Gemstone tree — Yoga garden · Namaste pose · Leaning rose quartz tree

A milky pink, translucent rather than transparent, crossed by paler veils that catch raking light.

A tree assembled wire by wire, leaf after leaf, from natural stone chips; the branches are shaped and spread by hand.

In tradition. Tradition makes it the stone of the heart and of gentleness above all — the one you give, the one you keep close. It is credited with opening you to others and reconciling you with yourself.

The motif. Palms joined in front of the heart: an Indian greeting that recognizes in the other what one recognizes in oneself.

What is in it. Yoga garden · Namaste pose · Leaning rose quartz tree — the assembly and the spread of the chips are done by hand.

Use & upkeep. The branches can be gently repositioned to the balance you want — that is intended, and it is what makes each tree end up resembling whoever set it. Dust with a soft brush or compressed air, never with a cloth, which catches on the wires.

• Its shade comes from minute needle-shaped mineral inclusions; that is what gives it its veiled rather than clear look.
• A natural piece: shade, veining and dimensions vary from one example to the next

A decorative object for personal practice. It is no substitute for medical advice or treatment.