Reddit mentions of Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic (Cunningham's Encyclopedia Series (2))

With crystal and gem magick it is believed that if it is not meant for you, it will remove itself. Or too powerful, or possibly you are not ready for it, it will return in its own time. I have experienced this before with Moldavite.

Question: was it a clear quartz crystal and was it chosen for you based on any specific properties??

If you decide to repeat this, I would recommend getting a similar quartz crystal that has a bit of obsidian or other dark stone embed in it. While it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the first gift, the darker stone can absorb negativity in the environment. After a few nights bury this crystal in the earth so that the negative energies can ground out and heal the stone. A crystal similar to this would work:

http://www.kacha-stones.com/acatalog/info%5f3418%2ehtml


If this interests you as a field of study or belief, might I recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0875421261

And ask your mother first, she may already have it! (The book or stone). If she has multiple stones matching this description, look at them all and allow it to choose you, and my preference is the obsidian in the base or closer to bottom of the stone, but remember this is your stone, so choose the one that feels right to you.

Be careful accepting stones from just anyone. In this case it is a trusting relationship but crystals with keys and certain markings might also give someone the ability to 'see' you or 'feel' you more, especially if the two stones were attuned to match and one kept, one given.

Otherwise a nice introductory experience to crystal magick. Keep in mind your belief and intent is more important than anything, but if transistor radios have taught us anything, crystals can receive, store and transmit energy when properly attuned. Receiving negative energy and grounding out the stone to healing in its natural state may also transmute the energy.

Edit: words

Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic -
The Red Folder -
Metal Magic

Be careful not to confuse the terms witches and Wiccans. All Wiccans are witches, but not all witches are Wiccans. Wicca is only one type of witchcraft, and it's only been around since the late 1930s. It would be unlikely that your grandmother was related to Wiccans unless she lived in the UK in the 50s and 60s.