Agate
As a general term, agate is so broadly descriptive that there are hundreds of names applied to varieties of agate from different localities. While many names reflect the source, “Botswana Agate”, etc, some popular varieties are descriptive, such as “blue lace agate”. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are classically associated with volcanic rocks. They are found worldwide and are seen as a general protection stone.
Amazonite
Amazonite is named after the Amazon River of South America. There are no Amazonite deposits that exist in the Amazon region, so it is presumed this stone is named because of its resemblance in colour to the green of the tropical rainforest. Amazonite is found worldwide, but large deposits exist in Russia, Myanmar (Burma), India, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Brazil, and the United States (Colorado and Virginia). It is said to help clarify and improve thinking.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz and its name comes from the Greeks meaning ‘not drunken’- they think as it reflects the deep wine colour it has. It comes in lots of different types of shades from light to dark and has been worn by the rich and royalty for years, often used as amulets. Found in Brazil, Mexico, USA, Germany and Canada it is said to increases vivid dreams, relieve depression, promote calm, serenity, and spirituality.
Angelite
Angelite is the common or trade name for the light blue or lilac blue colored anhydrite that is often found in Peru. Angelite is an opaque, blue and white crystal, sometimes containing flecks of red. It is formed from Celestite that has been compressed over millions of years. As its name suggests, Angelite is said to help attune the user with the angelic realm and to facilitate angelic contact.
Apatite
Apatite is named from the Greek word apate, which means “deceit”, since Apatite has a similar appearance to so many minerals. Commercial deposits are mined in Idaho, Tennessee, and Wyoming, and in North Africa and Russia. Said to help stuttering and hypertension and to rid one of guilt and grief.
AquaMarine
Aquamarine, is named after the Latin phrase “water of the sea”. Aquamarine exists in many shades of blue, from pale versions to the colour of the sky, and some stones are tinged with green — it owes its colour to the presence of iron. Deeper coloured aquamarines have the highest value. Brazil is the largest producer of gem Aquamarine; other important producers are Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Russia, China, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and the United States (Colorado and California). Since early times, Aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness.
Aventurine
A type of Chalcedony. A semi-translucent to opaque stone which displays aventurescence, a sparkle effect that is due to minute inclusions of reflective minerals. These inclusions come from the reflective minerals ilmenite, hematite or mica. Aventurine comes in a moderately large selection of colours, ranging from the warm colors of red, orange, yellow and brown to cool colours like green, blue-green and blue. It is mined in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Spain, China, Norway, Chili, Russia and USA. Said to be a good luck stone especially in financial matters, a good all round healer and can calm anger and irritation while stimulating emotional recovery.
Bi Lemon Quartz
It’s often called Lemon or yellow quartz by some but in the stone world is known as bi-lemon quartz as it’s a fusion of smokey black and lemon quartz. As per all quartzes it comes from lots of places worldwide and has general health healing properties.
Black or Smokey Quartz
Smokey quartz is transparent quartz that is brown, gray or black. The characteristic colour of smokey quartz occurs in nature when rock crystal quartz is exposed to natural radiation from radioactive elements or adjacent radioactive rocks over long periods of time. The very dark brown to black smoky quartz is sometimes called morion. Found worldwide and said to alleviate stress and transform fear, anger and other negative emotions into positive energies, thus having a comforting and calming effect.
BlueGoldStone
The most common goldstone is a reddish-brown colour with tiny glittery bits. Goldstone is a man-made gemstone, first created by alchemists trying to make gold so it’s not really a gemstone, more of a glass bead. Blue goldstone is blue in colour with tiny glittery bits. Infused with copper sparkles and seen as a powerful energy generator. Said to be uplifting, reduce tension and aid stomach problems.
Bolder Opal
Boulder opal is found in Australia where precious opal forms in veins and patches within brown ironstone boulders. Aids inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight and helps recall past lives.
Carnelian
A type of Chalcedony- Carnelian is a form of Quartz, the most common form of rock in the Earth’s crust. Carnelian has a long and storied past, and was once considered strictly the property of the noble class. People holding a high social status were often buried with this gem stone. Found primarily in India, as well as various sites in South America. Combats fear of public speaking and impotence. General healing stone.
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is the form of Quartz that is compact and microcrystalline. It occurs in many different forms, colours, and patterns and many varieties have been used as gemstones since antiquity. Chalcedony is sometimes dyed to create more vibrant colours. It is found abundantly worldwide, it is a nurturing stone that promotes brotherhood and good will and absorbs negative energy.
Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is attractive blue-green that provides a unique colour to the mineral world. It is known as a healing stone among Native American Indian cultures where it was used for strengthening the body’s resistance and bringing about calm feelings. It is found in copper mining areas, particularly Chile, the former USSR, and Zaire. Chrysocolla can be placed directly on the affected body part. Laying it on the forehead as a ‘third eye’ offers spiritual benefits.
Chrysophase
The name Chrysoprase (rhymes with bliss and craze) is from the Greek chrysos, golden and prason, leek. It was used lavishly in Europe until the middle of the last century, until the deposits then being mined in Silesia were exhausted and it became rare and expensive. According to the 11th Century Byzantine manuscript of Michael Psellius, Chrysoprase was believed to strengthen vision and relieve internal pain. The Book of Revelations (21:20) describes the holy city of Jerusalem with its 12 foundation walls, each decorated with precious gemstones, including the tenth, being Chrysoprase. It is mainly found in Australia and is believed to draw out inner talents and stimulate creativity while its gentle vibrations are used to aid sleep and relaxation and to reduce nightmares.
Citrine
Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of Quartz. Natural Citrine is not common; most Citrine on the gem market is produced by heat treating Amethyst and Smoky Quartz. It takes a relatively low temperature to change the colour light to golden yellow, and heating to higher temperatures will give the stone a darker yellow to brownish-red colour. The name Citrine is derived from the citron fruit, a yellow fruit similar to the lemon. Brazil is the largest producer of Citrine and it is said to help digestion and aid in mental and intellectual functions and also increase self-esteem.
Dendrite Opal
Dendritic Opal contains no “fire” but forms shapes resembling plants – moss, ferns, trees, etc. The beautiful colours depend on the trace elements. Transparent, white, yellow, green, red, brown and black colours are the most usual colours. Found worldwide it promotes growth spiritually and physically, aligns physical and etheric bodies.
Diamond
Diamond, the most famed and fabled of all gemstones, is very unique in many ways. Renowned for being the hardest substance on earth, its sparkling fire, durability, and rarity make it the most prized of all gems. No gemstone contains as much allure and interest as does Diamond. As of 2010, the top ten Diamond producing countries, which account for over 80 percent of the worlds Diamonds, are Russia, Botswana, Congo, Angloa, South Africa, Namibia, Guinea, Ghana, Australia, and Canada (a relatively recent producer). It is associated with love and romance.
Druzy
Druzy Quartz (also spelt as Drusy or Druse) is a thin layer of quartz crystals covering the surface of a host stone. One good example of Druzy is the crystals filled inside the cavity of a geode. Because of soaring price of gold and silver people love this stone as it sparkles- it comes in lots of different stones. Found worldwide it is said to aid in balancing and increasing energy.
Emerald
The ancients associated Emerald with the Greek goddess Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, it and was said to protect lovers from unfaithfulness. Since as far back as there is evidence of emeralds, there has been evidence of its healing powers. Some said emeralds would heal if simply worn, others said gaining help required gazing deeply into the green for a while. In every language, there were reports of the emerald helping eyesight. There are many ailments that are believed to be cured by emeralds. Emerald has been obtained from the schists of Cleopatra’s mines, rediscover in 1818 in the Sikiat-Zubara region of Egypt. Vast quantities were taken from South America during the Spanish conquest, but the original mines have since been lost. Today Zambia is one of the biggest exporters of Emeralds but many are still found in South America.
Fluorite
Fluorite is a mineral with a veritable bouquet of brilliant colours. Fluorite is well known and prized for its glassy lustre and rich variety of colours. The range of common colours for fluorite starting from the hallmark colour purple, then blue, green, yellow, colourless, brown, pink, black and reddish orange is amazing and is only rivalled in colour range by quartz. The rich purple colour is by far fluorite’s most famous and popular colour. It is easy to see why fluorite earns the reputation as “The Most Colourful Mineral in the World”. Found worldwide it enhances spiritual energy work, focuses the will and balances the psyche.
Garnet
The word Garnet comes from the Latin, ‘granatus’ meaning grain. This is a possible reference to the pomegranate fruit which has seeds of a similar shape size and colour to some garnet stones. Mention garnets and most people think of a dark, red stone, but garnets come in every colour except blue. In Kashmir in 1892, the Hunzas used garnet bullets to fight the British, in the belief that garnets were deadlier than lead. Garnets are mined from all over the world and balances your natural energy, and said to be a highly protective stone.
Golden Rutilated Quartz
Quartz stones that contains mineral inclusions are called “rutilated quartz” or “sagenite”, popularly known as Venus-hair stone. Rutiles are small needle like crystals. These may be red, black or brassy yellow. It is a combination of two different crystals and their specific intermixing is what makes this gemstone stand out among all the other stones. In the past it has been called “Angel hair stone”, “Venus Hair stone” or “Cupid’s darts stone”. Quartz with rutile inclusions are found in Madagascar, Brazil, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Germany and Switzerland. It soothes dark moods, offering relief from fears, phobias and anxiety. The needle inclusions add intensity and transmission power to the crystal.
Green Amythest
Unlike the traditional purple amethyst, green amethyst has a pale sage green color — sometimes even bordering on pale yellow-green. One of the unique characteristics of purple amethyst is that when it is heated it loses its purple color and turns green. Green amethyst can occur naturally under the right conditions. The vast majority of natural green amethyst comes from mines in Brazil where the quartz in the ground has been heated by natural processes. Said to increases vivid dreams, relieve depression, promote calm, serenity, and spirituality.
Iolite
It has a delicate and quite pretty violet blue colour that is unlike other gemstones, although it has been compared to a light blue sapphire. It is this reason that it is sometimes known as “water sapphire”. Although the colour is attractive and popular, Iolite is not extremely rare and is therefore affordable. Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar and Burma it is a useful stone for use during meditation and to help induce third-eye visualizations.
Jade
Jade is best known as a green ornamental stone. Its colour varies from light to dark green, but it may also be other colours such as white, gray, and purple. The name Jade is derived from the Spanish phrase “Piedra de Ijada”, which means “Stone of the Hip”, as this stone was used as a metaphysical protection against kidney disease by the ancient societies. The main deposits of Jadeite are in Mynamar (Burma). Wisdom, mercy, humility, generosity, peace, and harmony are its healing properties whilst also said to be protective and lucky when worn as jewellery.
Labradorite
It’s a beautiful stone, also known as dark spectrolite, one of my favourites because it has this gorgeous sheen called labradorescence which means when the stone hits the light the light refracts and you get this beautiful electric blue colour shooting through it. The more labradorescence the better the stone and we only work with excellent pieces. Another word for labradorescence is ‘schiller’. Mainly found in Canada and often used for protection and promotes feelings of inner worth, strengthens the will and inner strength and convictions.
Lapis Lazuli
A relatively rare semi-precious stone, prized since antiquity for its intense blue. This opaque, deep blue gemstone has a grand past. It was among the first gemstones to be worn as jewellery and worked on. At excavations in the ancient centres of culture around the Mediterranean, archaeologists have again and again found among the grave furnishings decorative chains and figures made of lapis lazuli – clear indications that the deep blue stone was already popular thousands of years ago among the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. Mined in Afghanistan and said to be good for emotional healing and stability. It is a high intensity stone which cleanses the spirit to bring out inner truth and peace.
Larimar
Larimar is a blue variety of the mineral Pectolite. Pectolite is not a rare mineral and is found throughout the world, but the exquisite sea-blue colour exhibited in the Larimar variety is very unique, and only comes from a limited deposit in the Dominican Republic, and is virtually the only gemstone to be found in the entire Caribbean. Folklore says as the site is the old site of Atlantis. It’s only been mined since around 1974 so a fairly new stone to the market. It addresses the needs of the 5th Energy Centre (Chakra; Vishuda), situated in the throat area of the body. This area is also associated with communication.
Malakite
Malachite gets it’s name from the Greek word Mala’khe, which refers to its green colour. Large quantities of malachite have been mined in the Urals, Russia. It is found worldwide including in the Democratic Republic of Congo;Gabon; Zambia; Tsumeb, Namibia; Mexico; Broken Hill, New South Wales; Lyon, France; and in the Southwestern United States notably in Arizona. For many, malachite is protective and soul mirroring. It attests to the truth within you and aids you in your quest for true self expression.
Moonstone
Moonstone shows a glowing shimmer similar to labradorescence, but lacking in colour. The display is produced from lamellar intergrowths inside the crystal. The resulting shimmer effect is caused by a ray of light entering a layer and being refracted back and forth by deeper layers before it exits the crystal. This refracted ray has a different character than when it went in and produces the moonlike glow- the more the glow the better the quality of stone! Regarding colour, the moonstone does come in some of the most prized colours including blue, orange, yellow and even rainbow- I often use Rainbow so the light you get is a spectrum of colour. Mainly found in Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania, Brazil, Germany, Mexico and the United States. Helpful in psychic work, it opens the spirit to the feminine aspect, draws love and helps in interpersonal relationships.
Obsidian
Obsidian rock is a type of extrusive igneous rock. Obsidian rocks resemble a dark glass and are formed as a result of rapid cooling of silica-rich lava. Obsidian was used by primitive peoples in many places around the world to make points for weapons and edges for tools, and it was prized for this application. Found in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Kenya, Italy, Greece and Iceland it is known as known as the “Stone of Truth”
Ocean Jasper
Ocean Jasper is a rare mineral, mined in only one place in the world, the Mine of Marovato, on the Ambolobozo Peninsula in the north west corner of Madagascar. Is called Ocean Jasper because the deposits are part of the coastline, and can only be reached by boat, and removed only during low tide. This stone is immediately recognizable by its concentric rings of colour, earning it another name “Orbicular Ocean Jasper.” The most common shades are greens and whites, with the less common shades of pinks and yellows also appearing in some specimens. Found in Madagascar it is said to help with one’s emotional life. Its colours relate to the solar plexus, said to be a storehouse for emotions. Holding the stone is like holding on to an anchor, a safe haven, while allowing deeply buried feelings to well up like a rising sea.
Onyx
Onyx is a form of chalcedony, part of the quartz group. Like the other stones in the chalcedony family, onyx has a smooth, waxy lustre. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. Legend says that one day while Venus was sleeping Eros/Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx. It comes from Mexico, Arizona and Algeria and is a good protective stone. Also releases old relationships and keeps away general negativity.
Opal
Opal is the most colourful of gems. Its splendid play of colour is unsurpassed, and fine examples can even be more valuable than Diamond. It has fiery sparks that dance through it as the stone is moved. Australia is the largest producer of Opal. Other important deposits are in Ethiopia, Sudan, Hungary, Honduras, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States (Nevada, Oregon, California, Idaho). Fire opals (ranging from orange to red) can be used to stimulate change, manifest your ideas. They have also been associated with improving circulation. Green opals help give an energy boost. Pink opals address emotional issues, offering nourishment and support to the heart chakra.
Pearl
Found worldwide pearls are formed inside molluscs such as oysters. According to legends, Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in wine and drank it to prove her love for Marc Antony. The process of forming a solid pearl takes up to seven to eight years. They are said to aid purity, honesty and innocence.
Peridot
Throughout time, Peridot has been confused with many other gemstones, even emerald. Many “emeralds” of royal treasures have turned out to be Peridots! And although Peridot is distinctly a different shade of green, many jewellers refer to Peridot as “evening emerald”. Peridot is perhaps derived from the French word Peridot which means unclear, probably due to the inclusions and cloudy nature of large stones. Peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an estimated four thousand years or more, and is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of pitdah. Found worldwide and said to alleviate anger, fear, and anxiety.
Peruvian Opal
Peruvian blue opal is relatively rare and is only found in the Andes Mountains near San Patricio, Peru. It is a very translucent stone with colour similar to the Caribbean Sea. Depending on how the stone is cut it can be clear, scenic (showing varying degrees of colour) or dendritic which has black fern like inclusions. This is the national stone of Peru and, unfortunately, in recent years dyed stones have been mass marketed by un-reputable dealers as Peruvian Blue Opal. If the blue colour is uneven you are probably looking at a dyed stone. Found in Peru legend says that it takes the tension out of communication and helps ideas flow freely.
Pink Opal
Opal was formed many millions of years ago, when a combination of silica and water flowed into cracks and spaces in the ground. This then gradually hardened and solidified to become opal. Opals contain water, which makes them very sensitive to heat. Pink Opal is a stone of peace and tranquility for the aura. It is especially noted for its energies in healing emotions. It is mined in Peru.
Pyrite
The brassy-yellow metallic colour of Pyrite has in many cases lead to people mistaking it for Gold, hence the common nickname ‘Fool’s Gold’. Pyrite is quite easy to distinguish from Gold; it is much lighter, but harder and cannot be scratched with a fingernail or pocket knife. Most Pyrite comes from the United States, Italy, Russia, Sweden, and Peru. The resemblance of Pyrite to Gold has made it a traditional symbol for money and good luck.
Rhodonite
Rhodonite is a pink to red coloured gem that contains black veins of manganese oxide. This unusual combination of pink and black make Rhodonite quite easy to distinguish from other gems. Much Rhodonite is found on Vancouver Island, Canada, and the Ural Mountains of the former Russia. Other significant sources include Brazil, Australia, Mexico, South Africa, Madagascar, Sweden & the United States. Rhodonite soothes the nervous system. This gemstone vibrates with love. Just holding this gemstone promotes relaxation and brings a sense of well-being.
Rock Crystal
Rock Crystal is the name given to all clear colourless quartz. It is widely used as a popular ornamental stone and is also used as a gemstone. Although it is one of the least expensive gemstones, cut rock crystal has been used as imitation diamonds. Rock crystal lacks the fire, colour (of course) and the rarity to be ranked as a fine precious gemstone. None-the-less, rock crystal is in wide use as a gemstone due to its beauty, affordability, availability, and ease of cutting. The best rock crystal sources are in the famous Hot Springs area of Arkansas, USA; Cumberland, England; St. Gotthard, Switzerland; Brazil and Madagascar. Clear Quartz is known as the “master healer” and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a type of quartz which exhibits a pale pink to rose red hue. It is known as the ‘love stone’ as the message it emits is the strong vibration of unconditional love, joy, warmth and healing. Found in South Dakota, Brazil, India, Germany, Switzerland and Madagascar and is said to have a powerful effect in aiding your emotional healing and helps heal relationship problems.
Ruby
Ruby has been the world’s most valued gemstone for thousands of years. Ruby was said to be the most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all things, and this “lord of gems” was placed on Aaron’s neck by God’s command. Rubies are today even more valuable and rare than the top quality colourless diamonds. Found in Burma and Vietnam the ruby is a stone of nobility. The energy of the ruby is intense and vivid. This stone encourages one to follow bliss.
Serpentine
Serpentine Stones are found in a large number of places including Australia, Britain, Russia, Norway, Italy, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Brazil and the USA. Serpentine Stone is a strong stone known to stimulate the arousal of the kundalini energies. If you feel that there may be blockages in any of your chakras this stone is a useful aid.
Snowflake Obsidian
The appearance of white “snowflakes” on smooth, black obsidian has fascinated many people. Obsidian forms when lava cools quickly. When lava cools more slowly, crystals begin to form, giving the rock a more textured appearance. Snowflake obsidian can form underground, in cracks that the magma seeps into, or above ground in slow-moving, silica-rich lava flows. Obsidian has been used in many societies in making tools. Found worldwide, and said to be calming and soothing. It teaches you to value mistakes as well as successes.
Sodalite
Sodalite is a rich royal blue mineral widely enjoyed as an ornamental gemstone. Although massive Sodalite samples are opaque, crystals are usually transparent to translucent. Although not similar to lazurite and lapis lazuli, Sodalite is never quite comparable, being a royal blue rather than ultramarine. Sodalite also rarely contains pyrite, a common inclusion in lapis. It is further distinguished from similar minerals by its white (rather than blue) streak. Mainly found in Canada, it brings order and calmness to the mind. It encourages rational thought, objectivity, truth and intuition, along with verbalisation of feelings.
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s eye is a member of the quartz group of chalcedonies and one of the chatoyant gemstones. Chatoyancy exhibits a changeable silky lustre as light is reflected within the thin parallel fibrous bands. This effect is due to the fibrous structure of the material. Many legends about quartz say that wearing tiger’s eye (which is a form of quartz) is beneficial for health and spiritual well being. Legend also says it is a psychic protector, great for business, and an aid to achieving clarity. Mined in Western Australia, South Africa, USA, Canada, India, Namibia, and Burma.
Tourmaline
The name tourmaline comes from the Singhalese words ‘tura mali’. In translation, this means ‘stone with mixed colours’, referring to the colour spectrum of this gemstone, which outdoes that of all other precious stones. There are tourmalines from red to green and from blue to yellow. They often have two or more colours. There are tourmalines which change their colour when the light changes from daylight to artificial light, and some show the light effect of a cat’s eye. No two tourmalines are exactly alike. The reason, according to an old Egyptian legend, is that the tourmaline, on its long journey up from the centre of the Earth, passed over a rainbow. Mainly is comes from Brazil and Africa; it promotes compassion, love and heals emotional pain.
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. The substance has been known by many names, but the word turquoise, which dates to the 17th century, was derived from the French language Turques, because it was first brought to Europe from Turkey from the mines in Persia. There are lots of different types of turquoise all with different hues from Tibetan to Arizona turquoise etc. The largest mines are in Iran, USA, and China. A healing stone which attracts friendships, luck, and happiness, it also releases shame and guilt.
Unakite
Unakite is a made up of a combination of three minerals: Green Epidote, Pink Fieldspar and Quartz. First discovered in the United States in the Unakas Mountains of North Carolina, it exists in various shades of green and pink and is usually mottled in appearance. The Pink Fieldspar in Unakite encourages you to love yourself for who you are, which in turn allows you to attract and keep the love of others. Unakite is said to be of benefit to the female reproductive system and during pregnancy. Mainly found in the USA it is also said to provide support to those recovering from a major illness or convalescing.