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While I have not actually perform, I have two scrying apparatuses in my home, one being a water-scrying bowl and the other my mother's small quartz-crystal ball. I'm also very passionate about stones, so I hope my following post will be helpful. biggrin

Quartz is typically used to create crystal balls. This may be for a multitude of reasons:

- the crystal has parts of clarity where one can actually see into the formation, along side 'patched' or 'veined' areas, allowing the mind more to work with.
- clear quartz, in properties, can be charge for any magical purpose; can be used in combination with other stones to amplify energy; can absorb, store, release, regulate, and unblock energy; can raise energy to its highest possible level; can enhance and tune psychic abilities; and can filter out distractions and aid concentration and memory.
- the tradition of a clear or white ball being used by psychics and mediums throughout history and the media makes it a natural choice for stores to stock.

This only means that it is the best ball for some people. The energy manipulation powers of this crystal might be too much for a sensitive person. Hence, you may find balls made out of other types of quartz (rose is popular), other clear stones (like amethyst or calcite), genrally other crystals (aventurine or agate), or even lead or colored glass. It depends on the properties and benefits one is looking for. In example, one would use a certain-colored ball to use the powers of that color.

Calcite, as with quartz, is an energizing stone. It's also a cleanser, pyschic ability aide, astral/"out-of-body" aide, memory support aide, spiritual development aide, emotion-intellect connector, calming device, analysis and insight aide, and a physical and emotional stabilizer.

I'm guessing you have general, clear calcite. I can give you more information on its specific properties if you verify my presumption with an image. mrgreen

It's not really all that clear.

http://brightworld.com/Spheres/iSpheres/YCSP50.jpg This is sorta what it looks like, except it's more greyish and silvery in color (sorry, I don't have a digital camera). I just chose it based on which one called out to me. I've always had better luck that way...

Actually, I found my calcite ball for very cheap. I managed to find a clearance sale at a place called Earthbound Trading Company. It was marked down from $45 to $10. =D

There is actually a specific divination tool that uses the tone: the scrying mirror. They are usually black, although I've found a gorgeous crimson one. Here's a good example of a common black one. Some are concave, or highly detailed/decoarted. Naturally, with these differences, as well as size, the prices range. The concave one pictured is $36.00, to give an idea.

It is essentially used the save way as a crystal ball or scrying bowl- one look into the surface, relaxes and focuses, and waits for the mind's eye to pick up on things.

At least... I think that's how the bascis work. sweatdrop I know my resources, but I'm not to keen on my 'how to'. xp

I got lucky wth a friend's stone at a pagan club meeting. I kinda just sank into it. I kept on being on the verge of seeing something, but a guy in back of me kept on poking me, and asking for my phone number stressed

I too have a calcite orb, I got it at Earthbound i think it was called..
It was a store at me dad's mall. It was like 6 money for one the size of my fist.
Really good deal methinks...

Yeah, that's the same chain where I got mine. ^^