Shiva shell is a unique, entirely natural gem formed on the shell of the Turban Snail as a protective mechanism when the snail is threatened.
It is an unusually beautiful stone, believed by some to be powerful and related to divinity.
In this article, we will look at the Shiva shell in more detail, looking at where it can be found, how to tell it from other stones, and some of its common uses.
What is Shiva shell?
Shiva shell is a natural gem which comes from the shell of the turban snail, particularly the tapestry turban snail.
It acts as the operculum for the sea snail, protecting the creature from threats and maintaining moisture levels.
Eventually, it falls from the shell and lands in the seabed, where it is collected.
Also known as Shiva Eye Stone and Pacific Cat’s Eye due to its unique patterns and shapes, the shell is generally an off-white in colour with brown and black swirls on its front; others may have more brown or black than white.
As with most shells, it is typically delicate and easily breakable and requires a lot of care.
Shiva shell is commonly associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and takes many of its metaphysical properties from this association.
It is believed to remove negative energy and open the third eye, making it a popular stone for healing and protection.
It is also believed to be an aid for improving wellbeing and positive energy.
Where is the Shiva shell found?
The Shiva shell is typically found in tropical lands such as Thailand and Indonesia, particularly in shallow waters.
After it detaches from the shell of the turban snail, the shell tends to land in the seabed, where it lies until it is collected.
It reached popularity in Victorian Britain, where it was commonly used in jewelry and admired for its unusual beauty.
Nowadays, it is much more commonly found throughout the world, particularly in jewelry and accessories such as bags or brooches.
It is also highly respected in Asian countries as a stone of prosperity and fortune.
How can the Shiva shell be identified?
Shiva shells are so unique that it is very difficult to confuse them with other stones or materials.
Even when compared with other shells, Shiva shells are typically quite distinctive in terms of appearance.
Looking for the unique eye-like shape and swirling pattern found on the outer part of the shell is a sure-fire way to identify the shell from others.
In terms of composition, Shiva shell is a unique stone.
As it is used to protect and defend the snail from perceived threats and maintain moisture levels, the shell is naturally formed from calcium carbonate to form the underpart of the snail’s shell.
Looking at mineral composition is one way to identify the Shiva shell, but as we will see, it is not a definitive way.
As we have seen, the Shiva shell is made of calcium carbonate.
This can cause problems when distinguishing the shell from others, as all are formed from the same composition.
In this case, relying on appearance may be the best way to identify and distinguish the Shiva shell.
What is Shiva shell used for?
Due to its very attractive, unique appearance and the fact that no two shells are the same, Shiva shell is a common, popular choice for jewelry of any variety.
Typically, jewelry made with the Shiva shell is quite simple to best show off the interesting patterns of the shell. Such jewelry can be very distinctive, stylish, and uniquely beautiful.
In terms of more spiritual uses, the Shiva shell is used for meditation and is thought to help achieve enlightenment.
It is often used to assist in meditation practices with the aim of gaining deeper understanding of oneself and anything you may be experiencing.
What is the meaning of Shiva shell?
Shiva shell has numerous meanings, mostly involved with its long and deep association with the Hindu deity Shiva.
It is thought to be connected to intuition and knowledge, often used to open up the third eye and expand the mind.
The shell is also thought to be associated with the ocean, partly because of its origins in the sea and its connections to the creatures of the ocean.
Often, the shell is considered to induce an ocean-like calmness and serenity.
In regard to its metaphysical associations, the Shiva shell is thought to invite prosperity and fortune to anyone who wears it.
It is also often considered to be associated with the transformation of evil and negative energy into positive energy.
How should Shiva shell be cared for?
As with any gemstone, it is important that the Shiva shell is cared for properly to ensure quality and appearance and maintained.
Regardless of how the stone is used, cleaning and proper storage are vital to preserve the shell’s wellbeing and protect it from damage.
The best way to clean Shiva shell is with water and a soft cloth.
As the shell is very delicate, extra care is required to ensure it stays in the best possible condition, and so it is vital that you are gentle to avoid scratches or breakages.
For more spiritual uses, it is thought that the best way to cleanse the Shiva shell is to use the full moon; it can be placed under the moonlight or buried overnight to cleanse it and renew its energy.
The delicacy of the shell means that how you store it is vitally important; storage should be gentle enough to protect the shell from damage as well as from regular things like dust.
It is important that the shell is kept somewhere secure and preferably soft to ensure the possibility of breakage is kept to a minimum.
Summary
Shiva shell is a unique, natural stone with interesting origins.
Its attractive, distinctive pattern makes it a brilliant choice for jewelry, and its links to divinity offer it a deeper spiritual meaning.
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