Gemstones are so fascinating! Their colors, properties, myths, and legends are diverse and fascinating. Folklore about stones has been revered and honored for centuries in all cultures.
Agate
About Agate: Agate is classified under the cryptocrystalline variety and more specifically,as a variety of chalcedony quartz. Cryptocrystalline specimens crystal structures are so fine, they cannot be seen – even with the aid of a microscope. Agate is often referred to as being ‘microcrystalline’; this term merely suggests that the crystal structure is slightly larger than most other cryptocrystalline species. The difference between micro and cryptocrystalline is not clearly defined, so it would not be considered incorrect to describe agate as either.
Amber
About Amber: Amber is a gemstone formed through the fossilization of tree resin. Amber resin is not the same as typical tree sap. It is sourced specifically from the Pinus succinifera tree. The fossilization of amber can be traced back to the Tertiary period, meaning that amber stones formed approximately 50 million years ago. Since amber is formed from soft and sticky resin, amber often contains animal and plant inclusions; mostly mosquitoes and other insect species. Amber that developed in coal seams is often called ‘resinite’, and specimens sourced specifically from New Zealand coal seams are referred to as ‘ambrite’. Amber is one of the few varieties of organic gemstones. The most common varieties of organic gems include amber, pearl, coral and ivory.
The word ‘amber’ was derived from the Middle Persian word ‘ambar’. It was originally used to describe a hardened waxy substance found within the intestines of sperm whales called ambergris. Ambergris is used in the production of fragrances because it has a very appealing aromatic smell. During the 14th century, the use of the term amber shifted from reference to ambergris to the gemstone. Amber and ambergris were often confused with one another because both can be found washed up on beach shores. The two are easily distinguished by density. Ambergris has a much lower density and floats in freshwater. Amber gemstones do not float in freshwater, but float in saltwater.
Power: Promotes good luck and success. Said to dissolve oppositions, bring care free disposition. Some believe it can heal joint problems and ease stomach complaints.
Amethyst
About Amethyst: Amethyst is by far the most precious gem in the quartz group. It is transparent purple quartz with much historical royal importance. Purple is the color of royalty, and amethyst served as an important gemstone in this realm. Amethysts were featured in British crowns, Egyptian royalty, and the bishops within the Christian church.
A deep purple amethyst is the most valuable of amethysts with the ”Siberian” amethyst displaying a deep purple with red and blue flashes as the highest priced amethyst. Soft and warm tones of daylight are the best to view amethyst in. The most valuable amethyst is free of inclusions and is transparent in show.
Brazil has the largest deposits of amethyst in the world.
Power: Is a stone of the mind; it brings calmness and clarity, helps you to get in touch with your intuition, feelings and values. It’s been regarded as an ease to compulsive/obsessive behavior.
Birthstone: February
Amazonite
About Amazonite: This semi-opaque blue-green variety of feldspar is named after the Amazon River.
Amazonite balances feminine and masculine energy. It promotes kindness and practicality. It is an excellent stone for artists and for men.
Pale azure blue amazonite is known as the lucky “Hope Stone”. It will be lucky for all your hopes and dreams. Amazonite is blue-green to pale green stone in the feldspar group. It is found in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar and Russia’s Ilmen Mountains.
Power: Said to balance feminine and masculine energy. It promotes kindness, practicality and gives physical stamina. An excellent stone for artists and for men.
Aquamarine
About Aquamarine: Aquamarine is a blue to green-blue variety of precious beryl. The beryl group of minerals is most famous for chromium-rich, green emerald, which happens to be one of the ‘precious four’ gems of the world (diamond, sapphire and ruby are the remaining three). Aquamarine is one of the official birthstones for those born in March. Aquamarine is exceptionally hard and has an outstanding vitreous (glass-like) luster. It is most famous for its breathtaking sea-blue colors which can range from light to dark-blue. The name ‘aquamarine’ was derived from an old Latin expression which meant ‘seawater’.
Aquamarine and emerald belong to the same family, but they are surprisingly different. Aquamarine and emerald are both beryllium aluminum silicates. While emerald is colored by trace amounts of chromium (and vanadium), aquamarine color is the result of iron impurities within colorless beryl crystal. Aquamarine and emerald have essentially the same specific gravity and refractive index, but emerald tends to be hazy and full of inclusions, whilst aquamarine has excellent transparency and clarity. Aquamarines, and other types of beryl, are quite durable and hard, ranging from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. A dark and deeply saturated blue is the most desirable and valuable aquamarine color. Other varieties of beryl include morganite, goshenite, golden beryl (heliodor), green beryl and bixbite.
Power: Promotes courage and releases anxiety. Is thought to soothe, calm and alleviate fears and to help relaxation on long journeys. Believed to give insights and aids in mental clarity.
Birthstone: March
Aventurine
About Aventurine: Most gemstone names are unambiguous, but aventurine is an exception. The name is used both for aventurine feldspar and aventurine quartz. The aventurine feldspar is now commonly sold under the name sunstone, leaving the name aventurine to be used mainly for the quartz variety.
The reason why both of these gems were labeled as aventurine is due to their resemblance to a type of Italian glass known as aventurine or goldstone. The name aventurine comes from the Italian a ventura, meaning “by chance,” since it was thought that the unusual Italian glass was discovered by accident. In fact aventurine glass is credited to an Italian family of glassmakers by the name of Miotti. They created this special iridescent glass in the mid 17th century and it became quite famous. Their process for creating the glass remained a closely guarded secret for many years, and for a long time the Miotti family had the exclusive rights to produce it.
Power: A stone of opportunity and luck; believed to attract prosperity. If you gamble or play lotto, keep this stone in your left pocket.
Bronzite
About Bronzite: Bronzite is used often to help with certainty and with taking control of our actions. It can also help one to think ahead about things, which also enhances the ability to take control of our own lives. In this, because bronzite helps dispel uncertainty, it can help us also take necessary actions for our own benefit, while still being loving and polite and principled in our behavior. Bronzite is a good grounding stone also. It is excellent for these same reasons to promote change in a harmonious way. Physically, Bronzite is used in crystal healing for ailments related to the solar plexus chakra, assimilation of iron, lessening muscular tension, dispelling restlessness caused by emotional and psycho-physical ailments. Note that healing crystal meanings are spiritual supports to healing and are not prescriptions or healthcare information.
Power : This stone is beneficial to use when making plans for the future because it alleviates indecision and doubt. Bronzite is also believed to be effective against curses or ill wishes.
Citrine
About Citrine: Citrine is yellow, golden or orange colored quartz. Its name comes from the French for lemon, citron, though citrine tends to be more golden than lemon yellow. Since quartz is an abundant mineral, the gem-quality specimens typically have a very attractive luster and excellent clarity.
Citrine draws its distinctive color from traces of iron. Many commercial-grade citrine gemstones on the market have been produced by heat-treating amethyst, which will turn yellow at relatively low temperatures (around 470 degrees centigrade) and dark-yellow to red-brown at higher temperatures (around 1000 degrees centigrade). Virtually all heat-treated citrine has a reddish tint. Deposits of naturally colored citrine are found principally in Brazil and Madagascar, as well as in Burma, the USA and Namibia.
Citrine’s sunny color has led to the belief that it radiates positive energy. Citrine is known as the “success stone” because it is thought to promote success, prosperity and abundance, especially in business. The practice of placing citrine in the cash register of shops earned it the nickname “the merchant’s stone”.
Power: Said to balance impatience and restlessness. Used to be placed where one conducts business to acquire and maintain wealth. Good for mental focus, endurance, and self-esteem.
Birthstone: November
Coral
About Coral: Coral has been called the ‘garden of the sea’. It was once believed to be a plant, but is now known to actually contain living animals called polyps. Coral is the result of accumulated skeletal masses from these polyps. Red is considered the most sought after color but coral also can be found in pink, white, yellow and black.
Records dating back thousands of years confirm that coral was used in decorative art objects. It was believed to prevent ill fortune and offer protection from skin disease when worn as a necklace. Dreams about coral are believed to foretell recovery from a long illness. Ancients believed that Mars was composed of red coral.
Coral is a good aid for meditation or visualization.
Power: Is a good aid for meditation or visualization. Coral symbolizes life and blood force energy, is used as an aid to depression, lethargy or deficient nutrition.
Carnelian
About Carnelian: Like the unexpected fire of a sunset, or the first flash of autumn brilliance, Carnelian captivates. Its bold energy brings a rush of warmth and joy that lingers, stimulating and empowering. Known as a stone of motivation and endurance, leadership and courage, Carnelians have protected and inspired throughout history.
A glassy, translucent stone, Carnelian is an orange-colored variety of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Its color varies from pale pinkish-orange to a deep rusty brown, though it is most known for its brilliant orange and red-orange crystals. Its name comes from a Latin word meaning “flesh.”
In antiquity, as well as today, Carnelian is believed to help timid speakers become both eloquent and bold. Ancient Warriors wore Carnelian around their neck for courage and physical power to conquer their enemies. In Egypt it was worn by master architects to show their rank of builder, and alchemists of the Middle Ages used it as a boiling stone to activate the energy of other Chalcedonies. As the first stone in the breastplate of the High Priest, it signified the blood of the martyrs, and was once believed to prevent illness and the Plague.
Power : Is an energy booster. It helps an insecure person to find strength and calm the temper. Also said to protect from bad vibe and increase appetite.
Chrysocolla
About Chrysocolla: Chrysocolla is one of the lesser known gemstones, but it is a fascinating mineral. It is sometimes confused with turquoise due to its color and greasy to vitreous luster. Chrysocolla is one of a small group of copper-bearing gems that includes malachite, azurite, Larimar, Oregon sunstone and Paraiba tourmaline, as well as turquoise.
By composition, chrysocolla is a hydrous copper silicate, often with traces of copper, iron and manganese oxide. It is a fairly soft stone at 2 to 4 on the Mohs scale, which makes it somewhat softer than turquoise. It is almost always opaque, and often occurs in shades of blue and green that make it appear similar to turquoise.
One of the interesting features of chrysocolla is that it is often found mixed with other secondary copper minerals such as malachite, azurite and turquoise, or with quartz. These mixtures provide interesting patterns and textures, and also make the final product harder and more durable than pure chrysocolla.
Power : Believed to alleviate fear and guilt. Help its wearer to be more loving and forgiving. Can crystallize feelings of spiritual love, acceptance and tolerance.
Fluorite
About Fluorite: Fluorite is considered to be one of most popular minerals in the world among gem and mineral collectors, second only to quartz. It is often referred to as ‘the most colorful mineral in the world’ owing to its variety of brilliant colors. Fluorite was first described in 1530 and was originally referred to as ‘fluorspar’. The mineral was strongly noted for its effectiveness as a flux for aluminum and steel processing. Today, the term ‘fluorspar’ is primarily used for the industrial and chemical form of fluorite, while ‘fluorite’ is the term used in reference to the gem and mineral.
Formerly called fluorspar, fluorite has a wide range of colors including yellow, blue, pink purple and green. It is an interesting and beautiful stone because often more than one color occurs in a single stone. The ancient Egyptians used flourite to carve statues and scarabs, the Chinese have used it in carvings for over 300 years. In the 18th century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms of kidney disease.
Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. It makes one more receptive to the vibrations of other stones. Fluorite should be kept in every room of the home. Fluorite is known as the “Genius Stone”.
Power: Thought to balance and stabilize intuition. Regarded as an aid to learning and lateral thinking. Fluorite is believed to improve the ability to concentrate.
Garnet
About Garnet :Garnet is found the world over, and though commonly known to be red, it is in fact found in a variety of colors and chemical formulas, each with its own set of spiritual properties. [Simmons, 165] Legends and folklore place garnet among the most ancient of talismans. Not only was it prized as an ornamental jewel, but its strong curative powers and protective energies made it invaluable.
The distinctive title Garnet is derived from the Latin name Granatum, a pomegranate, because of the resemblance the granular varieties of Garnet bears to the seeds of that fruit. Garnets vary in size from a grain of sand to the size of an apple. Today, Garnet is not only worn ornamentally as a beautiful gem, but is used widely in industrial markets, from watch gears and scientific instruments to sandpaper and abrasives.
Power: The stone of passionate devotion: to family, friends and your purpose in life. Believed to stimulate the senses, and increase vitality and stamina. Is thought to attract good luck in business.
Birthstone: January
Goldstone
About Goldstone: Goldstone is a man made gemstone that has been around since the European Renaissance.
Early monks working at a glass factory near Venice, Italy were practicing alchemy when molten copper accidentally tipped into a molten glass container.
This crystallized into thousands of tiny crystals and formed a melt with golden light sparkles. This is how the first goldstone came about. Though it is not technically a gemstone, it is often referred to as one.
Goldstone is an energy stone.
Power: Is said to be a Master Healer, stabilizing emotions and aiding in staying calm. It is used as an energy generator, a protection stone to deflecting unwanted energies.
Hematite
About Hematite: The name comes from the Greek word for blood. It has been used as an amulet against bleeding, and so is known as the “blood stone”. When arranged like the petals of a flower, it is referred to as the “iron rose”. Native American folklore states that war paint made from hematite will make one invincible in battle. People in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries wore hematite jewelry during mourning.
Scientists of the Mars Exploration Rover Project believe that deposits of hematite on Mars may help prove whether large amounts of liquid water ever flowed on Mars’ surface. They say that where water was, life may have had a chance to thrive as well. Hematite stimulates iron absorption in the small intestine, which in turn improves oxygen supply to the body. It can be in direct contact with the skin, but results in inflammation for some people, so test it carefully on yourself before use.
Power: Is a slightly grounding and powerful stone for those attracted to it. It strengthens physical and ethnic bodies which energizes personal magnetism, optimism, will, and courage.
Jade
About Jade: Jade is said to bless whatever it touches, serving mankind across the globe for nearly 6,000 years. For primitive peoples in the British Isles, its toughness, and ability to polish and sharpen made it a favored stone for axe heads, knives and weapons. Indigenous tribes of Mexico, Central and South America, and New Zealand carved it into deity masks and ritual artifacts, even cast it into wells as an offering to the water spirits for fresh and plentiful water. Jade has been the most highly esteemed stone in China throughout recorded history, and was valued for its beauty and powers of healing and protection. An endless variety of gems, vessels, incense burners, beads, burial items and statues have been wondrously carved from Jade, as well as musical instruments and pendants inscribed with poetry.
In scientific terms, Jade is the name shared by two distinctly different minerals – Nephrite, a calcium magnesium silicate, and Jadeite, a sodium aluminum silicate. Though they have different compositions, hardnesses, densities and crystal structures, both are exceptionally tough stones, similar in appearance, and equally valuable in metaphysical properties. Both occur in the beautiful olive shades we’ve come to recognize as jade green, but have some distinctions.
Power: A stone of serenity. Thought to alleviate anxiety and fear and promote good luck. It brings prosperity, is said to ensure bountiful harvests.
Jasper
About Jasper : Jasper is one of the many gemstone varieties of quartz available today. It is an opaque and impure variety of silicon dioxide (SiO2). The name ‘jasper’ is derived from the Greek word for ‘spotted stone’, referring to its typical multicolored, striped, spotted or flamed appearance. Jasper can form in virtually any color. Jasper is usually considered a chalcedony, but some scientists classify jasper as a separate type because of its distinctive grainy structure.
Jasper is a dense substance, up to twenty percent of which can be made of foreign materials. Due to these trace impurities, jasper is rarely uniform. In some cases, jasper may even grow together with agate or opal. The patterns of jasper are formed during the process of mineral consolidation, determined by the exact flow and deposition of silica-rich sediments or volcanic ash.
The most common jasper patterns include interesting marbling and veining, orbital rings, streaks, spots, flaming and banding. Like agate stone, there are numerous trade names and classifications used for jasper today. The names can be very confusing, but fortunately, most are used only by the most avid collectors.
Power: Is associated with relaxation, contentment, compassion, nurturing and consolation. Is said to relieve mental stress and help you achieve balance in life.
Kyanite
About Kyanite: Kyanite is a gemstone quality aluminum silicate sometimes referred to as disthene, rhaeticite or cyanite. Its name is derived from the Greek word ‘kuanos’ or ‘kyanos’, which means ‘deep blue’, alluding to its typical blue color. However, in addition to blue, kyanite can also be colorless, white, gray, green, orange or yellow. With kyanite, color is typically not consistent throughout. In fact, most stones exhibit areas of light to dark color zones, along with white streaks or blotches. Kyanite is a polymorph of both andalusite and sillimanite. Polymorph gemstones share similar chemical compositions, but they exhibit different crystal structures.
Kyanite’s most distinctive trait is its strong anisotropic properties. Most gems are anisotropic to some extent, but kyanite is the most famous of anisotropic gemstones. Anisotropic gemstones exhibit varying properties, depending on their crystallographic direction. When kyanite is cut parallel to its long axis, its hardness can range from 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, but when cut perpendicularly, its hardness can range from 6 to 7.
Power: A calming stone, it helps to quiet the mind, dissolving emotional or spiritual confusion. Said to be particularly good at dissolving anger and frustration.
Labradorite
About Labradorite :Labradorite is an iridescent gemstone with a fascinating schiller or metallic luster when viewed from certain angles. The base color of labradorite is a dark smoky gray, but when light strikes the stone in a particular direction, it displays striking rainbow-colored reflections. Most typically, these metallic tints are violet, blue and green; but sometimes yellow, orange and red can be seen. This effect is so unique to labradorite that it is referred to as labradorescence.
The labradorescent effect is believed to be due to the presence of very fine platelets of different compositions as well as minute inclusions of limenite, rutile and possible magnetite, which cause the diffraction of light.
Labradorite is usually cut en cabochon or in flat slabs in order to best display its iridescence. There are transparent yellowish-brown and colorless specimens that are cut with facets, but labradorite is best known as a colorful cabochon for pendants, bead necklaces, brooches, rings and ornamental objects.
Power: Is a power stone, allows you to see through illusions and determine your actual goals. It is excellent for strengthening intuitions.
Lapis
About Lapis : Lapis lazuli, often referred to as just ‘lapis’, has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. It has been mined from Afghanistan since the early 7th millennium BC, and it was discovered in ancient burial sites throughout the Caucasus, the Mehrgarh and even as far as the Republic of Mauritania. The funeral mask for the ancient Egyptian pharaoh ‘King Tut’ was even discovered to have been decorated with lapis lazuli.
This historical stone has a name closely associated with its intense color. Its name was derived from the Latin word ‘lapis’ meaning ‘stone’, and from the Arabic and Persian word ‘lazaward’. ‘Lazaward” was the Persian name for lapis stone, as well as the name of its mining location. In other parts of the world, words for ‘blue’ were named after the color of lapis, including the English word ‘azure’; Italian ‘azzurro’; Polish ‘azur’; Spanish ‘azur’ and Romanian ‘azuriu’. Today, lapis lazuli is still considered to be one of the most important opaque blue gemstones available.
Lapis usually forms in crystalline marble through the geological process of contact metamorphism and due to its composition, it is technically defined as a rock rather than a mineral.
Power: An ancient stone said to represent friendship and truth. Lapis is said to bring harmony in relationships. It is also a stone of wisdom and awareness.
Onyx
About Onyx : Most people think of onyx as a black gemstone, but this is actually misleading in two ways. In the gemological world, the term onyx refers to layered stones that exhibit different colors in multiple layers. Usually this material is cut from agate or other types of chalcedony with even, parallel layers, usually with a lighter layer above a darker one.
What then is the black gemstone commonly known today as onyx? Usually it is agate or chalcedony which has been dyed to make it a uniform black color. It is usually cut as cabochons or beads, though more recently it has been faceted as well.
Since black gemstones can make elegant jewelry, black onyx has become very popular. There are actually relatively few gemstones that occur in black. Onyx is the most common and least expensive of all black gemstones.
Power: Helps release negative emotions such as sorrow and grief. It sharpens your senses, fortifies self confidence and responsibility.
Opal
About Opal : Opal is a gem-quality form of hydrated amorphous silicon dioxide. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘stone’. It is gemologically classed as a mineraloid rather than a mineral, owing to its amorphous form.
Precious opal is known for its remarkable ability to diffract light, which results in rainbow-like colors that change with the angle of observation – known as ‘play of color’. Fire opal can sometimes exhibit slight color play, but it is better known for its vivid body color. Common opal is usually opaque, rarely translucent, and lacks play of color. It is often found mixed with other gemstones, such as agate opal or moss opal. Common opal is known to exhibit ‘opalescence’. The term ‘opalescence’ is often mistaken for ‘play of color’. Opalescence should technically only be used to describe the optical effects seen in common opal. Opalescence is caused by the reflection of light and appears as a sheen of light, typically milky-bluish in color. It is a form of adularescence, whereas ‘play of color’ is iridescence caused by light diffraction.
Power: Is often used for clearing emotions as to create more positive vibrations. It is useful in balancing all chakras and stabilizes mood swings.
Moonstone
About Moonstone : Moonstone is the most well-known gemstone variety of orthoclase feldspar, a potassium aluminum silicate. It is a transparent to opaque oligoclase, a variety of plagioclase albite and sheet mica. Moonstone is known to exhibit a distinct sheen under certain lighting conditions, and it is the sheen which renders moonstone one of the most remarkable gemstones available today. In fact, its name is owed to the almost magical, bluish white shimmer it exhibits, which closely resembles that of the moon. Gemologists refer to the shimmering phenomena as ‘adularesence’.
The optical effect of adularesence is a result of moonstone’s unique structural pattern. Tiny inclusions of albite, a sodium aluminum silicate are intermixed with host rock layers of orthoclase, a potassium aluminum silicate. The alternating layers of different feldspars form a lamellar (scaly) structure which causes the interference of light as it enters the stone. Thin layers of alternating silicates tend to refract more attractive and colorful sheens, whereas thick layers of silicates produce less attractive, white to colorless sheens. As light enters the stone, it is refracted and scattered, producing an extremely unique and attractive play of both color and light. With moonstone, the aura of light actually appears to glow from deep within the surface of the stone.
Power: Believed to reconcile estranged lovers and to cure sleeplessness. Also known as the Traveler’s Stone for the protection it affords, especially at night, and because of its uplifting quality of hope, has long been worn as a talisman to enhance the personality.
Pearl
About Pearl : Pearl is the oldest known gem, and for many centuries it was considered the most valuable. Unlike all gems, the pearl is organic matter derived from a living creature – oysters and mollusks.
There is much folklore and tradition about the pearl. In fact so much history accompanies this stone that five months claim it as a birthstone – February, April, June (traditional), July and November.
The pearl is an astral stone for the signs Gemini and Cancer, and astrologers link it to the moon. It was said in some early cultures that the pearl was born when a single drop of rain fell from the heavens and became the heart of the oyster. Pearls have been called the ‘teardrops of the moon’. Some believe that pearls were formed by the passage of angels through the clouds of heaven.
Over time, the pearl has become the symbol of purity and innocence and it is often sewn into bridal gowns, or worn as jewelry by the bride.
Power: Considered to offer the power of love, money, protection, and luck. Believed to give wisdom through experience, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. Also thought to keep children safe.
Birthstone – February, April, June (traditional), July and November.
Prehnite
About Prehnite :The color of Prehnite is mostly green, yellow, or it can be transparent. Its unique shades are not likely to be seen in any other mineral.
The main locality of Prehnite is in South Africa. Some deposits are also found in Australia, India and the USA.
Prehnite is named after an 18th century Dutch colonel, Hendrik Von Prehn, who discovered it, and in fact is one of the first minerals to be named after a historical person.
Typically, Prehnite builds pretty tick crystals with coarse textures. However, Prehnite of exquisite gem quality has also been discovered. In composition, Prehnite is calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide.
Power: A stone of prophesy believed to enhance precognition, visualization and inner knowledge. Also said to induce deep meditation, to facilitate dream recall and to alleviate nightmares, deep fears and phobias.
Quartz
About Quartz : Quartz is one of the most important minerals on earth and makes up one of the most popular gemstone groups in the world of colored stones. It is the second most abundant mineral found in Earth’s continental crust, second only to the feldspars.
Quartz gemstones are very attractive, durable and hard. Also in most cases, quartz is fairly inexpensive and available in very large sizes. Some quartz varieties can be extremely rare, while others are very readily available. Quartz is an extremely versatile material that can be cut and carved into many shapes and sizes. It has been used for centuries in the creation of jewelry and ornamental objects. Today, quartz is not only one of the most important gemstones in the colored stone trade, but it also has many important industrial usages.
Power: Is for harmonizing and balancing one’s environment. It’s a power stone which enhances energy by absorbing, storing, amplifying, focusing and transmitting. Beneficial for healing & meditation.
Rhodonite
About Rhodonite : A silicate mineral that occurs as rounded crystals, masses, or grains in various manganese ores, often with rhodochrosite. It is found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, where it is mined for ornamental uses, and in Sweden, New South Wales, California, and New Jersy. Rhodonite, a manganese, iron, and calcium silicate, (Mn,Fe,Ca) SiO3, in some cases forms the primary source of very important deposits of manganese oxides, such as the manganese ores of India.
Fine-grained rhodonite of clean, pink color is a desirable gem and ornamental stone. It has often been used for beads, pendants, and other ornaments.
Power: Rhodonite is an excellent balancer of emotions. Can calm you during traumatic times. Helpful to heal shock and sooth tension and stress.
Serpentine
About Serpentine:Serpentine gets its name from the word ‘serpent’ because it resembles the skin of a snake. It is sometimes called New Jade and occurs in a variety of colors including red, green, brown-red, brown-yellow and white. It has been used since ancient times to guard against disease and sorcery.
Serpentine makes an exceptional meditation stone. It helps you to find inner peace. Serpentine was carried in ancient Assyria to request the gods and goddesses to provide double blessings. Nursing women used it to regulate their milk supply. Others use as protection against poisonous creatures such as snakes, insects, etc.
Power: Serpentine is a beneficial and versatile stone. Said to help with emotional cleansing, psychic powers, and attract love and money. Also can balance mood swing and solve conflicts by peaceful means.
Shell/Mother of Pearl
About Shell/MOP : Mother-of-pearl is the iridescent lining found on the inside of some mollusk shells such as oysters, abalone, mussel and paua. Originally known as nacre, coming from the Arabic word “naqqarah” meaning shell, mother-of-pearl’s lustrous beauty has been prized for thousands of years.
Going as far back as 2400-2600 B.C., beautiful musical instruments with mother-of-pearl inlays were buried in the tombs of Sumerian royalty from ancient Mesopotamia. Early Polynesians and Australians valued mother-of-pearl more than pearls — they would harvest the pearl oysters for the shells and discard the pearls. Ancient Chinese offered mother-of-pearl beads and carvings to the gods hoping it would bring them luck.
In the 15th century, Queen Elizabeth I gave this luminous gem its more familiar name “mother-of-pearl,” referring to the fact that these shells are the mother from which pearls are created. Mother-of-pearl experienced great popularity and was set in gold and silver rings, necklaces and mother-of-pearl brooches.
Power : MOP is a great protective stone. Can heal wounds and help one grow in faith, purity, clarity and to provide focus to ones attention. It is highly beneficial for children.
Sodalite
About Sodalite : When a large deposit of sodalite, which is named for its high sodium content, was discovered in Ontario, Canada in 1891, it became a popular choice to craft into ornaments and jewelry. Deep, deep blue and opaque, sodalite’s appearance is similar to that of lapis lazuli. However, sodalite exchanges lapis lazuli’s flecks of golden pyrite for veins of creamy white calcite. This combination of enchanting blues with streaks of bright whites results in a stone of otherworldly fantasy.
Power : A stone of head and heart, brings you inner peace. Can help with learning, enhances intelligence and arise intuition. Also promotes peace and harmony.
Tiger’s eye
About Tiger’s eye : It’s almost impossible to resist gazing at tiger’s eye — the golden-brown gemstone that resembles the eye of a magnificent tiger. What makes tiger’s eye even more intriguing is the stunning play of light and dark bands that flash across the stone’s surface.
Tiger’s eye was rediscovered in South Africa in the early 1800s. Tiger’s eye is actually quartz embedded with crocidolite fibers. These fibers display a phenomenon called chatoyancy — thin parallel bands of light that give the appearance of a cat’s eye.
In ancient times, tiger’s eye was believed to be all seeing, probably due to its uncanny resemblance to an eye. Roman soldiers would wear this golden gemstone, carved with lions and hawks, to promote courage and provide protection during battles.
Tiger’s eye jewelry is most popular in tones of golden brown, but also comes in shades of reddish brown and blue-green.
Power – Said to help converting anxiety and fear into practical logic and action. Believed to promote balance and strength in difficult times, and to relieve doubt.
Turquoise
About Turquoise : Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstone materials known to man. The color of turquoise is so unique that this has become the standard word we use to describe the slightly greenish shade of cyan and similar colors.
Composed of hydrous phosphate of copper, Turquoise is fairly soft, with the hardest specimens reaching only 6 on the Mohs scale. Despite its softness, turquoise takes a very good polish. Turquoise is always opaque and the color varies from blue to green, sometimes with flecks of pyrite or interspersed with dark, spidery limonite veining.
Like many gemstones, the demand for high quality turquoise exceeds the supply. This has led to the development of treatment methods to improve the color and durability of lower cost material. Softer and more porous turquoise can be enhanced by impregnating the stone with hot acrylic resin. The resin improves the color, hardness and durability of the material. As long as the materials are openly declared to be treated, this is regarded as an acceptable practice in the gemstone industry.
Color preferences for turquoise vary by region. It has long been thought that a stronger blue with less green is more valuable, though in Tibet a greener blue is preferred. Turquoise displaying a spider web pattern, from the matrix (host rock) from which the turquoise came, is valued in the USA whereas in the Middle East, clear vein-free material is preferred.
Power – Believed to attract money, success and love. Is a stone of friendship, also brings peace to the home. Contains anti-inflammatory effect, said to alleviates pain and relax cramps.
Birthstone :December
Variscite
About Variscite :Variscite is relatively rare phosphate mineral that is sometimes confused with chrysocolla or the greener forms of turquoise. Colors are lightbluish green, medium and dark greens. It has a waxy luster and takes a fine polish.
Variscite from Nevada typically contains black spiderwebbing in the matrix and is often confused with green turquoise. Most of the Nevada variscite recovered in recent decades has come from mines located in Lander County.
Notable localities are Lucin, Utah and Fairfield, Utah in the United States. It is also found in Germany, Australia, Poland, Spain and Brazil.
Power :A good mediation stone. Helps with balancing central nervous system and eases depression, fear, worry, anxiety and impatience. Believed to enhance feelings of joy, peace and harmony.
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