What onyx really is (banded chalcedony), why almost all black onyx is dyed, how sardonyx and "onyx marble" differ, what onyx is said to mean in crystal tradition, how to clean it and how to tell real onyx from glass, plastic and look-alikes.
What sunstone is, why it sparkles, how Oregon sunstone differs from other feldspar sunstones, what it is said to mean in crystal tradition, how to care for it and how to tell it from goldstone glass and treated stones.
What bloodstone (heliotrope) is, how its red spots form, the legends and March birthstone history behind it, what it is said to mean in crystal tradition, how to care for it and how to tell it from dyed stones and look-alikes.
What kyanite is, why its hardness changes with direction, what blue, black, green and orange kyanite are said to mean in crystal tradition, how to care for its fragile blades and how to tell it from sapphire, glass and other look-alikes.
What lemongrass essential oil is, why its high citral content makes it a strong skin sensitizer, how East and West Indian lemongrass differ from citronella and palmarosa, and safe ways to use it at home.
What vetiver essential oil is, why it comes from the roots of a grass, how Haitian, Javanese, Indian and Bourbon vetiver differ, how it is used in perfume and calming blends and how to handle such a thick oil safely.
The difference between rose otto (distilled rose essential oil), rose absolute and rose water, which roses they come from, why real rose oil is so expensive, how to spot a fake and how to use it safely.
What patchouli essential oil is, why its leaves are dried before distillation, how the oil changes with age, how it is used in perfume and home blends and the practical safety points to know.
What geranium essential oil is (and why it comes from Pelargonium, not garden cranesbill), how Egyptian, Chinese and Bourbon oils differ, how it is used in skin care and blends and the allergy precautions that matter.
The main types of cedarwood essential oil, why "Virginian cedarwood" is really a juniper, how each smells and is used in blends, hair care and around the home, and the safety points to know.