Gemstone and Natural Stone Library
Agate is a form of chalcedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a remarkable variety of colors and textures. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in a host rock. As a result, agate is often found as a round nodule, with bands resembling the rings on tree trunks. The bands sometimes look like eyes, fanciful scallop shapes, or even a landscape with trees.
The name “agate” is derived from its discovery at the Achates River in southwestern Sicily. Agate is found all over the world including: Africa, Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, and the USA.
It is the Mystical birthstone for September. It is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Gemini. It is prized for its fineness of grain and brightness of color.
Agate, historically, was believed to quench thirst and protect against fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. The metaphysical and healing properties of agate are thought to be: courage, protection, healing and calming. Historically, it was placed in water for cooking or drinking, to dispel sickness.
Amazonite is a gem variety of feldspar and is usually polished as a cabochon. It displays a “Schiller” light which is caused by inclusions – lustrous reflections from planes in a mineral grain and similar to what is more commonly known as iridescence. The schiller is caused by a feature of the stone’s crystal structure. The stone is arranged in layers that causes an interference effect of light.
Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia, and Namibia. It is usually light green to blue-green, mottled and sometimes contains light striations.
This lovely stem-opaque stone was used extensively by the Egyptians and was called “the stone of courage.” It is said to have been named after the Amazon women warriors.
It is thought to enhance creative expression, aligns astral bodies, unifies the life force, and improves self-worth. It is sometimes called the “hope stone” because it is thought to inspire confidence and hope. One source suggests that it is useful to activate teenagers who need motivating.
Amethyst is a violet/purple variety of quartz often used in jewelry making and to decorate and add value to items such as chalices and bowls, and even, clothing.
The name “amethyst” comes from Ancient Greek and means, “intoxicated.” The color of amethyst is caused by iron impurities. If heated, amethyst turns yellow-orange, yellow-brown, or dark brownish and resembles the quartz variety gem known as citrine.
Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. It is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Pisces. Amethyst is the most valued member of the quartz family. It must be purple to be an amethyst but, it can range from deep purple shades to light lilac, lavender, and mauve.
Amethyst can occur as crystals that are six sided on either end. It also forms as Druzy, which are crystalline crusts covering the host rock. It is found inside geodes and in alluvial deposits all around the world.
Historically, amethyst has been used to guard against drunkenness and is thought to be helpful in overcoming addiction. It has been used for hearing disorders, insomnia, headaches and other pain. It is worn to make the wearer gentle and amiable.
The powers of amethyst include: dreams, healing, peace, love, spiritual joy, courage, psychism, protection against harm, and the bestowing of happiness.
Aquamarine is the birthstone of March as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio.
The gemstone aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and ranges in color from an almost clear pale blue to blue-green or even teal. The most prized color is the deep-blue aqua reminiscent of tropical waters.
The most valuable stones come from Brazil but, it is also mined in Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Afghanistan, and Russia.
Aquamarines that are used for jewelry making today are often faceted but, when cut as a cabochon, they may display a cat’s eye effect that is known as asterism. Some of these gemstones are heated to very high temperatures to create and enhance the clarity and color of the stone. Once put through this process, the change is permanent.
These enchanting stones have been associated with many spiritual and physical legends of healing and enhanced powers. They are thought to endow the wearer with foresight and courage and, to increase intelligence and to restore youthfulness. Their healing properties were thought to be useful in lessening anxiety and in the Middle Ages it was believed that this gemstone would reduce the effect of poisons. Another interesting belief was that if sailors wore them they would be protected and the stone would eliminate the effects of sea-sickness.
Aventurine is the Star Sign for Libra and the planetary stone of Taurus. Aventurine is a translucent to opaque variety of microcrystalline quartz. It has small deposits of bright minerals which give the stone a sparkling effect known as “aventurescence”. The variety of colors this stone comes in can be attributed to inclusions of mica (a silvery sheen) or hematite (a reddish or grayish sparkle.) There is an artist’s palette of colors available for jewelry designs: green, peach, brown, blue and a creamy green.
Aside from its popularity with jewelry designers, it is also used to enhance the beauty of bowls, vases, and figurines.
Aventurine is found in India, Chile, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Austria, and Tanzania.
It is interesting that the name for the stone is derived from an accident. Sometime during the 18th century, Venetian glass workers were preparing molten glass when copper filings accidentally fell into the batch producing a glass with sparkles. The name aventurine comes from the Italian “a ventura” which means “by chance.” This widely used stone is thought to be a lucky talisman and is often used by gamblers to bring them luck.
As a healing stone, it is amazingly inclusive, treating everything from stress to a troubled spirit. It was also thought to help develop confidence, imagination and improve prosperity. It is a calming stone that brings the wearer, inner peace.
Bloodstone is an intense healing stone used to cleanse and realign the lower chakras with the heart, and is conducive to balancing the total body in order to overcome any distress or anxiety associated with re-alignment of these energies. Get your blood pumping with the revitalizing energy of Bloodstone. Like a coach, the Bloodstone meaning fills you with a surge of courage, self-esteem, energy and protection so that you can enjoy living in the now. It is a stone of both physical and creative movement, and stimulates the root chakra helping to get the energy flowing in your mind, body and spirit. With the pure, upbeat energy of this crystal, you’ll make the most out of every moment.
It is thought by some that the name “carnelian” comes from a “variety of cherry quartz known as kornel.” The history of carnelian is truly ancient as the stone was used by the Romans to make rings to be used as seals on letters and documents. Interestingly, wax does not adhere to the surface of carnelian so it was perfect for the task.
Carnelian is even mentioned in the Bible as being forged into the Breastplate of Aaron and is listed in the Arabic, Hebrew and Roman tables. It is the Zodiac sign for Virgo. This long history of carnelian is also associated with the idea that it was a “lucky” stone and would protect the wearer from calamities, such as: falling buildings and collapsing walls. Used as a good luck charm in Greece and Babylonia, it is thought to bring a measure of peace and joy to the wearer. It is believed that Mohammed wore a ring that contained a carnelian seal and so, is particularly highly thought of in the Muslim culture.
Carnelian is also associated with Napoleon who, it is said, highly prized a carnelian seal he found during a campaign in Egypt.
This beautiful golden stone was named after the French word for lemon (citron.) Citrines do have a range of colors that include yellow to gold to orange to orange-brown to shades of red.
The ancients thought that citrine had protective powers and would save them from the deadly consequences of snake venom and the evil eye. Citrine was assigned to the planet Mercury.
This highly prized gemstone is thought to provide healing powers when applied directly to the painful or debilitated part of the body, right up against the skin. In particular, it is thought to be quite helpful in easing backache.
Crystals come in many shapes and sizes, textures and colors. They have, for generations, been used as healing stones. In fact, many “healers” use crystal wands to treat their patients. Individual crystals are thought to have different healing properties and are used in different rituals for a variety of physical, spiritual, and metaphysical enhancements. In general, crystals are used to empower the individual, helping to create a better physical and mental balance, release tension, negative energy and fearful thoughts, and strengthen the body and the spirit. There are, literally, hundreds of different crystal formations and each one have its own special qualities used to protect, preserve, heal, enhance and energize the individual.
A Druzy is, in essence, a grouping of silicon crystals that come together and form on geodes. Most commonly, it can be found along with gemstones such as; carnelian, garnet, turquoise, malachite, and chrysocolla. This is not an all-inclusive list. The tiny crystals that comprise a Druzy resemble sugar crystals. Druzy come in many colors and combinations of colors. Primarily, they seem to prefer showing off earth tones.
Since a Druzy forms on gemstones, its metaphysical and/or healing properties are closely associated with the stone it is attached to. In general, Druzy are thought to help calm the spirit and relieve depression. It is said to help the wearer relax and find a place where they are free of stress and anxiety. Some believe, this earthy element, can heal mental and emotional illness. The Druzy is associated with the Zodiac and astrological sign of whatever gem it is attached to.
Like a profusely blooming flower garden, fluorite comes in a variety of colors that range from brown, pink, black to reddish-orange to blue, green, yellow, and even clear. It is often called “The Most Colorful Mineral in the World!”
The word fluorite is derived from the Latin verb meaning “to flow.” It has been used since Roman times to prevent drunkenness and was even ground into a powdery mixture and mixed with water or other liquids, during the 18Th century, to treat kidney ailments. Many specimens of the mineral fluorite display “fluorescence” under ultraviolet light. Interestingly, it is the word fluorescence that was termed from the stone ‘fluorite,” and not the other way around. The most vibrant and available of fluorite colors are violet. It often outshines even amethyst with its rich, purple hue. Collectors seek out the rarer colors such as: black (which is formed through exposure to radiation during the growth of crystals and colorless) – though particularly beautiful, it is prized simply for its rare occurrence.
The name “garnet” is derived from the Latin word meaning “grain.” This seems to have been because the stone shape was thought to resemble a seed or in particular, the seed of the pomegranate.
Stories passed down through the centuries, tell us that garnets have been widely prized for thousands of years and, it is said, that Noah, used a lantern made from garnet to safely guide his Ark through the treacherous and obsidian-black nights following the great flood.
Though most commonly found and used in its red form, garnets also come in shades of green, pale to bright yellow, blue-green, blue, sun-bright orange and earth and umbra-shades.
Garnet is the birthstone for January and is listed on the Zodiac chart as the stone for Aquarius. During the Middle Ages, when stones were assigned to the planets, garnet was linked with Mars, Mercury, and Pluto.
Though no one can accurately advise the use of stones in healing as a replacement for traditional medical treatments, garnet is thought by many, when worn against the skin, to heal troubled parts of the body including, arthritis, pancreas disorders, varicose veins and problems with testicles and toenails.
Hematite is a stone that ranges in color from steel gray to almost black and, no matter what the color, all hematite stones have a rusty, reddish streak. And it is this reddish streak that is responsible for their name which, derived from the Greek word haematites, means blood.
Hematite is mined in Australia, Brazil., Mexico, Canada, the United States and England. In the USA, it is the state mineral for Alabama where, over a span of 130 years, more than 375 million tons were mined.
In ancient times, it was thought that the stone was formed from the blood of those who had fallen in battle. In ancient Egypt, the value placed on the stone was evidenced by the fact that, very often hematite objects or raw stones were placed inside of tombs.
The healing properties of hematite are thought to include, the reduction of stress and the enhancement of a feeling of well-being and optimism.
Howlite was originally discovered by a 19th century Mineralogist, Henry Howe, in Nova Scotia.
The stone has the odd “habit” of forming in large cauliflower-like masses. It is fairly soft in substance and white/gray in color and thus can be easily dyed and is often treated with coloring to form stones that resemble turquoise, lapis lazuli or red coral.
It is found, almost exclusively, in California, USA, where deposits of up to one hundred pounds have been mined.
Many mystical powers are associated with howlite, including: self-awareness, creativity, improved social and mental attitudes, character building and the development of a heightened sense of fair play and decent behavior. Many believe that keeping a piece of howlite in your pocket on wearing a piece of howlite jewelry, will help to keep you “on track” – eliminate procrastination and open a “third eye” into your creative soul, and illuminate past memories and previous times and lives.
From a healing perspective, howlite is thought to aid in sleeping disorders and produce a calming effect on the entire body.
Jade is a stone of good luck! It has, it is thought, the potential to promote good health, prosperity, and best of all, love. There are some who believe that by placing a bit of jade under your pillow, you will be visited with extravagant and wonderful dreams. There are some who believe, that by placing a piece of jade in the place where you keep your money or pocket change, it will call to more wealth and help you increase your financial worth.
Jade is actually the assigned name to two different stones: jadeite and nephrite. Both are very similar in texture and suitable for jewelry making and for carving.
Jadeite comes in a wide variety of colors such as: green, lilac, white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange and yellow. The one we are most familiar with is emerald green or apple green – this is the most highly prized color.
Nephrite forms interlocking crystal formations that are tougher than steel. The colors it is found in vary from dark green to a very light cream color. It is often blotchy with numerous veins, striations, and deposits.
In Chinese tradition, jade symbolized the five virtues of humanity: wisdom, compassion, justice, modesty and courage. Symbols of these virtues were often carved into jade.
As a healing stone, jade has many qualities including: producing a scene of calm and well-being, strengthening internal organs and the nervous and immune systems and helping the body achieve a sense of harmony and well-being. Overall, it is believed that jade will help one find an inner peace that will lead to a richer and more satisfying life.
This beautiful stone is believed, according to the Bible, to be a direct gift from God and was the original foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.
In Native American legend, jasper is a magical stone that could be called on to produce rain and also, was used by Shamans as intensely successful healing stone.
Jasper is found in a multitude of colors and composed mostly of chalcedony and other minerals which create bands of colors and patterns. Its name, derived from Old French (jaspre) and Anglo-Norman (jaspe) and means “spotted or speckled stone.”
As a Zodiac stone, it is aligned with Scorpio, Aries, Gemini, Leo and Virgo. Jasper has been associated, in almost every human culture, with magical and mystical powers.
It is thought to have intense healing properties and is thought to bring good luck in all areas of human endeavor: adventure, politics, economic, social and, matters of the heart. It was also though to protect against “evil” such as, snakes and spiders. Certain cultures, even today, believe that it can purify the blood, protect from negative thinking and bring calm and release from anxiety and stress.
There are definitely magical and mystical qualities associated with this extraordinary stone. It is said to generate a “light” energy that will attract “light” beings such as: angels, spirit guides, extraterrestrials and dream “partners.”
Traditionally, kyanite is known as “The stone of attunement and balance.” Kyanite is linked, astrologically, to Taurus, Libra and Aries.
It is interesting to note that kyanite is a “self-cleaning” stone and never needs cleansing. It is one of two stones like that, the other being citrine.
There are those who believe that kyanite builds the road that travels between mind and matter and will lead you from darkness to light, from despair to joy, from hope to realization and, fulfill your dreams and desires. If you are in great need of self-awareness and connection, kyanite, it is thought, is the stone that will provide you with the ability to “seek and find, yourself.”
Kyanite can be found in clear, blue and blue green color variations. All of them are thought to aid with healing problems pertaining to muscle spasms or inflammation, and blue kyanite is especially prized for healing issues with the throat and has even been used by professional speakers and singers to calm and heal, throat problems.
Labradorite is associated with the Zodiac signs of Sagitarius, Scorpio and Leo.
It is thought to bring about an inner awareness and spiritual healing. It is also a stone that is aligned with feelings of love and desire. Many, who are active in using stones for mystical purposes, believe that labradorite will reveal your destiny to you, perhaps in dreams.
This lovely stone is associated with a “flash” of light or color that is known as “labradorescence.” The color of the stone changes and “vibrates” depending on the angle of light refraction and may vary from blue to green to yellow to pink. In general, the most common color of the stone is a silvery gray.
One uses labradorite as a healing stone to treat eye problems, inflammatory conditions, high blood pressure and issues of poor circulation.
Lapis Lazuli is a stone of clarity and awareness. It is a stone of such positive energy that it will reveal to you your own inner beauty and the truth of your gentle and generous nature. It reflects your inner light to the point of startling brilliance.
In some ways, lapis is thought to be the stone of all knowledge and leads the wearer to a place where they see all that is and all that can be, clearly and with great insight. It helps promote serenity and harmonious relationships.
As a healing stone, lapis lazuli helps to treat problems with the immune system, insomnia, dizziness and is thought to help restore hearing when there is damage to the inner ear.
The astrological sign for lapis lazuli is Libra.
Malachite has been termed the “mirror of the soul.” It is found in colors that range from light to dark green banded. It is associated with the planet Venus and its Zodiac signs are Libra, Scorpio, and Capricorn.
Perhaps the most significant properties that malachite is thought to possess, is its ability to open the heart to unconditional love. It is also an adventurous stone and helps one overcome fears and take risks in life and love. It exerts a force that permits one to break unwanted ties, moving away from old, unhappy patterns and embracing new responsibilities.
It is also thought to create empathetic blending between people, ushering in a new feeling of deeper understanding and acceptance.
In the area of healing, malachite alleviates many problems associated with female cycles and helps to boost the immune and nervous systems. Many believe that it can lower blood pressure, diminish difficulties associated with asthma, arthritis, epilepsy, fractures, swollen joints, travel sickness, vertigo and certain tumors.
A stone that seems to have a “deep sea” swirl of green coloring; it is eye-catching and often mesmerizing in its appearance of endless depths.
This glorious stone (also known as water opal, wolf’s-eye, and fish-eye) is thought to be bound to the moon in mystical ways. In numerous ancient cultures, people celebrated the connection between the stone and the waxing and waning of the moon; feeling the moonstone exerts an energy associated with the phases of the moon. During the waxing of the moon, the gem was used to influence lovers and during the waning, it was used to foretell the future.
In some cultures, India for example, it is considered a sacred stone. It is only permitted to be displayed on cloth of yellow hue. When placed in a spot where the light from the moon illuminates the stone, it is believed the gem becomes endowed with magical powers.
To own or wear a moonstone is to attract good fortune and perhaps be allowed a glimpse into the future. The stone, found mainly in Sri Lanka, shimmers with pale blue lights and is almost transparent. Moonstone also exhibits a shimmering glow and when worn on darker backgrounds seem to dance and vibrate with life and light making them ideal for jewelry of all kinds.
They are thought to be imbued with a sensuous, feminine quality that is both attractive and perhaps, a bit hypnotic to men.
Moonstone is thought to have the power to grant wishes, calm the soul and spirit producing a harmonious flow with the life force.
Being a stone associated with female characteristics, it is not surprising that its healing qualities include female issues and childbirth. Placed under one’s pillow, it allows for a deeper more relaxing and restful sleep.
This midnight-colored stone, is the stone of self-control and self-imagining. By the very nature of its deep, endlessly black depths, it is a stone that is thought to ground one to oneself and to the earth. Its astrological connection is with Leo. And the element that it is associated with is fire.
It is seemingly obvious that such a strong, deeply substantial stone would be associated with qualities such as consistency, permanence, firmness, courage, stamina and self-control. It is a stone that is thought to have the ability to absorb and dissolve feelings of anger and negativity. It is also a stone that tends to smooth out the rough patches in life, making for a smoother, less volatile journey. Thought to enhance risk-takers and creative thinkers to expand their horizons, it is a wonderful stone for inventors, writers and dreamers.
On an interesting note, the Egyptians believed that onyx would cool the ardor of love and reduce sexual desire thus, freeing one to pursue intellectually and spiritually creative endeavors.
While not considered a “healing” stone, onyx never-the-less, does dispel negative energy.
It most commonly is found in deep black coloring but, has been seen in brown with white bands and on occasion red, orange, or a honey-colored hue. It is in the family of chalcedony quartz.
There are numerous mystical and magical associations with the stone, opal. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that opal would bring great, good fortune because it contained the luck and healing powers of all of the stones whose colors could be seen in the amazingly “colorful” opal. Some people believed that one of its particularly amazing magical powers was to confer invisibility if held in the hand after being wrapped in a fresh bay leaf.
For many years, after the publishing of a novel depicting opal as a stone of death, people shied away from buying or wearing opal. But today, it is highly prized for its glorious coloration and the lively light show it provides as it moves with the wearer.
Opal is a hardened form of silica gel and most commonly has water content of between 5 and 10%. It is, therefore, non-crystalline and unlike almost any other gemstone.
It is the birthstone for October and is astrologically linked to Cancer, Libra, Pisces and Scorpio. There are numerous forms of opal ranging from blue opal to pink Peruvian opal to black opal – and many other variations as well. It is thought to help one communicate more freely and articulately and to facilitate facing the future with a tranquil and calm nature. Each different color opal is thought to have its own unique healing and spiritual qualities.
A stone of romantic and sensuous beauty, it is worn by those who seek to connect with the intense energy of the natural world.
Pearls, not surprisingly, are associated with the element of water. They are thought to be the symbol for feminine wisdom. Their astrological signs are Cancer and Gemini. One associates pearls with purity and innocence. They are also historically, thought to be endowed with qualities of serenity, tranquility and wisdom.
The birth of a pearl is truly a story of humble beginnings. A simple grain of sand, over time, is remade into a glowing, effervescent, symbol of timeless beauty. They are spirit lifters – joy givers – elegant additions to one’s sense of self. Their value is to be found in their ability to touch the heart and promote calm and a link to the origin of all things.
Pearls come in a wide variety of colors and many are dyed to achieve an even greater coloration. They are thought to aid in digestion, to shore up the immune system and to relieve emotional stress.
Because of its resemblance to gold, pyrite has been referred to as “Fool’s Gold.” A beautiful mineral in its own right, pyrite is quite common and can be found in hundreds of places around the world. The metallic crystals that make up pyrite grow in cubes, nodules, and masses of tiny crystals and, can sometimes be found in flat discs.
There is evidence that pyrite has been used as a jewelry component for thousands of years dating back to the Greeks, Romans and Incas. The name “pyrite” comes from the Greek word meaning “fire.” The French refer to pyrite as “Pierre de Sante” – “stone of health,” believing it has a positive effect on the overall well-being of the body.
Pyrite is a stone of earth and fire and thus, a perfect source of energy to assist in balancing the spirit and the mind. It is thought to increase physical stamina, increase the intellect and help to transform thought into action.
There is little said, in literature, about the connection of pyrite to any birthstone month or any particular star sign.
Quartz is also known as rock crystal. It comes in a wide variety of colors ranging from: clear, white, pink, brown, gray, black, green, blue, orange, purple (amethyst) and yellow (citrine). These beautifully, dramatic stones are found all over the world, but most commonly in Brazil and Arkansas in the United States.
Quartz is the most common mineral on the planet and covers a wide range of varieties including chalcedony, agate and members of the jasper family.
While the origin of the word quartz is not known, the word crystal stems from the Greek word “krystallos” that means “ice.” There are many mystical and mythical stories surrounding quartz and they come from cultures around the world. The Japanese believed that quartz was formed from the breath of a white dragon and was the embodiment of perfection. Australian Aborigines used quartz in rituals to bring rain and even today, quartz is sometimes formed into ball shapes and used to predict (or see into) one’s future.
The words most associated with quartz are power and clarity. Many believe that quartz enhances energy and clarifies thought. It is also thought to be a stone of harmony and may be quite helpful in cementing bonds in romantic relationships. Many use quartz as a master healer as it amplifies healing energy. It is said to draw pain away from the body and can access ancient wisdom and transport it into the present.
The pale shades of pink that define most rose quartz, leads one to think of a stone of love and lovers. In fact, rose quartz has been called “Love Stone” and “Heart Stone.” Because of its “pure and innocent” look, it is believed that it is a gem that fosters unconditional love and is often given to small children and babies in the form of bracelets or charms. It is also the stone of “self-love, family love, platonic love, and romantic love. It is thought that just holding a rose quartz in your hand, or wearing one, may enhance your chances for happiness and will prove soothing to the soul.
Many “healers” believe that rose quartz will bring a sense of calm and gentleness to oneself and to relationships. From a healing perspective, rose quartz is said to have benefits for the heart, in particular.
On a note that resonates with some societal woes we are facing now, rose quartz is said to help one reach one’s ideal weight and make losing weight, easier.
The word rhodonite comes from the Greek word “rhodon” which means “rosy.” This lovely stone has a distinctive pink or rosy red color with some stones containing black veins. The stones with the black markings are the most highly valued.
Rhodonite was often given to travelers as a form of protection as people believed it would make the heart beat faster if danger was near. Some have called this lovely gem “stone of love” as it is thought to help one achieve great romantic potential. It helps to turn passionate love into a more grounded and permanent relationship and is also used for healing trauma and issues of abuse.
One of its greatest attributes is thought to be its ability to enhance self-esteem and help in healing the spirit. To some, rhodonite is “the rescue stone” as it “rescues” one from falling into despair or negativity. This is a stone of grace and elegance and it is associated with the Zodiac signs of Taurus, Libra, and Scorpio.
RUBY ZOISITE
There is a unique and unmistakable beauty about ruby zoisite; a crystalline aggregate of green zoisite and ruby inclusions. This lovely stone can be found in an area around Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.
Recognizing the colorful qualities of this green and red stone, jewelers have been using it in their designs for over two centuries.
Known for enhancing stamina and turning negative energy into a positive life force, it is also believed to help the wearer achieve goals and finish projects.
Another stone that is connected to the heart, ruby zoisite is thought to stabilize an uneven heartbeat, to slow it down and channel nervous energy into positive directions. It is a stone of earth and fire and will help expand the journeys one takes inside the mind, to magical and mystical places.
This riveting stone that seems to follow you as you move, most commonly comes in rich gold and earthy brown coloring. It can also be found in reds, creams, blues, and shadings of black. This most unique and prized gem is found in South Africa and Australia.
Like its namesake, the tiger, this is a gem that is thought to provide the wearer with patience, focus, determination, awareness and the ability to act in a deliberate and cautious manner. A very strong stone, it is believed that it helps to harmonize the various elements in your life into a cohesive whole. A stone of the earth, a stone of courage and grace, a stone that illuminates with perfect clarity the world around you, Tiger’s Eye, is the perfect stone for those who suffer from anxiety, inner turmoil, and depression.
Its healing properties are thought to include the following areas: eyes, broken bones, wounds and bruises, digestion, pain, and reproduction. It seems obvious that it would also help with night vision.
Its elements are fire and earth. Its Zodiac signs are Virgo, Capricorn, Leo, Pisces, and Scorpio. It is associated with Mars and the sun.
The “stone of many colors,” tourmaline was thought in ancient time to have glowed from within due to the fact that it had its own energy. The Egyptians believed that as the tourmaline traveled up from the center of the earth on its way towards the sun, it captured all of the colors it passed along the way, turning it into a rainbow.
Tourmaline come in a variety of colors often with a predominant color such as: green (regulates blood pressure) black, (strengthens the musculature) blue, (promotes detoxification) watermelon (alleviates pain.) Its powers pertain to areas of relationships, enhancing one’s ability to give and receive love and friendship.
It is also thought to have positive impact on wealth, business decisions, and energy levels. Many people believe that tourmaline can “recharge” your energy batteries and sleep with one under their pillow or in a drawer near their bed pointing towards them.
Its Zodiac association is Saturn, Venus and Mars. It is not a traditional birthstone for any particular month. It is occasionally linked to Libra. To dream of tourmaline, is thought to mean that one is watching out for unexpected dangers.
It is hard not to be captivated by the amazing intensity and beauty of turquoise. Its color ranges from sky blue to deep green, depending on the amount of iron and copper it contains. It takes millions of years before turquoise, through a combination of just the right minerals coming together, can be formed.
Turquoise is a gem stone prized by the Egyptians, they thought of it as a “life stone.” The oldest jewelry containing turquoise to have ever been found was on the mummified arm of Egyptian Queen Zar. She was the ruler in Egypt dating back to about 5500BC. Turquoise was also greatly valued in Tibet and it was thought that one needed to carry a turquoise stone around with them throughout one’s life. Turquoise was so highly prized, more so than gold, that it was used as currency.
Turquoise is found around the world. As a spiritual and healing stone, it can be dated back over 7500 years to Persia. Some of the finest turquoise (and some of the earliest ever mined) comes from China, North and South America, Saudi Arabia, Tibet and a very rare form of turquoise can be found in the state of Virginia, in the USA. This turquoise forms in prismatic crystals.
A very spiritual stone, some Native Americans believed that it was a stone that came from the sky or, was the “stone of heaven.” They also believed that the stone could connect worlds, bridging the gap between the real and the spiritual worlds. Turquoise is associated with tendencies of generosity, consideration, affection, sincerity, and fosters real friendship. The real luck in turquoise is thought to come when it is given as a gift. Both the giver and the wearer are open to the flow of good fortune.
Like many other stones, turquoise was connected to many healing qualities. It was used by most physicians in the 15th century to counteract the effects of poison. It is most often thought to be primarily good in dealing with female issues. Its element is the earth. Its deities are Hathor, Buddha, The Great Spirit (American Indian.)
Its Zodiac is Venus and Neptune. It is the modern birthstone for the Month of December. It is the stone of Sagittarius, Pisces, Scorpio and Aquarius.
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Please note the crystal meaning or healing properties of the gemstone described here have been compiled from various sources. Some of them are legends and lore surrounding this stone's mystical and healing properties. Many of them are traditional uses of this gemstone. No claims have been made about the suitability of this stone to treat medical conditions. See a doctor or licensed medical practitioner for all health issues. Lorna Gemstone Jewelry does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements. The information here is provided to allow the informed user to make their own decision.