Did you know Rhodolite Garnet was first scientifically described from stones found in North Carolina’s Cowee Valley? Discover the history, geology, and rose-colored beauty of this special Carolina gem.

Take a closer look at Vanadinite from Morocco, where tiny red crystals sit among golden blades. Discover how it forms, its surprising connection to the discovery of vanadium, and how to care for this beautiful specimen.

Smoky Quartz is much more than brown quartz. Discover what creates its smoky color, its fascinating connection to Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, why the darkest pieces are called morion, and where Smoky Quartz can even be found right here in North Carolina.

Discover North Carolina kyanite—a beautiful bladed mineral formed under tremendous pressure—and the ancient mountain-building story hidden within it.

Have you ever wondered why you rarely see Rose Quartz clusters? Discover what really gives this familiar pink stone its color, why it usually does not form visible crystal points and how some pieces may be hiding a beautiful six-rayed star.

When you hear the word ruby, North Carolina probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. We tend to picture rubies coming from faraway places like Myanmar, Thailand, or Sri Lanka. But guess what? Rubies are found right here in North Carolina, too! Some of our best-known ruby discoveries have come from Macon County, especially the beautiful Cowee Valley near Franklin. This area has been attracting miners, gem lovers, and curious visitors for well over a century—and peopl

Most crystal-shop “selenite” is actually satin spar. Discover how these two forms of gypsum differ, why they glow, and how to care for them.

Emerald is my birthstone, but I never realized that some truly remarkable emeralds have been discovered right here in North Carolina. Let’s explore their fascinating history, how they form and where visitors can legally search for them today.

Obsidian is much more than a shiny black stone. Explore its beautiful varieties, fascinating history, traditional associations and simple care tips.

Discover the fascinating story of Hiddenite, North Carolina’s distinctive green gemstone, from its discovery in Alexander County to the geology that makes this mineral so special.

Carnelian is much more than a beautiful fiery orange stone. Come along as we explore what gives it its color, how ancient civilizations used it, and some of the traditions that still surround it today.

Hi there, and welcome to the Peace by the Beach Reiki & Crystals' Blog! My name is Laurie, and my husband Harold and I are the owners of Peace by the Beach Reiki & Crystals, LLC in Havelock, North Carolina. Opening our shop has been such an incredible journey for us, and we feel truly blessed to be able to share something we love so much with our community. My love for crystals began when I was a child, long before I understood the science, history, and stories behind them. I