Lapis Lazuli 
Looking for a colourful blue gem with a storied history, and an appearance fit for royals?
Then look no further!
Our new Lapis Lazuli is incredibly bright and smooth due to its careful polish.
The high-quality finish enhances the gorgeous white flecks and royal flakes of gold that adorn this celestial blue gemstone base in a vibrant display of colour.
Lapis has captured the imagination for millennia, and we are proud to offer this high-grade crystal for sale in a variety of forms including heart shapes, freeform shapes, and pebbles.
What Is Lapis Lazuli Made From?
This crystal is an opaque stone that is found in multiple shades of blue.
Lapis is composed from many minerals, but lazurite is the one which gives it its signature intense blue shade.
However, this stone also contains several other minerals that are responsible for its wide variety of hues.
Calcite creates the white flecks present atop the celestial blue base, while pyrite bestows royal flakes of gold.
Other minerals in Lapis include sodalite, and sometimes augite and mica among many others.
Where Can You Find Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis is primarily sourced from mines in Afghanistan, however it can also be found in other areas of the world such as Russia and Chile.
Lapis Lazuli History
Lapis Lazuli has a storied history in many ancient cultures and civilisations all over the world.
Lapis Lazuli In Language
The name of Lapis Lazuli translates to "Blue Stone".
The word "Lazuli" (meaning blue) is derived from a Latin term "Lazulum", which in turn originates from the Persian world for blue.
Those acquainted with modern languages will recognise that "azul", the Spanish and Portugese word for blue, shares a root with the word "Lazuli".
Lapis Lazuli In Afghanistan
Lapis Lazuli was revered in Ancient Afghanistan, where it is still being mined today.
Artefacts made of Lapis have been sourced from the remains of these civilisations, and date from as early as 7570 BCE.
Lapis Lazuli In Ancient Egypt
Perhaps most famously, this blue semi-precious stone was coveted in Ancient Egypt.
The crystal was used to make amulets and jewellery: the Egyptians thought it could be used for protection. Lapis was used to make decorations such as scarabs.
Furthermore, Lapis was so precious to the Egyptians because they believed the colours and patterns of the crystal resembled the Heavens.
Lapis Lazuli was thus used to decorate the burial chambers of royals and High Priests; the stone was even used in the death mask of the famed Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
This gem was modified in various ways, including being crushed to form the blue eyeshadow used by Cleopatra.
Lapis Lazuli In Painting
This blue gemstone was also prized by Renaissance painters, who crushed it to create bright blue powder paint.
The ultramarine dye created from Lapis was highly prized by Baroque artists, and soon became the most expensive blue pigment in the world.
Michael Angelo favoured this lavish paint: he used it to create the intricate paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
Lapis Lazuli Crystal Healing Powers
Known as the Wisdom Keeper, Lapis Lazuli is believed to have powerful healing and metaphysical properties.
The gem is said to heighten mental awareness and acuity, thereby gifting its user with increased wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities.
Lapis, by enabling clarity of mind, can guide its user to find meaning and direction in their life.
Through accepting the wisdom and understanding gained from using this stone, Lapis can bring a sense of calm to the one who holds it.
Lapis Lazuli Chakras
Lapis is heavily associated with the Third Eye Chakra.
Deeply spiritual in energy and said to connect one to higher levels of consciousness, Lapis is similar in properties to Indigo Gabbro, another stone of wisdom.
How To Take Care Of Lapis Lazuli
Measuring 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, this mineral is relatively hard and durable and resistant to scratching, but care should still be taken not to damage the crystal surface.
To clean the crystal, simply use water and dry it afterwards with a soft cloth.
Collecting Lapis Lazuli
It is no wonder why this beautiful semi-precious stone has remained so popular over millennia, considering its mesmerising aesthetics, storied history, and powerful metaphysical properties.
A piece of Lapis Lazuli would make a wonderful gift for history lovers, crystal healers, or for those who simply love the appearance of this electrifying crystal.
Buy Lapis Lazuli online now at Madagascan Direct.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you have learned some interesting information about our favourite new stones here at Madagascan Direct.
Once more, please feel free to also peruse the rest of our catalogue of crystals and fossils for sale. We have a large range of beautiful crystals for sale in a range of shapes and colours, from Labradorite to rare Smoky Amethyst and Rutilated Quartz.
Happy shopping!